The 20 best GameCube games 2s4t3w

We select the 20 best GameCube games, Nintendo's turbocharged 128-bit cubic console that embraced digital media in its own way. Favorably composed of the company's big games, the GameCube brought the best of each franchise into great titles AAA and embraced innovations, albeit with a little taste Nintendo, which lasted for generations and are still ed today by the most veteran players. Embark with us on this journey! 3m474n

Nintendo's 128-bit 6i41g

Released on September 14, 2001 in Japan and officially arriving in Brazil via Gradient on 23/08/2002, the GameCube was a console that generated many memories in the players, either for its games and also for the way in which it presented itself. A cube in the shape of an oven that had a handle for you to take it anywhere and ran a new type of electronic media in mini size. There, there was another video game to be part of the 128-bit console family, which until then had only been debuted with the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2, and soon after it would be completed with the Xbox. 

In its structure the GameCube came with a processor Gecko 485 MHz (extension of the PowerPC 750 architecture), it generated graphics through the Pinball da AND/ArtX which compressed textures at 6:1 scale, and had 64 audio channels with multiple capacities. It also brought a super ergonomic controller - considered to be one of the best video game controllers ever made -, many accessories (Memory Card, wave bird, Microphone, GET Link, Modem, Game Boy Player, to name a few) and a plethora of console models and versions, including themed bundles of Resident Evil 4, Pokémon XD, Tales of Symphonia, MTV Airbrush, and even one capable of playing full-size DVDs, the Panasonic Q. 

The fight with its competitors in the Sony e Microsoft generated competition in the field of exclusive games — even though this generation of video games was one of the most multiplatform titles in its entirety. It featured many exclusives from partner companies and even had special editions with a twist. Nintendo of exclusivity in some multiplatform games, however, unfortunately, it was left out of many conversions of titles that were released in droves on consoles PS2 e XB.

With this, the Nintendo made an effort to buy important companies to work exclusively in established franchises, with the most important being Silicon Graphics and Retro Studios, responsible for the titles Eternal Darkness e Metroid Primerespectively.

Current connection on TVs  256gq

One of the big questions when it comes to playing old games is the image quality factor. After all, how to run games beautifully on devices that were not thought of at the time of construction of these consoles. This is a problem of the most modern TVs, as many no longer accept the old standards and the 240i resolutions ou 480p. Therefore, many of them end up delivering small connection delays - very noticeable in rhythm games and others that need greater precision - and a low quality in the emitted images, unlike what happened with the old ones. tube TVs, or the first LCD screens still compatible with the old technology.

A way to get around this issue is an attempt to re-see the beauty that retro games conveyed to us in their times, but in the modern TVs, it is with the use of small and powerful accessories capable of treating the image and reducing delays (the famous Lags) through the multiplication of lines (such as the OSSC) or increasing its resolution (like the framemeister), in order to preserve as much of the origins of the images generated on the consoles as possible before they are sent to the TV via an appropriate cable. 

They may seem like an expendable item for those who play games today, but they become extremely useful for games prior to HD technology. THE direct connection to TVs current without proper treatment means, roughly speaking, leaving the television set only stretch the “old pictures” in its own way, often leaving the quality to be desired, or even causing some discomfort, whether due to blurring, high level of aliasing or that incompatible memory of images that presents itself.

Examples of special appliances and cables to improve even more and make the sending of images even more faithful. therefore they require in-depth research. of the , based on their preferences and devices to be used, to delineate the best option.

Best GameCube games 1x2o2h

A Nintendo he knew how to take advantage of his moments over the years and, for each situation, he knew how to reinvent himself. Each video game of the company brought exclusive titles and that matched very well with the technical and visual specifications that it had up its sleeves. From the company's exclusive ones (even if for a certain moment) to outsourced ones - some with exclusive characteristics - the Big N did not disappoint fans when it came to diversity. the library of GameCube was and remains one of the most beloved of every fan of the company.

Assembling a list of the best games from one of the best consoles (you can judge) of all time can seem like a partial task, to say the least. Therefore, this list is based, in addition to author's personal experiences, public reception and also reviews on sites such as Metacritic, IMDB e N-Zone — original period magazine from that deals exclusively with Nintendo video games and is active to this day! So, dear reader, if you missed a title that is not on this list, comment below showing your reasons and the importance of the game in question. 

