Summary
- The Nintendo GameCube, although not as successful as its successor the Wii, was still considered a success for Nintendo and had a plethora of brilliant games.
- Certain GameCube titles like Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, NFL 2K3, SSX 3, and Viewtiful Joe garnered positive reviews and many are considered classics.
- The Legend of Zelda games, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Metroid Prime, and Resident Evil 4 were highly acclaimed and are still considered some of the best games on the GameCube.
The Nintendo GameCube - released in 2001 for Japan and North America, and in 2002 for the rest of the world - was a beloved console for many gamers. There are quite a few titles that are considered classics, and while it was not universally praised, it was considered a success for Nintendo overall, even though it was surpassed by the incredible popularity of its successor, the Wii.
As Nintendo's competition for the PS2 and Xbox, the GameCube had the unenviable task of matching the success of those consoles without outright emulating them. In essence, it still had to feel like a Nintendo. Many gamers may think of the console fondly, and remember that it's still home to a plethora of brilliant games.
Updated on April 3, 2024, by Alexandra O'Leary: For many gamers, the Nintendo GameCube holds an incredibly special place in video game history. On the cusp of Nintendo becoming the creators of a household console, the GameCube is home to many classic games that introduced millions of people into the world of gaming. It set the stage for many fondly remembered games, and is one of the most beloved consoles ever created. With something for everyone, the GameCube was instrumental in expanding the video game audience and bringing gaming to the forefront of popular culture, and paved the way for the Nintendo Wii - which went on to become the first console truly built for the whole family.
18 Resident Evil (2002)
Metascore: 91
Resident Evil
- Released
- April 30, 2002
- Developer(s)
- Capcom Production Studio 4
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Resident Evil is the 2002 remake of the original 1996 game, first released for the PlayStation. Despite the success of the original, the 2002 version of the game quickly became critically acclaimed, with many claiming both the graphics and the gameplay had wildly improved.
It was released exclusively on the GameCube thanks to a deal between Nintendo and Capcom, but was released for multiple other consoles following another remaster in 2015. Aside from the technical updates, Resident Evil remained largely the same, following the same narrative and player characters, with minor changes that refined the experience. It's often claimed to be the best entry in the franchise, with players citing its masterful atmosphere, look, and narrative.
17 Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4
Metascore: 91
- Platforms: GameCube, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Xbox, GBA
- Released: 2002-11-23
- Developer: Neversoft
- Genre: Skateboarding, Sports
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 is a fondly remembered GameCube title, loved for its fresh take on the series and fun gameplay. Deviating from previous installments, Pro Skater 4 emphasized exploration and world over time-limits. Players can pick up challenges from NPCs around the map with less time pressure, which makes the game more fun and accessible to gamers.
The game also added extra tricks in addition to previous ones, and these additions proved to be a hit with players. Critics and audiences alike agreed that it was the best installment in the series for a while, giving new life to the franchise without forgetting its core values. Pro Skater fans were thrilled with the addition, and today it's well-remembered as a classic title for the GameCube.
16 Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
Metascore: 92
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
- Released
- November 15, 2004
- Developer(s)
- Retro Studios
- Platform(s)
- GameCube, Wii, Nintendo Wii U
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter, Metroidvania
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes was the highly anticipated sequel to Metroid Prime, and the first installment in the Metroid series to feature multiplayer. Compared to previous games, there was more of an emphasis on the narrative, and the game's marketing campaign was created in line with this - including websites featuring entries written as if Metroid Prime 2: Echoes was real footage rather than gameplay.
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The investment in marketing paid off, as Metroid Prime 2: Echoes was a commercial and critical hit. It was praised for its original and creative levels, enemies and storyline. It's abundantly loyal to the Metroidvania genre and style, and committed fully to be a high-quality, imaginative take on the format players already knew and loved.
15 Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
Metascore: 92
- Released
- June 24, 2002
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Animated Blood and Gore, Animated Violence
- Developer(s)
- Silicon Knights
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- GameCube
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
While Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem is not a household name and did not have good sales numbers, it did garner a plethora of positive reviews and went on to win several awards. Critics and players alike enjoyed combating the supernatural monsters, conjuring dazzling spells, and traveling through the ever-changing setting that only seemed to get cooler as the game went on.
Originally planned as a Nintendo 64 game, it was eventually developed for the GameCube. Due to the low sales, Nintendo canceled the sequel, but that didn't stop it from earning a high place on the list of the GameCube's best titles.
