I was hoping to pick this one up, after reading IGNs mediocre review essentially saying its Gauntlet on steroids with killer graphics I was still sold.
Mainly because my wife and I need a good multiplayer title to get into once were are done with Baldur's Gate.
Then I read the Nintendo Power article and there is a section which shows that one controller can be used with one GBA only in Single player mode (I was hoping that my wife could use the GCN controller and I could use the GBA)
long story short (too late I know) from what I understand you must have more than 1 GBA(one for every player) in order to play FF CC multiplayer even if you only want to play two player
This is a major NON SELLING point to me.
If anyone has played this and I am wrong please let me know.

You are correct...multiplayer requires everyone to use a GBA.

I like how people complain...but its not like this is a surprise...is been known since E3 last May.

I understand the need for multiple GBAS for 3 to 4 players but it seems like bad game design not allowing 2 player play with one GCN controller and one GBA. seems like nit picking but its major for me as I am not buying another GBA just to play this game. Hopefully this information is helpful to someone planning on buying the game

You can still use the gamecube controller to play but it will be a very expensive option. Just hook up the link cable to another Gamecube with the Gameboy Player.

You have to understand though, playing with GBAs was the whole point of this game being made. I'm actually surprised they have a single player version that doesn't need the GBA.

The former president of Nintendo put together a fund out of his own pocket to fund the creation of games that used the GBA with the GameCube. Pac-Man Vs and Crystal Chronicles are two of the games that came from that.

GBA being needed is the whole point. Nintendo is heavily criticised for not making better use of the GBA connectibility, then when they make games that are made specifically for it they are criticised for making people hook up their GBAs. Nintendo seems to be a company that can make no one happy.

After reading the in depth article and review I understand why (less clutter on the screen etc) and it does sound cool. I just wanted clarification about the 2 player scenario. This thread really wasn't about complaining as much as just checking and getting the facts out.
The game still looks amazing

that's b/c i don't understand why a physical network multiplayer mode seems to be the driving force instead of an online multiplayer mode.

i'm sort of a sucker for final fantasies, and i will pick it up just for the single player mode (when it hits $20! ).

Played it, and i like it, but it's really nothing more than an off-line multiplayer non-split-screen Phantasy Star Online. Not that that's bad...but anyone who's played PSO will understand that it's not a game you play alone.

Yep, if you've played Secret of Mana then you'd understand why a game like this would need a GBA as the controller.

That's a DAMN GOOD comparison..

Did you know Seiken Densetsu 3 (aka Secret of Mana 2) was only 2 players even though you still had 3 people in your party?

I'm happy!