 #10
Pikmin 2
Released August 30th, 2004
Developed by Nintendo EAD
Why the sequel and not the classic original? Well, among other things, Pikmin 2 took all of the great
elements for the first game, and expanded on all of them.
The single-player campaign not only added two new races of Pikmin with unique abilities that enhanced
the already classic formula, but they also added in highly detailed and cinematic cut-scenes using CGI. Not only that, but
the sequel introduced a new main character, adding a whole new element to the mix. Nintendo also put in some now-classic
two-player modes, from the immensely enjoyable co-op mode, to 1 vs. 1 skirmish battles with over a dozen challenging maps
to choose from. Pikmin 2 is a prime example of why Nintendo is so great at making sequels, because they're almost always
responsible for creating a classic franchise that become enduring industry icons for new generations of players. Kudos to
Miyamoto and team. We are all looking forward to an awesome third-installment on the Wii. Can anyone say Wi-Fi
Pikmin? Hell yes.
 #9
Animal Crossing
Released September 16th, 2002
Developed by Nintendo EAD
Animal Crossing is easily the most innovative game to ever release on the GameCube console.
No other game compares to Animal Crossing. Not because of high production values, flashy graphics, or engrossing, highly-detailed cutscenes
(after all, it was a port of a japanese Nintendo 64 game), but because it was just so damn addicting. Who could resist
growing, trading, and picking fruit to raise enough money so Tom Nook could remodel his store? And who could resist
fishing for that elusive fossil fish that was worth thousands of bells? And who didn't like decorating an imaginery
house any way you could think of? Is there any other game that uses the system's internal clock in such a way that
you feel like you're playing in a real world? Of course not. This is freaking Animal Crossing. Population:
Growing!
 #8
Super Monkey Ball 2
Released August 26th, 2002
Developed by Amusement Vision of SEGA
The first Super Monkey Ball was a launch title for GameCube, and possibly for that reason it didn't
quite make the list. The second SMB? Hell yeah. Hundreds of new courses, insane difficulty, double the number of
multiplayer modes with multiple arenas for each mode, improved level design, improved visuals, and a new story mode.
Super Monkey Ball 2 took everything that made the first game and improved on it two-fold, making for one of the most fun,
and challenging multiplayer games to ever hit the 'Cube. Don't have any friends? Play through all the 150 ridiculously
hard courses on your own, and have a damn fun time doing it. Who knew rolling a monkey in a ball could be so much fun?
 #7
Resident Evil 4
Released January 11th, 2005
Developed by Capcom Production Studio 4
Resident Evil 4 takes the survival horror genre and transforms it into an action-packed thrill ride
that is somewhat different than it's ancestors. The over-the-shoulder gameplay can be described as a "shoot-em-up" and
the action level of the series has certainly increased. The classic zombies have been replaced with "villagers"
who have become smarter but still retain the basic bloodlust found in the soul of any zombie, anywhere. The adventure
itself is rendered in fully 3D environments, (a first for the series), and the title is probably the GameCube's shining
achievement in the graphics department. Resident Evil 4 is great as a stand-alone game and has since become the most
successful Resident Evil game in the series. The only concern is that the new turn of the gameplay may upset the loyal
following of Resident Evil fans. Without Capcom's willingness to bring the Resident Evil series exclusively to the GameCube,
fans of the system hungry for violence would have had to look elsewhere.
-Dobro, Dobro's Rock Barn
 #6
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Released March 30th, 2003
Developed by Nintendo EAD
When the footage of the first GameCube Zelda was shown to the public, there was an outcry amongst
both fans and the gaming press alike. Why did Nintendo make Link into a cartoon character? Well, it didn't really
matter as it turned out, because The Wind Waker turned out to be one of the GameCubes finest achievements, even ranking high
on the list of Zelda's. Wind Waker is an epic, lengthy quest that's filled with memorable moments that any Zelda fan
will cherish for years to come, even if it's no Ocarina of Time, it sure as hell beats Majora's Mask.
