-Lots of news this week, a couple of new games being announced including Smugglers run 2 and a top secret RPG. So that’s me happy then

-We have launched a launch centre for your one stop guide to May 3rd. I believe that Conor and Jim are responsible for that so check that out as it seems to be getting a daily update.

-Good news for anyone who pre ordered the Gamecube at Amazon for �149.99, I got an email confirming that is the price you will pay not the �164.99 that they are now selling it for.

-Amazon are also is advertising legends of wrestling as a May 6th release.

-Good news for UK Cube Fans. Two new issues have been released of NGC and Cube, both came out a day early. See below for my opinions on this.

-Good to see that Serious Sam 2 will be headed to the Cube. I loved the first one on the PC.

-Also good to see that Driven will not be a direct port of the PS2 version. Let’s just hope that others take note.

MAGAZINE ROUNDUP

NGC is quite a good read this issue and it has a rather amazing (yet a bit of a con job at the same time as you have to buy the next 7 issues), it has rather good news sections. However there is a big but and I mean BIG. NGC is perhaps the one Nintendo magazine that is most aimed at Adults. However they insist on cramming everything on to 60 pages while the other 30 are wasted on nothing. NGC is the most popular but CUBE is getting its act together in a big way. There are promises of more detailed reviews in Issue 4 and if it can match its Sister magazine XBM then it will clearly be the best. NGC has to adapt just because it has been around for a long time it doesn’t have some god given right to exist. (Just ask Sega)

Both review Sonic and while Cube gives it a good 8.5, NGC gives it a 70% and while that’s not bad the review was terribly damming. I played Sonic Adventure on the DC and I really enjoyed it. When you think that NGC gave Luigi’s Shed (I nicked this off someone) such a high score it is a bit worrying. On the flip side the reviews seem to give you a better insight in to the game compared to Cube however as more games are released you have to wonder how they will fit all the reviews in to 60 pages. Both mags however make me happy as they both think that Square will be making games for the Cube. If you want only one magazine buy Cube. If you want all the latest news check out this site you are on right now daily.

SAMADENS FINAL THOUGHTM

If you are wondering where the reviews are then chill I really need to play RPG’s more thoroughly to be able to give you a more detailed review. I’ve almost done Mario RPG so look forward to that next week. Never loose faith as a gamer because exciting times are ahead. Also plenty of RPG’s are heading for the Cube.

Take Care

Gary Samaden