I don't see the what the big fuss is.
I do think the PS2 version doesn't look as graphically impressive as the GC version, but as mentioned on page 1 of this thread...this game isn't really all about graphics.
If someone wants to drool over how purty this game is, go buy a GC and get this game.
If someone wants to play a damn fun game on their existing system (if they don't have a GC) then let them buy the PS2 version.
I think this mentality is what's pushing games away from "making them fun" to "making them purty".