Europe Cubed

By Tom Bramwell Published 29 April, 2002

Article - with the GameCube only a few days away, our resident Nintendite Mugwum picks it apart in his living room

It's finally here! On Friday, European gamers will be able to buy the coveted Nintendo GameCube for €199, or £129 in the UK, a price which, despite staggeringly low margins, many retailers are planning to honour in the hope of securing the most customers. The Cube has suffered numerous setbacks, including one of the longest transitions between Japan and Europe for yonks, lacklustre third party support, and a couple of niggles which only emerged once the darned thing was sat in our front room. The question is, will it emerge this Friday a handsome console with a number of strong titles at a sensible price, or would we be better off buying a real Fisher Price tape recorder?

Zany

'Europe Cubed' Screenshot 01b

Isn't it cute?

It would be fair to say that I've been looking forward to the European release of the GameCube. There has been a Japanese machine, recently modified to accept American games, enjoying pride of place in my gaming bunker since three days after its domestic release. The name 'Nintendo' has always meant a lot to me - it's what I grew up with - and this latest console is the best they have ever produced.

For €199 gamers receive a console built out of quirky proprietary features. Take the game media, for example - eight centimetre DVDs, developed with Panasonic, capable of some high capacity data storage for as far as the bitty discs will stretch. Then consider the drive mechanism and operational buttons. The grey button in the top left as you look down on the roof of the Cube is the power button, with a software-based reset button (not a harsh, bone-jarring hardware one) sat in the bottom left. On its right is the tray release, with a slight indentation so you won't forget it. Hitting this button lifts the delicate tray lid, revealing the dinky mechanism onto which you place your discs. During operation, a yellow light in the shape of a smile beams at the player from the roof of the unit. It's happy to serve you!

On the front of the unit are four controller ports, matching the Xbox and Dreamcast quotients and moving ahead of the PlayStation 2. Two memory card ports are also included, but these are below the controller ports for some reason. Moving to the undercarriage, the Cube reveals a number of expansion ports, capable of accepting a broadband adapter or modem at some undefined point in the future, and further evaluation reveals a handy serial expansion port, although speculation as to what this might lead to would be a bit premature.

Flesh and Bone

'Europe Cubed' Screenshot 02b'Europe Cubed' Screenshot 02b

Under the bonnet, ATI Flipper

Heading upstairs, the console's hardware is driven by a custom processing unit from IBM and ATI's graphics chip, codenamed Flipper. Although the console lacks Dolby Digital audio support for the true surround sound experience, Dolby Pro Logic II is supported, which goes someway to filling the void.

On the video front, output is available in RF (although we strongly recommend against the use of this horrendous standard), composite (an improvement, but still very grainy), and Europe's favourite, RGB (splitting the colour channels into red, green and blue through a bizarre number of pins, and producing the best signal possible from the hardware). After failing to support the standard with its N64 hardware, many feared the Cube would also be bound to S-Video, but as it happens this is not the case. In fact, in what will come as a shock to many - not least of all the many third party peripheral manufacturers whose GameCube S-Video cables are already on the market - the console simply does not output S-Video.

The reason for this is that the video encoder can only output in one or other of RGB and S-Video. Pulling a certain pin low on the encoder chip will output S-Video, and vice versa. This has been the basis for a handful of third party RGB modifications in the United States. Unfortunately for Nintendo, having not mentioned this, it seems likely that it will now incur the wrath of third party peripheral makers, as if failing to supply SDKs to third party developers in the UK wasn't bad enough. One thing that stands in its favour, however, is the borderless display and PAL60 support. Although some early games lack 60Hz support (notably Luigi's Mansion and Wave Race : Blue Storm), everything we have seen so far has been full screen. This is a console unlike the PlayStation 2 in that respect, and more like the Xbox. Perhaps if one Japanese company can get it right, the other one can with PlayStation 3…

Subtle

One of the things we do like about the GameCube, which might seem a little .. petty perhaps, is the console's nondescript packaging. Memory cards ship in GameBoy Advance software packaging, and controllers and cables receive handy boxes too, meaning less brutal stabbing of one's self in the arm is necessary whilst trying to separate hardware from titanium-based plastic bubble wrapping. I play games, I don't wield knives. Gimme a break.

The console packaging itself is a real triumph though. Easily the smallest box of any console in recent years, it contains the console itself, a manual (with a great deal less superfluous detail and warnings not to bludgeon your children to death with the console than its competition, I might add), a controller, a funky looking power cable (albeit proprietary, unlike the ubiquitous power cords employed by Sony and Microsoft) and a composite cable with left and right audio outputs and a SCART adapter for those without the separate RCA inputs on the front of the TV. The outside of the box features generous screenshots from a number of software titles, a rough rundown of the console's capabilities and, in a nice touch, a picture of the console and controller at their actual sizes.

Software packaging has been altered slightly from the US. Gone are the desperately cute cardboard-plastic crossover abominations from Japan, and in their place we have a DVD sized case with a memory card slot in the bottom left of the disc side and a standard manual holder on the left.

Games and Pricing

'Europe Cubed' Screenshot 03b

The GameCube's software line-up for 3rd May is fairly impressive. Led in theory by Miyamoto oddity Luigi's Mansion, but in practice by Factor 5's stupendous Star Wars Rogue Squadron II : Rogue Leader, it enjoys a handful of exclusive titles. For instance, you can't find Super Monkey Ball on any other format, and Wave Race : Blue Storm is a long overdue successor to one of the N64's launch titles. Unfortunately Nintendo has decided to stagger the European release of two of the console's finest titles; Super Smash Brothers Melee, a bizarre but wholly enjoyable beat 'em up featuring Nintendo characters, and Pikmin, another of Miyamoto's quirky creations. These games will materialise over the course of the next month or so.

Beyond the launch exclusives though, the console is to be populated by a cast of ports. EA will launch with the relatively dull (on first impressions at least) 2002 FIFA World Cup, their too-fast-to-handle cartoon racer Cel Damage, and flawed but enjoyable EA Sports BIG release NBA Street. Ubi Soft has wheeled out a trio of releases, the best of which is the sub-standard Batman : Vengeance, the other two being Disney titles, pandering to the stereotypical Nintendo buyer as opposed to the market predictions. Meanwhile Infogrames, apart from their handling Super Monkey Ball in Europe, will also parade Dreamcast export Sonic Adventure 2 in a new "Battle" guise, with support for the GameBoy Advance link-up.

Elsewhere, Acclaim has produced vaguely updated versions of thee of our favourite racers; Burnout, Crazy Taxi and Xtreme G3, the latter notable for its four player support. Supplementing the line-up further is Activision with Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and Bloody Roar to complement its sure-fire LucasArts blockbuster, Rogue Leader. Rounding out the filed is Konami's ISS 2, and a couple of sure-fire failures - bam's Sylvester Stallone pay cheque Driven, and Kemco's hideously bad Universal Studios Theme Park Adventure. It's true that the GameCube has lots of games from day one, but yours truly would only recommend a handful of them. The good news is that it's still worth buying purely on the strength of the exclusives - all of which deliver plenty of entertainment - and a smattering of ports. At £129 for the console and £35 for software, it seems daft not to.

The Cube might be the best value console on the market, but if you wander down to your local gaming emporium this weekend with £165 in your pocket you'll come away ill-equipped. When you consider the cost of the GameCube (£129), a memory card (£14.99), a proper RGB SCART cable (£19.99) and a software title, you won't see much change from £200. If rumours of a PS2 price drop turn out to be true, and we've heard a lot to substantiate them, then the GameCube could fall by the wayside.

