GameCube was a home video game console released by Nintendo in 2001, with hundreds of titles on offer that have now achieved cult status. Although the device is no longer made, there are still plenty of iconic GameCube games to play and one to suit every type of gamer.
We take a look at the most iconic and best GameCube titles ever released on the console and what made the Nintendo system so good.
Nintendo is no stranger to releasing some of the most iconic gaming systems of all time, and when the GameCube came out in 2001 it was clear this was going to be an instant classic. The small, purple, and cube-shaped console looked like nothing we’d ever seen before, and although it got some criticism for its toy-like appearance, gamers couldn’t be happier with it.
The GameCube had a huge array of games on offer, and it’s still enjoyed to this day. With the very last game being released in 2007, it’s still totally playable on most modern television sets and there are plenty of ways to get your hands on the games, both in new and used condition.
What Made This Console So Special
From looking at the list of the best GameCube games, it’s clear to see why this was such an iconic console. Not only did it look completely different from all other consoles out there, but it delivered where the other serious game systems had to, in order to be respected.
The controller was a huge selling point for GameCube and another thing that helped it to stand out from the competition. With parts from almost every controller that came before it as well as some new innovations, it was the perfect way to mix classic gaming with future advancements.
When it was released, the Nintendo GameCube sold out faster than both the PlayStation 2 and Xbox had initially sold. This was in part to the excitement that surrounded a new Nintendo system and also the relatively cheap price point when compared to the bigger consoles that were on the market.
The 25 Best GameCube Games and Why
There were a huge selection of games released for the console, so if you’re looking for a blast from the past then we’ve found the best of the bunch. There are arcade games, RPGs, and those that are just plain fun, so if you’re lucky enough to have your GameCube still then you can play some classics.
#25: TimeSplitters: Future Perfect
If you noticed a lack of first-person shooters on the GameCube, you wouldn’t be wrong. TimeSplitters: Future Perfect was, therefore, a cherished title to own. It was fun, action-packed, and full of puns and innuendo that cracked you up.
#24: Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
This game quickly became a cult classic for the GameCube and this action-adventure stealth video game required a lot of prowess to beat. There were a series of games released under this title and The Twin Snakes was fortunate enough to be the GameCube release.
#23: Super Mario Strikers
In what is just the first of many Mario centered games on our list, Super Mario Strikers was an intense sports themed title that was like nothing we’ve ever seen before. Rather than the cutesy games Mario used to play against his pals, Super Mario Strikers was half soccer half violence, which made it even more entertaining.
#22: Skies of Arcadia Legends
Dreamcast fans will be all too familiar with Skies of Arcadia, and when it was ported to Nintendo GameCube everyone rejoiced. An epic first-person RPG that followed the tale of Vyse and his Blue Rogues will see you involved in some crazy dungeon battles and will allow you to relive the glory of the original game.
#21: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
When you think of historic Nintendo series, Fire Emblem would have to be the longest running of them all. Path of Radiance was notoriously hard to defeat but its addictive strategy gameplay meant that people never wanted to give up. If you like your action games with plenty of action and a lot of difficulty, this is the one for you.
#20: Battalion Wars
Following on from the success of GameBoy Advance’s Advance Wars, Batallion Wars was released for the Cube at just the right time. With a mix of strategy and action, this gun-toting game was one you could play for hours without getting bored. Although the sales weren’t as impressive as they’d like, it will always remain a cult classic for Nintendo fans.
#19: Beyond Good and Evil
Ubisoft is known for making some instant classics and their fans are a loyal bunch. When Beyond Good and Evil was released on the GameCube they didn’t disappoint with an action adventure game that you can play on your own or with friends. Following the investigator Jade, we hope to blow the lid off a worldwide alien conspiracy theory.
#18: Super Monkey Ball
Just as the name suggests, Super Monkey Ball is based on a monkey inside a ball. It might sound simple and that’s exactly what it was, but it was also a whole lot of fun. Super Monkey Ball is the party game to end all party games, so make sure you have plenty of friends around when you get the GameCube out to play
#17: Mario Kart: Double Dash
Mario Kart will always be an institution in the world of gaming and when Double Dash was released for the GameCube it was rumored to bring a whole new twist to the series. Although it wasn’t as revolutionary as we hoped, there’s no denying that it’s one of the best GameCube games around and one that we will never tire of.
#16: Luigi’s Mansion
Poor Luigi always gets a bad rap when compared to Mario, but we think that Luigi’s Mansion which was released specifically for GameCube has to be one of the most underrated titles ever. What could be better than playing Luigi as he makes his way through a haunted mansion, overcoming his fears, and capturing ghosts in a vacuum cleaner?
