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Timeless classics like Metroid Prime and Wave Race: Blue Storm...
By IGN Staff It's been some time sine the GameCube moved past obsolescence. It's officially a retro system, and while it makes a compelling argument that we may or may not be getting old, there's no denying Nintendo's first foray into disc-based gaming brought us some of the best games ever created, including the Metroid Prime series.
There's no GameCube Classic (yet?), so to play these, you'll need to either dig out your original GameCube or dust off your Nintendo Wii. Since the Wii has component-out, it's arguably the better way to play on modern televisions, especially given the exorbitant price of the GameCube official component cables.
This is our definitive, set-in-stone guide to the best GameCube games of all time. The list was originally put together by IGN's GameCube team and written by Matt Casamassina and Mark Bozon.
The 25 Best Nintendo GameCube Games
Click on the name of a game below to jump to its description and find out what makes these games the best Nintendo Switch games so far.
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25: Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes
Release Date: March 9, 2004 ● Developer: Silicon Knights, Konami Computer Entertainment Japan ● Check out our Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes WikiAfter years of watching the Playstation crowd getting game after game, GCN owners were treated to a beautifully-crafted remake of one of the greatest games in our industry's history. As a joint collaboration between Nintendo, Silicon Knights, and publisher Konami, Snake was given a second life on Nintendo's consoles, including new story elements and weapons, as well as an immersive first-person mode. Aside from being a much-needed addition to the mature-rated games on GameCube, Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes showed that Konami still had faith in the console, as it became one of the top cult classic titles on the system, and paved the way for Snake's appearance in the highly anticipated Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii.
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24: Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
Release Date: March 14, 2005 ● Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo ● Check out our Donkey Kong Jungle Beat WikiWe may not have gotten a traditional Donkey Kong game to go with Super Mario Sunshine on the ole GameCube, but the crazy ape himself did make quite a few appearances on the console in the form of a couple bongo-based titles that helped set the console apart from its competitors. Along with Donkey Konga, DK Jungle Beat came packaged with a set of bongos, and while the gameplay was anything but traditional, it was an impressive product with a ton of appeal towards the casual and hardcore crowd alike. With all actions in the game assigned to two gigantic buttons, DK Jungle Beat was a sign of things to come from Nintendo, with simplicity being the key ingredient to innovative and inviting gameplay.
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23: Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
Release Date: November 16, 2004 ● Developers: Monolith Soft, tri-Crescendo ● Check out our Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost OceanIf you were a die-hard, chances are you felt at least a little left out on GameCube. In fact, if it wasn't for a few essential titles such as Skies of Arcadia, Tales of Symphonia, and Baten Kaitos the console would be void of any true RPGs for fans to sink their teeth into. Fortunately Namco supplied not just one, but two Baten Kaitos games for GameCube, each with a captivating story, intriguing card-based battle system, beautiful music, and an impressive art style. Baten Kaitos may have been one of the only role-playing games on Nintendo's purple little box, but it was a success never-the-less, delivering a Cube-exclusive franchise that hardcore gamers could get behind.
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22: Battalion Wars
Release Date: September 19, 2005 ● Developer: Kuju Entertainment ● Check out our Battalion Wars WikiThe Game Boy Advance had Advance Wars, and GameCube owners have Battalion Wars. Following in its portable predecessor's footsteps, Battalion Wars hit GameCube in a stylistic and tongue-in-cheek fashion, only to have its overall sales climb to an unimpressive point. Despite sales, the game has lived on from support of Nintendo's more hardcore fan base, allowing for a Wii sequel later this year. The game combines action and strategy with the classic style of the Advance Wars series, dropping gamers into a world that lends itself to the hit series Pikmin (if each of the critters rampaged through war-torn terrain with bazookas and automatic rifles). While Fire Emblem retained its similar gameplay mechanic on Cube, embracing only a more mature look, Battalion wars delivered the exact opposite, evolving the franchise on GameCube and beyond.
