What Gamecube games am I missing out on ?

[Xeogred]

The GC versions of OoT (and MM maybe) supposedly have an improved framerate over the N64 versions. But yeah. I love my copies of those two weird Zelda compilations, but yeah the Master Quest really isn't that special or anything. The only major standout changes to me were that the Shadow Temple and Ganon's Tower were way harder, but other things like the Water Temple were easier so it's just kind of a funky remix.

Baten Kaitos I need to play myself, I think it's got pre-rendered backdrops? Pretty cool. REmake and RE0 are gorgeous, it's a shame the style died out.

Don't mean to drag the thread down, but I have been thinking a lot lately myself... I might have to say the GC is probably the weakest Nintendo console for me. I've barely scratched the surface of the Wii still but it seems like there's way more gems out there for it and I had a lot more fond memories of the N64. NES/SNES are a given. Beyond the Metroid Prime games and some stuff mentioned in this thread, I'm not sure what else I'd say for the GC.

[AppleQueso]

The GC versions of OoT (and MM maybe) supposedly have an improved framerate over the N64 versions.

They run at 480i (pretty sure they do 480p if you use component cables, but don't quote me on that) instead of 240p, so they're a little cleaner looking. Personally it bothers me a tad, as the HUD elements are still lower res and kinda stick out in a bad way. It's minor though.

In terms of performance, OOT seemed to run fine, but Majora's Mask actually runs worse than the original. It has a lot of slowdown, audio studdering when going to different areas, and while I never experienced this myself, lots of people online have reported the game just up and crashing on them.

You're way better off with the N64 version there.

[Xeogred]

I wonder if the OoT versions differ at all between the Collectors Edition compilation and the Master Quest set, lol. I've replayed OoT that way a few times before and it seemed fine to me, though playing the music with the C-STICK was a little harder, integrated rumbling for the rumble pack features were nice, and yeah. Never knew that about MM though, never replayed that one that way.

This is just GC via AV cables in general but yeah I tried replaying OoT this way last year and it just looked like diahhrea on my HDTV. Are these games on the VC? I'm really curious how all this stuff looks through the Wii U via HDMI and all, since I've gotten kind of picky about that sort of thing now I guess lol. I personally think PSX stuff looks awesome through the PS3 with smoothing on, but everything else has been kind of hit or miss. PS2 via component looks pretty good for some games.

[Omerta]

Twilight Princess would be pointless if he's played the Wii version

Actually if you've ever played Twilight Princess on the Wii and want to run through it again, try playing it on the Gamecube and vice-versa. It's trippy.

The reason is that Link has been a left-handed sword wielder since the dawn of time, but they switched it to the right hand by virtue of how most people would hold the Wiimote. With that, they mirrored the entire game (East is West, etc.) from the Gamecube version.

I plowed through the Wii version and shortly after, my brother asked me to help him with a dungeon on the Gamecube. I almost went into a coma.

[AppleQueso]

^I guess it would be pretty trippy. Doubt it's worth the expense though, as the Gamecube version is a bit on the pricey side these days.

MM on the Collector's Edition disc is playable, it's just a step down from the N64 one. I've beaten it quite a few times on both.

Gamecube via AV looks pretty poop on my HDTV as well, I just use S-video on that when I'm not just using my Wii for GC stuff. I pretty much only use it for GBPlayer anyway.

Both N64 Zeldas are in fact available via VC.

[alienjesus]

There are lots more fun exclusives, but these are the ones I'd say you have to get:

Chibi-Robo! - This is one of my absolute favourites. You're a tiny robot whose task is to clean and make people happy, but the concept hides the fact that this game is a truly expansive adventure - getting around the house is a lot more challenging when you're 3 inches tall. The game is very charming and has lots of wonderful characters and an interesting, if silly story. There are lots of tools to pick up which expand where you cango too, kinda like a metroid or zelda lite. Definitely a must have imo, although it is a love it or hate it kinda game. Worth trying in any event.

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance - It's Fire Emblem, it's awesome. This one is one of the easier games in the series, but it's still challenging and fun.

