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Top 10 Best GameCube Games of all Time We count down to the very best GameCube game ever made. 
TOP SPOT
Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Is it the best Zelda game of all time? Our spoiler-free review answers that question. 
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100 Hacks in 10 Minutes
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:57 PM PST
Instead of his usual speed runs, Ross Miller has instead this week brought us something quite different: 100 hacks in 10 minutes. Weird, wild, crazy, pointless, sadistic, and sometimes even offensive (so don't say you weren't warned), many of these hacks seem to prove that people the world over really just need something better to do with their time.
How many can you recognize?
A lot of Mario and Mega Man love in there... and sometimes both, together. Some look fun to play, others boring, and still others I can't even tell were touched at all.
There's also at least one "official" hack in there; can you spot it?
100 Hacks in 10 Minutes
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:57 PM PST
Instead of his usual speed runs, Ross Miller has instead this week brought us something quite different: 100 hacks in 10 minutes. Weird, wild, crazy, pointless, sadistic, and sometimes even offensive (so don't say you weren't warned), many of these hacks seem to prove that people the world over really just need something better to do with their time.
How many can you recognize?
A lot of Mario and Mega Man love in there... and sometimes both, together. Some look fun to play, others boring, and still others I can't even tell were touched at all.
There's also at least one "official" hack in there; can you spot it?
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Podcast: Kombo Breaker - Episode 50: We celebrate 50 episodes with John Davison (Gamepro), Jeff and Dan (Totally Rad Show), and James Stevenson (Insomniac Games)
by Dan Johnson | 11/06/09 | 4:48 PM PST
We promised #50 would be crazy and we feel like we delivered. Nearly two and a half times longer than our recent episodes, this behemoth may seem daunting at first, but we promise you'll want to sit through the whole episode. If for some horrible reason you refuse to do so, we're happy to provide the times for each guest so you can get your fix.
John Davison kicks off our first segment discussing his transition from whattheyplay.com to Editor in Chief of Gamepro Magazine. I know, I know, Gamepro does still exist. John Davison explains why you should care now that he's at the helm. We're convinced!
Totally Rad Show's Jeff Cannata and Dan Trachtenberg join us around the 40 minute mark to launch into a discussion about movie games and moreso game movies, especially in light of the fact that the Prince of Persia trailer has just been released. These guys know their stuff and it was a blast to have Jeff explain to us how Doom the movie could've been good.
Finally James Stevenson, Community Manager over at Insomniac Games, sits down with us to talk about their fantastic new release, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. The interview starts around the 1:47 mark and delves into a lot of the design choices for the game, and he gives the slightest hint of what might come in the future.
It's hard to believe we've actually made 50 of these things. We just want to offer our sincere thanks to anyone who's been listening since the beginning, all the way to anyone who might've joined us even just last week. We're really privileged to be able to spend time with people from every corner of the gaming realm and hope to only bring you more guests that you (and we) love.
If you're new to the show, make sure you subscribe on iTunes. We'd love some feedback either here or on the iTunes show page itself. Follow us on Twitter (@KomboBreaker) or email us (kombobreaker@kombo.com).
Next week, gaming press legend Garnett Lee graces us with his presence. You won't want to miss it!
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 50 | 2h 25m
Podcast: Kombo Breaker - Episode 50: We celebrate 50 episodes with John Davison (Gamepro), Jeff and Dan (Totally Rad Show), and James Stevenson (Insomniac Games)
by Dan Johnson | 11/06/09 | 4:48 PM PST
We promised #50 would be crazy and we feel like we delivered. Nearly two and a half times longer than our recent episodes, this behemoth may seem daunting at first, but we promise you'll want to sit through the whole episode. If for some horrible reason you refuse to do so, we're happy to provide the times for each guest so you can get your fix.
John Davison kicks off our first segment discussing his transition from whattheyplay.com to Editor in Chief of Gamepro Magazine. I know, I know, Gamepro does still exist. John Davison explains why you should care now that he's at the helm. We're convinced!
