I don’t know much about it but I can surely say that there would have been very few people still playing Best GameCube Games on console. Especially after the rise of consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, such old Nintendo consoles have been forgotten and if gamers want to play games based on them then they use the emulator for it.
10 Best GameCube Games
If you want to play best GameCube games which are the most popular ones until now then you really need a complete study about it first. If you got no clue about GameCube games then you can check out the list which I have curated including some of the most popular GameCube games of all time along with their plot and a bit of description.
1. Super Mario Strikers
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
The first one in the list of best GameCube games had to be Super Mario Strikers because of course, the ultimate popularity level. Developed by Next Level Games, it was released in 2005 and also known as Mario Smash Football in Europe and Australia.
Being a football based game, Super Mario Strikers features every aspect of football and as there is no referees, the game gives an amazing control to the players.
I really loved that how they incorporated Mario characters in a team of five in this football game. The game can be played in single as well as multiplayer modes. Each team has a captain, three sidekicks and a goalkeeper. The basic gameplay is comprised of elements like dash, tackle players, ball lob etc.
2. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Website:Â http://www.konami.jp/
Remake of Metal Gear Solid, this action adventure game was released in 2004. If you have played the earlier version then you will get to see great graphical advancement in this remake making it worth including in the list of best GameCube games.
The game runs in first person shooting perspective and based on the genre of stealth where it is in player’s hand to whether only defeat the enemy or kill him.
You can see better interaction between enemy players which gives a better realistic feel to the gameplay. Sense of sight and sound are also developed in a better way. The game can be played in single player mode only featuring various dialogues for players and enemies too.
3. Star Fox: Assault
Website:Â http://www.starfox.com
This is the fourth game in Star Fox series which is set in third person perspective. This is a type of 3D side-scrolling shooter game developed by Namco and released in 2005.
This next inclusion in the list of best GameCube games is set after the events of Star Fox Adventures and focuses on the repetitive protagonist Fox McCloud and his team. The player has liberty to choose between three types i.e. fly and Arwing, on foot or drive a landmaster.
You can play this rail shooter game in both single player and multiplayer modes in whichever mode you want. Basic philosophy is the space combat and keep on shooting the enemies. The game proceeds in level like manner with changing aspects.
4. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Website:Â http://www.zelda.com/
I don’t need to create hype about already best GameCube games of all time and The Legend of Zelda is among one such game series. The Wind Waker is the 10th installment of this series based on the theme of action and adventure.
Released in 2012 by Nintendo, The Wind Waker is based on a group of islands in a sea. Like other installments, player takes up the role of protagonist Link who is set out on a mission to save his sister from sorcerer Ganon.
The game utilizes open world concept and also incorporates RPG elements in it too making it the most versatile game in this list. Initially having a sword and shield as weapons, Link can also choose other armories too. Interaction with NPC and exploration also plays an important role.
5. Metroid Prime
Website: https://metroidprime.nintendo.com
The fifth main installment of Metroid Prime is another inclusion in the list of best GameCube games which is a first person action adventure game. Developed by Retro studio and released in 2002, it uses 3D computer graphics beating other games in the series.
Metroid Prime focuses more on exploration rather than combat and the plot is set in a science fiction world where player assumes the role of Samus Aran, a Bounty Hunter.
The game has open world approach where Samus needs to travel from one region to another solving various puzzles and mysteries. The lock on mechanism allows to shoot the enemies in a better way and you would get to see third person perspective in some of the regions of the game.
6. Super Smash Bros. Melee
Website:Â http://www.smashbros.com/
Super Smash Bros. Melee is the 2nd installment of Super Smash Bros. game series and it was released in 2001. The main reason of listing it out in the category of best GameCube games is because of its fusion. It features characters from different GameCube games like Mario, Star Fox, Zelda, Pokemon Melee etc.
This award winning game is different from traditional fighting games and the gameplay is all about pushing your opponent out of the boundaries of the stage.
