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The 50 Best GameCube Games of All Time

Published

2 years ago

June 18, 2023

Matt McIntyre

The Best Nintendo GameCube Games of All Time

What are the best GameCube games of all time?

Well, you’ll find everything you need to know listed below.

From the very best first-person shooters to the ultimate platform adventure games.

Here’s a list of the best GameCube games of all time.

The Best GameCube Games of All Time

The list of GameCube games and figures mentioned below has been compiled from various sources around the web, such as IGN and Wikipedia.

If you enjoy this list, don’t forget to check out our other Nintendo game lists:

These are the best GameCube games of all time:

50. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures

Kicking off the list is The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures.

It’s the eleventh installment in the Zelda series and was released for the GameCube in North America on March 18, 2004.

Link finds himself on a mission to save Hyrule from his evil counterpart, Shadow Link, and vows to restore peace to the land.

Four Swords Adventures was the third best-selling game of June 2004 in North America and has since sold 250,000 copies worldwide.

49. Mega Man Anniversary Collection

Mega Man Anniversary Collection was developed by Atom Planet and published by Capcom.

The GameCube game was released in North America on June 23, 2004, and is a collection of the eight original games in the Mega Man series.

If you’re new to the game, it follows Mega Man’s escapades and continuous battle with Dr. Wily and his army of Robot Masters.

Mega Man was a financial success and sold a combined 500,000 copies, alongside the PS2 version, within just six months of release.

48. Ikaruga

This shoot ’em up game was developed by Treasure and released on GameCube in 2001.

It’s the sequel to Radiant Silvergun and follows Shinra, a rebel pilot that’s tasked with fighting an enemy nation with a specially designed fighter: Ikaruga.

The GameCube version was met with generally positive reviews from critics and has been cited as “one of the most remarkable shooters of all time” by Hardcore Gaming 101.

47. Chibi-Robo

This platform adventure game was developed by Skip Ltd and published by Nintendo in 2005.

Players control a 10-centimeter-tall robot, navigating it around a household to complete various tasks.

“Happy Points” are earned by completing several different duties, and players can recharge their robot using electrical outlets located throughout the household.

Chini-Robo received positive reviews upon release and was the fourth best-selling GameCube game in Japan for the week ending June 26, 2005.

46. Mario Smash Football

This five-on-five football (soccer) game was developed by Next Level Games and released in North America in 2005.

Mario Smash Football features many of the characters from the Mario franchise, and players must try to score the most goals while enduring some rough and tumble from the opposition.

It generally received favorable reviews upon release and has won many industry awards, like “Best Sports Game” and “Game of the Year.”

45. Viewtiful Joe 2

Viewtiful Joe 2 was developed by Clover Studio and published by Capcom in 2004.

It’s the sequel to Viewtiful Joe and begins precisely where the original game left off.

The game is a combination of 2D and 3D cel-shaded graphics, with platforming, action, and beat ’em up elements.

Overall, Viewtiful Joe 2 received generally positive reviews from critics.

44. WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$!

WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$! is the 2003 remake of WarioWare, Inc: Mega Microgames for the GameCube.

It’s the second entry in the WarioWare series and was developed by Intelligent Systems, Nintendo Research & Development 1, and published by Nintendo.

The game shares similar elements to previous WarioWare titles but emphasizes more multiplayer compatibilities than others in the series.

43. Baten Kaitos Origins

Baten Kaitos Origins is the prequel to Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and Lost Ocean.

It was developed by Monolith Soft and Tri-Crescendo, and published worldwide by Nintendo in 2006.

This RPG takes place twenty years before the events of Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean.

It features younger versions of many characters and is about the struggle between “pro-magnation” and “pro-machination.”

Reviews were generally positive overall, and Baten Kaitos Origins sold 14,000 copies in its first week of release.

42. Pikmin

Next on the list is the real-time strategy and puzzle game, Pikmin.

It was created by Shigeru Miyamoto and published by Nintendo in 2001.

