Forgotten First-Person Shooters on the GameCube

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Let’s be real, when I think back to the early 2000s and first-person shooters, the GameCube isn’t the first console that comes to mind. If you wanted a good FPS experience back then, a PC was usually the way to go. Or, if you were getting a console, the original Xbox had some killer titles. The PS2 had a decent selection, but the GameCube? Honestly, most people only remember Metroid Prime. I’m actually trying to think… were there even that many other FPS games on the GameCube?

The GameCube didn’t have a ton of first-person shooter games, but Nintendo did make an effort to appeal to FPS fans. While many remember titles like Killer7, 007: Nightfire, and TimeSplitters, there were a few other FPS games released for the system that have faded from memory.

6. Die Hard: Vendetta

The Original Sequel To Die Hard With a Vengeance

Fans of the Die Hard movies have seen a few video games over the years, but it’s been a while since a new one came out for consoles – the last was in 2002. That game, Die Hard: Vendetta, wasn’t officially part of the movie story, and it featured John McClane trying to rescue his daughter from a villain who seems a bit familiar.

Okay, so Vendetta isn’t a masterpiece, let’s be real. But if you’re a huge Die Hard fan and really want to be McClane, it can be a fun time. Honestly, there aren’t many Die Hard games out there, so it fills a niche. Otherwise, I wouldn’t go hunting for this one – there are just too many better FPS games to play.

5. Judge Dredd: Dredd vs. Death

Become The Ultimate Judge In This GameCube Shooter

Judge Dredd: Dredd vs. Death is a classic first-person shooter that stays true to the comic books while offering a solid, if not groundbreaking, gameplay experience. You play as Judge Dredd, a law enforcer in the sprawling Mega-City One. The game is broken into chapters, each offering small, open areas where you can choose to strictly enforce the law or create a bit of chaos – and the consequences are up to you.

Similar to many games based on existing properties, Judge Dredd: Dredd vs. Death is best suited for fans of the 2000 AD comic series. However, it’s still enjoyable even if you’re not a dedicated follower. Plus, unlike many obscure GameCube first-person shooters, Judge Dredd: Dredd vs. Death is readily available on PC these days.

4. Geist

A Cool Concept But A Mediocre Game

While Geist is primarily an action-adventure game, it includes enough shooting elements to be worth mentioning. It’s notable as a rare M17+ rated GameCube title, and the name Geist – meaning ‘ghost’ – perfectly describes the game’s central idea. You play as John Raimi, a spirit who can possess both people and objects. This possession ability is a unique and enjoyable feature, creating moments where you can scare enemies, almost like solving basic puzzles.

Let’s be real, Geist isn’t a great first-person shooter. The shooting feels clunky and isn’t satisfying, which makes the action sequences fall flat. If you’re hunting for a hidden gem on the GameCube, you can safely skip this one. But, if you’re in the mood for a strange and unusual game with occasional bright spots, Geist might be worth a look.

3. Serious Sam: Next Encounter

Very Solid Serious Sam Spin-Off That Really Needs A PC Port

I’m a big fan of those old-school run-and-gun shooters, and while Serious Sam might not be as legendary as Doom or Wolfenstein, it’s definitely a series a lot of FPS players know and love. Most of the main Serious Sam games are easy to find today, but there’s this one spin-off, Serious Sam: Next Encounter, that’s seriously good – it really nails that over-the-top, challenging action the series is known for. The weird thing is, it’s never been updated or released on PC, so if you want to play it, you’ve gotta hunt down an old PlayStation 2 or GameCube copy!

Next Encounter offers some interesting concepts, like a combo system that gives you bonuses for skillful play. While this feature might not appeal to everyone, the game generally delivers solid action throughout a variety of historically-inspired, supernatural environments. If you’re a fan of Serious Sam, especially the original PC versions, you should definitely check out this spin-off.

2. Turok: Evolution

Who Doesn’t Love Hunting Dinosaurs?

Most Turok games, aside from the very first one, don’t get the recognition they deserve. The series has a fantastic premise – battling dinosaurs – and that’s a big part of its appeal. While there’s more to the games than just dinosaurs, facing these massive creatures is what makes Turok special. Among the less popular Turok titles, Turok: Evolution is particularly overlooked, and it’s hard to find and play on computers these days.

While not perfect, Turok: Evolution was a solid game for its time and built upon concepts from previous installments. It does have some problems, especially in sections that don’t focus on shooting. It’s not essential playing, but it’s perfectly enjoyable.

1. XIII

The Most Stylish FPS GameCube Game

While not completely forgotten, XIII still has a loyal following who remember it well. The game isn’t hard to find these days, but I’d suggest getting the original version instead of the remake, though the remake is still playable. XIII draws heavy inspiration from 1960s spy films and features a distinctive comic book art style that’s full of personality – and that’s what people remember most about it.

Beyond its striking graphics, the game boasts a thrilling story that takes you around the world, filled with memorable characters – both good and bad. While shooting is the core gameplay, XIII mixes things up with puzzles and stealth sections, preventing the fairly brief story from feeling repetitive.

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2026-01-30 03:40