One of the Wii's greatest features is its direct GameCube backwards compatibility. This offers a great opportunity to play some of last generation's missed gems during those inevitable Wii droughts (like right now). Here are some of the editors' favorites:
Clark says:
This one's going to sound kind of strange, but one of my favorite GameCube games is Cel Damage. I know, I know, it's really not that great. I gave it a 7.0, after all, and I still stand by that number, because there are a lot of things this game does wrong. But its multiplayer mode has grown on me and is now one of my favorite 4-player games. I love car combat, a genre that has seen serious declines, and Cel Damage is as wacky and over-the-top as they come. It's odd that I can't stand playing Super Smash Bros. Melee anymore (do I dare say that?!) while Cel Damage has remained mindlessly fun and addictive.
Another game I enjoyed--while many others openly didn't--was Egg Mania: Eggstreme Madness (wow, those egg puns are hard to type). It's my favorite puzzle game on GameCube, a "Tetris in reverse" with a tint of platforming. Playing solo was frustrating, but the challenging and frequently tense 2-player mode has been the focus of many long game nights.
It's hard for me to get into shooters like Metal Slug and Contra, but I instantly fell in love with Alien Hominid. Maybe it was its independent jive or great hand-drawn style. The main shooter mode was a lot of fun, but the real reason why I continue to play this game years later is for the 4-player, semi-cooperative PDA mini-game. Whether I'm cajoling my non-gamer friends into trying it or designing new levels with my nephews, this is one of the few games I have never even thought about selling.
As for a single-player game, I'm going to go with Chibi-Robo. Wind Waker was brilliant and ranks as my number two favorite Zelda game, but Chibi-Robo was something entirely new and unique. It was like the Legend of Zelda, The Sims, and Toy Story rolled into one. The way the game was designed could easily grow tedious, but exploring (and cleaning) a gigantic house as a little robot was something truly special, one of the most refreshing and involving games I played last generation.
This next one may not be entirely fair to include, as it's a more recent game I've played, but I really liked Baten Kaitos. It may not have had the production value of a Final Fantasy game, but it was incredibly deep and complex. The card system opened up a lot of possibilities. Battles were more interactive and engrossing, and exploring the overworld was more rewarding. RPGs are hit or miss with me, but Baten Kaitos got me hooked, and I've been having dreams of cards with pictures of swords and shields on them for weeks, now.
I also have to make mention of LEGO Star Wars (the first and its sequel). This franchise has been a huge success, but I know several people who passed it by for being too "kiddy." To that, I say: phooey! These games are hilarious and quite a bit of fun for two players playing cooperatively (or not, which is often the case). One of the few games that really is for everyone.
Marc says:
There were so many great games for the little purple cube that could that I don't really know where to start. I guess that my first pick might shock a few since it comes from the evil EA empire, but one of my most played games is SSX 3. SSX On Tour was also excellent, but SSX3 was more goofy and I think that's where the series peaked. Lots of races, one huge mountain that you can ride from top to bottom without any loading times, tons of customization, this game has it all!
Ikaruga also comes to mind as one of my favorites as it had so much replayability and great style. This game was also pretty darn difficult but that was its charm. You just wanted to play it again and again to get perfect chain combos and get a higher score. It also has one of my favorite soundtracks.
One game I bought at launch day and that you can now get for like 5 bucks is P.N. 03. I know it wasn't received very well and it sold poorly. At its base, it is a shooter much like Ikaruga but presented in a full 3D environment and offers lots of action, even though it is a bit repetitive. But for its present price there is no reason not to get it.
Sega's Skies of Arcadia is an excellent RPG and one that fans of the genre shouldn't miss. It might not have the best graphics on the system since it is a Dreamcast port, but it has a great storyline and it will last you for a while. The characters are charming and the ship battles are original and change the pace of the game.
Another great Sega game is Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 and 2. While the online component of the game might be dead (or is just about to die), it still has plenty of depth to it and is almost better than the newly released Phantasy Star Universe. It is simple and repetitive, yet incredibly addictive and is a lot of fun when playing with friends. I had a blast playing this one with my brother and my friend when he came to my place.
For those who don't own a Playstation console, Metal Gear Solid is a great remake. It has a solid storyline, great dialogs, incredible cutscenes, 2 different endings, memorable characters, and did I mention it has great graphics? It is my favorite game franchise and this remake is probably the game I finished the most times on GameCube.
If you are a true hardcore gamer and have fond memories of the NES days, then Mega Man Anniversary Collection has to be in your collection, and it's going to be cheaper than having to buy them all on the virtual console. Mega Man 2 is my personal favorite and the one I play the most, but everyone should find something they like in this collection.