Conclusion

Nintendo will have a tough time catching up with Sony, but at this price and with a solid selection of software it stands as a good investment. Looking to the future, games like Super Mario Sunshine, Resident Evil 4, Eternal Darkness, Star Fox Adventures, Metroid Prime, Zelda and, in the meantime, Super Smash Brothers Melee and Pikmin, should keep you occupied. But you might want to get it in black so the girlfriend doesn't think you're fruity.

Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (162) Latest comment 7 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Neddage #1 10 years ago

    Oooooooo

  • dudley #2 10 years ago

    hmmm

    i just ordered mine
    iss64 was one of my favourite games of all time and i'd really like to pick up a copy of the sequel. has anyone heard much about it?

  • skalmanxl #3 10 years ago

    But you might want to get it in black so the girlfriend doesn't think you're fruity.

    Doesn't Tom have TWO purple ones?

    Just to beat everyone else, I smell a contest in penismeasurement coming up (please refrain from making any conlusions of what I just said).
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/02 @ 14:53

  • Aka #4 10 years ago

    Showing at every good fashion show in your area from Friday.

  • Whizzo #5 10 years ago

    Can a European 'Cube still use S-Video with an appropriate cable or not? It doesn't sound like it can. The reason I'm asking is that one of the TV's I would use one on, the RGB scart is knackered so I have to use S-Video through it.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/02 @ 14:56

  • nomaad #6 10 years ago

    I played Wave Race and Luigi's for a while. Neither classifies as 'good' in my book.

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #7 10 years ago

    "Can a European 'Cube still use S-Video with an appropriate cable or not?"

    No, that's what we're saying. I doubt there will be much demand for an RGB-to-S-Video modification, so you might be stuck.

  • Whizzo #8 10 years ago

    so you might be stuck.
    It would appear so, oh well I wasn't all that interested in getting a GC at the moment anyway as none of the launch titles does anything for me. Anyway considering someone has worked out how to get an RGB signal out of an imported GC with a custom cable maybe the reverse is true too. Either way I'm not too bothered.

  • otto #9 10 years ago

    a couple of niggles which only emerged once the darned thing was sat in our front room

    What were these niggles?

    Also, could someone tell a console newbie and technodunce (i.e. me) whether all PAL TVs accept an RGB signal as a matter of course or whether you need some kind of flashy hi-tech mega-telly. And I guess any old SCART cable won't do, it has to be specifically labelled 'RGB' does it?

  • Errol #10 10 years ago

    So - is there any serious reason to buy this thing then ?

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #11 10 years ago

    "What were these niggles?"

    The S-Video thing, which only came to light when I was plugging everything in delightedly and nothing appeared on the screen... oh, and 50Hz Luigi's Mansion and Wave Race: Blue Storm, although thankfully they are both very good PAL conversions regardless.

  • Whizzo #12 10 years ago

    whether all PAL TVs accept an RGB signal as a matter of course
    Virtually all TVs with a scart will accept RGB, even ones that are getting on a bit. If the TV has more than one scart it will probably only be the first socket that will accept RGB, the other will do S-Video.

  • hulahoops #13 10 years ago

    Otto -

    "hi-tech mega-telly"

    You call yourself a technodunce, and then spout this sort of high-brow jargon? You'll have a golden career in (the Belgian equivalent of) Comet yet...

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #14 10 years ago

    "So - is there any serious reason to buy this thing then ?"

    We'll be reviewing a number of titles in the GCN launch line-up over the next few weeks. Hopefully this will help you to make your mind up. I would say that if you don't like Nintendo games in general then this would be a bad purchase, but I'm sure that much stands to reason.

    On a vaguely related note, does anybody else feel that the current "port" situation is devaluing games to some extent?
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/02 @ 15:16

  • FWB #15 10 years ago

    "Heading upstairs, the console’s hardware is driven by a custom processing unit from IBM and ATI’s graphics chip, codenamed Flipper. "

    Apart from the games, my only concern, what with ATI's notorious shoddy driver support. ;)

    So any news on the portable tele for this thing?

  • skalmanxl #16 10 years ago

    On a vaguely related note, does anybody else feel that the current "port" situation is devaluing games to some extent?

    Absolutley, there is less and less reasons to buy a specific console nowadays. I'd call it inbreed to a certain extent.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/02 @ 15:22

  • skalmanxl #17 10 years ago

    So any news on the portable tele for this thing?

    Released on friday too as far as I know.

  • otto #18 10 years ago

    Virtually all TVs with a scart will accept RGB, even ones that are getting on a bit. If the TV has more than one scart it will probably only be the first socket that will accept RGB, the other will do S-Video.

    Thanks Whizzo, I use my telly's SCART input for my video & my DV camcorder, I'm assuming they output S-video - in which case am I stuffed? Hmm...

    Mugwum - thanks, I just wasn't sure those were the only niggles you had, I guess they're not the end of the world though I'll tell you for sure on Friday evening when I've worked out whether my telly takes RGB or not...
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/02 @ 15:24

  • Errol #19 10 years ago

    I liked Super Mario whatsit on the N64.

  • Super Stu #20 10 years ago

    Otto, how old is your TV and what make is it? As Whizzo points out, -almost- all newish TVs can cope with an RGB signal (my humble Goodmans widescreen does it, for example). In most instances I've seen, when cycling AV channels on your remote, you may see something like AV1, then YC1 (or SVID1) then RGB1, then AV2.

    On a Sony TV (which I gather you're unlikely to own) it's more obvious: square symbol (composite), square with an S in it (svid) and square symbol with 3 dots above it (rgb).

    Having said that, lot's of TVs just autoswitch, but you have to watch it isn't autoswitching to composite. Unfortuantely, I've no idea if the Ninty RGB cable also outputs composite (which should be avoided like the plague).

    Arse, hope that made sense!

  • skalmanxl #21 10 years ago

    I imagine mugwum was drooling and wetting his pants when he wrote this.
    Fanboy anywone ?

    I don't think you are the right person to brand anyone. May he be fanboy or not.

  • otto #22 10 years ago

    FeZZ, Mugwum is a console fanboy, he loves videogames, that's why he's got this job. But I don't get the impression he's especially partisan. Did you see his news post on Xbox live? Come on, give him a break, some of us may be xboxen sceptics but Mugs isn't, he loves *all* consoles, the freak.

  • skalmanxl #23 10 years ago

    he loves *all* consoles, the freak

    It's us freaks who gets all the good stuff you know.

  • FWB #24 10 years ago

    "Come on, give him a break, some of us may be xboxen sceptics but Mugs isn't, he loves *all* consoles, the freak."

    Pretty obvious, I think. I mean this...

    "During operation, a yellow light in the shape of a smile beams at the player from the roof of the unit. It’s happy to serve you!"

    ...is damn right scary. :)

  • otto #25 10 years ago

    Super Stu - thanks m8! I've got a low-end Philips telly, bought in about 1995 if memory serves. There's just an AV channel so I guess it autoselects assuming it'll take more than S-video. Jeez I'm such a duffer when it comes to these things. Anyone know of an idiot's guide on the web or something?

  • skalmanxl #26 10 years ago

    ...is damn right scary. :)

    Something in here is scary, not Tom though.

  • dudley #27 10 years ago

    iss? anyone?

  • st3ph3n #28 10 years ago

    Panasonic 25 inch telly with 2 Scarts Auto Switching, RGB, S-Video through Scart on AV2 all for £200 quid.

    The PS2 emits an annoying signal whilst in the "switched on at the back, but not at the front" stage, which causes my Dreamcasts sound not to work on the cheap-ass Scart Splitter I got, which I assume will happen with the GC also.

    Anyway, roll on Friday, hope EB price matches woolworths for my pre-order.

    And if anyone uses "ninty" or "shigsy" to comment on any GameCube articles I will Kill them.

    (Not an empty threat)

  • skalmanxl #29 10 years ago

    And if anyone uses "ninty" or "shigsy" to comment on any GameCube articles I will Kill them.

