Best GameCube RPGs

Best GameCube RPGs

As a seasoned gamer with memories etched deep into the annals of my gaming history, I can wholeheartedly say that these three games hold a special place in my heart. Each one offers a unique blend of storytelling, characters, and gameplay that continues to resonate even today.


The GameCube, although less prominent today, played a pivotal role in gaming history. It emerged during the industry’s growth spurt, when video games truly took off, and it was the birthplace for some of the most iconic games ever created as well as the genesis of influential franchises.

Back then, several of these games might seem outdated now, but many are still worth re-exploring due to their captivating narratives and engaging combat mechanics. Consoles such as the GameCube were home to numerous titles that served as a foundation for today’s most popular releases.

12 Custom Robo

A Successful Franchise That Finally Left Japan

Best GameCube RPGs

  • Platforms: GameCube
  • Released: March 4th, 2004
  • Developer: Noise
  • Genre: Action RPG
  • System: GameCube

For the first time in this popular RPG series, which had previously only been available in Japan for three games, the fourth installment, titled “Custom Robo: Battle Revolution”, gained international recognition and is now highly regarded as one of the finest games released on the GameCube.

In the realm where gigantic robots share dominion with their human handlers, Custom Robo offers an exciting experience, either guiding you through a narrative campaign or challenging you in a tournament-styled duel format. The principal plot, common for its era within RPGs, follows a protagonist with a sorrowful past, striving to vanquish a formidable evil. The robot combat system was exceptional and contributed to the game’s lasting impact among the frequently fantasy-centric RPGs of the time.

11 Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age

An Excellent Chance To Adventure Through The Famous Trilogy

Best GameCube RPGs

While numerous works by J.R.R. Tolkien exist, only a handful of games successfully encapsulate the entire trilogy in an impressive role-playing game (RPG) environment. The narrative of the films is recreated, but with a game design reminiscent of Final Fantasy, earning numerous comparisons from critics. Notably, the combat system was strikingly similar to that of Final Fantasy X due to its widespread popularity at the time.

In the realm of video games, “The Third Age” stands out as an engaging choice for enthusiasts of the “Lord of the Rings” movies. However, it deviates from the films by incorporating additional storylines and battles, such as a confrontation between the party and Grima Wormtongue. The game’s turn-based combat and impressive graphics make it an enjoyable reenactment of the tale for series fans, especially those who appreciate classic RPGs.

10 Pokemon Colosseum

Ahead Of Its Time And An Incredible Spin-Off Adventure

Best GameCube RPGs

Among the most daring and peculiar additions to the Pokemon series, Pokemon Colosseum reshaped the gameplay experience significantly. Unlike previous games where players could capture Pokemon in the wild, this game centered around strategically taking the Pokemon from other trainers during battles.

Beyond the typical role of a new trainer, players assume the character of an ex-member from Team Snagem in this unique twist. This game offers an intriguing focus as you strive to rescue shadow Pokemon from their clutches, providing a refreshing departure for the Pokemon series. The innovative approach has opened doors to unexplored realms within the games that continue to captivate players even today.

9 Gladius

Massive In Scale & Incredible Combat Mechanics

Best GameCube RPGs

Rediscover a tactical RPG by LucasArts that’s worth revisiting, Gladius offers players the chance to command a gladiatorial school, pitting them against rival schools in epic battles. The narrative is player-driven, with the initial critical choice presented at the game’s outset: whether to manage your school in the civilized Imperia or the more barbaric Nordagh region.

Showcasing an exceptional multiplayer mode accommodating up to four participants and an engaging campaign taking players through various territories, Gladius was well-received by those who gave it a try during its time. Regrettably, however, the game remains relatively obscure, having not received the recognition it truly deserved.

8 Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings And The Lost Ocean

A World That Felt Alive & A Truly Captivating Story

Best GameCube RPGs

Speaking casually, we’ve got another Role-Playing Game (RPG), this time a Japanese RPG (JRPG) that received outstanding reviews when it launched but didn’t perform as expected in terms of sales. Notably, Baten Kaitos was exclusively designed for the GameCube console due to the scarcity of JRPGs available at the time.

In the game Baten Kaitos, players assume command of a group of characters acting as guardian spirits. The captivating card-based combat system was instrumental in making this title a fan favorite, set in a world steeped in magical cards. With an engaging storyline and impressive world-building, Baten Kaitos garnered deep affection from players despite modest sales. Remarkably, the game received a prequel and both were later remastered.

7 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

An Unconventional Spin-Off That Started Another Franchise

Best GameCube RPGs

Although only a few Final Fantasy games were launched on GameCube, the spin-off game Crystal Chronicles was extremely successful. In this title, players assume the roles of adventurers tasked with safeguarding a caravan carrying myrrh, an essential resource used to maintain crystals that shield their world.