We consider here the initial releases of each game, which, for the most part, took place in the Japan (JP), but also had debuts in North America (AN). That said, let's get to the list!

Animal Crossing d1h3j

Metacritic: 87 | IMDB: 8,0 | N-Zone: 89

The first game in the franchise Animal Crossing on the GameCube, which came with the description Population Growing (Population in Growth, in Portuguese), shook the world for bringing an innovative game in the genre of social simulation with animals simulating human beings. Known to the Japanese as Doubutso No Mori+, he continued and broadened the horizons of Doubutso No Mori, released eight months earlier for the Nintendo 64.

Via GameCube and its wide release, Animal Crossing gained international fame for presenting a world of possibilities and control of an entire pulsating life in the glorious tropical island which houses the animals of the region. It was also in it that the game was able to simulate the real dates and times of the day by counting on the precision of the internal clock contained in the device, in addition to enabling the visit from other players in your region thanks to interaction with two Memory Cards on the same device. 

initial release: 14/04/2001 (JP)

donkey konga 4yu2z

Metacritic: 76 | IMDB: 7,6 | N-Zone: 89

"It's the rhythm in you?”. It is with this subtitle that accompanies the case of donkey konga that players were transported to a new world, in which great hits of the 90s and 2000s could be drummed by up to four players in a Jam Session place! donkey konga stood out for its innovation, at a time when rhythm games were not yet so popular, and used as a control a pair of bongos to control famous songs while collecting bananas for your collection.

Such success guaranteed the game more two sequels (the third released only on Japanese soil) and regional differences (Japan, USA and Europe) in setlist of each of the first two versions.

initial release: 12/12/2003 (JP)

Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem 4r2242

Metacritic: 92 | IMDB: 8,9 | N-Zone: 90

Fear has taken over in this GameCube-exclusive psychological horror action game. Developed by Canadian Silicon Knights (Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain), Eternal Darkness knew how to unite puzzle challenging scenes and scenes set in real locations, such as hospitals and ruins, all washed down with an atmosphere dark with doses of frightening events. The title inserts as an innovation an insanity meter bar to control psychological aspects in the player - sometimes playing with details from this sensor - and builds its plot based on the story of 12 characters that can be controlled in different ways.

initial release: 24/06/2002 (AN)

F Zero GX 6v2xy

Metacritic: 89 | IMDB: 8,3 | N-Zone: 91

Surreal racing and a lot of speed! These are the requirements to ride the wave F-Zero of racing games. Considered the last great title of the franchise - which has long been forgotten by the Nintendo - F Zero GX, continuation of f zero x (Nintendo 64), brought to the tracks of GameCube even more speed, a Story Mode innovative game — which places it as one of the most difficult games on the console — and a Hi-Tech world with many features that fans of the franchise are so fond of.

a version for Arcade, called F-Zero AX was also released at the time of GX, bringing similarities regarding the game structure, connection via Memory Card with the console game and an entirely new cup waiting for you. 

initial release: 25/07/2003 (JP)

killer 7 5r232u

Metacritic: 74 | IMDB: 8,3 | N-Zone: 86

The complex narrative of killer 7, fruit of the brilliant mind of Suda 51, is also the same that opened the doors to success with this game that combines action on rails with a dash of puzzle and shootings. the universe of killer 7 is inserted in an alternate reality in which you will have to control seven personalities, hired by the government to contain a threat to the country. The game combines a mix of madness and heavy oddities in scenarios with a graphic style that is based on the Cell Shading for its artistic construction, becoming today a cult classic and that everyone needs to know. In 2018, a HD version for Steam of the game was released on PCs.

initial release: 09/06/2005 (JP)

Luigi's Mansion e2d49

Metacritic: 78 | IMDB: 8,1 | N-Zone: 86

– “Boo!” – “Maaaaroooo?!” It is with these phrases that we receive this 128-bit debut title from Nintendo. Yes, the first big game of the GameCube with the stamped N of the house was in charge not of Mario, but your brother Luigi, which, in an innovative way, brought a completely new and stylish title. with a footprint Ghostbusters (The ghost hunters) and using many elements of the franchise resident evil, in addition to inserting platform traits with the quality of the house titles, the first Luigi's Mansion it was a gratifying milestone.