Totally Rad Show's Jeff Cannata and Dan Trachtenberg join us around the 40 minute mark to launch into a discussion about movie games and moreso game movies, especially in light of the fact that the Prince of Persia trailer has just been released. These guys know their stuff and it was a blast to have Jeff explain to us how Doom the movie could've been good.
Finally James Stevenson, Community Manager over at Insomniac Games, sits down with us to talk about their fantastic new release, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. The interview starts around the 1:47 mark and delves into a lot of the design choices for the game, and he gives the slightest hint of what might come in the future.
It's hard to believe we've actually made 50 of these things. We just want to offer our sincere thanks to anyone who's been listening since the beginning, all the way to anyone who might've joined us even just last week. We're really privileged to be able to spend time with people from every corner of the gaming realm and hope to only bring you more guests that you (and we) love.
If you're new to the show, make sure you subscribe on iTunes. We'd love some feedback either here or on the iTunes show page itself. Follow us on Twitter (@KomboBreaker) or email us (kombobreaker@kombo.com).
Next week, gaming press legend Garnett Lee graces us with his presence. You won't want to miss it!
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 50 | 2h 25m
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Is Champions Online Ready for Consoles?
by Eric Frederiksen | 11/06/09 | 9:38 AM PST
In case it isn't clear just looking along the top bar, Kombo is a console-focused site. So why are we reviewing Champions Online? Other than just wanting to, I wanted to take a peek at a PC massively multiplayer game that lists a console as its next destination, see what works, what doesn't, and take a look at its prospects for making the jump to consoles. Though I won't be giving it a traditional review score, I'll review it in the usual Kombo format.
What the Game's About
Champions Online is the newest MMO from developer Cryptic Studios. Taking notes from their first outing, City of Heroes, they've returned to the Superhero genre once more in hopes of perfecting the formula. Licensing a classic pen-and-paper RPG, Champions Online brings the characters and stories of Champions to life for players to experience firsthand.
Is Champions Online Ready for Consoles?
by Eric Frederiksen | 11/06/09 | 9:38 AM PST
In case it isn't clear just looking along the top bar, Kombo is a console-focused site. So why are we reviewing Champions Online? Other than just wanting to, I wanted to take a peek at a PC massively multiplayer game that lists a console as its next destination, see what works, what doesn't, and take a look at its prospects for making the jump to consoles. Though I won't be giving it a traditional review score, I'll review it in the usual Kombo format.
What the Game's About
Champions Online is the newest MMO from developer Cryptic Studios. Taking notes from their first outing, City of Heroes, they've returned to the Superhero genre once more in hopes of perfecting the formula. Licensing a classic pen-and-paper RPG, Champions Online brings the characters and stories of Champions to life for players to experience firsthand.
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What Makes a Game Worth It?
by Brian Langlois | 11/06/09 | 6:30 AM PST
So I'm reading an article today about Dead Space: Extraction not selling very well and everyone is saying "I told you so" because it's an on-rails shooter. Never mind the fact that it has only been out for two weeks as of this writing, but I guess that doesn't matter since this game has been unfairly derided since it was announced. It's no secret that I've been a big proponent of the game and think it offers an amazing experience. Anyway, I'm not really here to talk about Extraction per se, but rather the perception that any on-rails shooter is instantly not worth paying full price for. It's a mentality that could apply to any game genre, and one that I quite frankly do not understand.
What Makes a Game Worth It?
by Brian Langlois | 11/06/09 | 6:30 AM PST
So I'm reading an article today about Dead Space: Extraction not selling very well and everyone is saying "I told you so" because it's an on-rails shooter. Never mind the fact that it has only been out for two weeks as of this writing, but I guess that doesn't matter since this game has been unfairly derided since it was announced. It's no secret that I've been a big proponent of the game and think it offers an amazing experience. Anyway, I'm not really here to talk about Extraction per se, but rather the perception that any on-rails shooter is instantly not worth paying full price for. It's a mentality that could apply to any game genre, and one that I quite frankly do not understand.