    Otto's hanging on a thin thread.

  • Whizzo #30 10 years ago

    Give it a break Fezz, all Mugwum was doing was being over-excited about a new bit of kit. How many people who post here haven't had a feeling of nervous excitement when getting a new toy?

  • Pirotic #31 10 years ago

    you are a bit out about the PAL conversions, Luigi's Mansion suffers very small borders and Starwars has some rather chunky border on it. lucky however starwars has a 60hz option so i forgive it.

    seems a bit thick of nintendo, so say they love europe and have a 60hz mode machine then not even bother to give there inhouse titles a 60hz option

  • otto #32 10 years ago

    st3ph3n, can I get away with nint¥? ;)

  • ssuellid #33 10 years ago

    "And if anyone uses "ninty" or "shigsy" to comment on any GameCube articles I will Kill them"

    I made the mistake of buying the official Nintendo magazine at the weekend which calls the PS2 something like "gaystation poo". The magazine is crap giving out exceptionally high marks to shit games. Very childish magazine, written for kids I hope. The free GC launch guide supplement is a waste of paper. Almost put me off the idea of getting a GC.

  • BartonFink #34 10 years ago

    ssuellid - did the same thing when the first one came out and formed the same opinion. Wonder which end of the market they are aiming at. Very childish behavior indeed, also attributable to some of the posters on this forum too, you know who you are.. :)

  • Super Stu #35 10 years ago

    Otto - Np mate. I frequent an Importing website where we have a thread running of TVs known to be console friendly. If you tell me what your exact model number is I can probably look it up for you.

    Having said that, 1995 - I very much suspect it does RGB. To be honest, the only TV I've seen which does Svideo but not RGB is my mother's old (10 years old now, bless it) 29" Sony.

    Edit:

    While I think about it, I've got a 21" Goodmans 4:3 which was donated to me from somewhere - and even that does RGB, despite it only have 1 scart socket and mono sound! Goodmans: cheap, cheerful, can't fault their TVs :)
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/02 @ 16:20

  • Kylun #36 10 years ago

    Don't you know the basics of photography being shine the light ON the object, not behind... =]

  • FWB #37 10 years ago

    "Wonder how you guys would react when I would say that I sleep with my arm around my xbox gently caressing the green jewel on top =]"

    You too? But here's the frightening part, I don't even have an X-Box so I rely on a cut out picture from a mag.

  • BartonFink #38 10 years ago

    I'd say that behaviour is a bit strange and as our American cousins would say 'You need therapy'

  • AnotherMartin #39 10 years ago

    >[FWB] - 29-Apr-2002
    >"Heading upstairs, the console’s hardware is driven >by a custom processing unit from IBM and ATI’s >graphics chip, codenamed Flipper. "
    >
    >Apart from the games, my only concern, what with >ATI's notorious shoddy driver support. ;)

    As far a I know the graphics chip was done by ArtX not ATI, ATI just happend to buy them out and stick their name on it, besides GC owners shouldn't have to worry about drivers, we'll let the PC-Box boys worry about that one ;-)

    >So any news on the portable tele for this thing?

    As someone else here said, I think there's a 3rd party one out on launch day. Might invest in one for my desk at work.

  • skalmanxl #40 10 years ago

    Wonder how you guys would react when I would say that I sleep with my arm around my xbox gently caressing the green jewel on top =]

    After "a night on the piss" at the clubs in town, I once woke up, cuddling with a brick in my bed. That's freaky.

  • Whizzo #41 10 years ago

    I once woke up, cuddling with a brick in my bed.
    What's worse is the brick felt really embarrassed when it woke up too.. ;-)

  • Max Diablos #42 10 years ago

    On a Sony TV (which I gather you're unlikely to own) it's more obvious: square symbol (composite), square with an S in it (svid) and square symbol with 3 dots above it (rgb).

    I've got scart on my three year old Sony Trinitron and it doesn't have three dots on the input selector. Looks like I've been swizzed.

  • FWB #43 10 years ago

    "besides GC owners shouldn't have to worry about drivers, we'll let the PC-Box boys worry about that one ;-) "

    I know, I'm just poking fun where I can. :)

    "Might invest in one for my desk at work."

    Anyone watch Seinfeld? Even better would be getting a little sleeping hole crafted into under your desk where you can install your GC.



  • otto #44 10 years ago

    I frequent an Importing website where we have a thread running of TVs known to be console friendly. If you tell me what your exact model number is I can probably look it up for you.

    Super Stu - thx again! :) You're truly an officer & a gent. I shall take a look when I get home this evening & may e-mail you on that, but I'm cautiously optimistic that it'll take RGB, despite being 7 yrs old, dirt cheap, with one scart input and mono...

    Now I just need to work out if the Cube comes with an RGB cable in the box, or if my normal scart cable will carry an RGB signal, or if I have to invest in a new one...

  • AnotherMartin #45 10 years ago

    [Lurks]

    GC (Jap/US) +DVD (Region 0>6) +VCD +CD +MP3

    http://www.lik-sang.com/catalog/product_info.php?cate gory=0&products_id=1575&PHPSESSID=2356e404876e9304f48377e278 616486

  • daveo #46 10 years ago

    Philips TV's have skittish RGB recognition software IMHO. I have a dreamcast with orignal sega scart and could not get a picture on two different Philips (only recognised as CVBS, sound only) whilst having no problems on my 6 year old Sony. I recently bought a 3rd party scart and it suddenly started work fine on the Philips in glorious RGBovision. Funny old world

  • otto #47 10 years ago

    Huh. Oh well, could be an interesting Friday evening. I dread the thought of having to tell the missus that we need a new telly ;).

    On another theme, was the manual in the box multilingual?

  • mal #48 10 years ago

    From the article:

    a proper RGB SCART cable (£19.99)

    Looks like you've got to shell out for one.

    I'd guess your normal scart cable won't carry RGB, though I don't really know. You do know that the GC won't have a scart connector on the back, so you'll have to use a proprietary cable anyway.

    Oh, and the DC scart cable used RGB, so anyone who's already got a DC running via SCART, you're safe.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/02 @ 17:14

  • BartonFink #49 10 years ago

    otto - I've been trying that one with the missus since getting the Xbox no bloody luck yet though.

    On a slightly related note:
    Tried pumping RGB through a RGB/IN socket on my Sony DVD player but I end up with annoying diagonal lines flickering on the screen, it's fine when I just pump it through the main socket on the TV. Guess I need a TV with two RGB/IN sockets. Annoyingly this doesn't happen with the composite lead supplied with the box.
    Anybody know anything about RGB scart extension boxes, or point me in the direction of one, Argos has one but I don't know if they are any good.

  • ssuellid #50 10 years ago

    BartonFink - Gestalt bought a SCART switch the other week. I've been trying to find one that has at least 6 RGB inputs but the most I can find is one with 3 inputs. Anyone know of any pro kit that do this?

  • BartonFink #51 10 years ago

    Was looking around today for one and Dixons have one with 5. Same question though are these any good? and can you get ones that do audio too?

  • otto #52 10 years ago

    You do know that the GC won't have a scart connector on the back, so you'll have to use a proprietary cable anyway.

    Good point, duh, wasn't thinking there for a sec.

    Well much as I'd like to have the thing firing on all cylinders as of 6pm on Friday evening, I guess I'll have to make do with what I've got for the time being and let the dust settle. I'm also looking at investing in a dvd player in the next few weeks (haven't got one yet) and this could also be the perfect excuse I need to persuade the wife we need a new telly. So, one thing at a time eh? Cube in May, dvd in June, new telly in July, RGB cable in August, keep the missus and the Visa company happy.

