Top 15 GameCube Era Video Games of All Time

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - November 27th 2025, 17:00 GMT+1

Prince of persia warrior within msn — 15. Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (2004)

Shifting into *Warrior Within* feels like stepping into the Prince’s angsty, heavy-metal phase – and honestly, it suits him. The combat becomes sharper and more brutal, letting you chain together flashy dual-weapon attacks while dodging enemies that actually put up a fight. Platforming is still at the core, but now the environments twist into darker, more dangerous playgrounds that test your timing at every turn. The chase with the Dahaka adds a constant hum of dread, pushing you forward even when you want to stop and admire the architecture. And while the vibe is edgier than its predecessor, the time-bending puzzles remain clever and satisfying. It’s a bold evolution that embraces chaos without losing the adventurous heart underneath. | © Ubisoft

14. Soulcalibur II (2003)

Jumping into *Soulcalibur II* on the GameCube feels like stepping into a beautifully choreographed brawl where every character believes they’re the star of the show – and honestly, they kind of are. The combat hits that sweet spot between precision and chaos, letting seasoned players flex while newcomers mash their way to surprising victories. And yes, the GameCube-exclusive addition of Link instantly gave this version legendary status, because nothing says “party fighter” like watching a green-tunic hero smack a demon with a boomerang. The stages, the weapons, and the over-the-top flair all combine into a fighter that still feels crisp today. Even revisiting it now, you can sense how its gameplay helped define console fighters for years to come. | © Namco

Cropped Animal Crossing 2001 — 13. Animal Crossing (2001)

Booting up *Animal Crossing* on the GameCube is like being handed the keys to a sleepy town where your biggest responsibility is deciding which piece of furniture clashes least with your wallpaper. The game quietly hooks you with its real-time schedule, turning ordinary chores into strangely compelling rituals you swear you’ll only do for “five minutes” – and then suddenly it’s midnight. The villagers gossip, complain, compliment, and judge you in equal measure, making every visit feel personal. Its charm comes from the slow build: collecting furniture, hunting bugs, rearranging your home for the twentieth time. There’s something soothing about a game that refuses to rush you, even as Tom Nook expertly traps you in the cutest mortgage of your life. It’s cozy gaming at its purest. | © Nintendo

Cropped Eternal Darkness — 12. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem (2002)

There’s psychological horror, and then there’s *Eternal Darkness*, which doesn’t just scare you – it toys with you until you question whether your console is malfunctioning. The sanity effects remain some of the boldest tricks a game has ever pulled, breaking the fourth wall with disappearing saves, fake volume changes, and sudden visual distortions. Its story bounces through centuries and protagonists, creating a tapestry of cosmic dread that unfolds piece by unsettling piece. The combat and exploration are steeped in atmosphere, slowly drawing you into a world that feels genuinely cursed. Long after you stop playing, the imagery and whispers linger in the back of your mind like an unfinished thought. It’s a cult classic for a reason. | © Silicon Knights

Cropped Pikmin — 11. Pikmin (2001)

Landing on a strange planet and immediately befriending an army of adorable plant creatures shouldn’t work as well as it does, yet *Pikmin* turns the concept into a charming mix of strategy and chaos. Managing your tiny squad becomes surprisingly addictive as you juggle tasks, avoid hazards, and race against the ever-ticking daylight. There’s a quiet tension underneath the cute exterior, especially when night approaches and you’re scrambling to gather every last Pikmin before the creatures come out. The environmental puzzles feel organic, rewarding creativity and careful planning without ever feeling stiff. Captain Olimar’s journey carries a subtle emotional weight too, making each day feel like a small victory. Few games balance whimsy and challenge with this much confidence. | © Nintendo

10. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004)

There’s something irresistibly charming about exploring a paper world where every character, location, and joke feels handcrafted just to make you smile. *The Thousand-Year Door* layers witty dialogue, clever puzzles, and surprisingly emotional storytelling into an RPG that never takes itself too seriously. Battles unfold with timing-based attacks that keep every encounter playful without losing strategic depth. The cast – from the snarky Goombella to the overly dramatic Doopliss – feels like a traveling comedy troupe you can’t help rooting for. And as Mario folds, flips, and sails through each chapter, the game keeps reinventing itself with set pieces that stick with you long after the credits roll. It’s the rare sequel that becomes the gold standard. | © Nintendo

Cropped Mario Kart Double Dash 2003 — 9. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (2003)

Throwing two characters onto a single kart shouldn’t have changed the racing formula as dramatically as it did, yet *Double Dash!!* turned every Grand Prix into a tactical tug-of-war. Switching between driver and item handler adds an extra layer of chaos, especially when you time those special character-only items just right. Tracks like Baby Park become absolute mayhem, a tiny loop that transforms into a seven-lap fever dream of shells, boosts, and questionable decisions. The co-op mode is where the game really shines – suddenly every race becomes a trust exercise, or the fastest way to ruin a friendship. Even now, the game’s energy feels distinct within the series, a burst of creativity the franchise hasn’t replicated since. | © Nintendo

Cropped Metroid Prime 2002 — 8. Metroid Prime (2002)

Sliding into Samus’s visor for the first time created an atmosphere so immersive it practically redefined what a first-person adventure could be. *Metroid Prime* captures the loneliness and beauty of Tallon IV through subtle storytelling, environmental detail, and a soundtrack that feels equal parts eerie and majestic. The scanning system turns exploration into detective work, rewarding curiosity more than raw aggression. Combat is smooth and deliberate, letting you lock onto alien creatures with a rhythm that feels equal parts action and strategy. Every upgrade transforms the world, opening new paths that make earlier areas feel brand new. It’s a masterclass in worldbuilding, mood, and design – a game that still feels ahead of its time. | © Nintendo