If you and your friends have a bunch of GBAs then Four Swords Adventures and Crystal Chronicles are good party games. My friends and I can usually finish Four Swords in 1 sitting and we have a lot of fun fighting against each other and trying to get as many force gems as possible. And Crystal Chronicles is one of the greatest action adventures for the GameCube. It has amazing graphics as well as one of the best soundtrack on the system.
And to close this, I'd say that you're not a true Nintendo fanboy if you didn't get F-Zero GX. This game didn't sell well, and it should have considering all the effort that was put into it. Sega's Amusement Vision polished this title so much that it is without a doubt a must have title. So many races to do and a fun story mode coupled with probably the hardest difficulty level on a GameCube title and customizable ships and a great soundtrack for techno fans. Probably my second most played game behind SSX 3.
Paul says:
Animal Crossing: It's the most engrossing single-player game I've ever played. If something can manage to retain my attention for an entire year it deserves unabated praise. I get to live life vicariously through someone else; directly influencing their world and the other characters around me. Not only is this one of the most engaging titles of all time, it's one of the least demanding titles of all time. Nintendo's philosophy for simplistic styled games can arguably be attributed to this title. What else is there to say, really?
Resident Evil (remake): Consider when this game initially launched. Not only was it one of the most visually impressive titles at the time, but it was the epitome of a remake. Other games' visual charms pale in comparison to this title, as it truly is a sight to be seen. Resident Evil not only reinvented the survival horror genre with the original, it mastered it with the remake.
Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker: This is an essential title for any "best of" GameCube list. Some fans still hold this title in a resentful light for whatever reason. Zelda's first departure from the conventional "realistic" (or as realistic as you could get with an N64) graphics; it manifested a living, breathing, fully animated world, and it was beautiful. Cel-shading never looked so good. Sure, sailing the open seas became mundane all too quickly. But, this was, and still is, your quintessential Zelda affair.
Resident Evil 4: A series that was being critically regarded as "trite" for its overused gameplay mechanics and archaic control scheme. Resident Evil 4 was perpetually delayed, being pushed further and further back to the dismay of fans everywhere. The finished product was, however, well worth the wait. Part action, part adventure, part horror; one heck of an experience. Easily one of, if not the, best action games of last gen. There's really not much else to say that already been documented. Just go out there and play the game if you haven't already.
Saul says:
The GameCube will always be near and dear to my heart. I had some of my favorite franchises appear there, and some excellent new ones were created. Let's start with the new ones:
Pikmin is one of those games that took a genre I didn't even know I liked (RTS) and put in enough innovative twists and Nintendo charm to win me over. I was seriously addicted to this game, and I thought the gameplay mechanics were brilliantly deep, yet intuitive. I even grew attached to the little Pikmin, but not to the point where I wasn't going to throw a few at a large enemy's mouth to avoid being harmed myself.
Animal Crossing: Though the game originally came out in Japan for the N64, it was on the GameCube that I got my first crack at this addictive and charming game. Once again, yet another title that I had absolutely no interest in (you do CHORES???) was easily one of my most played games of last generation. Simple, elegant, and featuring awesome emulations of NES games, Animal Crossing kept me coming back for almost a year, if only to cut weeds and see what my townfolks were up to.
Eternal Darkness: Most times, when a game is labeled "Mature", it means the game features plenty of gratuitous violence and cursing. Eternal Darkness, while having its fair share of extremely graphic violence, earned its "Mature" tag by delving deeply into mythological themes, pagan worship, and the essence of insanity to deliver a satisfying psychological thriller. The insanity meter was innovative and the top notch presentation made this a unique entry in the GameCube library.
Now that I've gotten the dark horses game candidates out of the way, I'll post the more obvious GameCube games that I loved:
Resident Evil 4: This game should be at or near the top of every action fan's list. From the moment that you're dropped off on the outskirts of a tiny village, the game becomes an unbelievable thrill ride. As you look for the President's daughter, you are thrust into a bizarre world where nothing is as it seems. Everyone knows about this game's beautiful graphics, but it's the incredible pacing and refined gameplay that truly make it shine.
Metroid Prime: Retro Studios' flagship title took us into the world of Samus Aran as gamers had never seen it before. Gorgeous visuals, intense action, and a great sense of exploration made this a standout title for the GameCube. Unforgettable boss fights and the classic Metroid thrill of powering up to reach new places.
Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker: I initially swore off this title (like many) when it was first unveiled to be something entirely different from the original Spaceworld trailer. Thankfully, I came to my senses and gave the title a chance, and Wind Waker proved to be a winner. The beautiful art direction and unique cel shading style means that this game's visuals will age well over time, unlike some of the other titles which are currently considered among the best in graphics. Classic Zelda gameplay mixed with open sea exploration is a formula for success in my book.
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes: A remake to one of my favorite games, I couldn't wait to see what Silicon Knights would do with this game. They delivered, with superb audio and a presentation worthy of the Metal Gear name. With over the top cutscenes and the core MGS gameplay, this title was a real treat for Nintendo fans who wanted a Metal Gear game on a Nintendo platform.