    Anyway, I've told the missus that she can go out with her mates on Friday & I'll do babysitting duty. So as soon as she's out the door, the bairn can join me for an evening of rolling monkeys around. Can't wait. :)

  • ssuellid #53 10 years ago

    Make sure the SCART switch you get is capable of switching RGB video. Most are not including the Dixons one - so I've been told. I could give out a list of S Video and RGB capable SCART switch suppliers if there is any interest.

  • BartonFink #54 10 years ago

    Yup please do...

  • Whizzo #55 10 years ago

    Argos has one but I don't know if they are any good.
    The 3 way SCART switch that Argos does, cat. no. 534/0370, it's excellent and less than a tenner, works fine with RGB.
    Edited by 2 at 29/04/02 @ 17:32

  • BartonFink #56 10 years ago

    Cheers Whizzo - looking at that one last night in the catalog there seems to be three pairs of audio inputs too, do these switch with the relevant RGB Scart socket too?

  • Whizzo #57 10 years ago

    Do you know what I've never tried and I lost the single sheet of instructions that came with it. Oh and it's marked as "TV Output" and "Output" 1 video and 2 audio for both sets of phonos.
    Edited by 2 at 29/04/02 @ 17:36

  • hulahoops #58 10 years ago

    Can't we have a permanent techy forum, so all articles are restricted to fun and arguments? :)

    Why oh why did Nintendo not release at least ONE of Pikmin or Smash Brothers at launch. I know I'm by no means alone in saying that I may actually wait to buy a cube, seeing as there are no games of real interest to me. Might hire Rogue Leader and Monkey Ball, but that's about it.

    There's not much there to bolster the idea that GameCube (ack, almost wrote GayCube!) is a machine for all ages.

    Tarzan indeed.

  • terminalterror #59 10 years ago

    I already have my sole RGB scart socket (there are 2 sockets, only one is RGB) taken up by my sweet Panasonic DVD player, and the quality is outstanding, but I really don't want to switch between that and a GameCube for the RGB, so I have to decide what to give priority in terms of quality, it would be GameCube on even terms, but the extra £20 needed to use RGB makes it a tough one

  • reto #60 10 years ago

    When you consider the predicted low cost of the ps2 (£150), a memory card (£25), a proper RGB SCART cable (£20) and a software title (£35), you won’t see much change from £230.

  • burago #61 10 years ago

    Hang on now! Bought a Panasonic 32" Tau TV at Christmas, it has two scart things in the back and an s-video one behind the front panel. Will I need a new cable for my cube and what is RGB? Which is the best way to connect my PS2 and cube to my telly?

  • daveo #62 10 years ago

    I would never have thought to look at Argos for a scart switch. Anyone have any other suggestions for multiple scart lead problems? I'm trying to avoid wiring up two scart switches in series at the moment ...

  • Max Diablos #63 10 years ago

    Can't we have a permanent techy forum, so all articles are restricted to fun and arguments? :)

    Hey, that got me thinking...

    Why doesn't our resident Eurocrat lean on someone to start up a European Union fan site and online forum. Wow. Think of all those fun discussions we can have with Euro Commissars. :)

    People think I'm joking...

  • mal #64 10 years ago

    For those still confused: all you never wanted to know about hooking up your console:

    RGB (or component) is a video standard using three connectors (one for each of red, green and blue). I think the sync signal is carried on each of the three channels (or there might be a fourth connector).

    S-video is a video standard, using a multi cored cable carring chroma and luminance. A TV uses RGB internally, so the conversion from s-video to RGB inevitably lowers the quality.

    Composite (or RCA) is a video standard, using a single core to carry both chroma and luminance. This makes it lower quality than s-video again.

    PAL RF is a method of encoding chroma, luminance and audio signals into a high frequency signal suitable for broadcast, which can also carry many other signals and channels.

    SCART (Peritel) is a universal monstrosity which can carry all of the above standards (excepting RF) plus stereo audio on one ginormous plug. It does make it guesswork whether two pieces of equipment will work together, though it is the easiest way of using RGB.

    Generally if a TV has two SCART sockets, the first will do RGB and composite and the second composite only (with audio). No idea about s-video (chroma and luminance).

    Videos only tend to support composite video. A SCART cable can in theory carry RGB and composite at the same time, or s-video only.

    The PSX has a composite socket in the back, so I don't think it can do RGB or s-video. The N64 can do composite too but not RGB (dunno about s-video). The old Dreamcast outputs RGB on its SCART cable, though you can get composite cables for it should you want to use it with older equipment, or tape your mad skillz. I've no idea about the PS2 I'm afraid.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/02 @ 20:33

  • skalmanxl #65 10 years ago


    Worst console to hit the market so far.

    Cant be arsed to explain so ill leave it at that.

    Start your moaning then bitches...hehe

    I know who the bitch is here... I also belive that the fact that you can't explain it, is that there is nothing to explain really.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/02 @ 20:41

  • #66 10 years ago

    BlankOBlank! - there certainly appears to be a 'software drought' on NGC.

    What's worse is that, according to cube-europe, Resident Evil is to be officially launched in Europe in September!! It launches in the US on April 30.

  • Whizzo #67 10 years ago

    RGB (or component)
    They aren't the same, just very similar, most equipment in Europe will do RGB but not component.

    If a TV has two scarts the second one will usually do S-Video too.

    PSX and PS2 AV outputs are identical and can share cables, both will output RGB and if you use a convertor, which again works with both, you can output S-Video as well.

  • Nemesis #68 10 years ago

    Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeevening all.

    The first AV port on the TV is RGB. A good way of testing prior to Friday is to plug in a DVD (if you have one) and set it to RGB and see whatcha get! Also, you will have a spare socket on the DVD player, which you can plug the SCART into and still receive an RGB signal. This is what I have at present, although it's a bit of a jumble with vid/box/dvd and a single SCART socket.

    For those in the UK looking for a cheapie 28" tele, you can't do much worse than a Bush for about £270 from Tesco's. It supports RGB SCART, has digi TV (for those with Captain Pugwash cards) built in!

  • Nemesis #69 10 years ago

    PS2 supported RGB, but only through games. You'd get a nice green tint throught DVD playback unless you got the Region-X mod.

    ;-)

  • Whizzo #70 10 years ago

    nice green tint throught DVD playback unless you got the Region-X mod.
    How many people don't have that if they've got a PS2 though? The fact it was given away free with a UK PS2 magazine probably increased the amount of people who've got it...

  • otto #71 10 years ago

    Lads, lads, with this information, you are spoiling us!

    Unfortunately I don't have a DVD player with which to test my telly. The aforementioned 7-yr-old bog standard Philips with which I am blessed has a single scart socket, as I said. When I got home I took a look at the manual which told me the following: for s-video, I need to use the sockets in the front, not the scart. Good, thought I, that must mean the scart does RGB. But the manual doesn't mention RGB! Gah. It says the scart *plus* the aerial connector will do the connection to the VCR, and the scart on its own will plug to an audio amp. Do I therefore take it that it won't do RGB? I'm not really keen on spending £20 on an RGB cable for my cube "just in case" seeing as in this magnificent country of Belgium retailers will not do refunds or exchanges.

    Why doesn't our resident Eurocrat lean on someone to start up a European Union fan site and online forum. Wow. Think of all those fun discussions we can have with Euro Commissars.

    Er, right. o_O Several Commissioners do online chat now & then - you can check http://europa.eu.int/comm for details. A mate of mine left to start up his own "EU portal", www.euractiv.com, which has a forum - he'd kill me if I didn't plug it. It's pretty good too, though perhaps too business-oriented for Max ;) If you're looking for a 'fan site' then maybe the Young European Movement's your bag? A pretty geeky bunch on the whole, I should know, I used to be one of them when I lived in the UK. On the other hand, I did meet my missus there... :o

    Eeeee, five edits...
    Edited by 5 at 29/04/02 @ 22:06

  • Whizzo #72 10 years ago

    Otto it would look like you're stuffed on the RGB front I'm afraid. If it doesn't mention it in the manual then other than doing a search for the precise model number on Google, I think you're out of luck.

