The Best GameCube Games of All Time

The 20 best Nintendo GameCube games

12 votes

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Action-Adventure

Survey scores · avg 4.5/5

Story4.5

Gameplay4.5

Graphics4.5

Music4.5

Character4.5

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was created to be, in some ways, a true spiritual successor to the legacy left behind by Ocarina of Time. Despite Wind Waker, the previous 3D entry in the series, being generally well recieved for the direction it took the series, the game failed meet Nintendo's expectations in terms of sales. Twilight Princess gave fans the "realistic" and "adult" Zelda title that many had been asking for for years, and at the time was the best selling Zelda game ever released, revitalizing the fans' interest in the series. As the first game with an ESRB rating of T (Teen) in the series, Twilight Princess was one of the darker stories in the series, having Link travel between his world and a mysterious dimension known as the Twilight Realm, which had begun to bleed into Hyrule. The game's progression is quite reminiscent of that of Ocarina of Time, with Link learning to be a hero as he completes three dungeons, eventually obtaining the Master Sword and being dubbed the Hero of Twilight. Like other entries in the series, Link can obtain new items along the journey, as well as Heart Pieces, to increase his health. In addition to the improved horseback combat which allows you to use your sword and other weapons while riding Eponda, Link gains the ability to transform into Wolf Link, which offers new abilities for combat and exploration. The Gamecube version of Twilight Princess offers more traditional controls, similar to those in Wind Waker and Ocarina of Time. Additionally, this game has the original world layout that the game was created with, with its Wii counterpart featuring an inverted world and right-handed Link.

Survey voice

サイダー
I was a kid, but I loved the world so much I kept playing. At first I was borrowing it from a friend, but it was so fun I ended up buying it myself later. I still can't forget the BGM inside the shop that opened up in the castle town, Malo Mart? (I can't remember the name).
Show original (日本語)
子供だったが世界観がすごく好きでプレイしていた。最初は友達から借りてやっていたのだが、結局面白かったので後から自分で買うことにした作品。城下町に出店したマロマート？（名前が思い出せない）の店の中のBGMが未だに忘れられない。

Birb / 20s / Male
One of the only games I got to play on the Wii (my Wii was short-lived, because I mainly play on PC). Great gameplay and story in general.

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12 votes

Kirby Air Riders

Racing Multiplayer

Survey scores · avg 3.7/5

Story2.0

Gameplay4.6

Graphics3.9

Music4.2

Character4.0

The original Kirby Air Ride was as underappreciated in its time as the GameCube it was hosted on, but its unique single-stick control laid the foundation for its return on contemporary platforms. Just as in the remake, the GameCube original features flying, easy-to-pick-up play mechanics, and a fantastic sense of speed marinated in the cutesy style of the Kirby games.

Survey voice

かねやん
The ice stage called "Corda" was really nice, both in BGM and graphics.
Show original (日本語)
「コルダ」という氷のステージがBGM・グラフィック共に綺麗ですごく良かった

あいだ / 30代 / 男性
Compulsory education. Law. Ordinance. Concept.
Show original (日本語)
義務教育　法律　条例　概念

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11 votes

Super Smash Bros. Melee

ActionPlatform FighterMultiplayer

Survey scores · avg 3.8/5

Story1.7

Gameplay5.0

Graphics4.1

Music4.3

Character4.8

Super Smash Bros. Melee was the follow up to the original N64 title, launching shortly after the GameCube's launch, and quickly become a system seller, and a must-own game for the console. Despite its relatively short development cycle, Melee took everything great about the original entry on the N64 and made it bigger; the game featured a larger roster of both starting characters and characters that could be unlocked by meeting various conditions. The game also contained three story modes: Classic, Adventure, and All-Star (which was unlocked only after obtaining all characters). Additionally, the game added various bonus modes for play, such as Event Matches, Home Run Contest, and Multi Man Melee. However, the heart of Super Smash Bros. Melee was its Versus mode, where you could engage in battles with up to four players (human or CPU), and take advantage of various different rulesets to vary the type of matches you play. This included choosing between stock, time, or coin battles, free-for-all or team battles, as well as toggling on and off a multitude of items. On that note, Melee greatly expanded the list of items and stages available for play greatly from its predecessor, and with the addition of Special Melee, which allowed for unique matches like Giant Melee and Metal Melee among others, battles could be as chaotic or controlled as you wanted them to be. Super Smash Bros. Melee was a game enjoyed by casual gamers and more hard core competitive gamers alike. The game quickly formed a strong grassroots community of competitors that use specialized rulesets for a style of gameplay that is highly skill-based, and makes use of many hidden techniques and combos to optimize each characters' ability. This community continues to hold tournaments and bring in new followers even to this day, cementing the legacy of Super Smash Bros. Melee as one of the most important entries to the series, and perhaps one of the most important Nintendo games of all time.

