So what is the best, pure fun, all-around, standard, traditional, good platform game for the Gamecube as of now.

Super Mario Sunshine.

Not much else in that genre on the Cube. The Sonic Adventure games if you're into them I guess.

Arguably Metroid Prime (platform elements). Other decent ones are Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, Viewtiful Joe and Wario World.

I can name seven really good platformers on the DS.

Yeah, the DS is a much better system for platformers.

Seems like I've answered this one a lot lately. Super Mario Sunshine is not only the best platformer on the Cube, but also the best platformer of this generation. It's fairly easy to blast through, but is also very rewarding for skilled players who want to pick everything up.

Also, both the classic Sonic and the MegaMan packs are great (obviously). Viewtiful Joe is a really fun beat em up with some platformer elements (kind of a tough game too). And as previously mentioned, Metroid Prime is the perfect hybrid of FPS and platformer...and is, in fact, the only FPS I've ever liked.

Mario Sunshine is brilliant.. as stated.

I haven't tried Rayman 3 but that may fill the bill.

Personally, I can't stand Sonic games.. but if you can there's plenty on Cube.

is SMS addictive and more importantly pick-up and playable? i want something for short or long jolts at a time.

also, will i need a faq to find most stuff or if i just sit and explore can i find?

Sunshine is a pick-up-and-play or a play-a-long-time game, for sure.

I never (or rarely) use FAQs and I rocked Sunshine all over, it just depends on how much you're willing to explore ever nook and cranny. Admittedly, I never got EVERY blue coin (but that was just me not trying) but you don't need to to beat the game, see all the levels, etc.

Yes catching shines in SMS is addictive. Also SMS can be played in short or long jolts at a time.

No you don't need a faq to find the shines. At the beginning of each level, it will tell you which shine you need to find next and the camera will pan around the area to explore. There are also blue coins that are hidden in each level that might be hard to find, but they can be found with good exploring.

I highly recommend SMS! It is one of the best platforming games ever created!

thanks x and pixy. and is there a linear path to follow to actually beat the game? and are there nice boss battles as well?

SMS features some of the best boss battles ever seen in a platformer!

really? or do you just really love the game?

The boss battles are indeed awesome and very classic Nintendo.

Except for the final boss, which was a bit weak.

The only problem with SMS is that the camera can be frustrating on a few occasions. It is still a very good game though.