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21: Super Monkey Ball 2
Release Date: August 25, 2002 ● Developer: Amusement Vision ● Check out our Super Monkey Ball 2 WikiIn a move of pure genius, SEGA put a monkey in a freakin' ball; not once, but twice on GameCube with similar results (we won't count Super Monkey Ball Adventure… pure evil it is). What more can really be said? The Monkey Ball franchise is awesome. One part monkey, one part ball, Monkey Ball is yet another title that showed off the simple side of gaming, as it required only an analog stick, a beer helmet with cans of Mountain Dew on either side, and those surgical tools used to keep your eyes from blinking. SEGA took everything we loved from the first game, added a ton of new mini-games and a whole new story mode. Monkey Ball is an amazing party game, and an even better old-school throwback to the Marble Madness series.
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20: Killer7
Release Date: July 7, 2005 ● Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture ● Check out our Killer7 WikiIt may not have reviewed the highest across the industry, but Killer 7 is one of those games that simply needs to be remembered. Regardless of how some may view the gameplay, Killer 7 has amazing style, and is one of the only true original designs in a long time. Every collection that attempts to call itself diverse simply needs to include Killer 7 as it brings forth some truly unconventional - but amazingly entertaining - gameplay elements. For some reason this gem of a Cube title has been given a bad rap, and it is high time that changes. Killer 7 is well worth any mature gamers' cash and time. It's creepy, it's stylized, and it's a true vision.
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19: Timesplitters 2
Release Date: October 16, 2002 ● Developer: Free Radical Design ● Check out our Timesplitters 2While Goldeneye will forever be known as the FPS that changed the world, we haven't really seen that many classics since the 1997 blockbuster from Rare. But UK studio Free Radical Design, which employs members of the original Goldeneye team, has definitely filled the void. TimeSplitters 2 retains a ton of the look, feel, and pure soul of Goldeneye and adds updated visuals and untamed speed. Most of the guns and gameplay elements are taken right from 007, making TimeSplitters 2 the unofficial heir to the series. Aside from being inspired by a legendary shooter, TimeSplitters offers a ton of game options, full story mode, and even a level creator. Definitely one of the must-have shooters on GameCube.
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18: Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
Release Date: November 18, 2001 ● Developers: Factor 5, LucasArts ● Check out our Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader WikiIt was one of the top launch titles on the system, and still remains to be one of the best games to grace the GameCube, period. Star Wars Rouge Squadron II: Rouge Leader brought an amazing presentation, beautiful visuals, solid gameplay, and an overall precense to the GameCube that was absolutely essential during its opening months, and has gone on to remain one of the more true Star Wars titles out there along with the X-Wing vs. Tie Fighter series and Shadows of the Empire for Nintendo 64. We said it during our original review for the game six years ago, and we'll say it again; without a doubt, it's one of the most amazing games on the platform.
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17: Viewtiful Joe
Release Date: October 7, 2003 ● Developer: Capcom Production Studio 4 ● Check out our Viewtiful Joe WikiIf there is any company that deserves the VIP for GameCube's lifespan, it's Capcom. Having delivered Resident Evil, Resident Evil 4, Killer 7, MegaMan Anniversary, MegaMan X Collection, and Viewtiful Joe, Capcom could practically make a Top 20 on its own. Viewtiful Joe hits our list for being a true vision in design, and a total blast to play. The style goes hand-in-hand with Killer 7, as it dares to be as different as possible while still being amazingly entertaining along the way. Multiple sequels have spawned from the original, including PS2 versions of Viewtiful Joe 2 and Red Hot Rumble, Cube versions of those mentioned as well, and an original DS game. When looking at the franchise as a whole, it is the original Viewtiful Joe that caught us by surprise, proving that side-scrollers still have a place in next-gen gaming.
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16: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Release Date: October 11, 2004 ● Developer: Intelligent Systems ● Check out our Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door WikiBefore Paper Mario for Cube, there was Paper Mario for N64. Before the days of N64, there was Super Mario RPG. The Mario RPG franchise has been going on for quite some time, even now making appearances on the DS and GBA in the Mario & Luigi franchise, and extending into the world of Super Paper Mario on Wii. However, this was another one of those 'I'll get it later' games for a lot of people, releasing in October of 2004, smack-dab in the middle of the yearly gaming rush. As a still steadily-growing franchise, Paper Mario is one of the most gamer-friendly role playing games out there. Its amazing sense of style shows that Nintendo practices what they preach about innovative games, which has become a staple in the company's future.