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Activision Scores High in Q3 Financial Results
by Eric Jones | 11/06/09 | 12:42 AM PST
Despite a tough economy, Activision still managed to pull out a strong 3rd quarter, the company announced Thursday. In all, $755 million in sales were brought in, exceeding previously set goals of $700 million.
According to Activision, strong sales of Guitar Hero, World of Warcraft, and Call of Duty were the reason for sales upturn. While the first two - with four different Guitar Hero releases so far this year and the juggernaut that is WoW - are no surprise, the lasting power of Call of Duty: World at War is surprising. Then again, it could simple be due to all of those Modern Warfare 2 pre-orders.
Activision Scores High in Q3 Financial Results
by Eric Jones | 11/06/09 | 12:42 AM PST
Despite a tough economy, Activision still managed to pull out a strong 3rd quarter, the company announced Thursday. In all, $755 million in sales were brought in, exceeding previously set goals of $700 million.
According to Activision, strong sales of Guitar Hero, World of Warcraft, and Call of Duty were the reason for sales upturn. While the first two - with four different Guitar Hero releases so far this year and the juggernaut that is WoW - are no surprise, the lasting power of Call of Duty: World at War is surprising. Then again, it could simple be due to all of those Modern Warfare 2 pre-orders.
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Konami Predicts Profit Drop of 82%
by David Oxford | 11/05/09 | 10:48 AM PST
Compared to what Konami made in the six-month period ending September 30th, 2008, it appears that the company has taken a tremendous blow for the same period this year.
The Japanese publisher has released a forecast which predicts a profit drop of 82 percent, though revenue as a while will only be down by 22.5 percent (JPY 114 billion/USD 1.26 billion), which is still nothing to sneeze at. Meanwhile, net income will drop from last year's JPY 12 billion (USD 132.8 million) to JPY 2.2 billion (USD 24.3 million).
Konami Predicts Profit Drop of 82%
by David Oxford | 11/05/09 | 10:48 AM PST
Compared to what Konami made in the six-month period ending September 30th, 2008, it appears that the company has taken a tremendous blow for the same period this year.
The Japanese publisher has released a forecast which predicts a profit drop of 82 percent, though revenue as a while will only be down by 22.5 percent (JPY 114 billion/USD 1.26 billion), which is still nothing to sneeze at. Meanwhile, net income will drop from last year's JPY 12 billion (USD 132.8 million) to JPY 2.2 billion (USD 24.3 million).
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Develop on the Unreal 3 Engine For Free
by Daniel Sims | 11/05/09 | 10:13 AM PST
Epic Games today announced the release of a free tool kit for developing on the Unreal 3 Engine. The free kit is mainly intended for various noncommercial uses.
The Unreal Development Kit (UDK) is available now for anyone who has the interest and ability to create content with the Unreal 3 Engine. The free kit is advertised towards students, hobbyists, researchers, digital filmmakers, and others.
The UDK gives users access to a fully updated version of the Unreal 3 Engine that even includes features not yet seen in Unreal 3 Engine games. Epic will continually upgrade the UDK for free.
Game developers can also make deals with Epic for commercial uses of the UDK as well. Epic's commercial teams intend to use UDK to make it easier financially for developers both independent and professional to use the Unreal 3 engine.
Right now the UDK only supports the PC, but Epic is considering console support.
Develop on the Unreal 3 Engine For Free
by Daniel Sims | 11/05/09 | 10:13 AM PST
Epic Games today announced the release of a free tool kit for developing on the Unreal 3 Engine. The free kit is mainly intended for various noncommercial uses.
The Unreal Development Kit (UDK) is available now for anyone who has the interest and ability to create content with the Unreal 3 Engine. The free kit is advertised towards students, hobbyists, researchers, digital filmmakers, and others.
