5 Best GameCube Games of All Time, Ranked

The GameCube is a console with an assortment of classic titles. Ranging in genre and scale, each of these titles shaped the console's identity in its own way. This has made it so that in hindsight, players are able to see what a stellar console the GameCube was. So no matter what you were looking for the GameCube had you covered. To highlight some of the best games the console had to offer. Please enjoy our picks for the 5 Best GameCube Games of All Time, Ranked.

5. Pokemon Colosseum

Starting off our list of the best GameCube games, we have Pokemon Colosseum. This title took the Pokemon franchise in a bold new direction, making it also one of the best Pokemon games. In Pokemon Colosseum, the general gameplay loop as well as the structure of the game is quite different from your typical Pokemon outing. Taking more of an RPG approach to the game and adding an element of freedom to the gameplay is the ability to snag other Trainers' Pokemon. This is fantastic and really managed to shake up the formula when it was released. This is one of the reasons why the game is remembered so fondly to this day.

Additionally, players would come across Shadow Pokemon in their journey, a new addition to the franchise. Also, the game taking place in the third person gives the game a unique visual identity as well. Another great aspect of the game was the ability to trade between other titles. This allowed players access to certain Pokemon only attainable through this method. All in all, the game was a feature-complete title with a strong sense of identity, and for these reasons, we consider it one of the best GameCube games of all time.

4. Super Mario Sunshine

Switching things up a bit, we have one of the most highly-praised entries in the Super Mario franchise. Super Mario Sunshine is a game with a distinct identity, even when compared to other games in the long-running franchise. This is no easy feat, either as there isn't much that the lovable plumber hasn't done throughout his journey. However, Super Mario Sunshine manages to inject a sense of vibrance and life into the franchise with its distinctly island-themed art style and character designs.

Graphically, for the time, this title was really impressive as well. And it still manages to hold up quite well to the test of time. This is great, as it gives the game a somewhat timeless nature that allows players to experience it anew, even now. One of the things about the game that has achieved iconic status is the F.L.U.D.D system, which is used to douse the area in water. Going along with the water theme is a new location the Isle of Delfino with its colorful and memorable cast of characters. To close, simply put Super Mario Sunshine is one of the best GameCube games of all time.

3. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Staying within the Mario franchise, we have Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. As a Paper Mario title, this game had a ton of potential to live up to as the sequel to the original Paper Mario. However, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door was not only up to the task, but excelled in many ways. It is due to this high level of quality that the game is remembered as one of the greats of the GameCube era. Instead of Bowser this time, however, Princess Peach is kidnapped by an alien race called the X-nauts.

As far as goals go in the game, players must maneuver through the levels and collect several Crystal Stars. In doing so, they will traverse the game's unique levels and meet many interesting characters. One aspect of the game which holds up remarkably well is the items players can use in and out of battle. This allows players to find items to help them along in their journey in a way that feels engaging and rewarding. With seven party members players can recruit, the cast of characters in this title are wonderful. For its commitment to quality Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remains one of the best GameCube games to date.

2. Metroid Prime

For our next entry, we have an absolute classic, Metroid Prime. For fans of the Metroid series, which has had a long and highly-praised history, Metroid Prime stands at the pinnacle of the franchise. And it is easy to understand why players would have this opinion given the outstanding quality of the game. While Metroid Prime may have been the fifth entry in the franchise. It managed to reinvigorate the Metroid series after an eight-year hiatus. With such a wait, you would naturally, have a lot of expectations for the game, and Metroid Prime did not disappoint.

As a Metroid title, Prime takes a bit more of an explorative approach than other titles, which often focused on the intense shooting action of the games. This is a design decision that was shown to pay off beautifully for the game and its legacy. With the game's newly introduced first-person perspective, players were now closer to the action and world than ever before. This allowed for a more immersive experience and a world that felt more explorable. In short, Metroid Prime, through its stellar presentation and gameplay remains one of the best GameCube games to ever exist.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

Now, for our final entry of the best GameCube games of all time. We have The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. This is a game that hardly needs an introduction but managed to reinvent the world of Link in a brave new way. Featuring a heavy emphasis on adventure, this game fleshed out its world wonderfully. While also allowing the player to explore beautiful locations. One of the most endearing and enduring aspects of the game is its beautiful cel-shaded art style. This has allowed the game to age remarkably well, perhaps better than any other title of this era.

Featuring a wide expanse of ocean, this game allowed players to embrace the freedom of the high seas. Along the way, players could explore islands and meet their inhabitants, delve into dungeons, and much more. These elements combined to make a world that felt incredibly lived-in and satisfying to play through. With a fresh and vibrant world and a new way to explore it, this game remains dear to many players' hearts. It is easy to see why as well, with the game's impeccable design. For its long-lasting legacy and commitment to adventure, we consider The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker one of the best GameCube games.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best GameCube Games of All Time, Ranked? What are some of your favorites? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.