From late 2001 to late 2006, the Nintendo GameCube was Nintendo's main home video game console. Since it was the first Nintendo console to primarily use discs for storage and also began many popular franchises, it was an important chapter in gaming history.
Because it didn't have as many technological capabilities as the PS2 and Xbox, the GameCube didn't sell as well as Nintendo expected and was discontinued in 2007. Despite this, the console did have plenty of great games that people still love to this day. Many of these games are still ranked highly on Metacritic.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes - 92
After the overwhelming success of Metroid Prime, Retro Studios immediately began working on a sequel that would build upon the foundations by creating a stronger plot and developing the gameplay. Released in 2004, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is an award-winning action-adventure that follows bounty hunter Samus Aran as she explores the planet known as Aether, which is slowly being swallowed up by a dark alternate dimension that was created from a meteor.
Unlike many modern video games, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes doesn't guide the player and instead lets them solve puzzles on their own, which makes the game both more challenging and more rewarding. With detailed level designs and various new gameplay mechanics, the game is a well-polished experience that is often listed as one of the best games ever made.
Super Smash Bros. Melee - 92
While the basis for the Super Smash Bros. series started with the original entry on the Nintendo 64, the series really took off after the sequel was released in 2001 for the GameCube: Super Smash Bros. Melee. Like the previous game, this crossover fighting game features characters from multiple Nintendo franchises battling each other, but this game improved on the controls and introduced many gameplay mechanics that would become staples of the series.
With new characters, many new stages, several different gameplay modes, and plenty of unlockable content, it is no surprise that many consider this game to be one of the best. Even years later, there is still a large fanbase that still regularly plays this game to this day.
Viewtiful Joe - 93
To help the GameCube, which was already struggling early in its life cycle, the popular video game developer Capcom announced they would release five new titles specifically for the console. Known as the "Capcom Five," these games included P.N.03, Killer 7, Resident Evil 4, the canceled title Dead Phoenix, and the 2003 side-scrolling beat 'em up Viewtiful Joe.
Created by the short-lived Clover Studio, which would later develop Ōkami and God Hand, Viewtiful Joe follows a young man named Joe whose girlfriend, Silvia, gets kidnapped while they are watching a superhero film together. Joe follows her into Movieland where he gains the ability to transform into the hero Viewtiful Joe, and he goes on a journey to save her. With its unique gameplay and cel-shaded art style, the game has won multiple awards and has had several sequels.
SoulCalibur II - 93
Released in 2003 for the GameCube, PS2, and Xbox, SoulCalibur II is a weapon-based fighting game and the third installment of the SoulCalibur series. Taking place a couple of years after the previous entry, the evil blade, Soul Edge, has been broken into many pieces, and each of the characters is either trying to restore the sword or completely destroy it.
This game introduced new characters, stages, and lore to the franchise, and the gameplay was improved compared to previous entries. The GameCube port also had an exclusive character added to the roster, Link from The Legend of Zelda series.
Madden NFL 2004 - 94
Madden NFL 2004 is a critically acclaimed and award-winning installment of the Madden NFL series, a sports game series that is centered around American Football. As the only officially licensed National Football League game series, the games try to simulate the sport as realistically as possible.
Released in 2003, this game introduced several new gameplay features to the franchise, including a new mode that allowed players to experience what it is like to run a professional football team by deciding aspects like which coaches to hire. The game is also known for making the in-game version of the Atlanta Falcons quarterback at the time, Michael Vick, into one of the most overpowered players from any of the games.
The Legend Of Zelda: Collector's Edition - 95
Released in 2003, The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition is a compilation of four previous games in The Legend of Zelda series: The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Ocarina of Time, and Majora's Mask. Also, it included a short demo for The Wind Waker and two extra exclusive videos.
With a large amount of content in this collection and the small improvements to the games, this edition was a must-have for both old fans and new players alike. But, this version of Majora's Mask did have several problems, including sound issues and frequent freezes.
The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess - 96
Created in response to the criticism at the time towards the new art style introduced in the previous entry The Wind Waker, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is a 2006 action-adventure that was the final first-party game released for the GameCube and a classic launch title for the Wii. Taking place after Majora's Mask, the game follows Link as he goes on a journey, with the help of a Twili named Midna, to save Hyrule from being consumed by an alternate universe known as the Twilight Realm.
Twilight Princess has a much darker art style and story compared to previous games in the series, which is why it was the first game in the franchise to be rated Teen (T). Since its release, the game has won many awards and is considered by some to be one of the best Zelda games.
The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker - 96
Notable as the first game in the franchise to use cel-shading to create a more cartoonish art style and to have a massive ocean that the player needs to explore by boat, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is a 2002 action-adventure that takes place in an alternate timeline from Majora's Mask and Twilight Princess. The game follows Link and the pirate captain Tetra, who is a reincarnation of Princess Zelda, as they explore the ocean to gain the power needed to defeat the sorcerer Ganon.
Although the game was polarizing at the time, the new art style grew on many fans, and the game is now considered one of the best entries in the series. Years later, two sequels were released for the Nintendo DS, Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, which were beloved by players.
Resident Evil 4 - 96
Created as part of the "Capcom Five" and one of the most influential survival horror games ever made, Resident Evil 4 is a 2005 award-winning survival horror third-person shooter that was originally made to be a GameCube exclusive. The game follows Leon S. Kennedy as he travels to a rural village in Spain to rescue the U.S. President's daughter, Ashley Graham, who has been captured by a cult that is injecting mind-controlling parasites into people.
The game introduced the over-the-shoulder viewpoint for third-person shooters. It also became the inspiration for many future survival horror and action games, including the 2013 action-adventure The Last of Us and the 2008 survival horror Dead Space.
Metroid Prime - 97
Released as the fourth main installment of the Metroid series, Metroid Prime is a 2002 award-winning action-adventure game that follows bounty hunter Samus Aran as she explores the planet Tallon IV, finds items that upgrade her damaged suit, and fights genetically modified space pirates.
Despite the many problems that occurred during the development of the game, Metroid Prime ended up being a success story that introduced 3D graphics and a first-person view to the franchise. To this day, it is still considered one of the best games of all time and is one of the highest-rated games on Metacritic.