The game aims to direct a group of plant-like creatures, Pikmin, to destroy numerous obstacles while avoiding hazards, to collect various items.

41. The Simpsons: Hit & Run

This action-adventure game was developed by Radical and published by Vivendi Universal Games in 2003.

Based on the American animated sitcom, The Simpsons, it follows the Simpson family and friend Apu, as they witness several strange goings-on in Springfield and decide to take matters into their own hands.

The Simpsons: Hit & Run received generally favorable reviews from critics overall.

40. Sonic Mega Collection

The Sonic Mega Collection is exactly what it says on the tin, a collection of twelve to fourteen, depending on the region of the best Sonic games.

The collection was developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega in 2002.

The game was met with positive reviews from critics upon release.

You’ll have hours of fun playing this one. We certainly do!

39. Resident Evil 2

This survival horror game was developed and published by Capcom and released on GameCube in 1998.

The game is set two months after the event of Resident Evil.

Players are tasked with getting Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield out of the zombie-infested Raccoon city after all of its citizens have been transformed into zombies by a biological weapon.

38. Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour

Coming in at number 38 is Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour.

This 2003 sports game was developed by Camelot Software Planning, published by Nintendo, and is the sequel to the Nintendo 64 title, Mario Golf.

It features 16 playable characters from the Mario series, and contestants compete in tournaments to win new features.

37. Viewtiful Joe

Viewtiful Joe was released for the GameCube in 2003 and is a side-scrolling beat ’em up video game.

It follows Joe, a movie lover whose girlfriend is kidnapped.

On his quest to find her, he accepts a unique watch from Captain Blue, which allows him to transform in “Viewtiful Joe.”

Once armed with the watch, he sets out to find his beloved girlfriend and encounters many obstacles along the way.

36. Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and The Lost Ocean

Next on the list is the role-playing game, Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and The Lost Ocean.

Players take control of the “guardian spirit” – a player avatar – who guides Kalas and his companions across an aerial floating island-kingdom in the sky.

The game was met with favorable criticism and was well-received overall.

35. Tales of Symphonia

The thirty-fifth best GameCube game of all time is Tales of Symphonia.

It’s a Japanese role-playing game that takes place in the fictional world of Sylvarant.

It follows protagonist, Lloyd Irving, and his companion, Colette Brunel, as they embark on a journey to save their world.

The game received a positive reception upon release and has since sold over a million copies worldwide.

34. Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader is set in the fictional ‘Star Wars’ galaxy.

Players are tasked with trying to defeat the Galatic Empire, across ten missions on various planets.

This fast-paced flight action game was met with critical acclaim and has sold over a million copies in the United States to date!

33. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

This third-person action-adventure puzzle-platform GameCube game was developed and published by Ubisoft in 2003.

It follows an unnamed Prince as he tries to correct his mistake of releasing the Sands of Time by returning them to the hourglass they came from.

32. Burnout 2: Point of Impact

Burnout 2: Point of Impact is the sequel to Burnout and the second title in the Burnout series.

In the game, players race against each other or the computer to complete the course first.

It’s not as easy as it sounds, as you also have to avoid traffic and several other obstacles that get thrown at you.

31. SSX 3

If you’re into your snowboarding, then this one’s for you.

SSX 3 is a snowboard racing game developed by EA Canada and published by EA Sports BIG in 2003.

It’s set on a fictional mountain, where players compete in the SSX Championship.

You can choose from a variety of characters, and take part in many events in different locations, earning points and money as you go.

30. SSX Tricky

Next up is SSX Tricky, the second game in the SSX series.

Just like SSX 3, Tricky follows the same primary method, but features new tracks, “Uber moves,” and a new rivalry system in the World Circuit mode.

Upon release, SSX Tricky received positive reviews overall.

29. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3

As far as Skateboarding games go, this one’s a favorite.

The game was developed by Neversoft and published for the GameCube by Activision in 2002.

In this version, you’ll find the introduction of the “revert,” hidden combos, and online capabilities, as well as all the usual skate parks, ramps, and rails.