Survey voice

Kevin
Even now, my favorite Smash is this one. The character weight is just right and the movement is fast. Famous stages like "Temple" have deep memories in Melee. It might be in my top 5 games I could keep playing infinitely.
Show original (日本語)
今でも1番好きなスマブラはこちら。キャラの重さがちょうど良くて、動きが早い。「神殿」などの有名なステージはDXで思い出が深い。無限にプレイし続けられるゲームのトップ５かも。

よねさん / 30代 / 男性
The graphics got incomparably better than 64, which impressed me. The new characters more than doubled, and side-B was added too, making it a completely different Smash Bros. work.
Show original (日本語)
64からグラフィックが段違いに良くなっていて感動した。新キャラも倍以上に増えてて、横Bも追加されてたりと全く違うスマブラ作品といえた。

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10 votes

Resident Evil 4

HorrorSurvival Horror

Survey scores · avg 4.1/5

Story3.6

Gameplay4.8

Graphics4.1

Music3.8

Character4.5

Resident Evil 4 sees the return of Leon Kennedy as our main protagonist. He is noticeably less of a bright-eyed rookie and now a more hardened agent with a sprinkle of sass on the side. This sarcastic side of Leon result in funny comments and quips from him when interacting with characters and enemies. At the time, Resident Evil 4 on the Nintendo GameCube was a surprising jump in quality especially with its graphics. The thick, creepy atmosphere present in most Resident Evil games is still alive and well. Right from the first village you enter, you get a perfect blend of action and horror. Combat felt good, considering that this is the first time they switched from a mostly static camera to an over the shoulder camera. The game's inventory management is fun, you basically play Tetris with your items inside a grid-based case. Overall, it's a solid survival horror game with lots to explore, replayability, fun combat, and some of the best enemy designs in the Resident Evil Franchise.

Survey voice

Jori / 40s / Male
What stands out to me is how the game balances action and fear. I am not just running away like in older survival horror games, but I also never feel powerful enough to relax. Every bullet matters, every encounter feels like a decision under pressure, and even when I win a fight, I feel like I barely survived it. I also love how the atmosphere keeps shifting. One moment I am in tight, claustrophobic interiors, and the next I am in wide open areas where danger can come from anywhere. It keeps me alert all the time, like the game is constantly testing my awareness. And then there is the pacing. It never really lets me settle. Just when I think I understand what is happening, it throws something new at me, whether it is a stronger enemy, a new mechanic, or a sudden escalation in intensity.

Noel / 30s / Male
Can be a bit cheesy in terms of story, but RE4 was a new rebirth for the RE franchise, turning tank controls into an immersive 3rd person shooter. very tight controls required mastery, good positioning, controlling enemies around you, being aware of the space around you, conserving all your ammo with proper resource management, and good action sequences every now and then, with a constant oppressive atmosphere. Great horror survival.

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9 votes

Super Mario Sunshine

Action-Adventure Platformer

Survey scores · avg 4.1/5

Story3.3

Gameplay4.7

Graphics4.1

Music4.1

Character3.9

Super Mario Sunshine had a lot to live up to as the follow-up to the powerhouse that was Super Mario 64. Following a 6-year crevasse with no Mario main series games, players were champing at the bit to see what was in store for the world's most famous plumber on the Nintendo GameCube. But never satisfied with the same old greatness, Nintendo changed up the formula by introducing FLUDD, a water-spraying backpack that can switch between a Spray Nozzle to blast targets and a Hover Nozzle to lift up and glide through the air. The game's reliance on the Hover Nozzle for navigation took a sharp turn from Mario 64's traditional platforming gameplay focused on Mario's jumping and movement physics. Even the story took an unusual turn for the Mario series, swapping out the usual Bowser-kidnaps-the-princess routine for a kind of mystery, in which Mario arrives in tropical Delfino Plaza for a holiday, only to be framed for the crime of covering the scenic landscape in toxic goo by the evasive Shadow Mario. To clear his name, Mario must travel through the worlds connected to Delfino Plaza and collect Shine Sprites, the game's primary collectible, to advance the story. The run-and-jump platforming gameplay of Mario 64 came back with a vengeance in the game's secret levels, in which Mario would lose access to FLUDD, and need to progress through a (often teeth-gnashingly diffcult) platforming gauntlet to receive a Shine Sprite. Super Mario Sunshine was also the first 3D Mario game to allow Mario to ride Yoshi, although Yoshi also bore a newfound weakness to going in the water – quite unfortunate considering their surroundings. The beautiful water effects, though, really demonstrated the jump up in graphics from the N64 to the GameCube, and the memorable soundtrack and beach landscape made for a unique identity for Mario on the new console. Although it's not his most famous adventure, with a jump in difficulty from its predecessor and the surprising changes in mechanics marking it as a black sheep of the 3D Mario titles in a sense, Super Mario Sunshine took a bold direction with a famous series, and came through as an unforgettable entry despite a few rough patches.