The Legend of Zelda: 4 Swords Adventures - Ignore the fact that it's made for multiplayer (although if you can get it set up, it's an amazing experience), because the single player experience is still fun, and a fully fledged zelda game in it's own right. It's a fun souped up 2D zelda experience. Oh, and it does work with a gamecube controller, you don't need a GBA for single player.

Pikmin & Pikmin 2: Pikmin 1 is a must own game in my opinion - it has a wonderful atmosphere, some compelling but simple strategy gameplay and the time limit offers some pressure, but is still more than enough time to get everything done. Pikmin 2 isn't quite as essential, but expands on the first game in some ways - a much longer campaign, more options for pikmin and in battle, and 2 characters to help you multitask. However, I was less of a fan of it's very combat focused gameplay compared to the exploration of the first. Still great though.

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader: Awesome flight combat game with a lot of challenge, and lots of fun missions.

Super Smash Bros Melee - It's Smash Bros. It's very different to Brawl, and stand on it's own.

Tales of Symphonia - A compelling, but trope filled JRPG. Fun combat system, lots of content and a likeable set of characters. Definitely worth playing. Plus, if you don't like it, you're pretty much assured of being able to resell it for a similar amount, so it doesn't hurt to try.

Lost Kingdoms 1 & 2 - These seem a little unpolished and are definitely lower budget fare, but the real time battling system is lots of fun, there are lots of awesome options to make your deck for fighting and lots of stages to play through. Lots of fun, and cheap too.

[lisalover1]

I was ready to pounce into this thread and herald my GC evangelism everywhere, but looks like you all beat me to it; there's not a whole lot more I can say. Well-played, my friends.

I guess I just have one suggestion: Try and find the component cable. If not for the Cube, then for your Wii. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference. Wind Waker practically looks identical to the new HD version in 480P mode.

^I guess it would be pretty trippy. Doubt it's worth the expense though, as the Gamecube version is a bit on the pricey side these days.

MM on the Collector's Edition disc is playable, it's just a step down from the N64 one. I've beaten it quite a few times on both.

Gamecube via AV looks pretty poop on my HDTV as well, I just use S-video on that when I'm not just using my Wii for GC stuff. I pretty much only use it for GBPlayer anyway.

Both N64 Zeldas are in fact available via VC.

If you're a Zelda fan, then just remember that a Cube equipped with a Game Boy Player is the most versatile console for playing Zelda games ever.

Also, what's wrong with the Cube port of MM? I had absolutely no issues with it when I was playing the game.

[AppleQueso]

Wind Waker practically looks identical to the new HD version in 480P mode.

While it undoubtedly looks very good, I don't know about that.

[SNKnicotine]

Bloody Roar- is a fantastic fighting game in which all the characters have the ability to become their power animal. the controls and mechanics are great and some of the combos I’ve seen have been some of the most spectacular ones.

[fastbilly1]

Four Swords is my favorite Gamecube game after Windwaker, and while it is playable in singleplayer, it is hundreds of times better in multiplayer.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicle is fun in singleplayer, up until the second form of the last boss. You have a Moogle that carries the chalice around for you so you can always fight, but it will be tough in some parts. Heck the game is tough in fourplayers sometimes.

I will second Battalion Wars, Cubivore, and Bloody Roar Primal Fury - all excellent games if you like the genres.

I highly recommend Phantasy Star Online Episodes 1&2 (Plus if you can get it). Not only is it both of the Dreamcast games in one, it has the updates so it runs better. It does have issues in 4 player splitscreen with frame rate though. Also PSO Episode 3 is an interesting one if you can find it. It is card battling, I have actually not played it but I am looking on and off for it.

Gotcha Force is kinda like Capcom making Pokemon as a 3rd person shooter. GoGo Hypergrind is what you get when you put Tony Hawk 2 and Ren and Stimpy in a dark room with mood music.

If you are ok with imports, Nintendo Puzzle Collection is exquisite.

And while I know you said no games ported to the PS2, but do check out Ribbit King.