The Nintendo GameCube is probably one of the most underrated game consoles that ended up being pushed to the side upon the release of the Nintendo Wii in 2006. However, there is something a little more nostalgic about the GameCube that groups it in with the likes of the now retro consoles like the PlayStation. But, the best GameCube games will tap into the inner retro gamer in you, in an instant.
- What about the best N64 games?
- Read our guide to the best Nintendo Switch games
- Check out the best gifts for Nintendo gamers on GamesRadar.com
There are still plenty of fantastic games on the market for the GameCube, many of which are considered high-quality and are still some of the nation’s favourites. The type of game you look for will depend on how you like to play and what kind of genre you’re into. If you’re looking to play with friends, then racing, fighting and platformer games such as Super Smash Bros seem to be the way to go for the most entertainment.
For those who like to immerse themselves in the game, third person action and shooter games, or first person adventure storytelling games usually have the most depth and lots of levels to complete. For something a little more light-hearted and entertaining, animated games such as Sonic or Mario Kart are very popular.
We’ve picked out some of the best-loved games that were released in the noughties that just never get old. Take a look at our list and see what takes your fancy.
If you’re a real Nintendo super fan, then Super Smash Bros is the game to play. In this game you see some old favourites battle against each other and you’ll ask have many more characters to unlock as the game goes on. You can expect to see the likes of Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Kirbi and Yoshi, and play in different scenarios and locations including the jungle and Zelda’s Universe. Some players say that some of the levels are tricky to get the hang of, and you may end up bashing some buttons in frustration, but for the most part this game is easy enough for a novice to play, but challenging enough to keep you hooked until you’ve unlocked every character.
If you’re a big fan of horror and gore, then Resident Evil is the game for you. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a long term fan or new to the series, we’re sure you’ll appreciate the action packed story that comes with Resident Evil 4. Players are extremely impressed with the graphics on this GameCube game, and they also say that the controls are better than on the other console versions. There’s a lot of depth to this game which means you can play it again and again to unlock different weapons and other things you might not have noticed the last time you played, so in terms of value, this one is worth it.
If you liked Super Smash Bros, then Sonic Adventure 2 is another classic you’re bound to enjoy. Users love how this game never gets boring, so you can actually take your time to complete it properly. You change characters whenever you move up a level which some don’t like as it feels more like “mini games”, but this is perfect for breaking up the gaming. It has a fun soundtrack which again some users love, and some hate, but overall this classic platformer game is one for the whole family to have a go at.
Fans of Zelda will no doubt enjoy this game which has adopted a new look compared to the other Zelda Games. The graphics now have cell shading technology and most love the new animated look. You’ll come across lots of interesting and unique puzzles to solve, as well as a whole host of quests which you can go on to really delve further into the story. Users were a little disappointed that this game is slightly shorter than other Zelda games, but you can still enjoy completing this one nonetheless.
Metroid Prime is a unique game that would be appreciated by serious gamers with the patience to figure out how to really make the most of it. The graphics are clear and crisp and the landscape is surprisingly vast. Unlike other casual shooter games, this GameCube game has an intelligent story behind it and initially might take a little while to understand it. This is great for those who want a real challenge, and although it might take a while to find your feet, it’s a game definitely worth completing.
Whether you’re a Mario fan or not, this slight twist on the classic game is incredibly addictive and fun to play. It is a cross between a platformer and RPG and has been seriously underrated since its release in 2004. There’s a lot to uncover through quests and puzzles, and players particularly love the thought gone into the humour of some of the storylines. The graphic aren’t the best on this one and the sounds can get a little repetitive, but there is just something quite cool about the paper-style characters which make this game incredibly addictive.
If you like fighting games, then Soulcalibur II will cater to your needs. This game has longevity which will allow you to really get the most out of it, with several different fighters to choose from and 7 modes of play, you can complete quest after quest without getting bored. However, in terms of the story and the graphics, some gamers think this game is very similar to a lot of other fighting games and therefore has nothing new to offer. If you’re a new gamer or don’t usually play fighting games, then the easy controls make this a great game to start with.
If you’re not the competitive type, then Animal Crossing is one of those games you can play at your leisure without the stress of needing to complete the game. It’s a sim based game in which you can build your very own kingdom, completing tasks along the way. Now, if you think that it sounds a little boring, hear us out. There are tasks to complete which have a timer set to them, so you must complete it on the day stated in order to progress in building your kingdom. There’s no way to “win” the game, but these real-time tasks add an element of urgency for those who like to have a purpose when playing a game. If nothing else, the cute graphics sell this one.
This game is designed to throw you into an action-packed scenario as you try to take down terrorist organisations and stop nuclear war. This game is stealthy and fast-paced, with impressive quality from both sound and graphics. Players say they were unsure about this remake at first, but love how immersive everything is. The only downside to this game is that some players found it quite easy and would prefer a bit more of a challenge, but it’s perfect for novices to this style of game-play.
This Mario Kart game is super fun for playing with mates, and there are tonnes of characters to choose from when racing each other. The game has a split-screen function and you can even use two TV’s in order to play with up to 8 players. It doesn’t have the best graphics but in fact most people love this as it has a real sense of nostalgic when playing. Overall this is one of the best party games that anyone can play.
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Our team have rounded-up the best games for the top gaming platforms...
