By David Carnoy and John P. Falcone
(Updated March 14, 2003)
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Electronic Arts)
While the first Harry Potter game was considered a disappointment, this installment, based on the second Harry Potter movie of the same name, is a significant improvement. Fans of the series will relish the opportunity to live out--albeit virtually--Harry's sophomore year at Hogwarts, as well as some of the film's bigger action sequences. Gameplay is nicely varied, with plenty of tasks to accomplish on a daily basis, a variety of spells to learn and cast, and a good mix of combat and puzzle solving. Aside from the main quest, you can also try your luck at several minigames, including Quidditch and broomstick races.
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Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (Lucas Arts)
First released on the PC, the well-received Jedi Knight II has made its way over to the GameCube and has managed to remain true its roots--this is one solid port by developer Vicarious Visions. As Kyle Katarn, you're on a mission to stop the buildup of a robotic army of dark warriors, and you must battle your way through 25 levels, using various Jedi powers and your trusty lightsaber to eliminate your foes. (You can switch from first-person to third-person view and save your game every time, which are nice touches.) The first few levels are a bit tedious, but if you can get past them, you'll be rewarded with some intense and satisfying combat. The multiplayer side of the game is also quite good, with 15 maps (a.k.a. arenas) and several modes from which to choose.
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Medal of Honor: Frontline (Electronic Arts)
GameCube owners had to wait a few months longer than their PS2 counterparts for this title, but the payoff for their patience is improved graphics, better sound, and multiplayer support. And don't be put off if you've already played through the PC's Medal of Honor Allied Assault; aside from the similarity of the opening Normandy Beach level, the missions are completely unique. While this title suffers from annoyingly sparse opportunities to save your progress and a paradoxically bloodless depiction of combat--so as to get the more marketing-friendly Teen rating--it's an otherwise flawless shooter that plays like a first-person version of Saving Private Ryan.
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Metroid Prime (Nintendo)
Every console has its signature, platform-exclusive game or games, and Nintendo's own Metroid Prime is the GameCube's current premier title. Though Metroid Prime has elements of a first-person shooter, it doesn't exactly play like one, for a couple of reasons. First of all, you can morph your heavy-armor-clad character, Samus Aran, into a sphere at any time and roll your way through tight spots in third-person view as you advance through Tallon IV's vast and graphically impressive levels while hunting down space pirates. Second, Samus is able to swap in various visors or heads-up displays--there are four total--that allow him to scan and target various objects, as well as collect information on them. The whole system takes a little getting used to, but the longer you play, the more you appreciate Metroid Prime's finer points. It's too bad that there's no multiplayer mode.
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Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (Midway)
While the venerable Mortal Kombat series of fighting games was out providing the inspiration for B movies over the past few years, graphically richer rivals from the Soul Caliber, Tekken, and Virtua Fighter series were winning gamers' favor. Deadly Alliance may help reverse that trend, giving the Mortal Kombat franchise a much-needed face-lift. This game provides fluid, three-dimensional animation while retaining over-the-top ultraviolence and colorful characters such as Sub-Zero, Raiden, and Johnny Cage. Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance deserves serious consideration for any fighting-game fan who's still roused by the phrase finish him!
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Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II (Sega)
The Dreamcast version of Phantasy Star Online was the first console online role-playing title, and it attracted its share of hard-core fans. Now, the expanded installment comes to the GameCube and has the distinction of being the platform's first (and currently only) online game. Like the original, this version has three character classes--hunter, ranger, and force--with which to build an online party, and a few new characters have been introduced to each class. You can play offline in split-screen multiplayer mode with up to three other folks, or you can hone your skills in the somewhat weak single-player campaign. If you choose to head online, you'll have to purchase the GameCube modem or broadband adapter and pay a monthly subscription fee of $8.95. The reward: even though it's slightly flawed in some areas, Phantasy Star is highly addictive and should keep you playing for hours.
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Executive Editor David Carnoy particularly relishes beating snotty 14-year-olds in online games.
John P. Falcone, who is still trying to complete Zork II, is a frequent contributor to CNET Reviews.
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