The UDK gives users access to a fully updated version of the Unreal 3 Engine that even includes features not yet seen in Unreal 3 Engine games. Epic will continually upgrade the UDK for free.
Game developers can also make deals with Epic for commercial uses of the UDK as well. Epic's commercial teams intend to use UDK to make it easier financially for developers both independent and professional to use the Unreal 3 engine.
Right now the UDK only supports the PC, but Epic is considering console support.
source: videogamer.com
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Video Game Consoles Make Good Housekeeping's "Best Toys of All Time" List
by David Oxford | 11/05/09 | 9:34 AM PST
Despite taking up its own aisles, corners, and cases of Toys R Us and KayBee Toys for the last two decades, there are those who might dispute the validity of the claim that video games are toys. Nonetheless, when assembling their list of "The Best Toys of All Time," Good Housekeeping had no qualms about including two video game platforms among their ranks.
The first is kind of obvious. Organized by decade from the 1920s on, the Cabbage Patch Kids are joined by the Nintendo Entertainment System as one of the best toys to represent the 80's. "More than 60 million units were sold in its first two years," the article notes, "and it paved the way for high-tech consoles of today like the Wii and Nintendo DS Lite."
The other platform to join the NES on the list is both predictable, in a way, and yet still surprising.
Video Game Consoles Make Good Housekeeping's "Best Toys of All Time" List
by David Oxford | 11/05/09 | 9:34 AM PST
Despite taking up its own aisles, corners, and cases of Toys R Us and KayBee Toys for the last two decades, there are those who might dispute the validity of the claim that video games are toys. Nonetheless, when assembling their list of "The Best Toys of All Time," Good Housekeeping had no qualms about including two video game platforms among their ranks.
The first is kind of obvious. Organized by decade from the 1920s on, the Cabbage Patch Kids are joined by the Nintendo Entertainment System as one of the best toys to represent the 80's. "More than 60 million units were sold in its first two years," the article notes, "and it paved the way for high-tech consoles of today like the Wii and Nintendo DS Lite."
The other platform to join the NES on the list is both predictable, in a way, and yet still surprising.
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My Princess is in Another Castle!
by Eric Frederiksen | 11/05/09 | 5:24 AM PST
Over the years I've owned or played every console incarnation of the Mario and Zelda primary franchises, and a number of the handhelds even. Over the last few years, I've realized something. My appreciation for Mario games is actually growing as I play more of them (even if Mario Galaxy did make me feel a bit ill) while my interest in Zelda games is rapidly waning.
I could end this with one word—variety—but that's not fair to either franchise. There's a lot more to say.
There's no question that the original Super Mario Bros. and Legend of Zelda games are two of the all-time classics. Games still copy design ideas from them, and the franchises are still among Nintendo's most loved and most successful. I feel like the two have gone in different directions as the years have passed, though. More accurately, I feel like Mario has gone off to do his own thing while the Zelda franchise has spun its wheels.
My Princess is in Another Castle!
by Eric Frederiksen | 11/05/09 | 5:24 AM PST
Over the years I've owned or played every console incarnation of the Mario and Zelda primary franchises, and a number of the handhelds even. Over the last few years, I've realized something. My appreciation for Mario games is actually growing as I play more of them (even if Mario Galaxy did make me feel a bit ill) while my interest in Zelda games is rapidly waning.
I could end this with one word—variety—but that's not fair to either franchise. There's a lot more to say.
There's no question that the original Super Mario Bros. and Legend of Zelda games are two of the all-time classics. Games still copy design ideas from them, and the franchises are still among Nintendo's most loved and most successful. I feel like the two have gone in different directions as the years have passed, though. More accurately, I feel like Mario has gone off to do his own thing while the Zelda franchise has spun its wheels.