Survey voice

Kevin
A masterpiece, but the difficulty is famous too. A difficulty that even people who 100%'d 64 struggle with. But the distinctive setting and music are unforgettable, and the new feature FLUDD is easy to use and fun. At the time I wanted a straight continuation of 64, but now I think they made an interesting new work.
Show original (日本語)
名作だが、難易度も有名。64を全クリした人でも苦労する難易度。でも独特な舞台と音楽が忘れられないし、新機能のFLUDDが使いやすくて楽しい。当時は64の続編そのままが良かったのに、今となって面白い新作を作ってくれたと思う。

Hisa
After getting hooked on Mario 64, this was the work I looked forward to most on the GameCube. The graphics leveled up from Mario 64, and Mario could do more, so playing without sleeping is a memory.
Show original (日本語)
マリオ64にハマってから、ゲームキューブで一番楽しみだった作品。マリオ64のときよりグラフィックのレベルがあがり、マリオのやれることが増えて寝ずにプレイしてたことが思い出です。

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8 votes

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Action-Adventure

Survey scores · avg 4.4/5

Story4.6

Gameplay4.5

Graphics4.2

Music4.4

Character4.1

Though divisive at the time of its release for its cartoonish, cel-shaded look, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker proved to be a bold and memorable departure from the original formula, casting Link as a lone sailor trekking between islands and dungeons on a vast, trackless sea. Its simple but evocative art style has endured well past the point where the high-detail "realism" prized by gamers of the time had diminishing returns, and subsequent outings on other platforms have underscored how distinct art direction overrides any technological extravagance, and infuses game worlds with a genuine sense of wonder.

Survey voice

ちえの / 30代 / 男性
Zelda's first toon style? At release I thought it was a bit gross, but once I played it, it fit really well. In terms of adventuring the vast ocean, from around the midgame the story cuts off abruptly and there are scenes where I got lost about what to do, but including that, I enjoyed stopping by various islands. When the weather suddenly turned bad on the open sea and a giant squid appeared, it became a trauma at the time and I couldn't boot the game up, leaving it unfinished for months, that's a memory too. The toon-style Link has lots of reactions and expressions and is pretty cute.
Show original (日本語)
ゼルダ初のトゥーン調？で発売当時はちょっとキモイと思ったけど、やってみると凄く馴染む。大海原を冒険するっていうところで中盤くらいからストーリー中断のぶつ切り状態で何すればいいのか迷う場面があるが、それ含め色々な島に立ち寄ったりと楽しめた。大海原で急に天候が悪くなって、巨大なイカが出てくる時は当時トラウマになってゲーム起動できなくなって数ヶ月クリアせず放置したのも思い出。トゥーン調のリンクがリアクションや表情が豊富で結構かわいい

いしだ
When I first saw a demo play at a game shop before release, I was like, what is this Link..., and couldn't quite accept it, but once I actually played it, Zelda's characteristic darkness and scariness were reduced, and as a kid it was easy to play, that's a memory. However, at the time I had almost no awareness that Zelda = Ocarina was a strong image, & that this was a different Link, so I remember feeling confused and irritated by the family and Tetra who suddenly appear.
Show original (日本語)
発売前にゲーム屋で初めてデモプレイをみたとき、なんだこのリンク……とちょっと受け入れられなかったもののいざやってみたらゼルダ特有の暗さや怖さが軽減されて、子供ながらにプレイしやすかった思い出。ただ、当時はゼルダの伝説＝オカリナのイメージが強い＆別人のリンクである、という認識がほぼなかったので突然現れる家族たちとテトラに困惑とイライラを覚えたのは覚えてる

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6 votes

Pikmin 2

StrategyRTS

Survey scores · avg 4.3/5

Story3.8

Gameplay4.8

Graphics4.5

Music4.2

Character4.5

Pikmin 2 is an RTS puzzle game where you command an army of various types of Pikmin, each with its own unique abilities that can help you solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and explore the world. Its emphasis on exploration and unique gameplay makes it one of the best games on the Nintendo GameCube.