  • otto #73 10 years ago

    ah buggeration.

    Time to start cooking up a strategy to get me a new telly. Anyone got some good tips on how to b0rk a telly without your spouse finding out how it happened? Anything non-lethal involving small children would be good... A rusk down the ventilation slots maybe?

  • Max Diablos #74 10 years ago

    Anything non-lethal involving small children would be good.

    Find someone who hates the GayCube, has a comparably specced telly, and swap.

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #75 10 years ago

    AFAIK:

    PlayStation 2 - RGB, S-Video, Composite, RF - the whole kaboodle

    Dreamcast - the whole kaboodle

    N64 - S-Video, Composite, RF

    GameCube (PAL) - RGB, Composite, RF

    Xbox - the whole kaboodle

  • lazyguy #76 10 years ago

    Would that be Whizzo, previously from anarchy online?

  • Amazing Bryan #77 10 years ago

    Nothing to do with GameCube really, but could someone on EG please tell those monkeys at Software First to update their prices?

    What's the point in having their banners on all your pages, and them, selling stuff at week old prices.

    Maybe they aren't lowering the price of GC, but if this isn't the case, then it's very slack work.

    Looks like I'd better head over to Amazon to pre-order me Cube then (if there's any available).

    Yes, I know I mentioned in another thread that I'd already pre-ordered one, but if Software First aren't going to lower the price, then I'm cancelling it.

    Also, I know it's best to talk to them directly, but I thought it would be best to bring it to your attention.

  • Super Stu #78 10 years ago

    [Mugwum] - 29-Apr-2002
    AFAIK:

    "PlayStation 2 - RGB, S-Video, Composite, RF - the whole kaboodle "

    True, although I've not seen it doing component.

    "Dreamcast - the whole kaboodle"

    Again, doesn't do component, but some TVs will take a VGA in which will give similar results

    "N64 - S-Video, Composite, RF"

    The N64 can be modded to do RGB

    "GameCube (PAL) - RGB, Composite, RF"

    tick :) And the NTSC one does component, of course.

    "Xbox - the whole kaboodle"

    Yup, including progressive scan for all you flash bastads.

    One you all left out (and one that was incorrectly advised earlier):

    PSX/PS1 - all, except component (well, I've not seen the Sony's doing component, anyway).

  • #79 10 years ago

    hmm.. Went on a little price-run yesterday. It seems the official price for the GC (in Norway) is 2099NOK (=€277 or £170). Now.. WTF is up with that??
    If this in reality turns out to be the price in all stores i will easily wait until june/july and buy one in Germany, there will be a better gameselection aswell by then (woho). Anyone know anything about this pricing?

    skalmanxl: what's the price in sweden?

  • ssuellid #80 10 years ago

    The official UK Nintendo magazine lists an S-Video cable as the best quality connector for the GameCube. Seems they don't know about the the lack of S-Video. I'll sort out some links to RGB SCART switch boxes later on today.

  • otto #81 10 years ago

    I doubt very much that the high-res pic of the flipper came from Mugwum's digital camera, or that he took a can opener to his purple precious...

  • Whizzo #82 10 years ago

    Would that be Whizzo, previously from anarchy online?
    It could be.. I deny all knowledge of frequent boozing in bars around Rubi-Ka 1. Nice to see you mate! ;-)


    True, although I've not seen it doing component.
    PS2 can do component as I've seen HMV selling the official Sony cables.

    The Dreamcast can of course output VGA which is good but it's annoying none of the other consoles can do it.

  • st3ph3n #83 10 years ago

    2 things:

    1) Any word of official Mag having Demo Discs? It's the only reason I purchase the OPS2M occasionaly, and it would certianly be the only reason to buy any Nintendo Mags also.

    2) 3 DAYS TO GO
    /me Rubs hands.

  • otto #84 10 years ago

    st3ph3n - two excellent points!

    /me licks lips

  • Super Stu #85 10 years ago

    "PS2 can do component as I've seen HMV selling the official Sony cables."

    Interesting, given that only the likes of Lowes and plasmas are capable of it in the UK. You wouldn't think there would be a market for this sort of cable in the UK, given that there is marginal increase in quality over RGB and that RGB is infinitely more accessible to Harry Homeowner.

  • binky #86 10 years ago

    i bet u've not been sleeping this week have u otto ;)

    im still gonna hold off on getting one until mario/zelda comes out i think, although rogue squadron and monkey racing is very tempting, i think i would b killed if i spent another 200 quid on gaming just right now.

  • otto #87 10 years ago

    i bet u've not been sleeping this week have u otto ;)

    you cheeky monkey

    As a matter of fact, no I haven't, but I don't know whether that's down to my visions of boing-coated simians or down to my bunged-up nose :(
    Edited by 1 at 30/04/02 @ 09:36

  • Whizzo #88 10 years ago

    Which is now the more desirable?
    Which ever has the games on it that you want to play, the only reason for actually buying a games console after all.

  • Whizzo #89 10 years ago

    Interesting, given that only the likes of Lowes and plasmas are capable of it in the UK.
    Well that was the HMV in Guildford, so if anyone has got the expensive equipment that handles component in the UK, it'd be around here!

  • Super Stu #90 10 years ago

    Whizzo: ah ha, Amazon have the cable for sale too.

    Still, I suspect the vast majority are unwittingly ignorant to anything other that the awful composite cable that comes with their PS2.

  • Nosbod #91 10 years ago

    The best praise you seem to give the game cube is the fact that it has nice packaging and lovley leads, they dont seem like good selling points to me.

  • burago #92 10 years ago

    Still totaly lost. Anyone got a link to an FAQ about TV connections. Which is the best quality for games? I thought it was s-video maybe I am wrong.

  • otto #93 10 years ago

    -> Bradlay - you mean for the Cube? Based on my new-found knowledge it sounds as if you'll have no problem running the Cube on composite through your telly on the leads provided, and you may well be able to get RGB (for which you'd need to buy the Cube's RGB cable as an extra) - to check for this, cycle through the Sony telly's AV channels and if you get a square with three dots on it, then that's your RGB.

    Super Stu & the rest of the boys will tell me if I got that wrong!

  • #94 10 years ago

    So if Sony does drop the price of PS2, say to £150 or £170, what are the chances that Nintendo will do likewise?

    GC at £99 by 'xmas?

  • otto #95 10 years ago

    Bradlay - I have no personal experience but going on what others are saying, it's lots better. The pecking order apparently goes RGB best quality, followed by s-video, then a bit of a drop to composite, followed by RF at the bottom of the pile.

    From technodunce to videogeek in one day - not bad eh? :D

  • #96 10 years ago

    All this cable business is confusing me.

    [mental note]

    Find tv output cable, plug into any socket at the back that fits and hope for the best.

  • Whizzo #97 10 years ago

    How much better is RGB over composite?
    So much better that you'll never use composite again.

  • Nosbod #98 10 years ago

    and if you want the best quality rgb you want a cable with gold connectors this provides the best connection with less noise and interferance.

  • #99 10 years ago

    got a fairly new TV, but i still got worried about the RGB because of all this talking so... i just checked and.. wohoo!! there's RGB goodness on my telly.

    ..now all i have to do is find a retailer who won't rip my shirt off and steal my wallet.

  • Nemesis #100 10 years ago

    Otto, can you stop being so damn enthusiastic, I'm trying to ignore the lure of the cube and Star Wars....