The Wind Waker proved that even if you turn a long-cherished series on it's head, you can still make one hell of a game, even
if the main character acts like a 7 year-old. Who doesn't like sailing a kilometer above Hyrule Field in a massive ocean?
 #5
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Released October 11th, 2004
Developed by Intelligent Systems
If you haven't played the first Paper Mario for N64, you're missing out on one of best RPG's ever
created. The second Paper Mario for GCN took all of the classic elements from the original and created an all-new world,
a new cast of partners, an introduced an entirely new villian to the Nintendo universe. Nintendo also added what would
become one of the games most stand-out elements, adding a stage-arena for every battle that allowed Mario and friends to either
please the audience and gain abilities, or blow big-time and make the audience hate him. The Paper Mario series is one
of the greatest RPG series to ever grace a console, not only because it encompasses everything that makes Mario and his universe
so great, but because it makes turn-based RPGs fun and is able to bring in new players to the old,tired genre of turned-based
RPGs. Definitely one to pick up and enjoy if you haven't already.
 #4
Super Mario Sunshine
Released August 26th, 2002
Developed by Nintendo EAD
Until this platformer came out, not since September of 1996 had we seen a true Mario game.
The six-year wait only made our anticipation grow, and when August 2002 finally came around, we got one of the GameCube's
finest adventures, and a game that fully satisfied all Mario fans desires. Nintendo had already brought Mario in the
3D realm, and all that was left to do was create a new Mario adventure that fully utilized the capabilities of the GameCube
and met all of the fans expectations. The water hoze made for some new and intriguing level design, and the storyline
no longer just carried on with the same old tradition of Bowser keeping Peach in his castle. GameCube fans were given
one of the finest Mario games in recent memory, and certainly the finest platformer of the GameCube's library. "Mama
Peach?!"
 #3
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Released on November 18th, 2003
Developed by Nintendo EAD
Say what you will about Mario Kart 64, but Mario Kart: Double Dash is easily the finest racing game
of the 'Cubes entire library. But more than that, its home to one of the GameCube's best multiplayer experiences.
Double Dash included a plethora of characters (one even new to the series), a whopping 16 new tracks, character-tailored
"karts", and introduced a new element to the legendary kart-racing series, dual-kart teams. Fans could play with two
people on the same kart while one drives and one throws items and finishes turbo-boosts. Is all that really
necessary? No. All you need to know is that Double Dash is one of best multiplayer games out there and that if
you haven't gathered four friends around a 'Cube with this game in you haven't fully experienced the one-of-a-kind fun the
GameCube can offer.
 #2
Metroid Prime
Released November 19th, 2002
Developed by Retro Studios
Metroid Prime is definitely the deepest single-player experience on the GameCube. The transition
from adventure side-scroller to FPS was incredibly smooth and you could argue that the series only got better.
The scan system and engaging storyline really make this game great in addition to the amazing FPS action. The atmosphere
of this game is also great, with awesome music and realistic environments. The game is lengthy and you'll want to play
this again because of the hard mode and the 100% completion acheivement. There are also some great unlockables: an art
gallery, the original NES Metroid, and GBA connectivity through the portable Metroid Fusion. Metroid Prime
is an absolute, polished gem that defines the GameCube console.
-Dobro, Dobro's Rock Barn
 #1
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Released December 3rd, 2001
Developed by HAL Laboratory
Guess what? Metroid Prime didn't top the list. As great a game as Prime was, there was nothing
that could keep this brawler from topping the list. At its heart, the GameCube is a party machine, and Melee delivered
the party. Super Smash Bros. Melee was such an improvement over the N64 original that once you play it, you will never,
ever want to go back. And if you do, then what the hell is wrong with you? Melee introduced dozens of Nintendo
characters to 3D, added dozens of new stages, literally hundreds of little extras and goodies, and even added a deep single-player
adventure mode that would give you at least 20 hours of gameplay without ever having to invite over a friend. But who
the hell wants that? Melee packs tons of different gameplay modes, incredibly detailed visuals that to this day prove
the GameCube's technical prowess, and delivers the absolute finest multiplayer experience in Nintendo history. Not until
Super Smash Bros. Brawl sees release will Melee's title ever be challenged. Well done HAL, and well done Nintendo.