Throughout the game, it is important to keep an eye on your health stats because if it goes zero, you automatically loses. You can access various moves by single button press or joystick making the game quite comfortable to play.
7. Hunter: The Reckoning
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
Rarely, you get to come across such best GameCube games which incorporate RPG element and Hunter: The Reckoning is one of those few games. Based on the theme of action and hack and slash, it was released in 2002.
The game is high on combat mode whose sole purpose is to fight various enemies through ranged and melee weapons and also through magic.
It feature beat em up type of fighting and player has the choice to pick any of the four character classes given. Each character has different weapons and abilities. You are a monster hunter who is a set out on a killing spree. You can play this game in single player as well as multiplayer modes featuring maximum 4 players.
8. Skies of Arcadia Legends
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
Skies of Arcadia is basically a role playing video game and Skies of Arcadia Legends is a special edition for GameCube console. It is developed by Overworks and released in 2000 by Sega. The game is based on turn based combat theme where experience points plays a major role.
This game makes an excellent choice for the list of best GameCube games and features some improvement and detailed characters for the GameCube port.
With emphasis of gaming world exploration, player engages with the enemy to fight in turn based combat. Earning money and experience points is important as they bring you improved skills and also makes the character stronger implying an increasing level of the game. In the GameCube console, you get more levels and special features of the game too.
9. F-Zero GX
Website:Â http://backup.segakore.fr/
F-Zero FX is quite different from other GameCube games listed here and totally deserves to be in the top 10 GameCube games. It is a type of futuristic racing video game which is also the successor of F-Zero X and released in 2003.
It is way difficult than the previous installment and incorporates high speed racing genre with competition up to 30 players altogether. You can also play it in single player mode too.
The plot shows an intergalactic Grand Prix where large circuits are formed inside plasma powered machine giving a very edgy feel to the game. With basic gameplay, new things are introduced like innate obstacles of dirt patches and mines. It is important to keep up with track memorization in order to complete the game.
10. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
The next to join the list of best GameCube games is Donkey Kong Jungle Beat which is a type of platforming video game. Developed by Nintendo, it was released in 2004. The player takes up the role of an ape Donkey Kong whose actions are controlled with the help of bongo drums.
Although the Wii version of the game is more improved and have more levels, whereas in GameCube version you would have to beat the bongos for every action and moves.
Game includes basic features of a platform game like combat, jumping, counterattack etc. Left drum is used to move left and so is for right and beating both gives a jump. The goal of the game is to gain as many points as possible in the form of grabbing bananas throughout the gameplay.
11. Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg is a game by Sonic Team which released in 2003. This is a platform game which can be enjoyed in single player as well as multiplayer modes. The plot of the game takes place in a fictional fantasy world called Morning Land whose habitants are chicken.
This land is attacked by evil crows and everything turn into a dark night. Now, the protagonist Billy Hatcher have to fight with these crows to bring the morning again.
The player takes up the role of Billy who works faster after rolling an egg so throughout the game you need to keep on finding eggs. Billy needs to hatch an egg to get rewards. The plot of this game is way different than other best GameCube games listed here.
12. Resident Evil 4
Website:Â http://store.steampowered.com/
Resident Evil 4 or Biohazard 4 is a shooter survival game set from third person perspective. Designed in horror theme, it is developed by Capcom and released in 2005. This single player game is also available for all the popular gaming consoles.
Way advanced than other best GamCube games, RE4 focus on the story of government agent Leon S. Kennedy who is set on a mission to save US President’s daughter.
The game is full of action sequences mixed with horror elements where the protagonist has to fight with crowds of enemies. The main element of combat is shooting which is quite versatile as compared to previous installments of the game. Interaction with the gaming environment is another important aspect of this game.
13. Mario Kart: Double Dash
Website:Â http://ms.nintendo-europe.com/
A racing game by genre, Mario Kart: Double Dash is the most renowned and popular option in the list of best GameCube games. Developed by Nintendo, it was released in 2003 and can be played in both single player and multiplayer modes.