    ;-)

  • Nemesis #101 10 years ago

    Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

    http:/ /cube.ign.com/articles/165/165337p1.html

    Now that's really put a spanner in the works. I'm a SW wh0re, and I've got space for a cube, you know, just tucked in nicely next to the subbie and the amp. . . . . not getting black, it's a bit too 80's Black Ash Wardrobe for me.

  • ssuellid #102 10 years ago

    [Nosbod] - having gold connectors makes f**k all difference if the cable is crap. My XBox RGB cable is bollox even tho it has gold connectors. My DVD SCART cable has not got gold connectors but is the mutts nutts.

  • #103 10 years ago

    if it's any help Nemesis..

    I tried some Rogue Leader-action (which i REALLY enjoyed although i sucked) yesterday on a test-console, when 4-5 teenage boys (about 13-17, i have no idea what anyone at that age look like anymore, but they were clearly school-age so.. bah) went by me.. they stopped for a couple of seconds, then one of them said you could Totally See Squares on the screen (i imagine he saw their reflection.. i dunno). They concluded that the game sucked, the gamecube sucked and that xbox RULEZZ.. as they said. Any help?

    ..oh man, this shot is really good.
    http://cubemedia.ign.com/media/reviews/imag e/rogueleader/roguein4.jpg

  • st3ph3n #104 10 years ago

    I have a Blaze RGB Scart for PS2, complete with GCON out and RGB-Off switch for DVD playback. It came with a free cable-tidy, gold plated connecters and stereo break-out. It's fantastic. If you switch RGB off you really notice the shoddy picture quality of non-RGB.

    For the Cube I have pre-ordered the official RGB-Scart, it's more expensive, but it seems that the 3rd Party Manufacturers that are releasing stuff are not known for quality products. Like "Big ben interactive", never heard of them.

  • ssuellid #105 10 years ago

    Big Ben are a quite big distributer - used to handle DC stuff.

  • Nemesis #106 10 years ago

    Vermin. Not as bad as the guy I saw the other day, who was about 14, decided to cut away the bottom of his 20" wide baggy jeans to be trendy, then made the fatal mistake of forgetting about puberty, grew 2" in height and, obviously not having any cash left, had to walk around with a biiiiiiiig gap between trainers and frayed bottom edge of jeans.

    Quality.

    Oi Oi, put some jam on yer trainers and invite yer jeans down fer lunch.

    Quite.

    Quality screenshot. F..k it, I'm sold.

  • Whizzo #107 10 years ago

    Vermin thanks a bunch! That shot is sooo lovely it could, mind I say could, push me over the edge and buy a friggin' Cube.

  • st3ph3n #108 10 years ago

    Ah ha. Another one converted.

    BUY, BUY IT NOW.

    I played Rogue in EB last night. Man it looked good, and the controller. My god, it's so damned comfortable.

    2 AND A HALF DAYS TO GO.

  • Nemesis #109 10 years ago

    Jerry, you may find that some 3rd parties supply a SCART lead with l/r audio jacks, similar to the PS2 ones you can now pick up. I'm not sure the official does this, as I can't get any detailed info, so maybe someone else can confirm this?

    As for PL2, your amp would need to understand and decode this signal, so you will, more than likely, just have Dolby PR1

  • st3ph3n #110 10 years ago

    Probably need a TV that can send the Pro-Logic Signals to an amp. Or an Amp that can take a scart connection and send the Picture to a TV on a TV out.

    Either that or the GC does have some form of Audio Jack for outputting it. Mugwum, anything in the manual about that?

  • Super Stu #111 10 years ago

    Good lord, Otto's a geek! Anyway, I haven't checked but at the very least the GC is bound to come with a composite cable which either terminates in the usual red, white and yellow jacks or just goes straight to a scart plug. Therefore, every TV since Moses jotted his thoughts down on stone notepads will be able to display the PAL GC.

    And just to confirm what Whizzo said.. once you've tried RGB, you'll never settle for less. Hell, I went to the trouble of getting one of those scart splitter boxes and thick shielded, gold plated scart cables so I could have everything RGB, including Sky Digital.

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #112 10 years ago

    "PlayStation 2 - RGB, S-Video, Composite, RF - the whole kaboodle"

    "True, although I've not seen it doing component."

    Yeah, I was sort of ignoring component :-)

    "Dreamcast - the whole kaboodle"

    "Again, doesn't do component, but some TVs will take a VGA in which will give similar results"

    The VGA out to monitors from the DC is really nice, presumaby because it actually comes out at 640x480 without shrinking and so forth?

    "N64 - S-Video, Composite, RF"

    "The N64 can be modded to do RGB"

    True. So can the Cube. It's the same theory - I bet you could make a SNES do S-Video out the same way. They all use the same cables. I'm not sure about the power situation though. With the N64 the power block was totally separate so you could even use a UK power pack thingy with the Jap or US consoles. I don't know if that's the same with the GC (obviously it's a larger external power thingy rather than the N64's block), and I'm not eager to try it out!

    "Xbox - the whole kaboodle"

    "Yup, including progressive scan for all you flash bastads."

    Ah yes, progressive scan. Very nice, that :-)

    "One you all left out (and one that was incorrectly advised earlier):

    PSX/PS1 - all, except component (well, I've not seen the Sony's doing component, anyway)."

    Yeah, I wasn't really sure about it so I left it off. I figured it would do the same as PS2 though. In fact, if it does component I reckon the PS2 will.

  • Super Stu #113 10 years ago

    Mugwum:

    Yup, the US/JPN cubes can be modded to use RGB. It involves an official PAL RGB cable, a Snes/N64 scart cable a resistor or two and an ability to solder. I can provide the link to a site if anyone wants it. A member of our forum did it last time and it works a treat, apparently.

    Nowt to do with power supplies though, so I'm not sure what you're on about there :)

    re: PS1/2 - yes, they both do component. I didn't realise :) I'm still vexed as to why the cables are on sale in the UK. I suspect most people wouldn't even require Captain Hook's bad hand to count how many people they know with Component compatible TVs.

  • otto #114 10 years ago

    Chaps, chaps, help! I just got a call from my merchant telling me to come and get my Cube TODAY! But he doesn't have any games for me till FRIDAY!! AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!!

    So I'll be sitting there with my lovely mauve cube looking so sexy & inviting but it'll be wearing the equivalent of a chastity belt - and tomorrow's a Bank Holiday!!! I THINK I'M GOING TO EXPLODE!!!!

    nnnnngggggg

  • otto #115 10 years ago

    Oh & Nem - I also had a fiddle with Rogue Leader over lunch - one word: LUSH

    OK - this is now urgent - are there any mags on sale with demo disks? I *must* have something to play before Friday...
    Edited by 1 at 30/04/02 @ 14:07

  • Super Stu #116 10 years ago

    "I *must* have something to play before Friday..."

    /me ponders the obvious Carry On-esque joke but decides against it

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #117 10 years ago

    "Nowt to do with power supplies though, so I'm not sure what you're on about there :)"

    That was a different issue that my mind wandered towards. The N64 had this big chunky power pack you plugged into the back of it, and you could use a UK one with a Japanese or American unit, thus negating the requirement of a stepdown. Useful.

    I'm wondering if the proprietary GC power adapters (which have this big chunky block on them, even if it doesn't plug into the Cube physically), are interchangeable in the same way.

    Difficulty is, if I try it and I'm wrong, the Cube goes boom :-)

  • Super Stu #118 10 years ago

    Ah, good point. Never fear, fella: I don't know myself but I know a bunch of peops who do...

    Heh, perhaps I should start putting links in my posts on here... I link to stories from here on their site often enough. I think you owe me a few quid in advertising fees ;)

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #119 10 years ago

    "Ah, good point. Never fear, fella: I don't know myself but I know a bunch of peops who do..."