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Is a Wii 2 in 2011's Future?
by Brian Langlois | 11/05/09 | 5:18 AM PST
When will the next "Next Generation" arrive? Recently, there has been a lot of speculation that Nintendo will release a Wii 2 in 2011. While a lot of people are busy debunking the rumor, I have to say that it sounds about right to me. I've been watching the industry for a long time, and if they're going to do it, right now is when we would traditionally start hearing the rumblings. It's only two E3 Expos away, folks! I think the date makes a lot of sense for Nintendo, and I'm sure they'll be looking to give us an upgrade right when the audience is most ready for it.
Some might say that 2011 is too soon, but considering that Nintendo has released a new console every five years since 1991, is seems pretty likely. Unlike Sony, Nintendo never really abandoned the 5-year cycle that has been prevalent in the industry.
Is a Wii 2 in 2011's Future?
by Brian Langlois | 11/05/09 | 5:18 AM PST
When will the next "Next Generation" arrive? Recently, there has been a lot of speculation that Nintendo will release a Wii 2 in 2011. While a lot of people are busy debunking the rumor, I have to say that it sounds about right to me. I've been watching the industry for a long time, and if they're going to do it, right now is when we would traditionally start hearing the rumblings. It's only two E3 Expos away, folks! I think the date makes a lot of sense for Nintendo, and I'm sure they'll be looking to give us an upgrade right when the audience is most ready for it.
Some might say that 2011 is too soon, but considering that Nintendo has released a new console every five years since 1991, is seems pretty likely. Unlike Sony, Nintendo never really abandoned the 5-year cycle that has been prevalent in the industry.
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Namco and SEGA Zippos Invite You to Smoke if You've Got 'Em
by David Oxford | 11/04/09 | 3:13 PM PST
Despite my parents' contrary behavior, I have never been into smoking. However, novelty manufacturer Banpresto seems to be doing their humble best to make me regret never lighting up.
Namco and SEGA Zippos Invite You to Smoke if You've Got 'Em
by David Oxford | 11/04/09 | 3:13 PM PST
Despite my parents' contrary behavior, I have never been into smoking. However, novelty manufacturer Banpresto seems to be doing their humble best to make me regret never lighting up.
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Basketball Player Finds the Key to Winning is Losing
by David Oxford | 11/04/09 | 11:51 AM PST
Sometimes, losing is a potent way to propel one's self to victory. A determined person might see their loss, isolate where they made a mistaken, and go back for another round with even greater determination and ultimately claiming victory.
But the story of Kevin Durant is a little bit different.
Speaking to NewsOK.com, the basketball guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder said "People might not believe me, but when I go home (after practice) I play video games and I lose all the time. And I get so mad that I come back and I want to win everything. Something that small puts that winning mentality into my head."
Basketball Player Finds the Key to Winning is Losing
by David Oxford | 11/04/09 | 11:51 AM PST
Sometimes, losing is a potent way to propel one's self to victory. A determined person might see their loss, isolate where they made a mistaken, and go back for another round with even greater determination and ultimately claiming victory.
But the story of Kevin Durant is a little bit different.
Speaking to NewsOK.com, the basketball guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder said "People might not believe me, but when I go home (after practice) I play video games and I lose all the time. And I get so mad that I come back and I want to win everything. Something that small puts that winning mentality into my head."
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Golgoth Studios Working on Data East IP After Toki
by David Oxford | 11/04/09 | 9:44 AM PST
During an interview with GameSetWatch, Anthony De Sa Ferreira of Golgoth Studios talked about their plans to revive Data East's Toki as a digitally downloadable game. But during the conversation, talk of another Data East remake came up.
"[W]hen we were looking for Toki's licensor," he says, "one of the Japanese contacts told us they have other IP from Data East. After studying each license, we signed an agreement with the Japanese company G-mode at the beginning of the year to develop another title. It's also an old Data East license."
Golgoth Studios Working on Data East IP After Toki
by David Oxford | 11/04/09 | 9:44 AM PST
During an interview with GameSetWatch, Anthony De Sa Ferreira of Golgoth Studios talked about their plans to revive Data East's Toki as a digitally downloadable game. But during the conversation, talk of another Data East remake came up.
