Best Game Franchises That Peaked on the Nintendo GameCube

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Summary

  • GameCube has quality, underappreciated games like F-Zero GX with unique gameplay and story modes.
  • Soulcalibur 2 is hailed as the best in the series for its excellent combat and graphics.
  • The Need for Speed series on GameCube, including titles like Underground, marked a golden era for the franchise.

The GameCube, made by Nintendo, is among their finest consoles, but it’s unfortunate that it didn’t match the sales of other brands. Despite this setback, Nintendo still provided the platform with numerous high-quality games that are a joy to play.

Enthusiasts who previously owned a GameCube are eagerly anticipating exploring the collection of high-quality games available through Nintendo Switch Online, which includes several notable hits from popular series that perfectly captured their essence.

7. F-Zero

Fans Love F-Zero GX for its Story Mode and Well-Realized Racing Gameplay

  • GameCube entries: F-Zero GX

The F-Zero series, often overlooked, deserves more recognition than it currently receives. It’s unfortunate that Nintendo doesn’t focus as much attention on this franchise as some of its other popular titles. Despite the fact that fast, futuristic racing games may not be as trendy nowadays, there’s no doubt in my mind that Nintendo could breathe new life into the series with a well-crafted mainline game.

F-Zero GX demonstrated that there is still a wealth of potential for this series. The storyline and enhanced gameplay were remarkable, leaving one in awe as to why Nintendo hasn’t attempted to scale such heights again with the franchise since then.

6. Soulcalibur

Soulcalibur 2 is Considered by Many to be the Best Game in the Series

  • GameCube entries: Soulcalibur 2

One of the most cherished fighting game series, Soulcalibur, is adored by fans for its engaging character designs and thrilling battles. The initial game showcased remarkable graphics which were significantly enhanced in a subsequent installment often regarded as the finest game within the Soulcalibur franchise.

Regarding Soulcalibur , it continues to hold its ground within the gaming industry, consistently releasing new titles across every console generation. Nevertheless, many players believe that the pinnacle and most influential game in the series is Soulcalibur 2, a title yet to be surpassed since its release.

5. Paper Mario

The Thousand-Year Door is Arguably the Peak of this Fun RPG Spinoff Franchise

  • GameCube entries: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Many fans still fondly remember the tale behind “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.” Generally regarded as the top pick among the “Paper Mario” games, it stood out as one of the best games available for the GameCube.

The decision by Nintendo to refresh this game on the Switch suggests a significant influence it has had. Its enchanting narrative, exciting battles, and exceptional artistic flair set it apart and keep its stages and conflicts captivating right up until the very end.

4. TimeSplitters

TimeSplitters 2 & Future Perfect Are Both Excellent Titles That Fans Will Love

  • GameCube entries: TimeSplitters 2, TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

The initial installment of TimeSplitters was an impressive debut, enchanting players with its gameplay and gunfights. The series built upon this appeal with a sequel that has become a fan favorite. Similarly, Future Perfect offers its own entertainment value and serves as another fantastic first-person shooter for the GameCube, making it two outstanding titles that fans couldn’t wait to play.

It’s unfortunate that the beloved game, TimeSplitters, has been left behind in the annals of time. With fans eagerly awaiting more unique first-person shooter (FPS) games boasting captivating worlds, this series presents an excellent opportunity for a comeback and reemergence in the current gaming market.

3. Baten Kaitos

A Short-Lived JRPG Series Lived and Died on the GameCube

  • GameCube entries: Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean,Baten Kaitos Origins

A less recognized yet captivating RPG duology worth exploring is the “Baten Kaitos” series, which surprisingly made its appearance on the GameCube. Regrettably, the franchise has been overlooked and seemingly abandoned since then.

Many people believe that among the two games, “Baten Kaitos Origins” stands out as the superior title, although “Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean” is equally captivating and deserves attention. With the current resurgence of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), there’s a strong possibility that we might see a new instalment of “Baten Kaitos“, leaving players amazed all over again.

2. Prince of Persia

The Sands of Time is the Undisputed GOAT of the Franchise That Was Released on Every Relevant Console

  • GameCube entries: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Among the all-time greats, “The Sands of Time” stands out for its exceptional gameplay, except perhaps for its combat system which could use some improvement. Remarkably, it garnered widespread acclaim across all significant gaming platforms, such as the Nintendo GameCube.

In subsequent installments of the series, the original grand vision seemed to elude Prince of Persia, as Ubisoft made questionable artistic decisions and shifted most of their focus towards the Assassin’s Creed franchise. As a result, Prince of Persia has been playing catch-up ever since, making it unlikely that the greatness achieved in The Sands of Time will be matched anytime soon.

1. Need for Speed

The Classic NFS Games That Contributed to This Series’ Hype Were All Released on the GameCube

  • GameCube entries: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2, Need for Speed: Underground, Need for Speed: Underground 2, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Need for Speed: Carbon

Today’s versions of “Need for Speed” are fantastic and definitely worth playing if you’re into racing. However, many fans argue that the series truly shone in the 2000s, consistently delivering hit after hit. “Hot Pursuit 2” laid the groundwork for the franchise’s development, while “Underground” captivated fans with its immersive atmosphere, and “Underground 2” was a revolutionary title, introducing an open-world structure for the first time in the series.

The impact of “Most Wanted” is undeniable, and “Carbon” was a fitting conclusion to the “Need for Speed” series on the GameCube, offering an exceptional portrayal of intense racing. These titles represent the peak of “Need for Speed,” making the GameCube an outstanding choice for realistic racing games.

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2025-07-23 03:34