Survey voice

よねさん / 30代 / 男性
A game where Purple Pikmin and the Bitter Spray broke the game balance. The final boss fight and the underwater castle stage were high in difficulty and exceptionally rewarding. Olimar's treasure commentary and Louie's creature commentary are funny, so please do check them out.
Show original (日本語)
紫ピクミンとゲキニガスプレーでゲームバランスが崩壊したゲーム。ラスボス戦と水中の城のステージは難易度が高くやりごたえは抜群だった。オリマーのお宝解説とルーイの生き物解説が面白いのでぜひ見てほしい。

しろあん / 20代 / 男性
Pikmin 2 was a good work with a slightly dark world and setting, and an encyclopedia where you can read Olimar's and Louie's respective commentaries. The mission mode you can do in multiplayer is also a fine work you can enjoy with friends.
Show original (日本語)
ピクミン2は少しダークな世界観と設定、オリマーとルーイそれぞれの解説が見れる図鑑が良い作品でした。マルチで行うことができるミッションモードも友人とワイワイ楽しめる良作です

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6 votes

Pikmin

StrategyRTS

Survey scores · avg 4.1/5

Story4.4

Gameplay4.4

Graphics3.4

Music4.2

Character3.8

Pikmin is a unique entry by Nintendo for the GameCube, for it is their attempt to step into the realms of Real-Time Strategy by featuring the titular Pikmin in an attempt to collect several mission-based items, take down potential attackers and stay alive for 30 days (around 15 in-game minutes) while assisting the one and only Captain Olimar before they all get overwhelmed. This game features some aspect of strategy games and puzzle-solving which, may prove challenging but rewarding to its playerbase, hence why its spawned a series of sequels since.

Survey voice

いしだ
A memory of giving up because the Empress Bulblax was gross. Even if you think "cute" for a moment, it's a trauma-manufacturing machine that makes you unable to watch the Pikmin meet cruel fates. Still, figuring out how to progress efficiently within a limited time, and the gimmick puzzles, were fun, and after all, the Pikmin that keep increasing are cute. When all my Red Pikmin fell into the water due to a C-stick control mistake, I was truly depressed and in a daze. There are sequels too, but I still love the atmosphere of the earliest days of Olimar and the Pikmin's adventure.
Show original (日本語)
クイーンチャッピーが気持ち悪くて挫折した思い出。一瞬可愛いかな？と思っても残酷な目にあうピクミンたちを見てられなくなるトラウマ製造機。ただ限られた時間の中でどう効率よく進めるかと、ギミックの謎解きは楽しかったし、やっぱり増えていくピクミンはかわいい。赤ピクミンをCスティックの操作ミスでみんな水に落ちた時は本当に落ち込んで放心状態だった。続編もあるけど、オリマーとピクミンたちの冒険の最初期の雰囲気が今もすきです

ゆーじ / 30代 / 男性
A masterpiece where the Pikmin you fail to stow back on the ship getting eaten at night, as if made an example of, really got to my heart.
Show original (日本語)
船にしまいそこねたピクミンが、夜脱出するときに見せしめみたいに食われるのがなかなか心に来た名作。

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5 votes

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

RPG Turn-Based

Survey scores · avg 4.0/5

Story4.0

Gameplay4.2

Graphics4.2

Music3.6

Character3.8

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is an RPG with a lovable cast of characters, humorous writing, and gameplay that's both creative and fun. Battles are turn-based, and you're rewarded for having excellent timing for your button inputs, both when attacking and defending. The gameplay mechanics make good use of the paper theme of the game, making the whole experience feel cohesive and immersive. You're definitely in for a good time with this Mario adventure!