"[W]hen we were looking for Toki's licensor," he says, "one of the Japanese contacts told us they have other IP from Data East. After studying each license, we signed an agreement with the Japanese company G-mode at the beginning of the year to develop another title. It's also an old Data East license."
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Games that Raise the Bar for Genre Excellence
by Brian Langlois | 11/04/09 | 5:45 AM PST
I wrote a while back about my excitement for Dead Space: Extraction, even though at the time many were disappointed by its very nature as an on-rails shooter. I defended the title as being one of the best looking rail-shooters of all time, and now I can finally say that I was not wrong. Having played the game I can safely say that it is possibly the best light-gun style shooter of all time, and a great game in its own right. The reviews seem to agree with me so I hope everyone will at least check it out. If you are a fan of rail-shooters or the original Dead Space then it will be well worth your while.
The thing about Dead Space: Extraction is that it really raises the bar for other games of its genre. The game creates a truly cinematic experience and still manages to offer the scares, even though you are guided the whole way through. Ammo is a precious resource like it is in most survival-horror games, which means you have to rethink the way you play this "shooter" of a game. That is indeed what makes it great as it has broken the expected barriers of the genre. The game makes me think of other titles that dared to take their respective genres to the next level and reinvigorate the stale formulas of yesterday. It's a necessity to evolve in order to keep things fresh and players interested.
Games that Raise the Bar for Genre Excellence
by Brian Langlois | 11/04/09 | 5:45 AM PST
I wrote a while back about my excitement for Dead Space: Extraction, even though at the time many were disappointed by its very nature as an on-rails shooter. I defended the title as being one of the best looking rail-shooters of all time, and now I can finally say that I was not wrong. Having played the game I can safely say that it is possibly the best light-gun style shooter of all time, and a great game in its own right. The reviews seem to agree with me so I hope everyone will at least check it out. If you are a fan of rail-shooters or the original Dead Space then it will be well worth your while.
The thing about Dead Space: Extraction is that it really raises the bar for other games of its genre. The game creates a truly cinematic experience and still manages to offer the scares, even though you are guided the whole way through. Ammo is a precious resource like it is in most survival-horror games, which means you have to rethink the way you play this "shooter" of a game. That is indeed what makes it great as it has broken the expected barriers of the genre. The game makes me think of other titles that dared to take their respective genres to the next level and reinvigorate the stale formulas of yesterday. It's a necessity to evolve in order to keep things fresh and players interested.
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N64 Kid Gets "Web Redemption" on Comedy Central's Tosh.0
by Eric Jones | 11/03/09 | 10:51 PM PST
If you're familiar with the oftentimes frightening world of internet memes, you're aware of Brandon Kuzma, the seven-year old who leaped into our hearts on YouTube, screaming all the way about his new Nintendo 64. Now 20, Kuzma has obtained his chance to redeem himself for his embarassment, being featured on Comedy Central's new web oriented program, Tosh.0.
In the interview with host Daniel Tosh, Kuzma revealed he received nearly $50,000 for the video's use in a BMW ad, and tried to give back for his "internet crime". Of course, it all goes south with Tosh's final surprise at the end.
N64 Kid Gets "Web Redemption" on Comedy Central's Tosh.0
by Eric Jones | 11/03/09 | 10:51 PM PST
If you're familiar with the oftentimes frightening world of internet memes, you're aware of Brandon Kuzma, the seven-year old who leaped into our hearts on YouTube, screaming all the way about his new Nintendo 64. Now 20, Kuzma has obtained his chance to redeem himself for his embarassment, being featured on Comedy Central's new web oriented program, Tosh.0.
| Tosh.0 | Thursdays at 10pm / 9c | |||
| Web Redemption - Nintendo 64 Kid | ||||
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In the interview with host Daniel Tosh, Kuzma revealed he received nearly $50,000 for the video's use in a BMW ad, and tried to give back for his "internet crime". Of course, it all goes south with Tosh's final surprise at the end.
November 6, 2009
