The weekly roundup of everything Gamecube.

Hello again, my fellow Cubists, and welcome to yet another edition of the weekly digest, C-E's one and only round up of the most exciting happenings of the week in the often crazy yet rarely dull world of Nintendo. Incidentally this is my 50th edition of the digest. Just thought I'd mention that. Anyway, on with the news...

Only one really big story this week- and that's Namco's suprising announcement that the company intends to launch their two much-lauded GC-exclusive RPGs, Baten Kaitos and Tales of Symphonia in Europe! The company contacted us exclusively this week and told us the good news. However it did come with one small proviso- the lengthy translation process means that the games won't be with us until the end of this year, or early 2005. A small price to pay, we say. Great news then- and it also raises the chances of Symphonia's in-development GameCube sequel making it out over hear- and it's GBA stablemate.

You can be sure that Namco took into account the petition which was signed by many C-E readers- so give yourselves a collective pat on the back.

UbiSoft have said that they are currently in the process of developing a sequel to their critically-acclaimed Prince of Persia, which is set for a Europe-wide release on the 'Cube in just a couple of weeks time. No other information was revealed, though- another one for an E3 unveiling, perhaps? Here's what they had to say-"Today, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a resounding success for our group. A sequel to this hit is already being planned with an improved marketing positioning." - presumably this means no dodgy exclusivity deals, then. You'll remember that the company's previous exclusivity deals during the Christmas period backfired badly. Incidentally, Prince of Persia week is coming up very soon on C-E, so stay tuned for that.

Sticking with the increasingly prolific French developer, we got the disappointing news this week that UbiSoft have delayed the GameCube and PS2 versions of their highly anticipated Splinter Cell follow-up, Pandora Tomorrow. The company revealed that their development teams working on the project want more time to work on the PlayStation and GameCube iterations of the title. Unfortunately, this means there is no specified date for the release of the game on the aforementioned consoles- which is bad news indeed. But at least it's coming. Let's hope the GC version isn't watered down like the last Splinter Cell- we want a full Xbox conversion!

EA have extended their hegemony over football simulations further this week- they've done a deal with UEFA which gives them the rights for a Euro 2004 football game. Here's the official word (well, part of it- the rest was insanely dull)

"In EURO 2004 mode players can play as any of the 51 European nations. Players can arrange and play friendly matches against other nations or play through the tournament going from qualifying, to playoffs and into the finals. In addition to tracking injuries and suspensions, a new dynamic morale system will track players' morale, which will fluctuate based on individual and team performances and affect player abilities on the field." Any of the 51 nations, eh? It's the only way you'll be able to take Ireland to the cup, that's for sure� Sega have announced that they will support the forthcoming Nintendo DS portable.

A Japanese publication has stated in it's latest issue that Sega head Hisao Oguchi has received the development kits for Nintendos new machine. No information is available on what particular games are in development for the system, but it's certainly good news to have Sega on board- they are one of the largest and most respected developers out there, after all. BBC4 are screening a fascinating programme about the revered Tetris this week- apparently, the production and history of the concept was the subject of many conspiracies and million-pound dealings, revolving around communism and capitalism, and all manner of other curiosities. "Tetris: From Russia With Love" airs this week on several occasions on BBC4. Click the link here to access the listings.

Cube-Europe has learned that the final version of The Legend of Zelda Four Swords Plus for the GameCube will feature an extensive single-player mode. Originally, the game was to have been just be a multi-player game, but recently Nintendo decided to include a single-player mode, presumably to tempt non-GBA owners to the game.

Details on the single-player mode are still typically scarce. However, we do know that the player will have control over four Links at the same time. They will all be controlled at the same time, and the player will be able to position and control the Links in several different line-ups. For example, you can have them walk in a triangle, square, or circle-shaped formation. This allows you to adapt the line-up where needed strategically. Also, when playing the game in the single-player mode you do not need to own a GBA. Areas that normally would be displayed on the GBA screen can also be shown on the main screen. We've also been told that the game has received a further graphical lick of paint. All in all, it's shaping up to be a fascinating little game, that makes great use of Nintendo's GBA connectivity.

Well, that's about all for this week. Check back same time, same place for next week's edition.

Sl�n

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