    Would be dead chuffed if it did.

    "Heh, perhaps I should start putting links in my posts on here... I link to stories from here on their site often enough. I think you owe me a few quid in advertising fees ;)"

    Go for it. I certainly don't mind people posting links here if they're informative.

  • Black Sheep #120 10 years ago

    PS2 can even do Progressive Scan! Tekken 4 supports it!

    Oh and have you heard that SCEJ has a new set of DVD drivers out that they say really give it a kickin' output that beats xbox.

  • otto #121 10 years ago

    That CubeIGN Rogue Leader review says it runs in progressive scan mode - I take it the NTSC Cube supports progressive scan then?

    They tell me here that the Cube RGB cable won't be available on Friday, they'll get some in next week... Huh.

    I'm excited like a little girl. It's quite pathetic really.

  • st3ph3n #122 10 years ago

    I demand to know of any EBs that are leaking them early, because I will march straight down and have words with the one here in Edinburgh.

  • ssuellid #123 10 years ago

    Otto - its your first console isn't it?

  • burago #124 10 years ago

    Poor otto!! I doubt any magazine would have a demo disc already. Best bet is to just set it up the system and sit on your hands till friday. Good luck mate!

  • otto #125 10 years ago

    Yup - console virgin. Unless you count my Spectrum, C64, Gameboy or GBA... Nah, thought you wouldn't.

    Well I'll have a bloody good laugh tonight hooking it up and reading the manual, and earn massive cred points with the wife for spending tomorrow (Belgian bank holiday) putting up shelves or whatever instead of ogling the little box. In my head though I will be going over that RL review on IGN that Nemesis linked to >:)

  • Super Stu #126 10 years ago

    "Oh and have you heard that SCEJ has a new set of DVD drivers out that they say really give it a kickin' output that beats xbox"

    As long as Sony give them out this time, in order to entice us away from MS. Go on My Sony, you know you want to.

  • Nemesis #127 10 years ago

    Otto, HMV in Oxford Street are selling a couple of games now!

  • Nemesis #128 10 years ago

    Oh, and I got another look at the GC pods down there. SW was superb looking as we all know, Waverace looked very good singleplayer, but splitscreen it looked a little PS2 TBH.

  • otto #129 10 years ago

    Nemesis, I demand you get down there *now* and get me a copy of Rogue Leader, if you DHL it now it might reach me in the morning (they deliver on bank holidays right?)

  • Nemesis #130 10 years ago

    Otto, I think it was only burnout my friend.

    You might have more fun playing with the setup screen!

    Update : Otto, sorry mate. I phoned HMV and they said even though the game was priced up, they won't sell until Friday. So unless you know someone on the inside, you're gonna be putting up shelves!

    Update2 : FORTY QUID for a game. Chri$t alive.

    (2000 edits l8r)
    Edited by 2 at 30/04/02 @ 15:04

  • BartonFink #131 10 years ago

    "PS2 can even do Progressive Scan! Tekken 4 supports it!
    Oh and have you heard that SCEJ has a new set of DVD drivers out that they say really give it a kickin' output that beats xbox"
    So the PS2 can now miraculously do progressive scan and Sony are doing patches now for the PS2's crap DVD??? Sounds like a load of PS2 to me.

    Edited by 1 at 30/04/02 @ 14:54

  • Super Stu #132 10 years ago

    "That CubeIGN Rogue Leader review says it runs in progressive scan mode - I take it the NTSC Cube supports progressive scan then? "

    Yeah, when you boot the PAL Cube up, hold down button B (I think it is) and you get a 60hz version of the game, if available.

    On the NTSC version, hold down B and you get progressive scan modes.

  • Whizzo #133 10 years ago

    So the PS2 can now miraculously do progressive scan and Sony are doing patches now for the PS2's crap DVD??? Sounds like a load of PS2 to me.
    Tekken 4 is the first title to support progressive scan. It's inclusion is mentioned here.

    Sony released updated DVD drivers with their official remote some time ago, they take up a fair amount of space on your memory card rather than rewriting the PS2 firmware. Hopefully newer ones will be freely distributed.
    Edited by 1 at 30/04/02 @ 15:36

  • otto #134 10 years ago

    -> Ciaran - ta m8! Just e-mailed you.

  • burago #135 10 years ago

    Otto, A friend of my dad’s cousin twice removed thinks that Ciaran is leading you on a wild goose chase. What sort of man are you Friday isn't that far away. I can't buy my cube until the summer when funds are higher.

  • FWB #136 10 years ago

    "Update2 : FORTY QUID for a game. Chri$t alive. "

    A fine gentleman, can't remember his name, suggested Play.com to me. I thus direct you in there.

  • otto #137 10 years ago

    Gentlemen, your help and advice has been much appreciated but I can now tell you that it is all to no avail - I have my PAL Cube and I have a copy of Super Monkey Ball to go with it and I am a VERY HAPPY CAMPER! *laughs dementedly* The man in the shop took pity & dug one out from behind the counter...

    Obviously I'm in "kid with new toy" mode but I am very, very, nay VERY, impressed. Chuffed even :)

    Unfortunately the missus has to watch Eastenders so it's back to EG for half an hour...

  • st3ph3n #138 10 years ago

    Otto - I am gesticulating a hand gesture at you. Can you see it across the channel and up a good deal of the lenght of the UK to Glasgow. I hope i'm aiming in the right direction.

  • otto #139 10 years ago

    st3ph3n - can you see me gloating in your direction? *chuckles evilly*

    oops, 'stenders is over, back to the monkey & the ball...

    In the meantime, a question for the techheads - what's the Cube's digital AV out for? Doesn't say in the manual...
    Edited by 1 at 30/04/02 @ 19:59

  • #140 10 years ago

    Otto, I'd be quite about your early possession of that pal GC. The Nintendo police might come after you :)

  • otto #141 10 years ago

    They can't separate me & my monkey! :p

  • burago #142 10 years ago

    Will be expecting a full report on how you and your monkey got on otto. They have Eastenders in Belgium now, what a shame!

  • #143 10 years ago

    LOL

  • #144 10 years ago

    Just think - all this anticipation and hype for GC and Nintendo doesn't even have to pay Eurogamer!

    Who said you can't make money off the net?!

  • otto #145 10 years ago

    Will be expecting a full report on how you and your monkey got on otto. They have Eastenders in Belgium now, what a shame!

    Shame is an understatement. They have BBC1 & BBC2, & I live with someone who watches Eastenders (*shudder*) and dramas about hairdressers, which is why I'm still here & not taking the monkey for a roll (he's on pause btw).

    On the basis of the hour or so's playing I managed to get in though, I'd say it's a stonking game, a bit frustrating for the likes of me who have no hand-eye coordination, making me want to spank that monkey good'n'hard at times, but then there's always those 'party games' to bring the heart rate back down. Really enjoying the pilotwings one. And the floorboards are warping what with the puddles of drool collecting over the graphics :) - somehow it always looks better at home in your own front room than it does in screenshots or on demo stands in shops...

  • burago #146 10 years ago

    Nice one. Will have my cube this summer. yay! Don't spank that monket too much. What colour did you go for? You sound like a purple kind a guy.

  • otto #147 10 years ago

    You got me down pat (how did you know?) - purple it is, or mauve as they call it here :)

    btw, just reread Mugwum's preview of SMB, I would have to agree with every word, except possibly the bit about the ground not tilting, it seemed to me the bonus levels were wobbling around all over the place, but that could be the shrapnel lodged in my inner ear playing up again... Anyway, damn frustrating but damn good fun!
    Edited by 1 at 30/04/02 @ 22:13

  • burago #148 10 years ago

    just read the preview want my cube even more now. Otto ask the other half if i can call around and play with your monkey?

