Jonny takes a look back at the GameCube’s launch lineup and shows which titles stood the test of time. You might be surprised...

Other than not having a true Mario game, most of us were fairly pleased with the GameCube’s initial software lineup for North America. But how have the first GameCube titles stood up against time? I thought it might be interesting to look back at the launch games I bought or rented to see how well they lasted.

Luigi’s Mansion

After reading Billy’s impressions and review of this game after the Japanese launch, I already knew that it wouldn’t be a purchase for me. However, I still wanted to play it, if nothing else than to prove to myself that I was right for not laying down the $50. So as soon as Blockbuster got their first set of GameCube software to rent, I picked up LM and laid into it hardcore. I’ll spare the full review, but suffice it to say that I found it to be a fun but far too limited experience...not just in the brevity, but in the scope of the gameplay itself. It felt like a mini-game taken way too far (and yet somehow not far enough). Luigi’s Mansion is probably a game I’ll want to rent again someday just to experience again, but otherwise its replay and lasting value are very low.

Some love it. Some hate it. Why should you care? Read on to find out!

It's been about six months since Miyamoto-san unveiled the infamous new look that would grace The Legend of Zelda. Some loved it, some reviled it and some sat upon the fence. The situation remains much the same today, though now both polarized parties are deeply entrenched within their opinions. However, this editorial has little to do with the notorious change in Zelda, so you haters can put away the nasty e-mail, at least for the moment. Instead, I'd rather talk about the reasons why I think cel-shading is an excellent opportunity to revitalize the gaming industry.