Warning: This may be a total rant.

Alrighty...it's 1:41 am here in Makuhari. Everyone else is crashed out in our room and completely asleep. I wanted to drop a few notes on what the whole vibe is like here in Japan on GameCube.

I have one sentence for you.

It's looking like GameCube is going to be a big hit.

Spaceworld is absolutely packed. Doors open to the public at 9am, and by 11am it's jammed with wide eyed game players. Realize that this is the first time the Japanese have gotten to play GameCube titles. Sure they've seen screens and video, but now they can actually check out the system. So far, I haven't seen anyone disappointed.

What looks like it'll be a hit here in Japan? Well, that can be explained by what game has the longest lines. Here's what seems to be a hit here:

Animal Leader

Animal Forest

Luigi's Mansion

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Super Monkey Ball

Pikmin

Super Mario Advance 2

Tekken Advance

Puyo Puyo Advance

Street Fighter Zero 3 Upper

Diddy Kong Pilot

Phantasy Star Online V.2

I think that's about it. Lines for games are absolutely ridiculous, and contrary to popular belief, we don't get a private room to play. The Smash Bros. Tournament line was insane. I think it's about 3 hours long. Good luck. We fight the crowds like everyone else. So actual game play is extremely limited. Which, in a sense....blows. But then again we're here, and I can't complain.

By the way, I've heard about all the freak outs that have been happening about the Zelda footage. People that aren't happy, or have been following the series forever, and yadda yadda and all that crap. Okay....here are my thoughts. I was absolutely blown away. In fact, I haven't met anyone here who didn't like it. Sure, I saw the first screen shot that everyone else saw. It's too bad that was the first thing that hit the net. I think the new Zelda is DRIPPING with personality. Sure it's different than what was shown before. It's a totally different switch for the Zelda series. But if you actually see it in motion, I think you may change your mind. Also take into consideration that this was about sixty seconds of footage from a 50-60 hour game. Sure, everyone's entitled to their opinions and I respect that. But also remember this...it's a MIYAMOTO GAME. What was the last title that Shiggy made that sucked. Okay, Yoshi's Story didn't rock, but whatever. Do you think Nintendo's going to mess up one of their #1 franchises? I don't think so. Personally I can't wait to see more...let alone get my mitts on it. Bring it.

Mario? I filled my shorts. I actually had to change my shorts 3 times in a 20 second period of time. This game is going to rock. I just want to know what the hell was on his back. Mario will rock your world. Unfortunately...we may not see it until Winter 2002. Booooooooooo!

So what's my favorite game of the show so far? Well I haven't had a chance to play Luigi's Mansion, and I missed Kirby (they took it off the floor)....but it's a toss up. Monkey Ball, Wave Race, and Pikmin I am dying for. Mostly everything looks good. There are a few duds. I am emphasising FEW.

Also one more thing that's interesting is the fact that some of the Wave Race setups are being run on the Panasonic DVD hybrid. They did modify it slighty...but DAMN this system looks cool. It even comes with a grey GC controller. Gimmee.

Overall this trip has been more than interesting. We'll have updates flowing as fast as we can! All I know is this...Nintendo is shining right now...and launch is only 3 weeks away.