Although overshadowed by the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox during its heyday, theNintendo GameCubehas since developed a devoted fanbase and appreciation for its great library of exclusive games. Sadly, newer gamers have no other option than to hunt down a secondhand GameCube to experience these classic titles, as many noteworthy games are only available on Nintendo’s little purple box.
The console is home to many heavy hitters, with severalGameCube games holding up wellto this day. While some games from that era such asSuper Mario SunshineandThe Legend of Zelda: The Windwakerhave since been updated for newer Nintendo systems, there still remains a significant number of both first and third party titles left exclusively trapped on the console, sometimes only playable elsewhere on a Wii via backward compatibility. Regardless of which genre gamers prefer, Nintendo’s classic console is home to experiences for all tastes.
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Iconic Classics
As would be expected, many of Nintendo’s most popular mascots have entries on the GameCube including Mario, Link, and the rest of the gang. TheF-Zerofranchise appears on the system with anotherhigh speed racing game inF-Zero GX, testing players wits and split second thinking to survive its deadly courses. Fox McCloud and company offer two installments withStarFox Assaultbeing a more traditional space shooter in line with the rest of the series, whileStarFox Adventuresbreaks away from series conventions with a third person adventure title similar to theZeldaseries. Meanwhile,Paper Mario: The Thousand Year DoorandSuper Smash Bros. Meleebuild upon their predecessors and are arguably still the best games in each respective series. Sadly, these games have never been ported to a more modern Nintendo console, like the Switch.
Pokemon ColosseumandPokemon XD: Gale of Darknesscontinue the gameplay style seen inPokemon Stadiumon the Nintendo 64 while offering an additional spin to the formula for added depth. For fans of a galaxy far, far away, theRogue Squadronseries is a challenging flight combat series with gorgeous graphics and immersive gameplay, providing a truly authenticStar Warsexperience. Furthermore,Battalion Warsoffers a different take on theAdvance Warsseries as a third person shooter mixed with strategy elements, all whileMetal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakesis a reimaging of the PS1 original, which should satisfy any fans eagerly anticipating the rumored next gen remake
Hidden Gems
Despite Nintendo’s association with family friendly entertainment, the GameCube has a number of titles that are not afraid to dive into darker themes as well. The critically acclaimed horror classicEternal Darkness Sanity’s Requiemis a standout for fans of all thing spooky for its disturbing atmosphere and innovative, mind-bending gameplay. The game is infamous for how it keeps gamers on their toes, always playing mind games (known as Sanity Effectsin the game) such as the audio suddenly lowering by itself or the character’s own head falling off. For players who prefer supernatural themed games with more of an emphasis on action,Geistrevolves around taking control of a disembodied spirit, giving players the ability to possess people (and even objects) to haunt their way to the end of this unique adventure thriller.
The GameCube has strong entries in the RPG department as well with notable standouts such asLost Kingdoms(developed by FromSoftware, the creator ofDark Souls) which presents players with a rich fantasy setting and real time combat. For gamers that prefer science fiction to fantasy, there isCustom Robo, an engaging action game where customizable robots are pit against each other in combat. Also worth mentioning is theBaiten Kaitosseries, an epic and grand scale journey across a kingdom in the clouds,developed by Monolith Software ofXenosagafame.
Finally, for everything and anything in between, the GameCube is home to many games that can hardly be categorized into a single genre for their often bizarre uniqueness.Odamais a war simulation that plays like a pinball machine that should entertain fans of strategy titles while shoot’em up enthusiasts can find plenty to enjoy in the fast paced excitement ofChaos Field. For extra measure, althoughSuper Mario Sunshinementioned earlier is the most notable platformer on the console, there are other just as enjoyable entries in the genre like the colorfully cuteBilly Hatcher and the Giant Eggas well the enormously charmingChibi Robo.
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