Image via Complex Original
The GameCube was a formidable contender in the earlier days of the console wars, and for good reason: so much of its library was jam-packed with excellent games. Superb ports and remakes like Resident Evil, exciting new premises, and fantastic new IPs like the legendary Viewtiful Joe ran rampant. Best of all, we saw some of the best first-party Nintendo releases in ages. Mario made his welcomed return in Super Mario Sunshine as did Link in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. There were so many awesome games, it was hard to choose just 25 of the best. But we've narrowed our choices down and selected the cream of the crop for your reading pleasure. Let us know which ones were your all-time favorites.
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25. Geist (2005)
Developer: n-Space, inc.
Though it suffered from some frame rate issues, Geist was a satisfyingly creepy first-person shooter experience that differed from many of the other titles released on the system at the time. Scare tactics were entertaining gimmicks, and the concept was refreshingly inventive. There are no plans for a sequel, but its spirit lives on. Get it? Spirit?
24. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (2004)
Developer: Retro Studios
Playing off the original Metroid Prime's excellent gunplay, puzzles, and boss fights, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes was a worthy follow-up to the spectacular original campaign, introducing an alternate dimension and Dark Samus.
23. F-Zero GX (2003)
Developer: Amusement Vision
The fifth installment in the F-Zero series also turned out to be one of the greatest. F-Zero GX offered 30 characters with sprawling tracks and high production values. It's considered one of the best racers of the GameCube era and offered an authentic sense of real speed. Even single-player mode offered a satisfying mix of racing and objectives to complete. Falcooooon punch!
22. Pikmin 2 (2004)
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Pikmin 2 may have been more of the same from many a fan's perspective, but it offered some very useful alterations as well. The 30-day time limit from the original game was removed, and the additional multiplayer mode allowed players to compete via LAN-styled matches.
21. Chibi-Robo! (2006)
Developer: Skip Ltd.
Chibi-Robo! wasn't exactly a commercial success, but due to its bizarre nature and quirky characters, it reserved a place in many GameCube owners' hearts, even receiving sequels down the line -- it's got a 3DS entry coming out. The tale of the adorable little robot and his interpersonal issues were engaging in ways we hadn't seen before -- even if it's just a little robot vacuuming a room, it's still quite touching.
20. Luigi's Mansion (2001)
Developer: Nintendo EAD
With fantastic visuals and sound, Luigi's first starring role was tailor-made for the GameCube and sports that particular brand of Nintendo cheer. It's an endearing adventure for the greener Mario brother worth finding for a scary good time that you won't want to end anytime soon—and this time around, you can actually seek out the sequel for your 3DS.
19. Mario Kart: Double Dash (2003)
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Double Dash upped the ante, taking the Mario Kart racing experience to the next level. It introduced dual riders in a single kart, new game modes, and unlockable extras that resonated with fans. Though its voice acting suffered, the addition of fantastic new features were enough to make this Mario Kart another commercial success, and one of the best racers on the system.
18. Tales of Symphonia (2004)
Developer: Namco Tales Studio
The Tales series is memorable enough on its own, but Symphonia stands out in a way that you won't soon forget, with likable characters, an airy plot, and addictive random battles. That's a rare trait in a role playing game, so if that strikes your fancy go back and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
17. WarioWare: Mega Party Game$! (2004)
Developer: Nintendo R&D1
WarioWare's GameCube entry was a blast to play solo, and even better with a room full of friends. If the Game Boy Advance debut wasn't enough, the GameCube entry added new games, classic games, and party modes that had the entire room rolling. Or hitting each other, depending on who ended up losing.
16. Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean (2004)
Developer: tri-Crescendo/Monolith Soft
The first game in the Baten Kaitos series was so unlike anything gamers had seen before, it wasn't difficult for it to reel in those new to the role-playing genre and veterans alike. Gorgeous graphics, interesting card-based systems, and a memorable cast made it the success it is today.
15. Viewtiful Joe (2003)
Developer: Capcom Production Studio 4
Henshin-a-go-go, baby! The 2D fighter/platformer was a force to be reckoned with, combining slick melee moves with cinematic combos and a movie-themed hero as well as memorable catchphrases and boss battles. It spawned a sequel and even an anime series, but we'll always remember our first.
14. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004)
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Paper Mario was a smash hit on the Nintendo 64, so it's no surprise we saw a sequel on the GameCube. Some may call it "wordy" or decry it for having "too much reading," but its humorous script, excellent plot and gameplay, and more of the Paper Mario we love are good enough reasons to call this sequel one of the console's best, even if it didn't stray too far from familiar territory.
13. Beyond Good and Evil (2003)
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
The timeless tale of Jade and Pey'J will not soon be forgotten, as it revolutionized storytelling upon its release. Zelda-like combat, "dungeons," and a meaningful plot? Check all around. It's a shame we haven't yet seen a sequel just yet, but there are still rumblings.