Survey voice

ポン酢 / 30代 / 女性
- The hub town is a public-safety-poor place where thieves, mafia, ruffians, outcasts, and shady characters gather, an unusual setting for the Mario series. It was nice how the surly residents, influenced by Mario as the story progresses, gradually start finding hope in the future and living positively - The battle system inherits the previous work Paper Mario's, and this time an audience is added. Being required to fight while also mindful of performing for the audience is interesting
Show original (日本語)
・拠点の街が盗賊やマフィア、ならず者はぐれ者訳あり者が集結している治安の悪い場所で、マリオシリーズにしては珍しい設定。やさぐれていた住民たちがストーリーの進行に伴い、マリオに影響を受けてだんだん未来に希望を見出したり前向きに生きるようになっていくのが良かった・前作のマリオストーリーを踏襲した戦闘システムに今作からは観客が追加。観客へのパフォーマンスも意識して戦うことが求められるのが面白い

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5 votes

Pokémon Colosseum

RPG Monster Taming Turn-Based

Survey scores · avg 4.0/5

Story3.8

Gameplay3.6

Graphics3.6

Music4.8

Character4.2

The edgy black sheep of the series, Pokemon Colosseum introduces the concept of Shadow Pokemon. These Pokemon have been treated so badly that they have closed their hearts off, turning them into soulless fighting machines, and it is up to Wes and Ruii to snag them all and purify them! A more story-focused game, Pokemon Colloseum is also Generation 3's equivalent to a battle simulator, but only limited to local battles.

Survey voice

サイダー
A crazy work (as a compliment) where the protagonist has quite a rugged look & the story starts with the protagonist's theft. At the time I remember mistaking the motorcycle the protagonist rides for the Heavy Star from Kirby Air Ride.
Show original (日本語)
主人公がかなりイカツイ見た目をしている＆物語が主人公の窃盗から始まるいかれた作品（褒め言葉）。当時の自分は主人公が乗っているバイクをカービィのエアライドに出てくるヘビースターと勘違いしていた記憶がある。

ひも
Leveling up is only through battles with Trainers, making it the Pokémon work I personally struggled with the most. I couldn't clear it in elementary school and finally cleared it once I became a college student.
Show original (日本語)
レベル上げがトレーナーとの戦闘のみで、ポケモン作品の中でも一番個人的に苦戦したゲームです。小学生の時にはクリアできず、大学生になってようやくクリアできました。

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3 votes

Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

RPG Monster Taming Turn-Based

Survey scores · avg 4.2/5

Story4.0

Gameplay4.0

Graphics4.0

Music5.0

Character4.5

Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is a spin-off game of the original pokemon games. The true strength of the game is its uniqueness in story, setting, and mechanics. You don't just catch Pokemon. You open the hearts of Shadow Pokemon and purify them. It is also default to double battles, making the battling experience inherently different from the original games. And for many, the music was iconic and memorable that many people still listen to today. It is a Pokemon game that many fans should try at least once.

Survey voice

Just2n / 20s / Male
A very unique installment in the Pokemon Franchise as its not set in the usual Pokemon regions. It's just a different formula of the Pokemon games. It was also the first time I saw Pokemon in 3D.

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2 votes

Giftpia

SimulationSocial SimulationCozy

Survey scores · avg 4.8/5

Story5.0

Gameplay5.0

Graphics4.0

Music5.0

Character4.0

Giftpia is an offbeat adventure game about Pokkle, a boy on Nanashi Island who oversleeps his own coming-of-age ceremony and ends up punished with a massive debt. Instead of focusing on combat, the game is built around exploring the island, doing odd jobs, meeting its strange residents, and eventually helping fulfill their wishes. Its daily-life structure gives it a cozy but unusual rhythm, with mechanics like hunger, curfews, and character schedules shaping how each day plays out.

