Released in 2001, theGameCubewas the second 3D console to be released by Nintendo in the age of thePS2in the originalXbox. Selling over 21 million consoles, the GameCube is home to many classic and genre-defining titles such asSuper Smash Bros. Melee, Super Mario Sunshine,andThe Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
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While there are several widely beloved GameCube game out there, there are countless lesser appreciated games that were unable to reach as many players. So today, we’re going to examine the hidden gems of the GameCube and explore the ten most criminally underrated games for the console.
10Viewtiful Joe
A side-scrolling beat-em-up developed by Campcom,Viewtiful Joeis a game that oozes personality and it’s among the most stylized games for the Gamecube. Following the namesake Joe as he fights to rescue his girlfriend, Silvia from the alternate world of “Movieland,” Joe adopts the superhero persona of Viewtiful Joe as he works under the guidance of Captain Blue. WhileViewtiful Joe’s Gameplay is that of a traditional beat-em-up, not opting to reinvent the wheel, the game is made quite memorable through its personality and style.
9Ultimate Muscle: Legends Vs. New Generation
Released in 2002, Ultimate Muscle: Legends Vs. New Generationis a wrestling game based onthe anime,Ultimate Muscle.Rather than focusing on realistic wrestling gameplay, the game is full to the brim with with over-the-top super moves that would be physically impossible to perform in real life.
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In addition to its single-player modes and a character creator, the game features numerous multiplayer options, supporting up to four players.
8Legend Of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
When players think ofLegend of Zeldagames for the Gamecube, most tend to associateWind WakerandTwilight Princesswith the console. Despite this, the Gamecube is home to one of the most unique entries in the series in the form ofFour Swords Adventures.Rather than being a single-player experience like most entries in the series,Four Swords Adventuresis co-op game that is playable with up to four players. Requiring players to use Gameboy Advances and link cables, theFour SwordsAdventures’s gameplay is akin to a four-player variant ofLink to the Past.
7Kirby Air Ride
When it comes to racing games released by Nintendo, it’s hard for a game to get out ofMario Kart’s shadow. Despite this,Kirby Air Rideis an incredible and memorableKirbykart racer that leans intotheKirbyfranchiseto make a game that is quite distinct. Allowing players to choose from several ridable “stars,” players are able to glide through the air for additional mobility options and shortcuts.
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In addition to traditional racing, the game featured other playable modes such as the fan-favorite City Trial that has players roam a city as they attempt to find power-ups and additional rides.
6Tales Of Symphonia
While the Gamecube was not a console known for its RPGs,Tales of Symphoniais a stellar action RPG and one of the best the Gamecube has to offer. Part oftheTales Offranchise of JRPGs,Tales of Symphoniafeatures engaging real-time battles and a sizable story that notably spans two discs. Unlike most JRPGs which are single-player adventures,Tales of Symphoniaallows one’s party members to be controlled by other players, allowing nearly the entire game to be played co-operatively with up to four friends.
5Pokemon Colleseum
Though thePokemonfranchise had long found its home on Nintendo’s hand-held consoles,Pokemon Colleseumwas released for the Gamecube in 2003 and is one of the most underrated entries in the series. Putting a larger focus on story than most otherPokemongames, the player assumes the role of a former member of the villainous Team Snagem. A departure from traditionalPokemongames, in addition to exclusively featuring double battles,Colleseumallows the player to “snag” corrupted shadow Pokemon from other trainers rather than catch wild Pokemon.
4Custom Robo
The fourth entry in theCustom Robofranchise, the game simply localized asCustom Robowas released in 2004 and was the first entry in the series to be released outside of Japan. An RPG with fast-paced arena battles, Custom Robo allows players to assume control of tiny yet powerful customizable robots called Robos, augmenting them to fit a player’s tastes. In addition to containing a solid single-player story mode, the game also allowed for up to four players to battle each other at once.
3Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance
Fire Emblem: Path of Radianceis a unique case, in which while it is beloved by theFire Emblemfanbase, it is an otherwise obscure game that few have played. The first entry in theFire Emblemseries to contain 3D visuals, while the game features the series staple perma-death mechanic,Path of Radiancehas one of the most forgiving and gradual difficulty curves of any game in the series. Between these elements of its gameplay and its great cast of characters,Path of Radianceis a great game for fans of the series and newcomers alike, easily serving as one of the best tactical RPGs of the mid-2000s.
2Billy Hatcher And The Giant Egg
A standalone action game designed by Sonic Team,Billy Hatcher and the Giant Eggis the answer to the question: “what if you combined the gameplay ofSonic the HedgehogandKatamari Damacy.“While the player character, Billy can do very little by himself he is able to grow eggs he finds to massive sizes, using them to crush and roll over enemies. In addition to the core story mode, the game features several optional missions as well as a multiplayer versus mode.
1Cubivore: Survival Of The Fittest
Easily one of the most underappreciated games for the Gamecube,Cubivore: Survival Of The Fittestis an action-adventure game that has the player assume the role of the game’s namesake cubivore, a carnivorous cube. The cubivore is always changing, as players are able to evolve and mutate it through eating various other polygonal creatures. Despite its unique aesthetic and blend of action and RPG elements, the game has never received any kind of sequel or modern port.