14 NFL 2K3
Metascore: 92
NFL 2K3
- Released
- August 14, 2002
- Developer
- Visual Concepts
- Genre(s)
- Sports, simulators
Considered one of the best football games of its time, NFL 2K3 was widely praised for its realistic player animations, intuitive audible system, and in-depth franchise mode. It even included an ESPN broadcast system that showed highlights from one's games, which was revolutionary at the time.
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This is one of those games that is tough to look back at and judge compared to the games fans have today, but upon release, it seemed to be something special. Contemporarily, it substantially upped the football of football games and should be remembered as important in the progression of the genre.
13 SSX 3
Metascore: 92
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Game Boy Advance, GameCube, PS2, Xbox (Original)
- Genre(s)
- Sports
SSX 3 is a snowboarding simulation game released on the GameCube in 2003. Players can compete in a snowboarding championship and show their skills on the slope to prove they should be number one. Like NFL 2K3, SSX 3 was applauded for its realism, particularly its board mechanics and physics.
It made huge technical leaps and the graphics can still be appreciated. Maps were expansive and open-world, which removed the barrier of loading screens and wait times. It's one of EA Sport's all-time highest-rated games on Metacritic, a testament to all its achievements.
12 Madden NFL 2003
Metascore: 92
Madden NFL 2003
Madden NFL 2003 is another football simulation game that garnered critical acclaim for its realistic graphics and its bountiful extras. Critics and fans alike found the amount of options and modes available made it unique from other football simulation titles and made it feel more expansive. The changes from previous titles were noted as necessary and attentive, with critics noting it played well and gave a real impression of football. It's generally thought to be a must-play for football game lovers who want fun, stakes, and great commentary.
11 Prince of Persia: The Sands Of Time
Metascore: 92
- Released
- October 28, 2003
- ESRB
- Teen // Blood, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft
- Engine
- Jade
- Sequel(s)
- Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
- Franchise
- Prince of Persia
- Number of Players
- 1
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 2, Xbox (Original), Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, PC, Mobile
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a well-known game that's still acclaimed and loved today. It's an action-adventure, third-person perspective game where players assume the role of an unnamed Prince as he tries to fight the evil unleashed upon Azad.
The game was praised for its combat, which was kept fresh and exciting thanks to enemy respawning. Additionally, the storyline and puzzles were favored for their originality and ability to keep gamers captivated. Upon release, critics were quick to name it a soon-to-be classic and correctly assumed it would take a much-deserved place in video gaming history. Additionally, Assassin's Creed developers have since stated that the prolific franchise began as a concept for a Prince of Persia sequel.
10 Super Mario Sunshine
Metascore: 92
- Released
- August 26, 2002
- ESRB
- E For Everyone due to Comic Mischief
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EAD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Franchise
- Super Mario
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- GameCube
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Super Mario Sunshine is one of the highest-rated Mario games on Metacritic and was loved for its creative and original take on a 3D Mario game. It introduced the FLUDD machine, a water jet-pack that was used for travel as well as different puzzles. It was one of the GameCube's best-selling games, with over 5 million copies shifted worldwide.
The story, graphics, and innovative gameplay were the main draws. Its attractive, fun map was also favored by fans and critics, being home to the now iconic Mario Kart map Delfino Plaza. Developers had great ideas for the game, and successfully took Super Mario Sunshine in its own, distinct direction. Critics hailed the game as addictive, even if its camera mechanics may drive the modern gamer nuts.
9 Super Smash Bros. Melee
Metascore: 92
- Released
- December 3, 2001
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Comic Mischief, Mild Violence
- Developer(s)
- HAL Laboratory
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Havok
- Multiplayer
- Local Co-Op
- Franchise
- Super Smash Bros.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- GameCube
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
Super Smash Bros. Melee was the second installment in the now classic Super Smash Bros. Series. It was praised by critics for brilliantly executing its vision, with simple, effective controls, great visuals, and iconic sound design. Although Nintendo had yet to see what a legendary title it would be, Super Smash Bros. Melee sold over 7 million copies and was the best-selling game on the GameCube.
This installment added extra characters and stages and had a hand in bringing the Fire Emblem series to a wider audience. When Marth and Roy were added to Melee, the Fire Emblem games had only been released in Japan and were unfamiliar to Western audiences - their popularity prompted the following Fire Emblem titles to be released overseas.
Now, Melee is home to a vast and loyal competitive gaming scene - one of the most popular in the world. Players have been loyal to the title since its release, and it's generally thought to be the best version of Smash for competitive play.