Survey voice

宮﨑
Giftpia is an RPG released by Nintendo for the GameCube on April 25, 2003. The title is a coined word combining "gift" and "utopia," and as the name suggests, connections between people and growth are its themes. The story begins with the protagonist oversleeping the "coming-of-age ceremony" and being saddled with a fine. Rather than becoming a hero who saves the world, you gradually grow by listening to the island residents' requests, working to earn money, and giving presents, a very unusual work for its time. Nanashi Island, the setting, is home to distinctive residents like Pockle, Cappy, Mappo, and the Mayor. Every character is very quirky, and the conversations have a unique surrealness, but it's not just gags, each one's life, worries, and humanity are also firmly depicted. Also, there's a concept of time; at night you get sleepy, and residents act according to the time, giving it life-simulation-like elements too. There's also a system for earning money through fishing and part-time jobs, and looking back now, it was a work you could call a forerunner of the "slow-life RPG." What's especially striking is that it doesn't depict "becoming an adult" preachily. Working to pay off debt, acting for someone else's sake, touching the residents' true feelings, the accumulation of such everyday things naturally leads to the protagonist's growth. Furthermore, the distinctive world and music reminiscent of the tropics are a big appeal too. Contrary to its cute appearance, it has an air that's somehow mysterious and a little lonely, and it stays strongly in the memory of those who played it. "Giftpia" wasn't a big hit, but it's a one-of-a-kind masterpiece with a mysterious charm, the kind of game you'd suddenly recall as an adult, thinking, "what was that game, anyway."
Show original (日本語)
ギフトピアは、2003年4月25日に任天堂からゲームキューブ向けに発売されたRPGです。タイトル名は「ギフト（贈り物）」と「ユートピア（理想郷）」を組み合わせた造語で、その名の通り人とのつながりや成長がテーマになっています。物語は、主人公が“大人になるための儀式”に寝坊してしまい、罰金を背負わされるところから始まります。世界を救う勇者になるのではなく、島の住人たちの頼みごとを聞いたり、働いてお金を稼いだり、プレゼントを贈ったりしながら少しずつ成長していくという、当時としては非常に珍しい作品でした。舞台となるナナシ島には、ポックルやキャッピー、マッポ、メイヤーをはじめとした個性的な住人たちが暮らしています。どのキャラクターもクセが強く、会話には独特のシュールさがありますが、単なるギャグだけではなく、それぞれの生活や悩み、人間らしさもしっかり描かれています。また、時間の概念が存在し、夜になると眠くなったり、住人たちが時間に合わせて行動したりするなど、生活シミュレーションのような要素も特徴です。釣りやアルバイトでお金を稼ぐシステムもあり、今振り返ると“スローライフRPG”の先駆けとも言える作品でした。特に印象的なのは、「大人になること」を説教くさく描いていない点です。借金を返済するために働くことや、誰かのために行動すること、住人たちの本音に触れること――そうした日常の積み重ねが、自然と主人公の成長につながっていきます。さらに、南国を思わせる独特の世界観や音楽も大きな魅力です。かわいらしい見た目とは裏腹に、どこか不思議で少し寂しさを感じさせる空気感があり、プレイした人の記憶に強く残ります。『ギフトピア』は大ヒット作品ではありませんでしたが、「あのゲームは何だったんだろう」と大人になってからふと思い出してしまうような、不思議な魅力を持った唯一無二の名作です。

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2 votes

Star Fox: Assault

Shoot 'em UpRail Shooter

Survey scores · avg 4.2/5

Story4.5

Gameplay5.0

Graphics3.5

Music4.0

Character4.5

Star Fox: Assault adds some variety to the franchise as players try to stop the Aparoid race from taking over the Lylat System. Your trusty Arwing isn't enough to save the day this time around, so Fox and his allies must complete ground missions on-foot or with a Landmaster tank. Friends can join you on these missions, as there is plenty of arcade-style action to go around in multiplayer mode!

Survey voice

サイダー
A game I often played versus at a friend's house. I remember playing with all sorts of rules, like vehicle-only or no-vehicle restrictions. In the story, I often couldn't rescue only Slippy, so he was always absent from the results.
Show original (日本語)
友達の家でよく対戦していたゲーム。乗り物縛りや乗り物禁止縛りなどいろんなルールで遊んだのを覚えている。ストーリーではよくスリッピーだけ助けられなくていつもリザルトにいなかった。

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2 votes

Luigi's Mansion

Adventure Action-Adventure

Survey scores · avg 3.6/5

Story2.5

Gameplay4.5

Graphics4.0

Music3.5

Character4.0

Luigi's Mansion gave Mario's less appreciated younger brother his chance in the spotlight in a big way, with his own story in a totally different genre than the classic Mario platformers. Luigi travels through a huge mansion to rescue his trapped brother Mario, using a souped-up vacuum cleaner to suck up ghosts. When players spot a ghost, they'll have to act fast to grab hold with the vacuum, and pull in the opposite direction on the control stick while the ghost tries frantically to escape. Much of your time will be taken up by searching for the next path and solving puzzles to progress through the mansion, so when you suddenly encounter a ghost, it can really make you jump! Luigi's Mansion isn't a long game, but it's a polished adventure experience with exciting bursts of heart-pounding action.

