30 Best GameCube Games Of All Time

Looking for a great game to play on GameCube? There are plenty of options out there, and it can be challenging to determine what’s worth your time and money and what isn’t. This article will look at the 30 best GameCube games of all time to offer you a place to start when choosing your next game.

How We Chose Our List

When choosing the best GameCube games of all time, we looked at several important facets. We considered graphics, gameplay, music, and features. We also took into consideration which games have done well and are still being talked about today. While choosing the best video games is somewhat personal, our rankings are based on the input of other reviewers and players who have offered their feelings on the following games, as well as others.

The Top 30 Best​ GameCube Games

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

Wind Waker was a departure from the typical Zelda game into a cartoony world with a juvenile feel. Some players loved this while others hated it. Those who jump in and give it a try will find the same Zelda they know and love underneath.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Anyone who likes a good fighting game will tell you that Super Smash Bros. Melee was perfection. You get all the best characters from the major Nintendo franchises in one place. Then you get to beat up your friends. Can’t beat that!

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Catering to everyone who preferred the mature Zelda environment to the cutesy one offered in Wind Waker, Twilight Princess was born. Some would say this is one of the two best Zelda games ever to come out, the other being the more recent Breath of the Wild.

Metroid Prime

Metroid Prime pushed the limits of the GameCube and showed how far graphics and gameplay could take us. It’s easily one of the best games for the console, no matter what type of gaming you tend to go for.

Animal Crossing

The original Animal Crossing is one of the most addicting games that ever came out on the GameCube. If you like RPGs, animals, and real-time play – this is one you should be checking out.  Be warned!  These animals were a little more sassy in the original.

F-Zero GX

One of the most exciting racing games to ever hit the GameCube, F-Zero is a dream. You’ll practically feel the speed as you race along with visuals that draw you in. You can customize your vehicles to a fantastic degree and build your own driver.

Pikmin 2

Pikmin 2 is a strange little game, and we mean that as a compliment. It involves weird plant critters, a dose of puzzles, and real-time strategy for an exciting gaming experience. The design is well-done, and the experience is truly unique.

Super Monkey Ball

Monkey Ball is nothing if not a fantastic franchise. Super Monkey Ball took the ball even farther from the first game by adding new story modes and mini-games. For those who love party games, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

If you appreciate text-heavy RPGs, this is a strategic game that will keep you busy for many hours. There are many difficulty settings to challenge yourself with. It’s an excellent option for those who want to try a role-playing strategy game.

Mario Party 4

If you dig party games, you’re going to be enraptured by Mario Party 4. It has fun mini-games and even better graphics than past versions. Anyone who enjoys multiplayer gaming will find something to appreciate about this silly game.

Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

It was nice to see Twin Snakes come out on the GameCube since PlayStation was the usual target for this type of fare. This game added to the mature-rated games available on the console and ended up becoming a cult classic.

DK Jungle Beat

It may not have been the classic Donkey Kong we know and love, but DK Jungle Beat was a whole lot of fun. It came with a set of bongos and gameplay revolved around hitting a couple of huge buttons. Fun stuff!

Resident Evil

Many people would say that Resident Evil 4 is the best of those for GameCube, but the remake of the original offers the terror you are looking for. The graphics are still creepy even today, and the audio sets the tone. If you’re looking for a game that can keep you up at night, this is the one to turn on.

Sonic Heroes

This may not be the longest Sonic game out there, but it’s certainly a lot of fun. There are only 14 levels, but you can find some replay value in them. The multiplayer mode isn’t perfect, but single player shines, especially in some of the faster-paced levels.

Beyond Good and Evil

How this game isn’t a classic, we couldn’t say. The gameplay is fun, and the world is innovative. The game dropped in price quickly but then rose back up again later. We suggest grabbing this one if you like games like Zelda.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

When a game flips over from 2D to 3D, there are usually some hiccups. That’s not so for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. You get the same feel while playing with better graphics and insane level design.

Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life

Harvest Moon is a series that people love, and this iteration gives you plenty of constructive work to do. The world is exciting and offers a lot to the player who pushes through it.