I liked to control the fearful Luigi through the haunted mansion, inhaling various species of ghosts and objects with the poltergust 3000, solving puzzles and defeating bosses in search of your captured brother. Such success earned him a Remake for Nintendo 3DS and two sequels — Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (3DS) and Luigi's Mansion 3 (Switch) (check out our Review).

initial release: 14/09/2001 (JP)

Mario Kart: Double Dash 3m6k1y

Metacritic: 87 | IMDB: 8,5 | N-Zone: 89

If you have a game that cannot be missing from the library of a Nintendo console, it is called Mario Kart. Present since the Super Nintendo, the franchise is responsible for high "cracks" between friends and many items being thrown left and right to get that spot on the podium. In Mario Kart: double dash, we had a revolution by allowing the command of a second player in the back seat to toss items while the former piloted the kart through new and awe-inspiring scenarios. This edition also made it possible to play for up to 16 players, thanks to conexão LAN enter more gamecubes connected, even if this was a logistically difficult task to accomplish.

initial release: 07/11/2003 (JP)

Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes 4792j

Metacritic: 85 | IMDB: 9,0 | N-Zone: 90

Remake that honors the legacy of the original title to PlayStation, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes is sublimely constructed. The additions and improvements, including all the redub work done, ensured the title — a masterpiece of Hideo Kojima and popularized the genre Stealth — the status he deserved.

For a new moment and epoch of the saga, new controls and changes in the artificial intelligence of the enemies were altered, which created new challenges for the old ones of war, but also a revitalization for those who wanted to jump into the franchise for the first time. A masterpiece of t work between the Silicon knights e Konami which guaranteed excellent reception from the public and the specialized press, garnering high marks in the most diverse publications on video games.

initial release: 09/03/2004 (AN)

Metroid Prime 3e2y4

Metacritic: 97 | IMDB: 8,9 | N-Zone: 94

Darling of many and the one who put our heroine Samus Aran in a three-dimensional world with a first-person view, Metroid Prime it would soon become a classic and enter the formula that would win over a large part of the public. With its system of exploration and resolution of puzzle, but without also abandoning the first-person shooter (FPS) factor - even if more focused on the aesthetics of platform games - this masterpiece that deserves to be seen (in Samus' eyes) and played by all video game lovers.

The game inserts the player into the world of Tallon IV and puts it to explore, with its Scan Displays, the nuances of the region, from desert areas (chozo ruins) to those with a lot of snow (Pendrana Drifts) and missile pods hidden in ice panes. Extremely worthy of a Remake or a Remaster.

initial release: 18/11/2002 (AN)

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door k4t50

Metacritic: 87 | IMDB: 9,0 | N-Zone: 89

Considered by many to be the best Paper Mario, this game was able to make good use of the brand's RPG and adventure elements in a world where Mario must collect the seven crystal shards to open the doors of The Thousand-Year Door. The family was all gathered here, Peach, Bowser, Toad, and their battle partners Goombella, koops, Yoshi, among others, to in a new adventure that simulates its phases in the format of chapters of a book.

Behold, then, we have a title made with the highest perfection by the hands of Intelligent Systems, knowing how to insert news, an incredible look, puzzle varied and a lot of charisma and humor during the story and even in the fights against enemies that had, believe me, an audience.

initial release: 22/07/2004 (JP)

Pikmin 3b3a2r

Metacritic: 89 | IMDB: 8,1 | N-Zone: 88

landing on GameCube as a new IP (intellectual property) of innovative concepts, Pikmin made a splash on its release and consolidated itself as a game of real time strategy of the most charismatic and interesting on the island of Nintendo. It is not new that the company knows how to innovate with new and different franchises, and who knew that tiny extraterrestrial beings would conquer so many fans around the world. In Pikmin, you must help the Captain Olimar to recover the parts of his ship after it suffered a crash in a new world, full of mysteries, obstacles and enemies.