Clark says:
This one's going to sound kind of strange, but one of my favorite GameCube games is Cel Damage. I know, I know, it's really not that great. I gave it a 7.0, after all, and I still stand by that number, because there are a lot of things this game does wrong. But its multiplayer mode has grown on me and is now one of my favorite 4-player games. I love car combat, a genre that has seen serious declines, and Cel Damage is as wacky and over-the-top as they come. It's odd that I can't stand playing Super Smash Bros. Melee anymore (do I dare say that?!) while Cel Damage has remained mindlessly fun and addictive.
Another game I enjoyed--while many others openly didn't--was Egg Mania: Eggstreme Madness (wow, those egg puns are hard to type). It's my favorite puzzle game on GameCube, a "Tetris in reverse" with a tint of platforming. Playing solo was frustrating, but the challenging and frequently tense 2-player mode has been the focus of many long game nights.
It's hard for me to get into shooters like Metal Slug and Contra, but I instantly fell in love with Alien Hominid. Maybe it was its independent jive or great hand-drawn style. The main shooter mode was a lot of fun, but the real reason why I continue to play this game years later is for the 4-player, semi-cooperative PDA mini-game. Whether I'm cajoling my non-gamer friends into trying it or designing new levels with my nephews, this is one of the few games I have never even thought about selling.
As for a single-player game, I'm going to go with Chibi-Robo. Wind Waker was brilliant and ranks as my number two favorite Zelda game, but Chibi-Robo was something entirely new and unique. It was like the Legend of Zelda, The Sims, and Toy Story rolled into one. The way the game was designed could easily grow tedious, but exploring (and cleaning) a gigantic house as a little robot was something truly special, one of the most refreshing and involving games I played last generation.
This next one may not be entirely fair to include, as it's a more recent game I've played, but I really liked Baten Kaitos. It may not have had the production value of a Final Fantasy game, but it was incredibly deep and complex. The card system opened up a lot of possibilities. Battles were more interactive and engrossing, and exploring the overworld was more rewarding. RPGs are hit or miss with me, but Baten Kaitos got me hooked, and I've been having dreams of cards with pictures of swords and shields on them for weeks, now.
I also have to make mention of LEGO Star Wars (the first and its sequel). This franchise has been a huge success, but I know several people who passed it by for being too "kiddy." To that, I say: phooey! These games are hilarious and quite a bit of fun for two players playing cooperatively (or not, which is often the case). One of the few games that really is for everyone.
Marc says:
There were so many great games for the little purple cube that could that I don't really know where to start. I guess that my first pick might shock a few since it comes from the evil EA empire, but one of my most played games is SSX 3. SSX On Tour was also excellent, but SSX3 was more goofy and I think that's where the series peaked. Lots of races, one huge mountain that you can ride from top to bottom without any loading times, tons of customization, this game has it all!
Ikaruga also comes to mind as one of my favorites as it had so much replayability and great style. This game was also pretty darn difficult but that was its charm. You just wanted to play it again and again to get perfect chain combos and get a higher score. It also has one of my favorite soundtracks.
One game I bought at launch day and that you can now get for like 5 bucks is P.N. 03. I know it wasn't received very well and it sold poorly. At its base, it is a shooter much like Ikaruga but presented in a full 3D environment and offers lots of action, even though it is a bit repetitive. But for its present price there is no reason not to get it.
Sega's Skies of Arcadia is an excellent RPG and one that fans of the genre shouldn't miss. It might not have the best graphics on the system since it is a Dreamcast port, but it has a great storyline and it will last you for a while. The characters are charming and the ship battles are original and change the pace of the game.
Another great Sega game is Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 and 2. While the online component of the game might be dead (or is just about to die), it still has plenty of depth to it and is almost better than the newly released Phantasy Star Universe. It is simple and repetitive, yet incredibly addictive and is a lot of fun when playing with friends. I had a blast playing this one with my brother and my friend when he came to my place.
For those who don't own a Playstation console, Metal Gear Solid is a great remake. It has a solid storyline, great dialogs, incredible cutscenes, 2 different endings, memorable characters, and did I mention it has great graphics? It is my favorite game franchise and this remake is probably the game I finished the most times on GameCube.
If you are a true hardcore gamer and have fond memories of the NES days, then Mega Man Anniversary Collection has to be in your collection, and it's going to be cheaper than having to buy them all on the virtual console. Mega Man 2 is my personal favorite and the one I play the most, but everyone should find something they like in this collection.
If you and your friends have a bunch of GBAs then Four Swords Adventures and Crystal Chronicles are good party games. My friends and I can usually finish Four Swords in 1 sitting and we have a lot of fun fighting against each other and trying to get as many force gems as possible. And Crystal Chronicles is one of the greatest action adventures for the GameCube. It has amazing graphics as well as one of the best soundtrack on the system.