Cropped Metal Gear Solid The Twin Snakes 2004 — 7. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (2004)

Revisiting Shadow Moses with updated mechanics and cinematics brings a fresh surge of adrenaline to a story that was already iconic. *The Twin Snakes* blends the original’s clever stealth gameplay with modernized controls and over-the-top cutscenes that lean fully into Kojima-style flair. Sneaking through ventilation shafts, dodging guards, and facing off against Foxhound members all feel sharper thanks to the refined engine. The voice acting adds a cinematic weight that keeps the tension high, even if you already know every plot twist by heart. With its hybrid approach – part remake, part reinterpretation – the game offers nostalgia without feeling trapped by it. It’s a fascinating bridge between eras of stealth gaming. | © Konami

The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess 2006 — 6. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)

From the moment the world shifts into that haunting twilight glow, the adventure takes on a grandeur that feels both dark and comforting. *Twilight Princess* leans into a more mature atmosphere, mixing shadowy dungeons with emotional storytelling and an unforgettable partnership with Midna, whose sharp wit steals nearly every scene. Combat feels weighty and satisfying, especially as new sword techniques open up ways to stylishly dismantle enemies. Exploring Hyrule as both human and wolf Link adds variety that keeps the journey constantly surprising. The dungeons remain some of the most ambitious in the franchise, filled with puzzles that reward careful observation and experimentation. It’s an epic tale with a lingering sense of myth. | © Nintendo

Cropped Super Mario Sunshine 2002 — 5. Super Mario Sunshine (2002)

There’s a special kind of joy in being tossed onto a tropical island and immediately being blamed for a crime you didn’t commit – especially when your only tool is a sentient water jetpack. *Super Mario Sunshine* turns cleanup duty into an acrobatic spectacle, mixing platforming challenges with beachy chaos and some of the series’ trickiest jumps. Isle Delfino’s bright plazas, hidden caves, and secret stages demand precision while still feeling playful and unpredictable. F.L.U.D.D. adds just enough complexity to make every movement feel like a little puzzle waiting to be solved. And even when the physics get spicy, there’s something irresistible about splashing around a world this vibrant. Sunshine remains a beautifully weird detour in Mario history – and a memorable one. | © Nintendo

Cropped Super Smash Bros Melee 2001 — 4. Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)

The moment the announcer shouts “Ready… GO!” something primal kicks in, turning any living room into an arena of grudges, friendships, and sudden betrayal. *Super Smash Bros. Melee* thrives on that explosive energy, combining blisteringly fast combat with a roster packed full of Nintendo icons. The movement feels razor-sharp, rewarding both button-mashers and players who spend hours perfecting wavedashes like they’re training for the Olympics. Every stage, item, and mode contributes to its chaotic charm, making each match feel unpredictable in the best way. Even its single-player content goes surprisingly deep, offering challenges and modes that still hold up today. It’s no wonder the game carved out a competitive legacy that refuses to fade. | © Nintendo

Skies of Arcadia 2000 — 3. Skies of Arcadia: Legends (2002)

Sailing across floating continents in a sky full of secrets gives *Skies of Arcadia* an adventurous spirit few RPGs ever match. The world feels huge and hopeful, with airships, hidden discoveries, and a cast of characters who genuinely feel like a crew you’d want to travel with. Battles unfold both on foot and in the skies, giving the journey a cinematic quality that keeps each encounter fresh. The sense of exploration is the heart of the experience – every corner of the map teases a new mystery, treasure, or ancient ruin. Its optimism stands out in a genre often filled with doom and gloom, making every victory feel personal. Even years later, the game radiates warmth, wonder, and pure swashbuckling fun. | © Sega

2. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002)

Setting sail across a sunlit ocean transforms Hyrule into something mythic, serene, and endlessly inviting. *The Wind Waker* pairs its bold cel-shaded art style with a heartfelt story, turning every island into a tiny adventure and every wave into a promise of something new. The expressive animations bring characters to life in a way that feels timeless, enhancing both the humor and the emotional beats. Exploration takes center stage, rewarding curiosity with secrets tucked beneath the waves and across scattered archipelagos. Combat and dungeons offer a satisfying rhythm, but it’s the feeling of freedom that truly defines the experience. It’s an adventure that manages to be grand and intimate all at once. | © Nintendo

Resident Evil 4 2005 — 1. Resident Evil 4 (2005)

Stepping into a rural European village only to be greeted by hostile locals and a chainsaw-wielding maniac sets the tone for *Resident Evil 4* instantly – tense, unpredictable, and wildly inventive. The over-the-shoulder camera changed the genre overnight, making every encounter feel intimate and dangerous. Combat is tight and strategic, built around smart aim, resource management, and that satisfying stagger that opens the door for a roundhouse kick. The pacing moves from eerie stillness to explosive action without ever losing momentum, keeping you hooked through every grotesque boss and frantic escape. Leon’s dry humor balances the dread, giving the horror a pulpy charm. Few games reinvent themselves so boldly and succeed this completely. | © Capcom

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Trying to rank the best GameCube games is like trying to pick a favorite snack at 3 a.m.: you think you’ve decided, then five more jump into the conversation. Nintendo’s indigo cube delivered some of the most imaginative and chaotic gems of the early 2000s, each one carrying its own brand of charm. Revisiting them feels like flipping through a scrapbook where every page comes with its own soundtrack.

Nostalgia definitely plays a role, but these games still hold up in ways that might surprise you. Whether you're here to rediscover old favorites or argue about which masterpiece deserved the top spot, this list has you covered. And if you want to see what were the best games of the Wii, Nintendo 64, SNES and DS era, we got you covered!