List: Best 30 Gamecube Games (What do you want on yr shelf)

[BoneSnapDeez]

Episode 2 was unique to the Cube, it was not on the Dreamcast. GC version also had 4 player couch co-op, which no other version supported. It is definitely THE PSO for me, and I don't spend time with any other version.

Now my brain hurts. Isn't Version 2 the same as Episode 2?

From what I gather...

Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2
Phantasy Star Online Episode II
Phantasy Star Online 2

...are all completely different.

[ejamer]

I'll look over my library and see what pops out. Some opinions about games already mentioned left below though (leaving out games I haven't played enough of to judge):

Top 30 Material

Four Swords Adventures - Haven't finished it, but think it's a fantastic game based on what I have played and deserves to be in the list. Shame it's still so inconvenient to get the hardware/friends together to play.

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader - Totally deserves to be listed. Still an outstanding Star Wars game.

Luigi's Mansion - I'm a big fan. Haven't yet played much of the 3DS sequel, but think it's different enough that I'm comfortable if this stays on the GameCube top 30.

Eternal Darkness - Feels like it had strong N64 roots (not a compliment) but the game overcomes it's technical limitations through a good story and great effects. Maybe not as good as the reputation, but still top 30 for me.

Metal Gear Solid Twin Snakes - Yes, cut scenes are over the top and the game is made easier thanks to the improved controls and new moves. Fans of the original release might not like this version, but it's still an essential own/play on GameCube in my opinion.

Soul Calibur 2 - I see at least one negative comment, but I believe this was a solid game in a really fun franchise. Does having Link in the game add anything? Meh... I'm not a huge fan of the cameo, but it's also not a detractor.

Great Game, Are There Better Versions?

Ikaruga - Great game, and I wouldn't ditch my copy for anything. But is there any reason why it's better on GameCube than other versions?

Tales of Symphonia - Would be top 30 for sure, but I had forgotten there was a PS3 compilation that might be better? Curious to hear opinions about that release.

Metroid Prime 1 & 2 - Personally I find the Metroid Prime Trilogy version (with pointer controls and some design improvements) much better. There are some graphical effects lost in that remake though.

The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction - Glad this was mentioned. Finished the game last year (after a few false starts) and think it's fantastic. Not sure how it compares on other platforms, but a keeper in my library.

Zelda Wind Waker - Fantastic game, but the Wii U update is a clear upgrade so no reason to keep the GameCube version.

Resident Evil 4 - Wii version does all the same and more, so is clearly preferable. You can even play with the GameCube controller. What argument (other than being released first on GameCube) is there for keeping it?

Not So Much

Baten Kaitos - I feel it's overrated due to lack of RPG competition on the system. Enjoyed the story/combat enough to complete it, but traded once done and don't regret that decision. Would really like to try the Origins prequel though - heard that game smooths over some of the rough edges of the original release.

Super Monkey Ball 2 - Loved this game at the time, but just not interested in revisiting... Pretty blase about this one making the cut now, although would have considered essentially back in the day.


Edit:

Checked my shelf and came up with a few suggestions. Other GameCube titles that stood out for me as fantastic experiences include:
* Beyond Good and Evil,
* Donkey Kong Jungle Beat,
* Prince of Persia,
* Resident Evil,
* Resident Evil: Zero (even though most seem not to like it that much),
* Viewtiful Joe,
* both X-Men Legends games
* ... GameBoy Player? I mean, a game disc is required to use the accessory and it's pretty awesome to access your GBA library from a big screen.

The problem with that list is that most of those games are also available on other platforms, and I can make no claim about which version is better. My guess is that the GameCube releases probably aren't the best version in most cases.

I'm not really a big GameCube fan, and looking at the software reminds me why. It has solid games but lacks the interesting (to me) exclusives that other Nintendo consoles seem to receive.

One game that I am curious about is Mario Strikers. I thought that Strikers Charged on Wii was fantastic, but there are a few here who insist that the GameCube release is better. Would love to hear more about why you feel that way - maybe I should pick up that game too.

[foxhound1022]

Hmm. Some on my personal list would be:

Wario Land
Gotcha Force
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Timesplitters 2/Future Perfect
Mario Kart: DD
Super Mario Strikers
F-Zero GX
MGS: The Twin Snakes
RE 4
RE 0
Custom Robo
PSO 1&2 Plus
Viewtiful Joe 1&2
Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
Kirby Air Ride
FF Crystal Chronicles
Killer 7
Luigi's Mansion

Those are just some I can think of right now.