#15: Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
It’s no surprise that the Nintendo GameCube was a little light on RPG titles, but Baten Kaitos has to be one of the best. There were two Baten Kaitos titles released on the system and both were equally good as each other. For fans of RPG, this was the only true taste you got fo your favorite genre so you had to hold on tight.
#14: Viewtiful Joe
In a title that brought back the fun of 2D gaming, Viewtiful Joe was an instant favorite among gamers. This game was over the top and full of fun, perfect for anyone who didn’t want their gaming experience to be taken too seriously. There was no other game like it around, and that’s what made it so special to us.
#13: Pikmin 2
The amazing puzzle strategy game is one that we will never forget, and it followed on from the wildly popular Pikmin that was released for the PS. Developed by Nintendo specifically for the GameCube, it had vibrant graphics and could get you lost for hours in its challenging fun. Unlike the first game which had a 30-day time limit, you have an infinite amount of time to explore and play this amazing classic.
#12: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
In a truly unique look for the Mario series, this was a beautifully designed game that focused on all things paper related. Paper Mario saw our favorite plumber make his way through various stages with the ability to turn into a paper airplane or grow stairs by flipping a switch. It was beautiful, magical, and something special from our Nintendo favorite.
#11: Super Mario Sunshine
A little more happy go lucky that his last appearance, Super Mario Sunshine was a good old classic Mario game at its simplest. You made your way through colorful levels, sailed above the skies, and hosed off slime with a water pack. There wasn’t much to it but it gave us everything that we love about Mario, and so it deserves a top spot.
#10: F-Zero GX
The first of the racing games to make our list, and one that is definitely a lot more high speed than we’re used to for the GameCube. F-Zero GX was a hovercraft racing game that took things to a new level and made it seem like an easy enough game to play until you made your way through a few levels and realized it was anything but.
#9: Animal Crossing
Some Nintendo fans might be shocked to see their favorite not taking the number one place, and this cult classic is certainly a lot of fun to play. There’s not much to Animal Crossing so you can play it if you’re looking for some relaxation and a way to escape everyday life by doing everyday activities on your GameCube.
#8: Soulcalibur II
The Soulcalibur games were hotly anticipated before their release, and the GameCube title didn’t disappoint. This classic arcade fighting game had characters that we all know and love, most importantly Zelda, and it put a fresh new spin on other combat games that seemed to miss the mark.
#7: Star Wars Rogue Leader
If people were wondering what the GameCube was really capable of in terms of graphics and gameplay, Star Wars Rogue Leader was the title to show them. This exceptionally made game took place in the Star Wars universe and let you fly around blowing up TIE fighters in an X-Wing. Say no more.
#6: Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
When you want something frightening from a Friday night gaming session, you can look no further than Eternal Darkness. This epic horror classic has you control a bunch of characters as they try to battle beings from beyond the cosmos.
#5: Super Smash Bros. Melee
For die-hard fans of the Smash Bros., any chance you get to have all of your favorite characters in the one game you’ll take. Super Smash Bros. Melee had everyone fighting it out in a blaze of glory and it was exceptionally easy to learn so there was no limit on who could enjoy the fun.
#4: Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
It was the game so good they made a movie out of it, but no cinematic piece could ever come close to the glory that was this game. Sands of Time was the reboot that we’d all been waiting for from the PC classic and brought our favorite video game hero into the present era with amazing results. There was agility and moves like no other character we’d seen before, making it an instant standout.
#3: Metroid Prime
The first person action adventure game was met with some hesitation on its release but it managed to blow everyone away within the first five minutes of gameplay. Metroid Prime follows the story of Samus who battles the space pirates, and it’s stunningly made with just the right amount of challenge.
#2: Resident Evil 4
Not many games will come close to the legendary status that the Resident Evil franchise has achieved, and their GameCube release did them proud. What is easily one of the best games that the console had, it was tough, moody, but a whole lot of fun to play.
#1: The Legend of Zelda: TheWind Maker
We got a whole new look at Zelda in The Wind Maker and it turned the series into a cartoonish world of fun. This game could be played for hours without realizing how much time has passed, and that’s the true test of a brilliant game if you ask us.
An Iconic Video Game Console
There are new gaming consoles being released all the time these days, but nothing will beat classic systems like the GameCube. Some gamers are still lucky enough to have their original device and others will be glad to know you can still get them online, proving that sometimes the original is still the best.
The console was released with a great selection and it grew to over 660 games before the final one was made. With this many options and a huge variety of genres to choose from, there are many more of the best GameCube games out there to explore.