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

Rogue Leader came out at launch with the GameCube and is one of the best games for the system today. It shows incredible visuals with solid gameplay. While most Star Wars games are going to garner some popularity simply by name, Rogue Leader does it right.

Sonic Adventure 2 Battle

Some people are going to be unhappy about this Sonic game because it strays from the original. However, it has excellent additions and enhancements that make the game fun to play for hours and hours. The game is entertaining and, while different from the typical Sonic game, does what it sets out to do well.

Super Mario Sunshine

It’s no surprise that a Mario game came out and was a blast. It may not have been as stunning as Mario 64, but it did a great job at moving along the 3D platforming style. Even if you aren’t a fan of the presentation, the classic platforming play and the beautiful graphics stand out.

Soulcalibur II

For gamers who are into fighting games, it doesn’t get much better than Soulcalibur II. It was released on three consoles with special characters for each. The GameCube version outsold all the others by offering Link from the Zelda series.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Paper Mario is a role-playing game that is designed to be friendly to any gamer. It has an exciting style compared to other Mario games and shows that innovation Nintendo is known for. It may not have been an immediate hit, but those who purchased it had great things to say about it.

Viewtiful Joe

You may not think of side-scrollers when the GameCube comes to mind, but a few hit that sweet spot and are worth a playthrough. Viewtiful Joe is one of them. The style is fun and unique while the story is entertaining and exciting

Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem

This game is a bit of a strange one to explain, which is part of its beauty. As a player, you can end up controlling 10 or more characters for a unique experience. If you like thrillers and don’t mind bumps in the night, this one is worth the money.

Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg

We get it; the game looks a bit childish. However, when you give it a try, it’s entertaining. It can get repetitive at times, but young players won’t have an issue with that. Where the game excels is in the multiplayer arena, so give it a shot.

Tales of Symphonia

Tales of Symphonia is a fun role-playing game that also offers a hint of adventure. That’s part of what adds to its appeal. You’ll have to use strategy while also taking part in customization to excel. On top of that, the puzzle system is well-done and rarely gets frustrating.

Luigi’s Mansion

Luigi’s Mansion is a fun game that includes puzzles, excellent controls, and a sense of discovery. It’s polished and clearly meant to shine on the GameCube. The only real thing dragging Luigi towards the end of this list is the fact that it becomes repetitive over time.

Super Mario Strikers

The truth is that there aren’t a lot of fantastic sports games on the GameCube, but Strikers does okay with the genre. It’s far better in multiplayer than it is for single player. You’re going to have a great time, either way; you may not have every single feature you’d like.

Star Fox: Assault

Star Fox: Assault is a game that is entertaining, but it doesn’t offer much innovation for a sequel. Anyone who enjoys the series will appreciate this game, but others may have a harder time appreciating the repetitive playstyle. It is a perk that it offers multiplayer options, however.

Mario Kart: Double Dash

Double Dash is fun for what it is, but unlike other racing games, it doesn’t change the genre to any degree. That said, it’s a fun game to play with friends and remains popular among a particular group of GameCube players.

Buyer’s Guide

The first thing to understand is that if you don’t already own a GameCube, getting one and all the needed accessories can take some digging. The good news is that you can often get the console for a reasonable price, online or offline.

You may also find it’s challenging to find every game you want to play, simply because the GameCube is getting older. You can try to find them at a brick and mortar store or hit up websites such as eBay to get used games in excellent condition.

The other thing to consider is that some of these games are now available on newer consoles, such as the WiiU, 3DS or Nintendo Switch.  If you own one of these newer consoles, it might be cost efficient and time saving to see if these classics are available to play.

As far as choosing the games you’d like to play, the sky is the limit. This article lists games of all different genres and would be an excellent place to start if you aren’t sure which games you want to begin with.

Conclusion

The games we’ve listed above are our picks for the top 30 GameCube games of all time. We’ve included roleplaying games, action games, adventure games, sports games, and more. While your favorite game may not have made the list, we think this incorporates the 30 games that any GameCube player should give a try at least once.