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15: Metroid Prime 2 Echoes
Release Date: November 15, 2004 ● Developers: Retro Studios, Nintendo ● Check out our Metroid Prime 2 Echoes WikiThere may only be 25 positions to fill, but the Metroid franchise has managed to take up two of them. It wasn't long after gamers fell in love with the 3D vision of Metroid Prime, that Nintendo announced its sequel. Metroid Prime 2 continues the story of the previous game, offering players a chance to battle an evil version of Samus Aran in her second first-person adventure title for Cube. If you haven't caught up with the latest in the Metroid series, now is the time. Metroid Prime 3 is hitting Wii later this year, which leaves only a few months for any Nintendo slackers out there to get cracking. Offering a new story, stunning visuals, and multiplayer support, Metroid Prime 2 easily makes our list of the Top 25 GameCube Games of All Time.
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14: Soulcalibur 2
Release Date: July 5, 2002 ● Developer: Project Soul ● Check out our Soulcalibur 2 WikiEvery good collection needs a solid fighting game, and we can't think of a better fighter to add to our own Top 25 than Namco's Soulcalibur II. In most gamer's minds, SCII is the gem of the series. Releasing on all three systems, the title had a golden year in 2003-2004. Each version includes a specific character, and no other version sold as well as the Cube package, offering good ole' Link as the headlining character. Where did the franchise go after that? For some odd reason ($), the series made ($) its way over to the PS2 ($). Makes sense, right? After all, it sold the best on ($) the Cube, so why not bring it to ($) PS2 instead? All joking aside, fans can't complain too much. After all, the GCN got the best version anyways, and nobody can take that away now. It's a sweet little package, and well worth the price. Maybe Namco will give the series a much-needed return on Wii. In the meantime, pick this game up and cherish it.
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13: Resident Evil
Release Date: April 30, 2002 ● Developer: Capcom ● Check out our Resident Evil WikiWhile Resident Evil 4 may be one of the best games of all time, the remake of Resident Evil for GameCube is by far one of the scariest in the business. Resident Evil works as a remake of sorts to the original Playstation version, though a ton of content has been added. Graphically, Resident Evil could still stand with the best of this (and next) generation, as it offers amazingly spooky visuals, and an even better audio presentation. In fact, Resident Evil is the first game we've ever played that kept us up at night, and while it may not have the solid over-the-shoulder control that RE4 has, it is far more scary.
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12: Beyond Good & Evil
Release Date: December 11, 2003 ● Developer: Ubisoft Pictures ● Check out our Beyond Good & Evil WikiYet another amazing vision of design, Beyond Good & Evil is an original property designed by Michel Ancel, creator of Rayman, and lead player in such titles as King Kong, and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Beyond Good & Evil is a total sleeper classic offering gameplay strikingly similar to Zelda, but in a world (and design) all its own. Shortly after its initial release, the game dropped to $10 and then slowly began to rise again once production went up. This is one of those games players will forget to grab, and then make a mad rush for on E-bay years later. Why not pick it up now, enjoy the hell out of it, and then mock those who didn't later? Sounds good to us! Beyond Good & Evil is, without a doubt, one of the best games on GameCube.
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11: Animal Crossing
Release Date: April 14, 2001 ● Developers: Nintendo EAD, Nintendo EPD ● Check out our Animal Crossing WikiBefore there was the insanity that was Animal Crossing DS, there was the Cube. Originally a N64 game, Animal Crossing made its American debut in late 2002, and gamers had no idea what hit them. By far one of the most addicting games on the Cube, Animal Crossing offers players a true real-time RPG which continues to play even after you turn off your GCN and head to school, bed, or Aunt Edna's house. The Animal Crossing craze caught on so huge in America that a DS version helped launch Nintendo's first-ever online service. While any good Nintendo fan is still busy getting every item in the handheld version, there are a few great aspects of the original title (such as the GBA island) that shouldn't be missed.
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10: Wave Race: Blue Storm
Release Date: November 17, 2001 ● Developer: Nintendo Software Technology ● Check out our Wave Race: Blue Storm WikiIf you've been a longtime fan of Nintendo, you most-likely remember a franchise called Wave Race. It got its humble beginnings on the original black and white Game Boy, moved over to the Nintendo 64 along with the cult classic 1080 Snowboarding, and played an integral part in the launch of the GameCube. While the Sony crowd had games like Jet Moto, Nintendo fans had what many would consider to be the best jet ski racing franchise out there (oh we know… there are so many of them), so when the game made a jump from N64 over to GameCube Nintendo loyals went crazy for it, and rightfully so. The game features a great sense of water racing, hosts some intense tricks, looks beautiful, and is simply a blast to cruise around in. This was the first time doing absolutely nothing in a game was still fun, as we've lost countless hours at the hands of the classic Dolphin Park resort. Oh little dolphins… how we miss you so. Here's hoping for a Wii sequel.
