If you’re looking to get hold of the best GameCube games to play on the old purple box or even emulate them on a Wii, you’ve come to the right place. The console in question is over a decade old and it took Nintendo into the optical discs generation, making it a competitor to the PS2 and Xbox systems. Like the DS handheld, this console was discontinued in 2007, but during its 6-year presence in the market, a large collection of titles were made available. Listed below are some of the most enjoyable and memorable ones from back in the day.
1. Super Smash Bros. Melee:
The Mario franchise is famous not only for its platformer gameplay, but also other series such as racing, sports and combat. Super Smash Bros. Melee is the second release in the fighting lineup and it was launched soon after the console in question made its debut. The most interesting part here is that you’ll see characters outside from the Mario series, like The Legend of Zelda and Pokemon. You start off with 14 characters with 11 more accessible later on by unlocking them.
The environments here are also based on various releases from Nintendo. Unlike traditional fighters where you have a health bar, this doesn’t require you to K/O your opponents, but throw them off the ledges. Multiplayer support allows up to 4 players to brawl together.
2. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes:
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes is basically a remake of the original which was launched for the PlayStation back in 1998. This release features a few improvements like better graphics and new cutscenes. The game follows Solid Snake, a retired spy, who’s called back into action to prevent a rogue team from unleashing the Metal Gear weapon.
Gameplay here is in third-person view with a top-down camera. Stealth is the main highlight here, where you have to explore military bases and sneak past enemies undetected. The narrative is linear and you’ll be treated to various cinematic cutscenes.
3. Mario Kart: Double Dash:
Double Dash is the fourth Mario Kart release and it was the first to offer gameplay over LAN where 16 players could compete against each other. This is one of the most enjoyable kart racing titles you’ll find on the GameCube and it’s a great pick for parties.
You’ll be able to choose 2 characters from a total of 20 which include Mario, Waluigi, Peach, Bowser and Wario, to race in a single vehicle. There are various secret shortcuts, speed boosts and weapons available as well as multiple modes such as Grand Prix, Time Trial, versus, Battle and LAN play.
4. Super Monkey Ball:
If you’re looking for something challenging, yet casual, then Super Monkey Ball is something you’re going to enjoy. As the name suggests, you take control of a monkey enclosed within a ball. The goal here is to navigate through 3D levels, avoid obstacles, collect bananas and reach the goal without falling off. In the main mode, there are 110 different levels.
However, these stages are only delivered based on the difficulty selected. For instance, beginner will offer 10 levels, while advance has 30 stages. And if you’re up for a challenge, you can take on 50 expert levels. There’s also a multiplayer mode and various mini-games.
5. F-Zero GX:
F-Zero GX is an arcade-style racing title which went official back in 2003. The game has a futuristic setting where you pilot hovering vehicles across different levels which feature tubes, cylinders, jumps and a lot of twists as well as turns. There are 20 courses in total and the gameplay is pretty fast-paced. Each level has turbo boosts scattered across the place and there are over 30 pilots to choose from.
Additionally, they can be customized. The game offers a story mode where you take part in the intergalactic Grand Prix.
6. Resident Evil 4:
For a game that was launched in 2005, Resident Evil 4 has some pretty great graphics. This title was even ported to various other systems including Windows, Wii and iOS, while an enhanced port was launched back in 2011 for the PS3 and Xbox 360 featuring HD visuals.
This horror release follows special agent Leon who’s on a missions to rescue the president’s daughter from a cult called Los Illuminados that wants to spread a mind-controlling parasite to the US.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker:
Wind Waker is set a few centuries after Ocarina of Time and it takes place in a large ocean filled with islands. The title follows Link who’s the protagonist as he journeys to find and rescue his sister after she was kidnapped by a mysterious bird.
During the story, you’ll spend a good amount of time sailing to different islands and also raiding dungeons and temples. Nintendo has relaunched Wind Waker for the Wii U system featuring HD visuals.
8. Super Mario Sunshine:
After saving princess Peach so many times, Mario does need a vacation. And that’s just what he does in this release. Super Mario Sunshine follows the mushroom eater to a tropical island for a holiday that went horribly wrong. An evil look-alike has messed up the entire island and it is Mario’s job to get everything clean before leaving.
Equipped with a FLUDD, a hydro-powered jet pack, not only can he use it to fight enemies, but to his advantage as well, like jumping high off the ground and sprinting.
Conclusion:
So we’ve shared out opinions on the best GameCube games and we’d like to known yours. The console in question also supports Gameboy and Gameboy Advance titles which can be accessed with the extension accessory. If you’ve got the hardware attached, you might want to take a look at some enjoyable GBA releases.