Survey voice

よねさん / 30代 / 男性
An unusual game where Luigi is the main character. The novel action of scaring ghosts and sucking them up with a vacuum cleaner had a never-before feel that was nice. The tone is horror, but since the ghost designs aren't scary, even people who scare easily can totally play it.
Show original (日本語)
ルイージがメインの珍しいゲーム。オバケを驚かせて掃除機で吸うという斬新なアクションで、今までにない感じが良かった。テイストはホラーだがお化けのデザインが怖くないので怖がりな人でも全然遊べる

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1 votes

Sonic Adventure 2 Battle

Action Platformer

Survey scores · avg 5.0/5

Story5.0

Gameplay5.0

Graphics5.0

Music5.0

Character5.0

Sonic Adventure 2 is probably the most iconic of the 3D Sonics. The story is split into two. The Hero stage features Sonic with his usual speedy platforming format. He's accompanied by Tails, riding his mech for a shooting-platformer experience and Knuckles where you play a hot-and-cold treasure hunt. The Dark side introduces the now iconic Shadow the Hedgehog who plays like Sonic, Dr. Robotnik who plays like Tails and Rouge the Bat who plays like Knuckles. After the stages you can also relax by taking care of the Chao at the Chao Garden. It's one of the most beloved 3D Sonics

Survey voice

クリスチャン
Goated OST

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1 votes

Animal Crossing

SimulationSocial SimulationCozy

Survey scores · avg 4.8/5

Story5.0

Gameplay5.0

Graphics4.0

Music5.0

Character5.0

The original Animal Crossing introduced players to the main gameplay loop of the series; players move to a small town as a new resident, and gradually settle into the lifestyle while making renovations on their home and town. Odd jobs can be completed to receive Bells, the game's currency, which can be used to increase the size of your house, and to improve the local store, which sells more items and decorations as it evolves from a mom-and-pop shop into a bustling supermarket. The game operates in real time, with some events only occurring on certain days or times of day, making each interaction feel special. New villagers will move to your town, each with a unique personality, and sometimes they will move away as well, making the time players spend with each villager feel more precious, knowing that it might not be forever. The game also introduced the feature of allowing other players to visit your town, bringing further meaning to creating a unique town all your own.

Survey voice

Kevin
The GameCube Animal Crossing already had the important parts down, developing your town, getting close with the villagers, finely designing umbrellas, so even without especially amazing feature implementations, it moves your heart. This is enough.
Show original (日本語)
GC版のどうぶつの森で既に重要なところはできてて、街を発展させて、村人と仲良くなって、傘を細かくデザインするなど、特別にすごい機能実装じゃなくても心が動く。これでいいんだ。

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1 votes

F-Zero GX

Racing

Survey scores · avg 4.2/5

For F-Zero GX, speed is the absolute law. This classic racing game is unforgiving, forcing you to compete at top speed while avoiding other racers and barely keeping yourself on the track. As merciless as it can be, the game's absurd pace is dopamine-inducing and keeps you glued to your seat, inviting you to try and try until you've lapped all your competitors on every track.

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1 votes

Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life

SimulationFarming Sim

Survey scores · avg 4.2/5

A Wonderful Life is unlike the other Harvest Moon or even farming simulation games out there. The game introduces a definite beginning, middle, and end to your playthrough. Instead of the massive plots of land where you can grind away millions of crops at a time, A Wonderful Life slows it down and focuses on everyone's intimate lives and how your character and the partner you will choose will age and in time have your own child who would also age.

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1 votes

Jikkyō Powerful Pro Yakyū 9

SportsBaseball

Survey scores · avg 4.2/5

Story5.0

Gameplay4.0

Graphics4.0

Music4.0

Character4.0

Jikkyou Powerful Pro Yakyuu 9 has proven that its longstanding position in one of the most popular baseball simulation game series makes for both immersive and dynamic features. In the success mode, players get to create an original high school character that grows their skills and abilities as a player with varying degrees of success. Along the way, get to know different schools that will place you in different scenarios alongside a colorful cast of characters. Another popular mode, Pennant Mode, presents players with a decade spanning timeline, even able to scout for foreign players with abilities that can help or hurt your teams.