And to close this, I'd say that you're not a true Nintendo fanboy if you didn't get F-Zero GX. This game didn't sell well, and it should have considering all the effort that was put into it. Sega's Amusement Vision polished this title so much that it is without a doubt a must have title. So many races to do and a fun story mode coupled with probably the hardest difficulty level on a GameCube title and customizable ships and a great soundtrack for techno fans. Probably my second most played game behind SSX 3.
Paul says:
Animal Crossing: It's the most engrossing single-player game I've ever played. If something can manage to retain my attention for an entire year it deserves unabated praise. I get to live life vicariously through someone else; directly influencing their world and the other characters around me. Not only is this one of the most engaging titles of all time, it's one of the least demanding titles of all time. Nintendo's philosophy for simplistic styled games can arguably be attributed to this title. What else is there to say, really?
Resident Evil (remake): Consider when this game initially launched. Not only was it one of the most visually impressive titles at the time, but it was the epitome of a remake. Other games' visual charms pale in comparison to this title, as it truly is a sight to be seen. Resident Evil not only reinvented the survival horror genre with the original, it mastered it with the remake.
Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker: This is an essential title for any "best of" GameCube list. Some fans still hold this title in a resentful light for whatever reason. Zelda's first departure from the conventional "realistic" (or as realistic as you could get with an N64) graphics; it manifested a living, breathing, fully animated world, and it was beautiful. Cel-shading never looked so good. Sure, sailing the open seas became mundane all too quickly. But, this was, and still is, your quintessential Zelda affair.
Resident Evil 4: A series that was being critically regarded as "trite" for its overused gameplay mechanics and archaic control scheme. Resident Evil 4 was perpetually delayed, being pushed further and further back to the dismay of fans everywhere. The finished product was, however, well worth the wait. Part action, part adventure, part horror; one heck of an experience. Easily one of, if not the, best action games of last gen. There's really not much else to say that already been documented. Just go out there and play the game if you haven't already.
Saul says:
The GameCube will always be near and dear to my heart. I had some of my favorite franchises appear there, and some excellent new ones were created. Let's start with the new ones:
Pikmin is one of those games that took a genre I didn't even know I liked (RTS) and put in enough innovative twists and Nintendo charm to win me over. I was seriously addicted to this game, and I thought the gameplay mechanics were brilliantly deep, yet intuitive. I even grew attached to the little Pikmin, but not to the point where I wasn't going to throw a few at a large enemy's mouth to avoid being harmed myself.
Animal Crossing: Though the game originally came out in Japan for the N64, it was on the GameCube that I got my first crack at this addictive and charming game. Once again, yet another title that I had absolutely no interest in (you do CHORES???) was easily one of my most played games of last generation. Simple, elegant, and featuring awesome emulations of NES games, Animal Crossing kept me coming back for almost a year, if only to cut weeds and see what my townfolks were up to.
Eternal Darkness: Most times, when a game is labeled "Mature", it means the game features plenty of gratuitous violence and cursing. Eternal Darkness, while having its fair share of extremely graphic violence, earned its "Mature" tag by delving deeply into mythological themes, pagan worship, and the essence of insanity to deliver a satisfying psychological thriller. The insanity meter was innovative and the top notch presentation made this a unique entry in the GameCube library.
Now that I've gotten the dark horses game candidates out of the way, I'll post the more obvious GameCube games that I loved:
Resident Evil 4: This game should be at or near the top of every action fan's list. From the moment that you're dropped off on the outskirts of a tiny village, the game becomes an unbelievable thrill ride. As you look for the President's daughter, you are thrust into a bizarre world where nothing is as it seems. Everyone knows about this game's beautiful graphics, but it's the incredible pacing and refined gameplay that truly make it shine.
Metroid Prime: Retro Studios' flagship title took us into the world of Samus Aran as gamers had never seen it before. Gorgeous visuals, intense action, and a great sense of exploration made this a standout title for the GameCube. Unforgettable boss fights and the classic Metroid thrill of powering up to reach new places.
Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker: I initially swore off this title (like many) when it was first unveiled to be something entirely different from the original Spaceworld trailer. Thankfully, I came to my senses and gave the title a chance, and Wind Waker proved to be a winner. The beautiful art direction and unique cel shading style means that this game's visuals will age well over time, unlike some of the other titles which are currently considered among the best in graphics. Classic Zelda gameplay mixed with open sea exploration is a formula for success in my book.
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes: A remake to one of my favorite games, I couldn't wait to see what Silicon Knights would do with this game. They delivered, with superb audio and a presentation worthy of the Metal Gear name. With over the top cutscenes and the core MGS gameplay, this title was a real treat for Nintendo fans who wanted a Metal Gear game on a Nintendo platform.
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