As an ardent fan, I embarked on a thrilling journey alongside heroes, battling against a formidable parasite that threatened their realm. Unlike some heavy-plot-driven titles, this adventure was remarkably enjoyable due to its engaging gameplay, which rivals that of many stellar entries in the iconic Final Fantasy series. The game’s straightforward concepts, multiplayer features, and stunning crystal-centric world design made it a standout addition to the venerable franchise. Remarkably, this masterpiece has also received a well-timed remaster, offering a fresh take on this classic experience.

6 X-Men Legends 2: Rise Of Apocalypse

A Huge Cast In The Licensed Game Of Your Dreams

Best GameCube RPGs

Prior to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s inception, the X-Men stood among the peaks of prominent Marvel media. One noteworthy demonstration of comics being adapted into mainstream video games was X-Men Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse. This action role-playing game enabled players to command a multitude of characters hailing from both the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. As these groups join forces, they confront the emerging danger posed by Apocalypse.

Revamped with fresh features and refinements over its predecessor, X-Men Legends 2 stands out as a terrific role-playing game that significantly boosted the popularity of this genre in the Western world. By merging it with the highly renowned X-Men franchise, the game offers an experience that’s well worth revisiting today. It continues to be one of the finest and most diverse choices for assembling a roster of superheroes and villains within an RPG setting.

5 Skies Of Arcadia Legends

A Beautifully Animated Story Which Ticked All The RPG Boxes

Best GameCube RPGs

In the realm of exceptional games, none shone brighter than “Arcadia Skies” on the Dreamcast. However, it was given an outstanding remake for the GameCube titled “Arcadia Skies: Legends”. This game offers breathtaking turn-based combat, a plethora of character development, and meticulous world construction that make it a heartfelt JRPG gem. Remarkably, despite its popularity, it never received a follow-up sequel.

This game offers an adventure reminiscent of Robin Hood tales, starring a duo of sky pirates resisting the powerful Valuan Empire. There are striking resemblances to games in series like Final Fantasy. The world above is captivating to traverse, and the music harmoniously complements the game’s grandiose atmosphere.

4 Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance

A Great Transition To 3D With Excellent Tactical Gameplay

Best GameCube RPGs

In the global gaming scene, the acclaimed JRPG series, Fire Emblem, was relatively unfamiliar to Western gamers when Path of Radiance debuted. This game marked the ninth installment in the franchise, but it was just the third one made available outside Japan at that point. A captivating tactical JRPG with an uncommon feature – permadeath; if a character perished on the battlefield, they were gone for good, which is not typical in many open games.

In this game, battles are won by strategically positioning your characters across the battlefield. However, only the main character is invincible; if any other character from the vast array of playable options dies, they’re gone for good. The story revolves around Ike and his group of mercenaries, who aim to restore Princess Elincia to her rightful position as ruler of Crimea. Despite its serious undertones, the game offers a lot of entertainment value with its engaging plot and diverse cast of characters. But let’s be clear, the emphasis is definitely on the tactical combat system.

3 Tales Of Symphonia

Amazing Art, Characters, World & Combat Systems

Best GameCube RPGs

Among the standout games from the JRPG series, “Tales of Symphonia,” was initially launched in 2003, and it saw Western releases a year later in 2004. Often referred to as an RPG that strikes a chord with you, this game follows protagonists on their quest to save their world, only to find out that their actions could potentially endanger another nearby world.

Featuring a vibrant, entertaining art design and captivating characters, the game Tales of Symphonia quickly became a hit. Despite multiple adaptations and translations across various gaming platforms, there were relatively few problems with the game, which helped establish the Tales Of franchise to some extent in the Western market. As a result, a remake of Tales of Symphonia was deemed essential for players to experience.

2 Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance

The Peak Of The 00s Hack-And-Slash RPG Era

Best GameCube RPGs

Following the debut of the initial two significant installments in the Baldur’s Gate series, developers decided to venture into new territory by creating Dark Alliance, testing the franchise’s potential on console platforms. This game offered a surprisingly gloomy Dungeons & Dragons-style adventure and allowed players to choose between playing as a dwarf, human, or elf character.

The RPG style of Baldur’s Gate was initially made accessible to a wide range of fantasy enthusiasts through the Forgotten Realms setting in Baldur’s Gate. The franchise took a significant step forward with the release of Dark Alliance}, much like how Baldur’s Gate 3 has done more recently. This evolution led to this classic game being ported onto other platforms as well.

1 Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

A Perfect Spin-Off & A True RPG Classic

Best GameCube RPGs

The Mario series is often recognized for its platformers and racing games rather than the role-playing games (RPGs) it has produced. However, the “Paper Mario” offshoot series stands out by consistently offering well-crafted RPGs within the franchise, and among these, none have garnered as much popularity as “The Thousand-Year Door“.

The art style resembling sketches, the entertaining narrative, the diverse cast of characters, and advancements from the initial game in the series collectively made The Thousand-Year Door an almost flawless adventure within the broader Mario universe. Given that the Mario series continues to thrive, there’s a chance that future installments of the Paper Mario series may be developed following the remake of The Thousand-Year Door, ensuring the tradition of exceptional Role-Playing Games (RPGs) on GameCube like this one lives on.

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2024-11-05 17:56