10 GameCube Games That Are Still Fun to Play
“Pikmin 2” (2004)
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While not the only “Pikmin” game for the GameCube, “Pikmin 2” is better than its predecessor. This sequel features a longer runtime, and more gameplay variety, with large, dungeon-like caves to explore and more breathing room in general. “Pikmin 2” also introduces a second protagonist, Louie, as well as new types of Pikmin to use in battle and in puzzle solving. Although many prefer the motion controls of the rereleases, “Pikmin 2” is still a blast on its original system. Regardless of how you play it, “Pikmin 2” is worth “pik-ing” up.
“Luigi’s Mansion” (2001)
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Luigi’s main weapon might suck, but this game certainly doesn’t! One of the GameCube’s launch titles, “Luigi’s Mansion” has remained a beloved game over the decades. Mario’s taller little brother ghostbusting a creepy mansion is a game concept that players didn’t know they needed back at the turn of the millennium, and its cartoony horror and satisfying gameplay is still just as fresh as it was when it was released. It may not be a long game, but “Luigi’s Mansion” is a spooky, fun time that gamers love to revisit again and again.
“F-Zero GX” (2003)
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There aren’t many “F-Zero” games, and the last major one was for the GameCube – seriously, give us another one Nintendo! Granted, we can see how tough it would be to improve on “F-Zero GX!” The numerous colorful racers are all here, and the sense of speed and need for quick reflexes are almost unparalleled in the racing genre. While this can make “GX” tough to get into for some, if you’re willing to put in the mileage, you’ll find one of the speediest and most thrilling racing games out there.
“Super Mario Sunshine” (2002)
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Every 3D Mario platformer feels distinct and unique from the others, and “Super Mario Sunshine” is no exception. The tropical setting is beautiful and surprisingly consistent across all the levels. The hub is a ton of fun to explore, and the controls make even moving around a satisfying experience. However, “Sunshine” has a few annoyances that hold it back from landing higher on our list, such as progression blocks, poorly explained controls, and abrupt difficulty spikes, some of which we’re still receiving therapy about.
“Mario Kart: Double Dash” (2003)
Keeping with the Mario theme, “Double Dash” is another fantastic part of the franchise on the GameCube. One of the system’s best selling games, “Mario Kart: Double Dash” has all the hallmarks of the “Mario Kart” series, but with its own unique twists and improvements, such as drifting giving you a boost for the first time. The biggest selling point though is the two characters per kart mechanic. Not only are you able to switch between them in single player, but two players can control one kart in multiplayer, with one controlling the items, which you can also carry more of. With its improvements and unique gimmicks, “Double Dash” is a “Mario Kart” game everyone should rush to play.
“Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” (2004)
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The last Mario game we’ll be discussing…sort of, “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” has the potential to age well for as long as its millennium-long name. Its paper art style in particular holds up fantastically. The gameplay is similarly timeless, with the turn-based combat and timed-hit mechanic continuing from its predecessor, while also incorporating plenty of new elements. An interactive audience during fights, paper power-ups, new partner characters, and playable Bowser and Peach sections are just a few of the additions. “The Thousand-Year Door” is a gateway to one of the most entertaining and cherished Mario RPGs ever made. All you have to do is step through. Also, find a copy.
“Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance” (2005)
The “Fire Emblem” games are some of the most celebrated strategy RPGs out there, and “Path of Radiance” is one of the most popular entries. Beginning with the simple premise of a band of mercenaries aiding a princess in retaking her kingdom, the game explores an expansive world, with a huge cast and themes like prejudice. Despite its graphics feeling a little simplistic even at the time, you have to remember that it was the first “Fire Emblem” game in 3D. Plus, the cutscenes are still gorgeous, and the core gameplay remains a solid blend of rock-paper-scissors meets chess. “Path of Radiance” positively shines and it’s well worth embarking upon.
“The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” (2003)
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Although it was tempting to choose “Twilight Princess” instead, our pick for the best “Zelda” game on the GameCube is “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.” Featuring a cell-shaded art style that holds up wonderfully, “Wind Waker” is a beautiful game through and through, with all the usual “Zelda” dungeons and exploration set in a vast sea of adventure. “Wind Waker”’s soaring soundtrack, charming characters, and pseudo open world feel at once ahead of their time and timeless. Everything about “Wind Waker” is just so delightful and inviting, that we still love setting sail for it today.
“Super Smash Bros. Melee” (2001)
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The biggest system seller on our list, and one of the most enduringly popular fighting games out there, “Super Smash Bros. Melee” is a true classic. “Melee” took everything about the original game and improved upon everything to such a degree that people continue to come back to it, even with the improvements made to subsequent games. The game has a competitive scene that endures today, thanks to its tight controls and the speed of combat. However, even casual players can still appreciate “Melee”’s great roster of Nintendo characters, adventure mode, and many other features which are endlessly enjoyable.
“Metroid Prime” (2002)
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The GameCube featured a couple of “Metroid Prime” games, and while “Metroid Prime 2: Echoes” is also exceptional, we think the original holds up best. The perfect blend of a 3D adventure platformer and an FPS, “Metroid Prime” is an action-packed game. Each new location draws you in with beautiful environments, challenging puzzles, and deadly enemies. “Prime” had to translate the “Metroid” franchise’s nonlinear maps and atmospheric settings into a new dimension and it accomplished that challenge and then some! “Metroid Prime” is a “prime” example of how great the GameCube was and still is.