Survey voice

あわずこ
I played Success mode over and over. Aiming for the championship together with the Igari brothers at Akatsuki University High School is a youthful memory.
Show original (日本語)
サクセスを何回もプレイしていた。あかつき大学付属高校で猪狩兄弟とともに優勝を目指したのは青春の思い出です。

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1 votes

Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2

Action Fighting

Survey scores · avg 4.2/5

Story4.0

Gameplay5.0

Graphics4.0

Music4.0

Character5.0

Naruto: Gekito Ninja Taisen! 2 brings back the feeling of those classic GameCube nights. The action is fast, smooth, and a lot of fun. The game covers the early Naruto storylines and turns them into exciting 3D battles, with each character playing just like they do in the anime. With more characters to choose from and a 4-player mode, it’s the kind of fighting game you can play with friends for hours without realizing how much time has passed. It’s easy to start playing, but there’s a lot to learn if you want to get really good. Plus, it has that nostalgia boost that made the early Naruto games so much fun.

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Hidden gems on Nintendo GameCube

Lesser-known Nintendo GameCube games our players loved.

Naruto: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! 4Hidden Gem

Naruto: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! 4

3.6/5

NARUTO Gekitō Ninja Taisen! 4 is the Japan-exclusive finale to the GameCube's Gekitō Ninja Taisen! series. It features new characters, jutsus, and content based mainly on the Sasuke Retrieval Arc of the original anime, as well as new game modes, most notably the 3v3 battle mode and Mission Mode. Despite never receiving an official Western release, its polished ninja combat system and faithful presentation made it popular among Naruto fans. Recommended for collectors, import enthusiasts, and hardcore fans of the beloved anime franchise.

Final Fantasy Crystal ChroniclesHidden Gem

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

4.2/5

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is a cooperative dungeon crawler, where players must navigate through a world filled with a poisonous aura and stay within a small circle surrounding their Crystal Chalice for protection. A multiplayer adventure, the game uses Game Boy Advances as controllers, allowing each player to have their own personal menu screen on the GBA with their own map, spells, and items, complementing their gameplay. The story progresses on a year system, as the players venture out each year to gather Myrrh, the only substance that can protect their village from the poison. More areas are unlocked each year, making for a unique progression system where players cannot simply rush to the end of the game. Each player also has a family with a job of your choice, who sends gifts to the player each year, contributing to the feeling of time really passing as your adventure continues. As a dungeon crawler, Crystal Chronicles features a grind-heavy gameplay loop where players receive boss drops from a pool when completing a dungeon based on their performance, so to farm for the best materials, players need to play a dungeon multiple times, making crafting the ultimate gear all the more rewarding.

Viewtiful JoeHidden Gem

Viewtiful Joe

4.0/5

Viewtiful Joe is an innovative, cel-shaded, side-scrolling beat-'em-up. You play as the protagonist Joe, who is able to transform into a superhero with special, film-inspired abilities like slow-mo, zoom, and mach speed. The combat truly shines during the creative boss battles, forcing you to use your powers in clever ways.

Cubivore: Survival of the FittestHidden Gem

Cubivore: Survival of the Fittest

3.5/5

Doubutsu Banchou, or Cubivore: Survival of the Fittest, is a bizzare action-adventure game set in the Wilderness. It follows the journey of the protagonist as it strives to reach the top of the food chain through evolution. Explore the wilderness, solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and grow stronger to defeat the Killer Cubivore!

1080° AvalancheHidden Gem

1080° Avalanche

4.2/5

Unlike other arcade-style snowboarding games (like the SSX series) that heavily emphasized building massive trick combos, 1080 Silverstorm centers its gameplay on pure downhill speed and realistic physics. Stunts are still part of the game, and they fill a meter that allows you to knock down opponents, but securing first place remains the ultimate objective. The game is best remembered for its high-stakes Avalanche events at the end of each race, where standard AI opponents are replaced by a thrilling, high-speed escape from a collapsing mountain trail.

FAQ

How were these best Nintendo GameCube games chosen?

From a survey of 241 players who recommended Nintendo GameCube games. Available five-axis ratings and curated comments are shown. Titles are ranked by mention count, then average score.

What is the top Nintendo GameCube game?

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess ranks #1 with 12 votes.

How to find the best Nintendo GameCube games

The best Nintendo GameCube games according to 241 surveyed players — ranked by votes with average score as the tie-breaker, with the survey scores and curated player comments available in the source data.

Already cleared the Top 20? Check the hidden gems above — lesser-known Nintendo GameCube titles our players rated highly.

Still thinking about a game we missed?

Your vote decides this ranking — tell us the games you'd recommend.

Vote now