It is the 4th installment of Mario Kart series where Mario series characters are supposed to compete with each other on Mario themed tracks. The game also features various gaming modes too like Grand Prix, Time Trial, Versus etc.
There are some really interesting features in it like co-op gameplay with 2 riders on same kart, switching, better detailing of visuals, 20 character choices and many more. You can also choose between various racing courses too and you can also use various items to gain advantages over the opponents.
14. Goblin Commander: Unleash the Horde
Website:Â www.mobygames.com/
And the next one to join the list of best Game Cube games is Goblin Commander: Unleash the Horde which is a type of real time strategy making game developed by Jaleco. It was released in 2003 and follows the story of a fantasy world.
It shows the war between various goblin clans after the death of their master and creator. Apart from strategy, light action is also used in the game.
There are total five goblin clans and player can take control of whichever he wants. The player needs to build up their own goblin horde and destroy the enemy ones. While choosing the clan, player must take account of their skills and abilities and each clan represents different features.
15. Ikaruga
Website:Â http://store.steampowered.com/
A shoot’em up kind of game, Ikaruga is developed by Treasure and released in 2001. The game uses a unique vertical display approach which is not to be seen in any other best GameCube games in this list.
The plot of Ikaruga follows a rebel pilot named Shinra who is fighting against an enemy nation. Shinra uses a fighter Ikaruga who can be switched between white and black polarities anytime.
What makes the game unique is its polarity theme in which if Ikaruga takes bullet of same color as him then they are absorbed and if different then it is killed immediately. You can play this game in single player as well as cooperative modes. I am sure you would love the vertical scrolling perspective too.
16. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
Website:Â http://www.pokemonxd.com/
Gale of Darkness is designed in such a way that all the other Pokemon games can be easily connected to this in its trading and battling mode. This is a role playing game and also the next option in the list of best GameCube games which is developed by Genius Sonority and released in 2005.
The focus of all the Pokemon games remain the same and just like that you need to catch shadow Pokemon and purify them in this installment too.
You can use the snag machine to catch them are there are total 83 Pokemon spread in the gaming world to be fetched. Each pokemon has different moves of combat and second chances are also given if player fails in first.
17. Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
In the history of GameCube best games, there is no way people do not remember Baten Kaitos game series. Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean is their first game in the series which is a role playing video game allowed to be played in single played mode only.
Released in 2003, it serves as the sequel to Baten Kaitos Origins. The game focuses on a young man Kalas and his companion Xelha.
The player takes up the role of a spirit who guides Kalas on his adventures and main decisions. There are some puzzle elements present in the game too. Magic remains an important element of the game and as a player you can also help Kalas by saving him and providing him Spirit Attacks.
18. Viewtiful Joe
Website:Â http://www.capcom.com/
A side scrolling game with beat’em up theme, this is what Viewtiful Joe is like. Quite interesting to play as other best GameCube games, the game focuses on Joe whose girlfriend get kidnapped in movieland and now with superpowers he would have to save her by turning into viewtiful joe.
It is developed by Capcom and released in 2003. A mix between 2D and 3D graphics, there are special powers given to the player for puzzle solving and fighting.
The game is quite unique in its approach Joe needs to continuously fight with enemies approaching from different directions. With attacks like kick, punch and dodge, player can survive in the game. Throughout the game, it is important to keep the Health stats immune.
19. Madden NFL 2004
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
15th installment of very popular American football game series, Madden NFL, this 2004 version is amongst the critically acclaimed best GameCube games. Developed by EA, this sports game can be played in both single player as well as multiplayer modes.
This installment is quite different from other ones as it launches the new feature of owning and controlling a professional football team.
Apart from playing professional level football game in it, you can also organize mini camps for the practice sessions for players. The recurring and most popular character of Michael Vick also appears in this version too. Player can switch between various team modes to enjoy the versatility at its best.
