Game Cube for the Kids

[matchstick johnny]

Hello,

My children are 8 and 5. A couple of years ago we got them a used N64 for Christmas. It was a hit. This year we are going to get them the Nintendo Game Cube. We don't want to get the Wii because the Game Cube is about $160 cheaper and they don't need the newest game system.

They have a Game Boy Advance and Game Boy SP. You can connect the SP to the Game Cube and play SP games but can you also do this with the "old" Advance?

Any thoughts or advice?

[jam37wcc]

I think it would great for them and two games that they will absolutely love is Super Smash Brothers and Mario Cart.

[Serik]

Great choice. When I was a young kid, I loved my N64 because of the great multiplayer games it has: NFL Blitz, Mario Kart, you name it. The Gamecube very much continues Nintendo's tradition of offering the best console "party games."

The last Gamecube game I played was Super Monkey Ball, which has some ridiculously fun minigames. My friends and I are in our 20s and we had a blast playing that stupid game! I also thoroughly enjoy Mario Soccer and Super Smash Bros. on the Gamecube. You can probably get all of these games used for a great price. And while I haven’t played Mario Party on the Gamecube, I’m guessing it would be just as much fun as its N64 counterpart.

As for the Gameboy Advance: Sorry I don't have a definitive answer, but my brother bought one when they first came out and I don't recall the old version being compatible with a Gamecube. But I could be totally wrong.

Hope this helps!

[Sanagi]

To play Gameboy Advance games on the Gamecube, you also need a Gameboy Player add-on. Nintendo doesn't make them anymore but you should be able to find a used one without too much difficulty.

As for games, Super Monkey Ball is a must-have. Both SMB 1 and SMB 2 are great family fun titles with a challenging main game and lots of mini-games. Just avoid Super Monkey Ball Adventure, which was a weak attempt to turn the series towards an adventure-oriented format.

If you're okay with cartoony violence, Super Smash Bros. Melee is also a must-have.

[the_coldest_sun]

You can probably still find a Gameboy Player at Wal-Mart or something of the sort. Thats where I bought mine a few months ago.

[Fish Sauce]

Yep, I did it with a regular Advance. As far as I'm aware though very few games really take advantage of it, so I'd check it out before you go tracking one down.

I'll put another vote in for Smash Bros.

[matchstick johnny]

Hello again,

Thanks for all your advice.
I was able to get the Game Cube at Target today for $88.00(Had a rain check from a few weeks ago). I also picked up Paper Mario The Thousand Year Door for $15.87. I saw Super Mario Sunshine too. I was going to ask the forum opinions on both games. Game Spot rates SMS 8.0 and Paper Mario TYD a 9.2. I was also wondering about memory cards and if we will really need them.

[Tadhg]

You definitely need a memory card.

[SuperSaiyaMan12]

For yourself, buy Resident Evil 4.

[DrewTheXenocide]

Hello again,

Thanks for all your advice.
I was able to get the Game Cube at Target today for $88.00(Had a rain check from a few weeks ago). I also picked up Paper Mario The Thousand Year Door for $15.87. I saw Super Mario Sunshine too. I was going to ask the forum opinions on both games. Game Spot rates SMS 8.0 and Paper Mario TYD a 9.2. I was also wondering about memory cards and if we will really need them.
Huh. I never realized GS gave SMS such a low rating. I had tons of fun with it, even though it was a bit tricky at some points. Might be a challenge for the five year old, but should be a blast for your eight year old.

[Sanagi]

Super Mario Sunshine is a very good game, but you may find certain areas frustrating. I know I did.

You need a memory card to save your game files. The 251 memory card is the way to go - it gives you lots of space without being too expensive. As a general rule, always get the memory cards that are made by the company that makes the console. They have better quality control than third parties like madcatz. Memory card failures are very unhappy events, so go with the safer brand.

[matchstick johnny]

I am not sure Paper Mario Thousand Year Door was a good choice for my 8 year old. I didn't realize it was an RPG. She is used to the Super Mario on N64 and Sonic for GBA SP. I will probably pick up more platform type games that she is familiar with. Any suggestions?

[Zelgadis]

For yourself, buy Resident Evil 4.
Seconded, that game is awesome, also pick up Zelda Twlight Princess.

[Donald M.]

I am not sure Paper Mario Thousand Year Door was a good choice for my 8 year old. I didn't realize it was an RPG. She is used to the Super Mario on N64 and Sonic for GBA SP. I will probably pick up more platform type games that she is familiar with. Any suggestions?

I don't own a GameCube, though I am giving it some serious thought. The various exclusive first party titles alone make it a worthwhile purchase. I kind of regret buying my Xbox even though I only paid $50 for it. I don't think I'd regret a GameCube.

Anyway, moving on, if its platformers and the like you're looking for, then in addition to the aforementioned Super Mario Sunshine you might want to look into:

Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg

Luigi's Mansion

Pac-Man World 3

Sonic Adventure DX

Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy

Star Fox Adventures

Wario World

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Viewtiful Joe and Viewtiful Joe 2

And of course various licensed platformers that I can't really vouch for the quality of, but will probably keep the kiddies occupied.

The games in that list should all be age appropriate enough. You may consider one or two of them a little too violent or intense for the youngsters, but beyond that there's nothing objectionable. Plus, some of them might be too complicated/challenging for them.

You should definately look into some of these games, rent some if possible, make your own judgements. I for one don't think you could go wrong with any game on that list, and probably in addition to the kids you'll find something to like about most of them as well.

[matchstick johnny]

Thanks for the list Donald.

Yesterday, my brother in law gave them a couple of games for the GC. Super Monkey Ball 2 is a hit with my oldest (the five year old hasn't even touched the GC yet). We had SMB a few years back on the GBA but I felt it was too difficult for her age(it was). He also got them Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door. :eek: Thats OK bacause I can exchange it for another game. The eight year old wants to keep Paper Mario and give it a little more time to figure out. Good for her!

[Black Atom]

They have a Game Boy Advance and Game Boy SP. You can connect the SP to the Game Cube and play SP games but can you also do this with the "old" Advance?


Both the GB Advance and the GBA SP will connect to the Gamecube via the GBA>GC connector (they both use the same kind--buy a Nintendo brand one to be on the safe side). There aren't a whole lot of games that take advantage of this but it's only $8 or so per connector, which is worth it just to play Legend of Zelda Four Swords Adventure. Your kids can play together and use teamwork to solve puzzles etc. It also makes pretty creative use of the GBA connection and is insanely fun. The game may even include a connector, if I'm not mistaken.