28. Mega Man X Collection

This compilation of video games from Capcom was released for the GameCube in 2006.

It contains the first six games in the Mega Man X series, and unlockable artwork and music.

You’ll also find the racing game: Mega Man: Battle & Chase included in the collection, which was previously unreleased in North America.

It’s a fun one. Have a go!

27. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time / Master Quest

This action-adventure game follows the series protagonist, Link, in his adventures in the fantasy land of Hyrule.

He’s on a quest to stop the evil king Ganondorf and must travel through time, dungeons, and an overworld to end the king’s tyranny.

Ocarina of Time received positive reviews from critics and won several industry awards.

26. Phantasy Star Online: Episode 1 & 2

The Phantasy Star games are online RPG’s that allow players to adventure with up to three other players.

You’ll complete a series of quests, fight-off evil, and collect items, as you try to complete each story arc.

It follows a hack and slash style of gameplay, so if that’s your thing, fill your boots!

25. TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

This 2005 first-person shooter is the third edition of the TimeSplitters family.

It was developed by Free Radical Design and published by Electronic Arts.

Players take control of Sergeant Cortez, a time-traveling marine who is on a mission to save the future by returning to the past.

It’s a great multiplayer game and was awarded “Best First-Person Shooter” by IGN.

24. Beyond Good and Evil

Beyond Good & Evil was developed and published by Ubisoft and released on the GameCube in 2003.

It’s an action-adventure video game that follows the story of Jade, a reporter who’s working on exposing a planet-wide alien conspiracy.

The game received mainly positive reviews upon release and was nominated for several industry awards.

23. Super Monkey Ball

Super Monkey Ball is a 2001 platform party GameCube game that was developed by Amusement Vision and published by Sega.

Players race against the clock to guide a transparent ball, containing one of four monkeys -AiAi, MeeMee, Baby, and GonGon, over several maze-like platforms to reach the finish line.

To advance to the next level, you must reach the finish line before the time runs out and without falling off.

The game was well-received by critics and became a commercial success.

22. Skies of Arcadia: Legends

Ported to the GameCube from the Dreamcast in 2002, Skies of Arcadia: Legends is a role-playing video game by Overworks.

Players control Vyse, a young air pirate, who’s on a mission to prevent the destruction of the world, that’s lead by the Valuan Empire.

Skies of Arcadia: Legends received a positive response from critics upon release.

21. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes was released for the GameCube in 2004 and was developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo.

It’s the sequel to Metroid Prime and is the first game in the series to offer multiplayer.

Players control Samus Aran, a bounty hunter that’s tasked with rescuing a group of marines stuck on an alien planet.

But, she soon discovers they’ve been slaughtered by a race from another dimension, known as the Ing.

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes received critical acclaim upon release and sold over 800,000 copies worldwide by August 2009.

20. Killer7

Killer 7 follows a group of elite assassins, known as the “Killer7” as they perform missions on behalf of the United States government.

The game was developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and Capcom Production Studio 4. It was released worldwide for the GameCube in 2005.

The first-person shooter received positive reviews from critics and won several accolades.

19. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem

The nineteenth best GameCube game of all time is Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem.

This psychological horror action-adventure video game was developed by Silicon Knights and published by Nintendo in 2002.

Players take on the role of several different characters, in the quest to end the wrath of an evil entity that’s trying to destroy humanity.

Eternal Darkness was not a big commercial success; however, it won several industry awards and was widely praised by critics.

18. TimeSplitters 2

TimeSplitters 2 is a first-person shooter that was released on the GameCube in 2002.

It’s the second game in the series and was developed by Free Radical Design and published by Eidos Interactive.

Players control one of two space marines in a bid to put an end to the alien race of TimeSplitters who’re attempting to destroy the history of the world.

TimeSplitters 2 generally received favorable reviews from critics.

17. Luigi’s Mansion

Luigi’s Mansion is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Nintendo.

It was a launch title for the GameCube and was released worldwide in 2001.