12. SoulCalibur II (2003)
Developer: Project Soul
Soul Blade and SoulCalibur were great fighting games on their own merit, but SoulCalibur II really raised the bar in fighters. It included The Legend of Zelda's Link for GameCube owners, comic book anti-hero Spawn for Xbox and Tekken's Heihachi for PlayStation 2. Its varied roster, slick fighting styles, and robust story mode are only a few of the reasons why it belongs in the GameCube Hall of Fame.
11. Killer7 (2005)
Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture
Suda51 knocked it out of the park with his bizarre on-rails shooter Killer7. Unconventional, violent, and smacking of cult appeal, the tale of 7 "assassins" resonated with audiences everywhere. Gimps, gorgeous assassins, and strange enemies known as Heaven Smiles created a disconcerting atmosphere with a surprise twist of an ending. And Grasshopper Manufacture, seeing how much we liked Killer7, brought us No More Heroes—you can't have too much of a good thing.
10. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (2004)
Developer: Silicon Knights
Following a long line of remakes and improved ports before it, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes was an improved port of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, with improved graphics, brand new cut scenes, and even re-recorded voiceovers from the complete English cast, except for Gray Fox. It's a faithful retelling that's even better than the original, and that's an accomplishment.
9. Pikmin (2001)
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Pikmin is a strategy game that anyone can get into. Captain Olimar directs Pikmin, tiny beings that aid him in recovering parts of his ship after a comet crash strands him on a strange new planet. The friendly alien creatures and strategic layers made the game a memorable new IP that would go on to become one of Nintendo's flagship franchises, culling a fanbase together even now.
8. Resident Evil (2002)
Developer: Capcom
The GameCube's remake of the 1996 survival horror classic was a gorgeous re-imagining that opened new doors to a brand new audience. Gone were the horrific voice acting and localization, replaced with a polished new script and a wealth of new content. Though it combined new and old material alike, it quickly became the go-to edition of the PlayStation original, becoming the new benchmark by which later survival horror games would be judged by.
7. Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem (2002)
Developer: Silicon Knights
The tale of Alexandra Roivas was a memorable one, utilizing spectacular "sanity effects" to give the player a feel for what it must have been like for the heroine. Spanning twelve completely different time periods, it took players back to Ancient Rome and even the cusp of World War I exploring the summoning of the evil Corpse God Mantorok. It's noted as one of the scariest games of all time, but what's really terrifying is the fake "corrupt data" sanity effect.
6. Super Mario Sunshine (2002)
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Mario packed up and headed to Isle Delfino for the second 3D Mario platformer, hopping through the tropical paradise with his FLUDD (Flash Liquidizing Ultra Dousing Device) and a sun beating down on his back—Peach in tow, of course. Using the FLUDD (found on the island) Mario must find the sun-shaped Shine Sprites that give the island its power and restore the sun to Isle Delfino. All this, while keeping Peach safe and the island from being vandalized. It's a strange little detour from classic Mario games, but a great adventure nevertheless.
5. Metroid Prime (2002)
Developer: Retro Studios/Nintendo
The first 3D game in the Metroid series took the industry by storm, opening to universal acclaim. To date, it still holds the distinct honor of being considered by many as one of the greatest games of all time. From Samus's sojourn to the Orpheon to Meta Ridley, every bit of the game is memorable in its own right. Metroid fans owe it to themselves to take this ride.
4. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2003)
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Toon Link was a controversial protagonist during the development of this strikingly different Zelda entry, but once it was released it was met with almost universal acclaim. A new look for Link, new sailing mechanics, and breathtaking aesthetics propelled this new Zelda adventure to the top of players' "to-play" lists, and for good reason: it's magnificent.
3. Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
Developer: HAL Laboratory
After the classic original Super Smash Bros. game in 1999, we clamored for more epic battles between our favorite Nintendo characters, and we got it in a big way. Melee served up new characters, new stages, and a campaign with plenty of surprises.
2. Animal Crossing (2001)
Developer: Community Simulation
Though it's graced the Wii and our handhelds (most recently with Animal Crossing: New Leaf), Animal Crossing was most unforgettable with its GameCube debut, turning everything we knew about interior decorating, fishing, bug-catching, and being buried in debt on its head. Neighbors moved in, the town flourished, you got in some play time with retro NES games, and you learned the true meaning of angering Resetti. That's a kind of wrath you never want brought down upon you.
1. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Developer: Capcom Production Studio 4
The Resident Evil title that changed everything found success on even the PlayStation 2, Wii, and Xbox 360 later on in its life cycle, but the GameCube release is the one so many of us fell in love with. A brand new rugged Leon, quick-time events from hell, and an excellent plot even Resident Evil veterans had to stand up and take note of. Though it arguably strayed from the series' survival horror roots, it was an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that made a lasting mark on the industry for years to come.