[ejamer]

...
Killer 7
...

Good call about Killer 7 - totally forgot about this game. I sold after beating it, and do regret it. Not sure which console got the best version, but it's a pretty wild game to play through.

[dsheinem]

I think a lot of these games with ports elsewhere would need some clarification as to why the GCN version is the best. Given how much the GCN controller sucks, it takes a something extra for me to choose it as my platform of choice for a game that spans several.

[SirGawain]

For me the Gamecube was a console that specialized at having awesome games that belonged to previously established franchises. My list would include:

The Metroid Prime Games
The Resident Evil Games (specifically 1 and 4)
Luigi's Mansion
Super Mario Sunshine
Paper Mario
F-Zero GX
Super Smash Brothers Melee
Windwaker
Twilight Princess
FF:Crystal Chronicles
Star Fox Adventures
Wave Race

There were some original titles that warrant an inclusion on the list as well:

Eternal Darkness
Animal Crossing
Viewtiful Joe
Killer 7
Pikman 1 and 2

[foxhound1022]

Given how much the GCN controller sucks

See, I'm on the opposite end here, because I thought the GC controller was the best of that gen. Also, that is the only reason why you don't prefer some of the multi-console ports?

[Exhuminator]

I will give you a dozen GC games that I like list. I won't include the normal Nintendo produced superstars of the system in this list. We all already know F-Zero GX is god tier, Twilight Princess shits all over Wind Waker, and Smash Bros. Melee was the hotness. So here's my top 12:

Battalion Wars - What would it be like to run around ground level in real time battling in an Advanced Wars-esque skirmish? Something like this actually. (Sequel's on Wii.)


Baten Kaitos Origins - Brought to you by the same dev team that made some obscure tiny thing called Xenoblade. This game is a pseudo-sequel to an earlier GC JRPG. It's a card battlin' JRPG too. You will see a lot of those on this list, 'cause they was vogue back then aight.


Kirby Air Ride - Poor Kirby, look how pissed he is. Why's he pissed? Because too many people ignored his rock out airboard surf-racing game. He just wanted to go fast and float around and stuff. Damn it man.


Lost Kingdoms 2 - From Software made this. What? That's not enough? Okay, it's From Software's take on the card battling JRPG genre. Also the original Lost Kingdoms is on GameCube as well.


Mega Man Network Transmission - This is not a turn based RPG like the GBA games. No, this is a cel shaded 2D action platforming shooting scroller like mama used to make. Except it has some RPG aspects sprinkled on top. Insecure haters gonna hate.


P.N. 03 - Glorious nonstop erotic Vanessa Schneider dancing. Also you shoot robots? Pretty sure I shot some robots...


Phantasy Star Online III: C.A.R.D. Revolution - That's right, another card battlin' JRPG. BUT THIS IS PHANTASY STAR ONLINE'S TAKE ON THAT. You love cards? You love Phantasy Star? Play this sucka right now then.


Resident Evil - Holy shitballs this game is amazing. I mean, right now, today, still, this game is amazing. Amazing graphics, amazing atmosphere, amazing tension. If you don't own this that's amazing. Amazingly dumb that is.


Star Wars Rogue Leader Rogue Squadron II of Rogue Roguedness - Fly around in space and be that guy who takes down the empire like some kind of Jedi Red Baron badass. Great graphics still to this day.


Summoner - A Goddess Reborn - This is a remake and slight re-imagining of Summoner 2, but story wise it stands alone. Yes it's another RPG where you play a scantily clad female and maybe I like that... BUT, this is not a JRPG nor a card battler. This is a Western developed RPG where you can transform into various types of monsters and maraud like a pro.


Viewtiful Joe - Punch, kick, you all remember. Awesome graphic style, awesome battling, awesome difficulty (if you don't wuss out and play it on "Kids" mode). Clover made this for god's sake so be a wee little man in tights and beat the bloody piss hell out of everything. (Sequel's on GC as well.)


Wario World - A 3D platformer made by Treasure that stars Wario. Really, that is all I should have to say.

Now go to eBay and bleed!

[foxhound1022]

IDK, the only reason I didn't include WW on my list is because of it getting a HD port on Wii U which also did some tweaks to enhance the gameplay as well.

I don't think they would have ported it on a whim, and I personally liked it much better than TP.

[dunpeal2064]

How did I forget about Lost Kingdom 2?

Huge improvement over the first game. I'm not sure I've found a game by From that I didn't love.