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9: Super Mario Sunshine
Release Date: August 26, 2002 ● Developer: Nintendo EAD ● Check out our Super Mario Sunshine WikiWhile it may not have made the same 'Wow!' impression as Mario 64 did - being the first 3D, analog controlled Mario - Super Mario Sunshine gives Nintendo fans serious 3D platforming at its finest. As Nintendo's top franchise, Mario is expected to deliver the highest quality of gaming possible, teamed with innovation and perfect gameplay. Sunshine fulfilled those expectations in nearly every way, though some gamers still have trouble getting past the game's younger presentation. In the end, however, it all comes down to gameplay for Mario, and while the leap to the Cube may not have been as huge as the N64 conversion, the stunning visuals and classic platforming make it essential to any Nintendo fan's collection.
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8: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Release Date: November 18, 2003 ● Developer: Ubisoft Montreal ● Check out our Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time WikiWhile there are plenty of great franchises that have made the conversion from 2D over to 3D, Prince of Persia stands out as one of the only ones able to keep the exact feel of gameplay through the conversion. Games like Metroid manage to change the way franchises are played while still keeping the magic alive, but Prince of Persia retains everything from the previous versions. Gameplay feels exactly how it did on the 2D productions, offering level design that will drive a sane gamer completely mad, and control that ensures precise platforming. Nothing in the design had to change for a near-perfect conversion, making Prince of Persia one of the best franchises to truly conquer the leap from 2D into 3D. Did we mention this is a gorgeous game?
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7: F-Zero GX
Release Date: August 25, 2003 ● Developer: Amusement Vision ● Check out our F-Zero GX WikiF-Zero is by far the fastest and most fearless racer on a Nintendo console to date. Releasing alongside a sit down arcade version, F-Zero GX expands on the original version, offering amazing visuals and an unparalleled sense of speed. The sheer amount of vehicle customization is nearly endless, allowing players to tweak every part of their ship, add or subtract parts to fit within weight restrictions, and even build their own racer from the ground up. For true racing fans, F-Zero will be far more appealing than Mario Kart: Double Dash.
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6: Pikmin 2
Release Date: August 30, 2004 ● Developer: Nintendo EAD ● Check out our Pikmin 2 WikiAh, good old Pikmin, would we dare create a list without you little guys? No sir. Pikmin, the latest vision of Nintendo Godfather Miyamoto, combines a bit of real-time strategy elements, a hint of puzzling, and a ton of hilarious little plant-creatures to create what has been a surprising, but enjoyable experience. Since Pikmin is still quite new as a franchise, it has had to earn its place. However, we can't argue with intriguing gameplay, an amazing design, and tiny plant-babies. Pikmin is a blast, and the second version is even stronger than the first. An obvious inspiration for Nintendo's Battalion Wars franchise, Pikmin hit strong on GameCube, and has earned its place among the Top 25 games of the system. Here's hoping for a Wii sequel.
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5: Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
Release Date: June 23, 2002 ● Developer: Silicon Knights ● Check out our Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem WikiEternal Darkness is one of those rare and unconventional games that defy simple genre rules. Breaking the boundaries of traditional gameplay, the title actually made you feel insane while playing it -- or tried to. Anyone who has played it understands that feeling, and anyone who has yet to pick it up is in for a treat. The adventure follows a heroic young woman as she journeys to uncover the death of her grandfather. The game enables players to control upward of 12 characters and features a compelling storyline uncommon in videogames. A surprisingly innovative thriller that's worth every penny.
