24th August 2003, 6:53 PM
It's totally unfair to compare Zelda with FF:CC as a comparison of the series. First of all, FF:CC is an offshoot of the Final Fantasy line. Games like Final Fantasy Tactics or FF:CC do not sell as well as the main line, usually finding a successful plateau at 300,000 to 600,000 copies sold. Meanwhile, the main line (as long as it's not online-based) sells upwards of 2 million in the first few days of release.
In addition, FF:CC requires an odd (and expensive) setup of GBAs and wires, making the full potential of the game out of reach for all but the most social of Nintendo fans.
But most of all, you have to judge them relative to the expectations for them. Many people on the Gaming-Age Forums were predicting between 100,000 and 200,000 copies for FF:CC, especially after F-Zero's disappointing showing. Yet the title sold out of 76% of initial shipment in just four days, ensuring that it will become one of the best selling games on Gamecube in Japan this year. Meanwhile, Nintendo expected Zelda to turn its console around in Japan, and it did just the opposite: it sold mainly to previous GC purchasers. Not only that, but it was outsold by a tired, rehashed franchise in the form of Mario Party 4.
In addition, FF:CC requires an odd (and expensive) setup of GBAs and wires, making the full potential of the game out of reach for all but the most social of Nintendo fans.
But most of all, you have to judge them relative to the expectations for them. Many people on the Gaming-Age Forums were predicting between 100,000 and 200,000 copies for FF:CC, especially after F-Zero's disappointing showing. Yet the title sold out of 76% of initial shipment in just four days, ensuring that it will become one of the best selling games on Gamecube in Japan this year. Meanwhile, Nintendo expected Zelda to turn its console around in Japan, and it did just the opposite: it sold mainly to previous GC purchasers. Not only that, but it was outsold by a tired, rehashed franchise in the form of Mario Party 4.