Zeno's Paradox: Playstation 2 or GameCube?

Zeno's Paradox

November 20, 2002 - Playstation 2 or GameCube?

For many months, I've been lusting after the third generation consoles (GameCube, Playstation 2, and X-Box). I currently own a Playstation (with only one game at the moment -- thank you airlines) and a GameBoy Advance. I like both systems, though I don't play the GameBoy Advance as much as I would like since I'm usually doing other things when I would be playing it. Now that I'm gainfully employed and can afford one of these systems, I've been debating whether to get one. Until today, I had just assumed that I would be getting a Playstation 2 or nothing because it seemed to have a solid game library. However, upon the announcement of a GameBoy Advance adapter for the GameCube, I am seriously reconsidering my previous stance. The question of Playstation or nothing has become Playstation, GameCube, or nothing.

Here's what the PlayStation 2 has for it as far as I'm concerned:

- Final Fantasy X: I'm a big fan of the Final Fantasy series and I've been looking forward to this game. However, I'm in no rush as I'm currently in the process of finishing Final Fantasy VII, and I have yet to try Final Fantasy IX. I'll probably also pick up the peripheral Final Fantasy (Tactics, Chronicles, Chrono*) games for the PS/One before getting to this one.

- Metal Gear Solid 2: I loved the Metal Gear game for the PS/One. This one looked promising, though the reviews were lukewarm.

- Squaresoft: I'm a huge fan of Square's games. After Square's defection to Sony, it looked like Nintendo would no longer be getting any Square games. However, since Square and Nintendo seem to be patching things up this may not be a huge factor.

Here are the advantages of the GameCube:

- Cheaper: I can buy another game with the money that save by getting a GameCube instead of a PS/2.

- Dedicated gaming machine - Nintendo has squarely focused on making the GameCube a gaming console. It doesn't try to be the center of a home digital entertainment hub or anything like that. Nintendo is sticking to the basics here and that's a plus in my book.

- Strong GameBoy Advance synergy: Nintendo has gone out of its way to do interesting things with the GameCube and GameBoy Advance. Now that you will be able to play GBA games on the GameCube only sweetens the pot.

- Strong games: Nintendo's franchises are among the most fun games around. Mario, Zelda, etc. Plus I keep hearing great things about the new Metroid games.

One thing to note that is a benefit more to Nintendo than Sony is that since there's a console war going on, developers have been less eager to release exclusive titles for a single console. Thus, I can buy games like Spiderman and Robotech that will play on all consoles. This benefits Nintendo because the cost of getting the Nintendo is less and I can play many of the same games.

Now, before I get ahead of myself, here are the benefits of not buying a console.

- Avoid spending a lot of money on potentially addictive games.

- Can get a life doing other, more "rewarding" things. (Tongue firmly in cheek)

Now that I've gone through the process of thinking this out and putting the words to "paper", I think that I'll probably be going for the GameCube. The question is when. Seeing how I have plenty to keep me busy a while with the Final Fantasy games for PS/One. I think that I can easily wait until after the Christmas season before getting one of these. Since there's no benefit to getting one instead of later I can also take advantage of the price cuts as these things get cheaper and the libraries better.

I'd appreciate any thoughts from someone who know about these things. How does the GameCube compare and vice versa?

Posted by br284 at 10:14 AM

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