The GameCube came out in 2001 and, although it wasn’t as popular as the PlayStation 2, it gained a loyal following. I didn’t get my own GameCube until much later – I was a PS2 fan – but I had fun playing it at friends’ houses and demo stations at stores like Best Buy. I eventually explored its games in college and discovered some truly incredible titles that I still enjoy remembering decades later.
While not every older game remains enjoyable, titles like Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem and Mario Kart: Double Dash still hold up remarkably well. Unfortunately, many of these gems are still exclusive to the original GameCube. Hopefully, they’ll be available on the Switch 2 and added to the online library by 2026, but even if not, I still cherish playing them on the original hardware.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
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Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
Muted But Not Forgotten
Released years ago, Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem was a mind-bending survival horror game, and it still stands out from most horror games today. I didn’t own a GameCube when it first came out, so I bought a used orange one while I was in college, along with some of the system’s best titles, including this gem.
The psychological tricks in Sanity Effects are still surprisingly effective, and that’s really the core of what makes the game interesting – you explore a mansion in the present and ancient tombs in the past. After revisiting it after so many years, I’d forgotten just how many clever ways the game messes with you, from making you think characters have died to subtly lowering the sound. It’s unfortunate that it’s now difficult to play legally without owning a physical copy.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
Squad Up
The release of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition on various platforms was welcome, since the original game had been exclusive to the GameCube for a long time. Unfortunately, the remaster didn’t include local co-op, which diminished a key part of what made Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles so enjoyable.
Playing with four players required everyone to have a Game Boy Advance and a Link Cable. The GBA acted as both the controller and displayed the menus, which was a really cool way to play with friends. I often couldn’t find enough people for a four-player game, but even with just one other person, it reminded me of playing at a friend’s house in high school – I even bought a Link Cable specifically for this game!
Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance
Tactically Gifted
In 2026, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is relatively easy to play thanks to the Switch 2’s online store. In fact, using save states on the Switch 2 is the best way to experience the game, and they’re often essential for progress.
This older Fire Emblem game didn’t allow players to disable permanent character death, so you really had to think strategically and plan your moves in this tactical RPG. But that’s the great thing about RPGs with solid gameplay – they stay fun even years later. Despite some frustration, I’ve really enjoyed playing Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance again on my Switch 2.
The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
Smashing Away The Competition
The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction was released on various consoles, and there wasn’t a single ‘best’ version. However, fans playing on the GameCube experienced one of the strongest installments in the Hulk video game series.
The game let players do exactly what the title promised: cause destruction. You could do things like pick up and throw cars at helicopters, or climb all the way up skyscrapers. While the controls and how things break aren’t quite as polished as my 2025 Game of the Year, Donkey Kong Bananza, it’s still a really enjoyable way to feel like the Hulk.
James Bond 007: Everything Or Nothing
Shaken, Not Stirred
James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing was a Bond game released on all the popular consoles of its time. Unlike many other Bond games, it didn’t follow the plot of a movie – it told a completely new story.
This Bond game stood out from others released at the time because it was a third-person shooter where you played from behind cover, and it actually let you see a digital version of Pierce Brosnan. I first played it on the PlayStation 2 when it came out in 2004 and really enjoyed it then, and I still do. I recently tried the GameCube version and it’s just as I remembered. I’m hoping all the Bond games from that period will be re-released for today’s consoles someday.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Buddy Racing
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! stands out from other games in the series because of its unique idea: letting two characters share one kart. No other Mario Kart game has done this before! This allowed for cooperative racing, where one player could drive while the other focused on items and drifting, instead of just competing against each other.
My partner and I really liked playing together. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! is still a fantastic game thanks to its tight controls and variety of characters, courses, and power-ups, but it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves among all the other Mario Kart titles.
Metal Arms: Glitch In The System
Tools Of Destruction
While many people still love Super Mario Sunshine, I actually think Metal Arms: Glitch in the System is a standout platformer for the GameCube that still plays well today. It was released on other consoles too, but similar to James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing, the GameCube version is particularly strong.
I’m really excited about this game! You play as a little robot caught right in the middle of a robot civil war. It’s all about blasting other robots to pieces with a ton of cool, different weapons, and the battles leave metal scraps everywhere – it looks awesome in these desert and cave environments. They’ve tried to add some funny moments, and while not every joke lands, it doesn’t really bother me because the platforming and shooting are just so fun!
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
An Updated Legend
I’ll never forget playing the very first Metal Gear Solid on my PlayStation in the basement. I had to really strain my neck to see the TV because my brother had it set up on a ridiculously high, six-foot tower! I don’t remember Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (the GameCube version) quite as vividly, but I still think it’s a solid remake.
The game stands out, particularly its over-the-top cutscenes – like Snake dodging a missile in a way that feels like The Matrix. However, these playful moments are consistent with the rest of the Metal Gear series. It’s also noticeably easier to play than the original PlayStation version, thanks to the updated first-person aiming system. While some players aren’t fans of the remake, as a dedicated fan of every Metal Gear game, I still really enjoy Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Still The Best In The Series
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a remarkable game for its huge number of playable characters. While Super Smash Bros. Melee has fewer characters, its gameplay is still considered top-tier for a fighting game. With iconic moves like Link’s sword and Ness’ yo-yo, Melee remains a fast-paced and dynamic fighter even today.
I still see people playing it all the time, even at the conventions I hit in 2026. It’s awesome to watch – honestly, even when someone’s getting totally crushed, they’re having a blast! That’s what I think really makes a game special, you know?
Viewtiful Joe
Cel-Shaded Goodness
Viewtiful Joe first launched as a GameCube exclusive, and it was later released on the PlayStation 2 with extra content, including a guest appearance by Dante from Devil May Cry. I originally played the PS2 version. Beyond that fun addition, Viewtiful Joe is considered one of the best games from its time.
In this game, you play as Joe, who discovers he can become Viewtiful Joe – a hero with the power to manipulate time during battles. You’ll fight robots and giant bosses using a variety of punches, kicks, and special moves. Thanks to its unique art style, the game still looks great today, and the fast-paced action remains incredibly fun.
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2026-04-12 01:38