  • Khab #149 10 years ago

    I think I'm screwed with the no-S-video crap they're pulling... I don't have a proper TV yet, see, I only have a TV card for my comp. It's got an S-Video in, and a regular RF(Antenna) thingy, as well as one of those tiny yellow round connections for video, but no scart (wouldn't fit on it anyway). Am I bummed and must wait until I can afford BOTH a GC and a new TV?

    I'm considering ordering one from Germany or the UK - only potential problem with that being that I might end up with my games in German, if what otto was theorizing the other day is correct. UK then, I guess - would save me 70€!

    Someone asked for the price of the GC in Sweden - sadly it's about 2500 SEK (circa 270€) - which is lots more than advertised - mostly due to our nice 25% sales tax, probably.
    Edited by 1 at 01/05/02 @ 00:19

  • burago #150 10 years ago

    try play.com free shipping to all eu countrys

  • Super Stu #151 10 years ago

    Kahb: if you have no proper TV and svid/RF through your TV card is your only means of connection, then unfortuantely you'll be reduced to buying an RF cable, if indeed one exists. However, I find it odd that your TV card has svid in but did not come with an adaptor to also allow a composite connection. If so, you'll be able to use the composite cable that comes with the Cube (assuming its a composite cable similar to the PS2's, ie. seperate RCA jacks for video, left and right audio, and then a scart plug for those who'd prefer to connect it to their TV via a scart socket).


    Mugwum: The consenus on www.ntsc-uk.com is that as the power supply does the voltage regulating and not internal gubbings, there's no reason to suspect that a PAL PSU will not work on an NTSC Cube.

  • Nemesis #152 10 years ago

    Morning all!!!!!!!!!!!

    Cmon then Otto, update us all, what's it like 24 hrs later?

  • cro #153 10 years ago

    you didn't mention the horrendously low resolution or the god-awful interlace tearing evident on most of the games?

    Or the horrendous controller design (I'm thinking specifically of the buttons here - I mean what game uses two buttons at the same time when you can't physically hold them down togethe with one thumb?)

    I was planning on buying a gamecube this week - until I played the games last week. Might hold off for a few months now.

  • otto #154 10 years ago

    Mornin' all

    burago - you're most welcome to come & have a go if you're in the neighbourhood!

    Khab - if your TV card has a yellow video in socket then you're fine, the composite leads that come with the Cube will do the job (I assume you've also got audio in? or would that go through the sound card?). In the absence of an RGB cable I'm running it on composite and it looks lovely.

    EDIT - Super Stu, the Cube comes as you say with the composite lead split into video, audio L and audio R, with a separate scart cartridge you can use if you prefer to plug it in that way. An RF cable is available separately.

    Well having given my monkey a severely good thrashing since 6pm last night, I can tell you that my good opinion still holds, but it's not one of those games that you can play non-stop for 24 hours (too frustrating), it's more a game to keep going back to. So now I'm looking forward to my Rogue Leader (which I should get tomorrow) ;)

    So SMB, like I said, the main game gets pretty damn difficult pretty quickly, and can lead to bouts of swearing and violence, but you keep at it cos you need those points to open up the minigames (which I'm nowhere near yet). And it looks & sounds lovely. As for the party games, the Monkey Target is a blast, the Monkey Race is basically Mario Kart but more demanding (I'm consistently 30 seconds behind the field), and I haven't tried Monkey Fight yet.
    Edited by 1 at 01/05/02 @ 09:47

  • otto #155 10 years ago

    cro - I recognise NONE of what you're talking about

  • Nemesis #156 10 years ago

    ..........so if you get the "proper" SCART lead, how do you run audio off of it? I've got a seperate Sony amp that'll take pretty much anything cable/signalwise.

  • otto #157 10 years ago

    I'm considering ordering one from Germany or the UK - only potential problem with that being that I might end up with my games in German, if what otto was theorizing the other day is correct.

    Khab, are you talking about the Cube itself or just the games? My Cube's box was in English & French and the manual is multilingual (including English, French, German, & all Scandinavian languages). The Cube itself asks you to select your language the first time you start it up, so you'd have no problem buying it from Germany. As for the games, I think it depends - Rogue Leader for example is localised and may not have all language options available (I'll find out for sure tomorrow), SMB on the other hand will let you choose your language (OK, so the manual may be in German but who needs the manual?).
    Edited by 1 at 01/05/02 @ 10:00

  • DocX #158 10 years ago

    If it's a European release, it's 99% likely to have all the usual Euro languages (inc English) - publishers can't be arsed making multiple SKUs for the same territory.

  • Super Stu #159 10 years ago

    "If it's a European release, it's 99% likely to have all the usual Euro languages (inc English) - publishers can't be arsed making multiple SKUs for the same territory."

    Exactly, all Euro games have all the languages required. Don't they Capcom? That's why it takes so long to convert a game to PAL, doesn't it Capcom? Hang on, what do you mean by "actually no, the real reason is that we employ a couple of monkeys from the local zoo to do PAL conversions"? Surely not!

  • Nemesis #160 10 years ago

    Vik, that was my plan, nice to know it's gonna work!

    Need to sort out some sorta SCART box at some point, or just give up and get a decent TV with more than a single SCART/RGB socket.

    Still, I've got a really redundant socket at the back now. ITV digital anyone?
    Edited by 1 at 01/05/02 @ 12:21

  • Super Stu #161 10 years ago

    Nem:

    I've got the 3-way RGB splitter from Argos. It cost a tenner and was worth every penny. I've got Sky, DC and the PS2 connected to it, which is then routed to the TV via an extremely good quality full scart cable. I've noticed no loss of visual quality at all.

    Audio wise, the scart splitter also has left and right audio outs, which are just routed to my amp as normal. These outputs take whatever scart socket is currently selected and outputs the sound.

    Sorted.

  • Nemesis #162 10 years ago

    Cheers Stu!

    My system is starting to get a bit crowded with DVD/Video/TV/Xbox and now a GC coming! Just thank the Lord the digital TV was built in.

    Oh.

    They've switched it off.

  • #163 10 years ago

    Khab, thanks for answering the swedish price. 2500 svenske kroner, eh? So frustrating that they haven't sliced off the price.. looks like i'll be heading for Germany to get the Gamecube action then.

  • Shinji #164 10 years ago

    "Or the horrendous controller design (I'm thinking specifically of the buttons here - I mean what game uses two buttons at the same time when you can't physically hold them down togethe with one thumb?)"

    You're on an astonishing amount of crack cocaine, aren't you? :)

    (Oh and about the resolution.... I'll take a wild guess here and say you're probably playing through composite? Which makes it all look astonishingly manky, unsurprisingly...)
    Edited by 1 at 01/05/02 @ 12:48

  • Nemesis #165 10 years ago

    I'm using optical on the 'box and DVD as the Sony amp has two inputs for this.

  • Khab #166 10 years ago

    I'm just miffed here, 'cos I had been thinking I might be able to solve it by plugging the scart into my DVD player, but imagine my indignation when I realize that it doesn't have *any* input connections. :(
    That's what I get for buying cheap stuff early... :p

    Hopefully the composite will do the trick while I save up for a telly. Thanks otto for all the info, appreciate it!

    vermin - no problem. Glad to help. That price is what I've gathered from a few different sources here, but someone (Elgiganten possibly :) might cut the price a bit to cajole people there in a week or so, naturally.

  • toowayseller #167 7 years ago

    *snip*
    Edited by 1 at 19/08/05 @ 11:26

  • toowayseller #168 7 years ago

    *snip*
    Edited by 1 at 19/08/05 @ 11:26

  • toowayseller #169 7 years ago

    *snip*
    Edited by 1 at 19/08/05 @ 11:26