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4: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Release Date: March 24, 2003 ● Developer: Nintendo EAD ● Check out our The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker WikiIt's amazing how much faith players can put in a franchise, and when that franchise continues (as we want it to), how often our vision is different from the final product. When Nintendo released The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, it was fearless. Everyone expected a mature themed adventure, and fans were split between loving and hating this vision. However, those who dove into Wind Waker found that the magic of the Zelda franchise was still there. The title boasted the same tight control mechanics and brilliant level designs that have together made Nintendo's acclaimed franchise so popular. We've excluded Twilight Princess from the Top 25 GameCube list, as it was predominantly a Wii game, releasing first on Nintendo's new console and in much, much higher numbers, though for Wii-less fans out there the one-two punch of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess propels the Zelda franchise into truly legendary status on GameCube. That being said, if included Twilight Princess would have been listed even higher on the list, as we consider it to be a true homecoming for the franchise.
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3: Super Smash Bros. Melee
Release Date: December 3, 2001 ● Developer: HAL Laboratory ● Check out our Super Smash Bros. Melee WikiThere's a reason why every Nintendo fan is chomping at the bit when watching clips of Super Smash Bros. Brawl on Wii. The game is any Nintendo fanboy's wet dream, featuring the best characters from every major Big N franchise. Melee has become the grand stage of fighters, much like Mario Kart is for racing fans. If you do in fact own a GameCube, and have yet to grab a copy of Smash Bros, please commit honorable suicide at this time (or we guess you could just go buy it too). You won't find a more addictive fighter on Nintendo's console. The only thing we could add to the game, online gameplay, is already in the works for Brawl, making us a group of very happy campers.On Amazon
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2: Resident Evil 4
Release Date: January 11, 2005 ● Developer: Capcom Production Studio 4 ● Check out our Resident Evil 4 WikiResident Evil 4 is without a doubt one of the best games on GCN and the most amazing and immersive of the franchise. There really isn't much that can be said that hasn't already been ranted and raved about. All we can really say is that it is essential to any collection. Resident Evil 4 did for the Cube what Super Mario World did for the SNES. It is visually impressive, flawlessly designed and a true vision. If for some amazingly unfortunate reason you have yet to grab a copy (or two --it's that damn good), grab it now. With Twilight Princess taken from our list of considerations (as it was more a Wii title than a Cube one in the end), Matt Casamassina and Mark Bozon were split equally for our top two picks. Resident Evil 4 is Bozon's top pick on GameCube, and IGN Cube's #2 overall; it's one hell of a game.
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1: Metroid Prime
Release Date: November 17, 2002 ● Developers: Retro Studios, Nintendo ● Check out our Metroid Prime WikiWhen it all comes down to it, only one game can truly sit at the top of a list, proving what the system was about, pushing gameplay and graphics to the limit, and delivering the most immersive package for console owners. For GameCube, Metroid Prime is that game. As a surprising classic released in 2002 (two years prior to games like Resident Evil 4), Metroid Prime redefined Nintendo's classic franchise, and ushered it into a new 3D era. Shortly following Prime we were again treated to Nintendo's first-person adventure series with Echoes, then by Prime Hunters on DS and eventually the pending release of Prime 3: Corruption on Wii. While other franchises made significant steps during the N64 era (Twilight Princess, for example, could be considered a progression of Ocarina of Time), Prime got its start on GameCube, and it breathed new life into the franchise. It was an amazing rebirth, an incredible GameCube game, and one of the top Nintendo titles in over two decades of gaming, period.
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The Nintendo Gamecube, for many gaming fans, remains a favorite. While the PS2 and XBox did overshadow it in many respects, the Gamecube became known for featuring some of the best Nintendo titles around — as well as some of the best multiplayer games ever to be released. There were countless parties spent around the Gamecube, with controls broken as players frantically tried to beat their friends at the game blazing in their tube TVs.
But which games ranked among the best?
To rank in this list, the game has to be centered around multiplayer functions. Games that just included a multiplayer mode, such as Metroid Prime 2, will not be counted. These are the games you'd pull out at a party with friends. Which ones are the best? Which ones could you play today and still have a good time?
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10 Mario Party 4-7
The Mario Party series remains one of the most memorable multiplayer games on the Gamecube. Many modern fans of the franchise would argue the older entries were, in fact, superior to modern games in the series.
But which game would you choose?
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Well, it doesn't really matter. Each one is someone's favorite for some reason or another, but the core appeal of each game remains the same. Roll a dice, move on a board, steal coins, steal stars, and win. The biggest difference is which game has which mini-games to play, which remain the real highlight of the franchise. But if you're with friends and have a few drinks, this may be a great way....to get all those friends angry at you, to the point where they never want to talk to you ever again.
