When Was the Golden Age of the Best GameCube Games?
GAMECUBE. Wow. You can’t even imagine what this means for the team of BandurArt. Many of our team members were kids or teenagers when Nintendo’s GameCube was a real blast. The best GameCube games inspired us to become game designers, artists, and coders who love to create video games for kids and adults. Hopefully, the following guide for GameCube fans will inspire you to join the game industry. Or at least you will have a desire to play these retro titles.
History
Nintendo released the console called GameCube in Japan on September 14, 2001, and in North America on November 18, 2001. And we must say it wasn’t merely a new console — they gave us a new way of playing. Costing only about $ 199, this sixth-generation console looked like a small, brightly colored machine but the style was also powered by strong technical characteristics. By the way, you can check the history of the console and its tech specs on the official website.
Launch Lineup
But besides the look and performance, the launch lineup of the best GameCube exclusive games included the gems for every kind of gamers. Just think about it – Luigi’s Mansion took Mario’s brother on a dark, funny ghost-hunting mission. Super Monkey Ball had a funny, addictive feel to it. Wave Race: Blue Storm demonstrated the console’s powerful core and the physics engine. And Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II brought Star Wars to life with beautiful graphics and intense space battles. But the real gem in the first lineup of GameCube games – Smash Bros Melee set the new standards for multiplayer modes and still has a huge fanbase.
How to Find and Play the Best GameCube Games Right Now?
It is a nostalgic experience to discover the best GameCube games on the market today. This is where you can find some of the rare and popular titles from this cult Nintendo console:
Nintendo’s Official Store
There is no longer any production of the original GameCube hardware, but Nintendo re-released some of their games as HD remasters on more recent consoles. Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD and Super Mario Sunshine remasters on Nintendo Switch perfectly illustrate this concept. Also, the GameCube titles are still playable on a Wii or Wii U. Yes, there was the backward compatibility. Or you can use the Virtual Console service.
Physical and Online Retailers
If you want to have a physical copy of the game, you can always visit a local store and GameStop chains to buy retro games (or their remasters on Switch). You can also find secondhand games on online marketplaces – think of eBay and Amazon. But do remember to read seller reviews before ordering anything from a person for the first time.
Emulators and ROMs
It is not a secret that there are special tools and programs you can use on your PC (Windows/Mac/Linux) for the best GameCube games to emulate. Though, Nintendo doesn’t appreciate the use of free emulators where the games are pirated. Popular emulators such as Dolphin allow you to play GameCube games on PC, some titles even have improved graphics and controls. This method involves the use of ROMs of the original games.
Retro Gaming Events and Conventions
Retro gaming conventions are a source of rare GameCube games and consoles. You’ll find good piles from vendors and fans at these festivals. These are the places where the collectors will trade.
Online Retro Communities
Check the forums and communities such as GC-Forever where the dedicated fans post the info on where to look for rare games, share recommendations of games, and even trades, so they are an excellent resource for collectors.
The Best GameCube Games of All Time
Now it is high time to tell you, well, about the main course of this banquette – the best GameCube games. We hope you will enjoy our picks just like we do!
Resident Evil
- The release year is 2002
- Single-player
- Metacritic 91
Capcom’s original Resident Evil remake for the GameCube is an all-time masterpiece in the survival horror genre with renovated graphics and a redesigned Spencer Mansion. If you understand how to use resources efficiently and solve puzzles, you can beat the title easier. But this game could give you nightmares thanks to the “Crimson Head” zombies.
Tales of Symphonia
- The release year is 2004
- Single-player, Co-op
- Metacritic 86
Namco’s Tales of Symphonia is a wonderful fast-paced action RPG. Its special fighting system called “Multi-Line Linear Motion Battle System” made the game both quick and strategic. Drama, humor, and adventure were all mixed into one very interesting RPG series with over 20 franchises. There is also the remake of the game for Switch.