However, he will count on the help of tiny beings, called Pikmin, who will help you in a narrative against the clock to return safe and sound to your land. one or more of them and make your strategy, but be sure to protect them from the enemies and get them back to the ship before nightfall so they won't be devoured by the bulbs.

initial release: 26/10/2001 (JP)

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time 1qel

Metacritic: 92 | IMDB: | N-Zone: 91

Remake of a video game classic released for MS-DOS, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time was a cross-platform title that innovated by bringing to the universe of 3D games multiple tricks for the series, only possible with the use of modern technology, guaranteeing stunning graphics, even more realistic motion simulation and processing power that was not thought of before. The title brought the best of exploration and action games on platforms, coming to be consolidated as one of the best games of the year by several publications (this before the existence of The Game Awards).

A Ubisoft knew how to translate into graphics and gameplay the entire Pharaonic and oasis atmosphere of the game, resulting in beautiful scenarios with a lot of art, without forgetting to bring back elements that so consecrated the franchise. Another novelty was the effect of rewinding actions and controlling time, also slowing the character down and avoiding deaths, all through the power of the Sands of Time (Sands of Time).

initial release: 18/11/2003 (AN)

Resident Evil 4 6s5v4w

Metacritic: 96 | IMDB: | N-Zone: 95

Initially released as an exclusive title for the GameCube and a big bet Capcom — the last one that remained —, Resident Evil 4, the fourth title in the established mainline franchise, brought with it some very welcome changes and also earned a place among the best games of all time. Leaving aside previous settings like mansions and city, RE 4 introduced us to a clearer and more open universe, set in a rural area, and to a completely new gameplay, with different possibilities to protect, escape and attack enemies.

The bosses, whose battles were as creative as possible, and the scariest beings, like the Dr. savior and his chainsaw, were a bit of work and caused fright just by hearing Hispanic phrases like: – “An Outsider!" or "Behind you, asshole!". Resident Evil 4 was released for several platforms, including versions for the Zeebo e Oculus Quest 2 — and undergoes remastering to this day.

initial release: 11/01/2005 (AN)

Star Fox Adventures 4x6p35

Metacritic: 82 | IMDB: 7,5 | N-Zone: 91

The last big game Rare to a console Nintendo landed on the GameCube under the title Star Fox Adventures. Originally developed for Nintendo 64 and under a new perspective, leaving aside the aerial combats and betting on a vast world of explorations, fights and puzzles, Star Fox Adventures knew how to build a solid and challenging world in the surroundings dinosaur planet.

in control of Fox McCloud — the most famous fox in the universe — carrying his weapons and special items, the player must navigate a vast new and, at the same time, prehistoric world in search of SpellStones, Krazoa Spirits and in order to save the local population from the clutches of the fearsome villain General Scales, which threatens to provide shifts in the planetary energy balance.

initial release: 23/09/2002 (AN)

Super Mario Sunshine 5k435q

Metacritic: 92 | IMDB: 8,1 | N-Zone: 91

The new Super Mario released to the GameCube brought some nice news that didn't make it such a direct continuation of the title released in Nintendo 64. In fact, it was different, however, it brought much more to those who knew how to take advantage of it. In Super Mario Sunshine, the mustachioed protagonist, finally, took a vacation on a trip to the tropical Isle Delfino, however, it is clear that this adventure would not end with the gang all tanned and without a little scares and agitation.

Soon, disorder manifests with a conspiracy and we are introduced to a totally beachy universe, with inspired levels and game modes that prioritize the use of water as one of its main elements. It's all there, from the wacky bosses, through clever obstacles, to the quest for many coins e secret items, but now with new air, combining the use of the accessory FLUDD to clean up dirt and also to control Mario for many beautiful and fun moments in a tropical and serene climate. 

initial release: 19/07/2002 (JP)

Super Smash Bros. Melee 5k4i3r

Metacritic: 92 | IMDB: 9,1 | N-Zone: 84

Considered the most competitive Super Smash Bros. already released (so much so that it always brings the adaptation of the control of the GameCube to the new titles), Super Smash Bros. Melee was responsible for presenting to the generation 128-bit an absurd amount of collectibles and game modes, responsible for taking the series to a new level. The duel of franchises of the house, each one using the main characters and scenarios of the series as Donkey Kong, Ice climbers, Metroid, F-Zero, Earthbound it was established once more, but now with much more vigor.