Players control Luigi as he searches for Mario in a haunted mansion, taking out ghosts and ghouls with his Professor E. Gadd device as he goes.

The game was well-received by critics and sold over 2.5 million copies, becoming the fifth best selling GameCube game of all time.

16. Super Monkey Ball 2

Super Monkey Ball 2 is the sequel to the first game in the series, and the first installment to feature a storyline mode.

The platform party game was developed by Amusement Vision and published by Sega in 2002 for the GameCube.

The game aims to navigate your monkey ball from one end of the stage to the other, without falling off, and within the given time restraints.

It received favorable reviews upon release and won “Best Puzzle/Trivia/Parlor Game” at the E3 2002 Game Critic Awards.

15. F-Zero GX

F-Zero GX was released on the GameCube in 2003.

It was developed by Amusement Vision and published by Nintendo.

It’s the next installment in the F-Zero series and continues with the high-speed racing style and adrenaline-filled races.

Overall, F-Zero GX was well received by critics and was listed as the “Best GameCube Racing Game” in the E3 2003 IGN Awards.

14. Resident Evil

Resident Evil is a survival horror GameCube game that was developed by Capcom Production Studio 4 and published by Capcom in 2002.

It’s a remake of the 1996 PlayStation game of the same name and is set in 1998 near the fictional town of Racoon City.

Players take on the role of one of two S.T.A.R.S. agents, who’re sent into the city to investigate a series of bizarre murders.

The game received critical acclaim from critics for its improved graphics and gameplay compared to the original.

13. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance was developed by Intelligent Systems and Nintendo SPD.

It was published by Nintendo for the GameCube in 2005 and is the ninth main installment in the Fire Emblem series.

Players position characters on a battlefield to battle against an opposing force.

However, if any characters are killed in battle, they’re automatically removed from the game.

Path of Radiance received a positive reception upon release and was named one of the “best GameCube games of all time” by GamesRadar in 2014.

12. Pikmin 2

The twelfth best GameCube game of all time is Pikmin 2.

It’s a 2004 puzzle strategy video game and the sequel to the 2001 game, Pikmin.

It follows the same style of gameplay as its predecessor, where players explore the surface of an unknown planet with tiny creatures called Pikmin.

Upon release, the game received critical acclaim, with emphasis on gameplay, and the removal of the 30-day time limit imposed in the original game.

11. Soulcalibur II

Soulcalibur II is the sequel to its predecessor, Soulcalibur, and is the third installment in the series.

The game was developed by Project Soul and published by Namco for the GameCube in 2002.

It follows the same premise as the previous two installments, where players seek to collect or destroy all the pieces of the legendary weapon, Soul Edge.

Upon release, Soulcalibur II was a critical and commercial success and had sold over 850,000 copies by July 2006.

10. Mario Kart: Double Dash

The tenth best GameCube game of all time is Mario Kart: Double Dash.

This racing video game was developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo in 2003.

It’s the fourth installment in the Mario Kart series and sees players race against each other on Mario-themed tracks.

Mario Kart: Double Dash received positive reviews from critics for its gameplay features, graphics, and track design.

9. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door was developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo in 2004.

The role-playing video game is the second installment in the Paper Mario series.

Players control Mario, for the majority of the game, and strive to retrieve the seven Crystal Stars while rescuing Princess Peach from the X-Nauts.

Critics praised the gameplay and plot, and it picked up the “Role-Playing Game of the Year” award at the 2005 Interactive Achievement Awards.

8. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes is a 2004 action-adventure stealth video game, created by Silicon Knights and Konami Computer Entertainment Japan.

It’s a remake of Metal Gear Solid and contains enhanced graphical improvements, new cutscenes, and added gameplay functions from Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.

Twin Snakes was met with a positive response upon release from various game critics.

7. Super Mario Sunshine

Coming in at number seven is Super Mario Sunshine.

The game was developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube in 2002.

It follows Mario and friends on vacation on Isle Delfino, where a villain, known as Shadow Mario, causes a whirlwind of trouble that Mario is blamed for.