20. Animal Crossing
Website:Â http://ms.nintendo-europe.com/
There is no doubt that Animal Crossing is amongst the most popular and best GameCube games especially oriented towards kids. It is a life simulation game released in 2001 and developed by Nintendo itself.
It is a type of open ended game where player moves into a village with talking animals. As the game is very social and simulate a lot of real life elements, it is best for kids to learn loving animals.
The player can interact with anthropomorphic animals and as the game runs in real time you can literally encounter holidays and various events too. There are some mandatory tasks which must be performed and player can also customize the lead character too. This is the best simulation game targeting children which I have ever come across.
21. Sonic Adventure 2
Website:Â http://www.sega.com/
This platform based game is one of the highest rated GameCube games ever in the history of this port based games. It is the sequel of Sonic Adventure and got released in 2001. The game has two different stories and sonic is accompanied with other characters too.
The game belongs to an action-exploration genre and also received praise for its versatility, visuals and audio effects too.
This 3D game has 6 playable characters divided into 2 teams of good and evil. Sonic, Knuckles the Echidna and Tails are set out to save the world from other evil characters. There are various levels in the game and each character has different skills too. The game enters its final phase with the ultimate boss fight featuring all the characters.
22. Kirby Air Ride
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
It is the time to pick some racing game in the category of best GameCube games and Kirby Air Ride makes a perfect example of such games. Developed by HAL Laboratory, it was released in 2003. And as per the plot, it is way different than other racing games.
Players are supposed to ride on Air Ride machines and it can be played with four players which can be enabled by LAN connection.
Although the game is simple in approach but it was still loved by many people and became a commercial success pretty soon. Player can choose the role of Kirby or other characters too and he needs to compete in races or enjoy mini games inside the gaming world. This game is more suitable for young teens.
23. Soulcalibur II
Website:Â https://www.gamespot.com/
A fighting video game by genre, Soulcalibur is the third installment of Soulcalibur gaming series which is famous for weapon based fighting games. Being different in genre, it adds a versatility to this list of best GameCube games.
This arcade style game was released in 2002 and can be enjoyed in both single player and multiplayer modes. According to the game’s plot, a weapon soul edge has been shattered into pieces and now players need to fight against each other in order to retrieve all the pieces.
There are various systems incorporated inside the game like step and avoid system, wall specific moves, three step soul charge system, clash system etc. All these systems are fight specific and leads to different modes of combat and attacks.
24. Shrek 2
Website:Â http://www.shrek2thegame.com/
Shrek 2 is the next one for the list of best GameCube games and it is a type of action adventure game. The game is published by Activision and released in 2004. You are going to see the plot of the game quite similar to the movie where Shrek is on a mission for his acceptance by Fiona’s parents.
In fact, at some point you would love the game more than that movie having major plot twists and additional story line too.
The player can choose the role of Shrek or 9 of his friends and he needs to go through 11 levels to win the game. There are 4 characters which are controlled by protagonist and each chapter of the game has its own goals and missions.
25. Pikmin
Website:Â http://www.pikmin.com/
And finally, I can conclude this list with a wonderful game Pikmin adding an essence of puzzle and strategy to this list of other great GameCube games. Developed by Nintendo, it was released in 2001 and also the first game in Pikmin series.
The player takes up the role of Captain Olimar who lands on a mysterious planet and befriends creatures called Pikmin.
The player’s goal is to collect the parts of spaceship through the powers of amazing multicolored Pikmin for which he has given 30 days. The time bound concept adds a level of difficulty to the game. There are various obstacles and levels which must be completed to move further.
Conclusion
GameCube was followed by the Wii console of Nintendo but on the account of popularity games based on the former one grabbed more eyeballs and especially Mario ones. Although I have covered some of the really iconic and best GameCube games but I could not list down all of them.
You can check out the series games related to Mario and Sonic for more fun and variations. Apart from it, Zelda and Star Fox also has some games in their series too. In fact, there are like hundreds of more GameCube based games which can be easily played on platforms like Windows, Mac with the help of emulators.