Stunning new scenarios came to complement the precise gameplay and plenty of movement was provided through all the processing power of the game. GameCube, bringing fast and fluid gameplay for up to four players. All in all, a game with the spice Nintendo in its maximum dose, made so that no fan can fail to be amazed by such quality and fun provided. 

initial release: 21/11/2001 (JP)

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker 5y6z6l

Metacritic: 96 | IMDB: 9,0 | N-Zone: 95

The game that made many turn up their noses in its publicity on E3 2002 for presenting graphics in Cell Shading and, at first glance, to distance itself from the much-loved atmosphere of the franchise, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker it was a landmark. Without worrying about the stylistic conventions of the work, he knew how to deliver a complete game, full of adventures and puzzle (outside and inside dungeons) smart and very challenging, but also enjoyable. aboard the king of red lions, Link could travel the great seas of an unprecedented world, facing the twists and turns of aquatic fauna and discovering islands and new peoples until his final journey with the great and fearsome Ganondorf.

initial release: 13/12/2002 (JP)

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess 4k695

Metacritic: 96 | IMDB: 9,1 | N-Zone: – 

A second big title Zelda on the same console and that opened the doors to the new generation, with the Nintendo Wii, could not be forgotten. After many postponements and a more "adult" presentation for the series, which intended to rescue the most hardcore of the franchise, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was like a dream come true, bringing a huge map, nine dungeons and the return of country horseback riding and characteristic clans in completely redone locations.

The novelty here was due to the more “dark” of the franchise — moving ahead of Majora's Mask — and the transformation of Link in a wolf, the WolfLink, which ensured new gameplay and many nuances for solving puzzles. A great game that, like its predecessor, won a HD version protocols for Nintendo Wii U years later.

initial release: 02/12/2006 (JP)

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 3614h

Metacritic: 91 | IMDB: 7,7 | N-Zone: – 

The world of skateboarding had a great and last good game of franchise Tony Hawk's in your fourth edition. Enhancing aspects of the series and bringing a lot of what fans have always loved, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 was very well received by the industry, gaining versions even for the Playstation one e G. Here, the career mode gave the player the possibility to freely roam the scenario in search of missions, leaving each skater a different motivation to continue the adventure. Many improvements have been made to this title, as well as the insertion of varied music and new scenarios - most of them located in California (Alcatraz, College e San Francisco), the home of skaters.

initial release: 23/10/2002 (AN)

Viewtiful Joe 3s1941

Metacritic: 93 | IMDB: 7,8 | N-Zone: 90

And, to close the list, an impactful title! Directed by Hideki Kamiya (devil may cry, Bayonetta), Viewtiful Joe was responsible for bringing to video games a rich 2D universe in a Beat 'em Up stylish and with cinematic-style backdrops. The novelty implemented with the use of VFX Powers (ViewtifulEffectsPower) granted the protagonist the power to change speed during his walks through the scenarios and in the fights against the many enemies that appeared at the same time on the screen.

The game was initially released exclusively for the GameCube and had a great reception, which guaranteed him several awards, such as “Game of the Year” (IGN), "most stylish character” (GameSpot),“Most innovative game design” (Nintendo Power), and also sequels and spin-offas the Viewtiful Joe 2 (GC, PS2), Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble (GC, PSP) and Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble! (NDS). We him fondly and his catchphrase “- Henshin-a-go-go, baby!".

initial release: 26/06/2003 (JP)

Learn more

So, readers? Liked this list with the best games of GameCube? Do you agree with us or would you like to highlight some point, or game, that we failed to highlight? And for you, what is the best title for the GameCube? Tell us in the comments! 

And if you like lists, also check out this super list with the 20 best Super Nintendo games!

Sources: Nintendo, nintendo blast, NParty, Nintendo World Magazine