Mario is ordered to clean up the island while trying to save Princess Peach from his evil counterpart.

Upon release, Super Mario Sunshine received critical acclaim and went on to sell over five million copies worldwide by 2006.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube in 2006.

It’s the thirteenth installment in the Legend of Zelda series and was the final first-party game released for the GameCube.

Link, the series protagonist, is tasked with preventing Hyrule from being consumed by a parallel dimension known as the Twilight Realm.

The game received a good response from critics, with praise focused on its world design, and the difference in tone compared to other games in the series.

5. Animal Crossing

The fifth best GameCube game of all time is Animal Crossing.

The social simulation video game was developed and published by Nintendo and released in 2001.

Players control a human who lives in a village that’s inhabited by several anthropomorphic animals.

There are no set objectives, and the gameplay is open-ended.

However, players are encouraged to perform different activities, like collecting items, planting flowers, and socializing.

Animal Crossing received critical and commercial success and has sold over 40 million units worldwide.

4. Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 is the sixth major installment in the Resident Evil series.

It was developed and published by Capcom and was released for the GameCube in 2005.

In the third-person shooter, players control a U.S. Government special agent, who’s sent on a mission to rescue the daughter of the U.S. president who’s been kidnapped by a cult.

The game was praised for its narrative, gameplay, and voice acting, and is generally considered to be one of the best video games ever made.

3. Super Smash Bros. Melee

The third best GameCube game of all time is Super Smash Bros. Melee.

It’s the second installment in the Super Smash Bros. series and includes playable characters from several Nintendo video games franchises.

Melee builds on the first game in the series with the additions of new features and playable characters.

The game was met with critical acclaim from critics for its visuals, simple controls, gameplay, and soundtrack.

2. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is the tenth installment in the Legend of Zelda series.

The action-adventure video game was developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube, and released in Japan in 2002.

Players control Link, the series protagonist, as he tries to rescue his from the evil sorcerer, Ganon.

However, he also becomes engaged in a struggle for a sacred wish-granting relic called the Triforce.

Upon release, Wind Waker received critical acclaim toward its gameplay, music, level design, and story.

1. Metroid Prime

The best GameCube game of all time is Metroid Prime.

Retro Studios and Nintendo developed the action-adventure GameCube game.

It’s the fifth main installment in the Metroid series and was released in North America in 2002.

Metroid Prime was the first game to use 3D computer graphics played from the first-person perspective.

It follows the story of Samus as she undergoes a major battle with the Space Pirates on the planet Tallon IV.

Upon release, Metroid Prime was praised by critics. It won several ‘Game of the Year’ awards and is considered to be one of the greatest video games ever made!

Summary

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best GameCube games of all time.

Now that was a list, right?!

We’re massive fans of Metroid Prime, but we also like a bit of Mario Sunshine and Super Smash Bros. Melee from time to time.

Here’s a quick recap of the best GameCube games of all time:

Metroid Prime
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Resident Evil 4
Animal Crossing
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Super Mario Sunshine
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Mario Kart: Double Dash
Soulcalibur II
Pikmin 2
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Resident Evil
F-Zero GX
Super Monkey Ball 2
Luigi’s Mansion
TimeSplitters 2
Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
Killer 7
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
Skies of Arcadia: Legends
Super Monkey Ball
Beyond Good and Evil
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect
Phantasy Star Online: Episode 1 & 2
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time / Master Quest
Mega Man X Collection
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
SSX Tricky
SSX 3
Burnout 2: Point of Impact
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
Tales of Symphonia
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and The Lost Ocean
Viewtiful Joe
Mario Golf: ToadStool Tour.
Resident Evil 2
Sonic Mega Collection
The Simpsons: Hit & Run
Pikmin
Baten Kaitos Origins
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$!
Viewtiful Joe 2
Mario Smash Football
Chibi-Robo
Ikaruga
Mega Man Anniversary Collection
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures

Gaming Gorilla