Bring on the Brawl...
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Runner-Ups
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Resident Evil
Released on May 1st, 2002
Developed by Capcom Production Studio 4
Luigi's Mansion
Released November 18th, 2001
Developed by Nintendo EAD
Let's just get this out of the way: Luigi's Mansion is no Mario. Luigi's
Mansion is a fun, clever, original game that brings together a lot of classic Nintendo themes and creates a new game around
them. The graphics to this day are phenomenal, but that doesn't make a game. Although the level design is
clever, the game is rather challenging, and the entire premise is entirely new, it still isn't quite the kind of game that
makes much of a mark on history. Great? Yeah. Excellent? No.
 Mario Power Tennis
Released November 8th, 2004
Developed by Camelot Software Planning
The N64 Mario Tennis was a decent game that actually made tennis fun, even if it wasn't
nearly perfect, in any respect. Mario Power Tennis was a massive improvement in every respect. The graphics are
incredible, the courses are clever, the expanded roster of characters is hugely impressive, and the mini-games and different
game modes makes for a remarkably deep multiplayer game. And yet...it's still about tennis.
 Star Fox Adventures
Released September 23rd, 2002
Developed by Rare, Ltd.
Star Fox Adventures is a hugely underrated game. No, it's not anything like Star Fox and Star
Fox 64, but it's an incredible third-person action/adventure game that borrows lightly from the Zelda series. First,
it's without a doubt the best-looking game on the 'Cube (thanks for that, Rare), and it's also one of the more
cinematic experiences you'll find on the GameCube, even if it's a tad on the short side, and there's a talking stone statue
with a Scottish accent.
 Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
Released June 24th, 2002
Developed by Silicon Knights
Eternal Darkness was set to be one of the Nintendo 64's most innovative titles, and then it was cancelled
and moved to GameCube (Almost said Wii...). Sanity's Requiem was a beautiful, challenging, epic, and incredibly innovative
game. It was scary as hell when you played it alone, or even when you watched someone else play it. The sanity
meter and its effects with your TV were awesome, and the storyline was insane (literally). Certainly not a game for
everyone, but nevertheless one of the GameCube's standout, non-Nintendo-made exclusives.
Mario Party 4
Released October 21st, 2002
Developed by Hudson Soft
Mario Party 5
Released November 7th, 2003
Developed by Hudson Soft
Mario Party 6
Released December 6th, 2004
Developed by Hudson Soft
Mario Party 7
Released November 7th, 2005
Developed by Hudson Soft
All that really needs to be said here is: Long live Mario Party 2. None of the other Mario
Party's compare to the awesomeness of the second game in the party series. The other ones aren't bad, but are
they really all that great? No, especially the GameCube ones. Talk about non-innovation across the board, GET
IT?
 Viewtiful Joe
Released October 7th, 2003
Developed by Capcom Production Studio 4
You know, without Capcom's boatload of GCN exclusives, there's no way the GameCube could have survived
as long as it did. One such of these excellent exclusives was the Viewtiful Joe series, a new IP created exclusively
for the GameCube. Originally part of the infamous "Capcom 5" for GameCube, Viewtiful Joe was one of four
that actually came out. Viewtiful Joe is a great-looking quasi-side-scroller with a lot of the Hollywood/action-comic
book inspriations. It was a great game to play during one of the GameCube's many software droughts, but it wasn't
exactly something gamers will remember ten years down the road, at least not many.
 Super Monkey Ball
Released November 18th, 2001
Developed by Amusement Vision
As mentioned in the SMB 2 praise in the Top 10 list, the original Super Monkey Ball didn't quite
compare to other GameCube exclusives, as the sequel simply blew it out of the water in every conceivable way. That being
said, the original GCN launch title is the Monkey Ball that started it all, making rolling a monkey in a ball on challenging
puzzle-themed courses somehow fun. It featured graphics that began to show the possibilies of the GameCube/Xbox/PS2
age, and it showed that there was a huge market for acade-style games on home consoles.
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