Luigi’s Mansion
- The release year is 2001
- Single-player
- Metacritic 78
Luigi needs to take down a demonic mansion to save Mario. Armed with the Poltergust 3000 vacuum, he hunts the nasty ghosts in this creepy, fun game. Yes, many gamers considered the game too short, they praised the game for its humor, unconventional gameplay, and haunted atmosphere.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
- The release year is 2003
- Multiplayer
- Metacritic 87
Double Dash!! revamped Mario Kart with 2 characters per kart system. Players could switch drivers and items strategically while driving a funny-looking vehicle. Fun courses such as Baby Park and DK Mountain made this game a one-hit wonder for all Mario Kart fans looking for a multiplayer experience.
Animal Crossing
- The release year is 2002
- Single-player
- Metacritic 87
This Nintendo’s village-life simulator became one of the first ever cozy games for Western players. You could relax in a naturalistic world where humans peacefully live beside the talking animals. Through routines such as fishing, bug-catching and decorating, this popular franchise still gathers the love from the vast community all over the world.
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
- The release year is 2005
- Single-player
- Metacritic 85
It was the first ever Fire Emblem game that eventually became a very successful franchise with a dozen titles. This intense, turn-based tactical combat game offered a good story and characters.
Pikmin 2
- The release year is 2004
- Co-op, Single-Player
- Metacritic 89
Pikmin 2 expanded on the original game from Dreamcast by adding new Pikmin types. Also, the developer team removed the 30-day time limit, making exploration more comfortable. Add another character for the co-op walkthrough, and you will get an open-ended experience that is still the GameCube gem.
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
- The release year is 2006
- Single-player
- Metacritic 96
This gloomy but addictive Zelda game introduced the scary transformation of the fan-favorite Nintendo mascot Link to a wolf. Try to beat this game’s numerous dungeons while enjoying the unique transformation system, connecting GameCube and Wii players.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
- The release year is 2001;
- Multiplayer;
- Metacritic 92
Melee simplified the chaos of the first Smash Bros title with tighter controls and more characters in the first roster. It was an instant hit among the fans of multiplayer games and still has loyal players today, because of its quick-paced battles and catchy visuals. It is one of the best GameCube multiplayer games.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
- The release year is 2004
- Single-player
- Metacritic 87
This 2.5D RPG became popular for its funny dialogue, nifty combat system, and adorable characters. The Thousand-Year Door is still one of the best Mario RPGs from Nintendo, with humor and action carefully mixed in a visually stunning world.
Metroid Prime
- The release year is 2002
- Single-player
- Metacritic 97
The 3D port of Metroid Prime was like the revelation experience for gamers. This action-packed game had everything – exploration, puzzle-solving, and first-person fights. Retro Studios got Metroid’s atmosphere just right and blew our minds with this new format. It is really one of the best-selling GameCube games.
What do you think about our choice of the best GameCube games? We want to remind you that you can play all the library of Game Boy on GameCube from Nintendo. Also, you can join the Reddit discussion where gamers share their experience with GameCube.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 3 best multiplayer GameCube games?
Super Smash Bros. Melee, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, and Mario Party 4 are our top 3 picks. For example, Mario Party 4 is still one of the best GameCube party games out there.
What do you need to play the best GameCube racing games?
To play some of the best racing games for GameCube, you should invest in an original GameCube console or a vintage Wii that also supports the GameCube discs/controllers. You can also download the latest Dolphin emulator on PC to get HD GameCube games. As for the extra accessories as a steering wheel controller, it is up to you. Also, you can read our Nintendo Switch racing games guide.
Which are the best GameCube Pokemon games?
There are at least two fantastic Pokémon games for GameCube – Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness. These are 3D RPGs with unique narratives. Colosseum showed the Pokémon world’s darker side, and XD added new gameplay features. If you like the world of Pokémons, then do not miss the games.
Can you recommend some of the best 4-player GameCube games?
The GameCube was built with the support of a local multiplayer feature. And a couple of games made use of it. Super Smash Bros. Melee is still popular because of its frantic, messy fighting. Also, it is worth playing Mario Party 4-7, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Games!, and TimeSplitters 2. These are the best co-op GameCube games for 4 players.
Conclusion
The BandurArt team tried their best to deliver a heartwarming, nostalgic, and inspiring guide dedicated to some of the best GameCube games. We post regularly to keep you informed about cool stuff related to the video game industry. Also, we are always open to collaboration and will be glad to work together on creative projects.