You know what? Never play Mario Party. It ends friendships.
9 Custom Robo
Often overlooked both at the time of its release and today, Custom Robo is a mecha role-playing game. While there is a single-player adventure, the arena fighting multiplayer is a mode that remains fun even fifteen years later.
You build a robot, set the against a group of friends, and have at it. The game is an incredibly fun experience unlike virtually any other on the console. If you haven't played it, check it out now.
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8 F-Zero GX
F-Zero is a franchise that is all but eclipsed by another, more popular Nintendo racing series. Regardless, F-Zero GX is still an incredibly fun multiplayer game. It's stylish and over-the-top, prioritizing dizzying level design and high-speed races over all else.
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While it isn't as polished as a certain other racer, it remains one amazing time.
7 Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo's greatest IPs. It's surprising it took this long for them to produce a multiplayer game for the Gamecube, but produce it they did. Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures is an unconventional game. It puts you in the shoes of four different Links who have to work together to solve puzzles and battle adversaries.
The game requires you to play with four Gameboy Advance consoles hooked up to the Gamecube, making it more complicated to play today. However, if you're so willing, it remains a fascinating adventure to go on with friends.
6 Pikmin 2
Pikmin 2 is the sequel to the beloved original game in the franchise. Most people are aware of Pikmin 2 as one of the more unique games on the Gamecube, but its multiplayer function stands as a unique and entertaining game mode.
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Pikmin 2 features both a co-op challenge mode and a competitive, 'capture the flag'-esque mode. Both modes challenge players in a complicated mission of supremacy. It's one of the few times a single-player game like this included a multiplayer mode this immerse and fun.
5 Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles is another game that, like Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures, required a Gameboy Advance to play. However, what makes Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles one of the better Gamecube multiplayer games is the level of complexity it offered players who dared play it in multiplayer mode.
Multiplayer mode is in many ways more of a co-operative RPG experience than a party game. It offers players a chance to engage in the world and adventure with a friend. As one of the most overlooked entries in the Final Fantasy series, this set its apart from its contemporaries in a big way.
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4 Kirby Air Ride
A cult classic of the Gamecube era, Kirby Air Ride (not Kirby's Air Ride, as often believed), is not a racing game. Or, at least, it isn't solely one. It is an arena competition game with racing mechanics built in. The game can be divided into two core modes: one where you drive around a city collecting power-ups and fighting your competitors for said power-ups, and the part where you actually play a little match to put those power-ups to good use.
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It stands unique among the Gamecube multiplayer games out there. It stands unique among games even today. For that reason alone, it is well-worth a revisit today.
3 SoulCalibur II
SoulCalibur II was released across all the main consoles back in the day, yet the Gamecube one seems to be the one that everyone remembers. It is another entry into the endlessly popular SoulCalibur franchise, featuring the continued battle over possession of a cursed sword.
What makes the Gamecube version so special? Link is a playable character.
But beyond that, the game boasts incredibly fighting game play, a complex narrative, and some great single player experiences. This is the best fighter to own for the Gamecube — well, no, that's a lie. It almost is. But we'll get to that.
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2 Mario Kart Double Dash
No racing game on the Gamecube compares to Mario Kart Double Dash. Many fans of the franchise regard Double Dash as the best in the series — and for good reason. It was the first time the game felt fast paced and balanced. The gaming engines and capabilities finally made it possible to realize the developer's ambitions for the franchise.
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The game is incredibly complex, offering players ways to mix and match riders and vehicles to maximize their potential. Power-ups are a load of fun. The aesthetic is beautiful.
And, of course, nothing says 'It's on!' like challenging your friends to a trip down Rainbow Road.
1 Super Smash Bros. Melee
Of all the Gamecube multiplayer games, which one is still played on a competitive level?
There was never any debate which game would top this list. Super Smash Bros Melee is regarded by many to be one of, if not the, best Gamecube games ever made. While the game does have some balancing issues — especially on the competitive level — no other fighting game on the Gamecube offered players such a refined, simple way to beat the snot out of your friends.
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The game is a masterpiece. Everyone has played it. It is the first game anyone thinks of when they pull out their Gamecube at a party.
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