Best 3D Nintendo GameCube Platformers, Ranked
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The successor to the Nintendo 64, the GameCube is a 6th generation home console first released in 2001. It is iconic for its release in bold colors, compatibility with Nintendo’s Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance, and its ability to even be portable.
Compared to its main competitors, the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, the GameCube wasn’t very successful in terms of sales. In fact, it was Nintendo’s most unsuccessful home console until the Wii U. Nevertheless there were some great titles to make it onto the GameCube, from beloved Sonic games, Crash Bandicoot and Rayman, to Mario games galore, many of which became part of the Player’s Choice Lineup.
10 Wario World (2003)
A GameCube exclusive, this title is notable for being Wario’s first time starring as the main protagonist in a home console release. Though a relatively easy and short game, fans often see it as underrated, and it contains good puzzles set in fun wacky environments.
Included in the Player’s Choice Lineup in 2004, the title sees Wario on an adventure to take back his stolen treasure and castle from the villainous Black Jewel. Critics upheld the game’s level design, but its biggest drawback was how quick it was to complete, offering little replay value. Nonetheless, Wario World still offers a fun, if simple enough, 3D platforming quest.
9 Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex
Developed by Traveller’s Tales, the fourth installment in the mainline Crash series was the first to go multi-platform. However, the GameCube version was superior to its PS2 counterpart as the loading times were a lot shorter. This game was included in the Player’s Choice lineup of games in 2004.
Although this game was criticized for its similarity to the previous Crash titles and not introducing original, new ideas, this is still a fun 3D platformer featuring a robust soundtrack. It offers players a lighthearted adventurous experience but also a challenge as it was the hardest game in the series at the time.
8 Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
An intense 3D platforming title, combining a heavy focus on 1st-person shooting with plenty of action and adventure, this Star Wars spin-off was released in 2002. It acts as a prequel to Episode II: Attack of the Clones as it reveals insight into Jango Fett’s backstory and how he came to be selected as the Clone Template.
The gameplay is interesting as it follows Jango’s journey across many unique planets. Players are able to access Jango’s vast array of weaponry which makes combat more engaging and also requires players to think on their toes. Once the iconic jetpack is obtained, it gets more exciting as players now have the ability to fly. It is challenging, however, as it demands pinpoint precision on the part of the player in order for Jango to grab hold of narrow ledges or land on tiny precipices, as well as home-in on and shoot his many enemies. With a strong storyline and long levels, it offers players a fuller experience of the Star Wars prequel timeline.
7 Sonic Adventure DX: Director’s Cut
A port of the original 1998 Dreamcast game, the GameCube was the only home console it was released on. This deluxe edition of the milestone, fan favorite title is a worthwhile addition to any GameCube library, featuring updated graphics, a more robust Chao-rearing system and a Mission Mode. After completing the story of each character, players can return to their game and go on a hunt for Mission cards. Collecting enough unlocks a library of Sega Game Gear games, notably even some Japanese-exclusives such as Sonic Drift and Tails’ Skypatrol.
Adventure is still upheld as one of the strongest and most iconic 3D Sonictitles, and this fun platformer, with its strong emphasis on storytelling and 6 different play styles, remains beloved today.
6 Sonic Heroes (2003)
Instead of the more serious plot lines of the Adventure duology, Sonic Heroes returns to the bright colorful lightheartedness of the Classic Sonic style, with more linear platforming similar to the Sega Genesis titles. However, it’s a fresh approach to 3D Sonic platforming as it introduces the Team Mechanic, meaning players control twelve characters split into 4 teams of 3. Each team contains a Fly, Power and Speed type thereby presenting players with some light role-play elements. Notably, the GameCube version runs smoother than its counterparts.
Set in a variety of colorful locations, with some entertaining bosses and great soundtrack, Heroes is also an accessible game for all player levels, with Team Rose’s easier campaign being suited to newcomers to the Sonic franchise. In fact, this game was awarded the Guinness World Record for the most playable characters in a platform game in 2004.
5 Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg (2003)
Developed exclusively for the GameCube by Sonic Team, Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg is not just a kid’s game. Whilst the esthetics, lighthearted theme and the fact it’s an easy game to learn appeals to younger players, there’s a solid amount of depth and rewarding challenges in this 3D platformer. It uses the same engine as Sonic Adventure 2 and features multiple missions in each location.
The game sports good, sharp textures and each world has a unique theme. This game provides an interesting platforming experience as players can hatch a variety of different eggs, each giving various abilities and items. It even features a wildly fun and addictive multiplayer mode, and utilizes the Game Boy Advance Link Cable. It’s a solid platformer all-round.
4 Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
Published by Ubisoft, Hoodlum Havoc is a great platforming title, released in 2003. It follows the story of Rayman and Globox as they stop the evil Lum Andre from taking over the world. They have a humorous adventure through many colorful levels, which is certain to keep players entertained throughout. The bosses are varied which means there’s never a dull moment of gameplay.
The GameCube provides the best gameplay experience, as it’s the only console to feature the 2D platforming Nightmare minigame. Also, the ability to link a Game Boy Advance provides players with ten extra levels. These features ensured Hoodlum Havoc was in the Player’s Choice lineup.
3 Sonic Adventure 2: Battle (2002)
Held in the light of being one of the best Sonic games of all time, this port of the Dreamcast original is a must-play game for the GameCube. Included in the Player’s Choice lineup, this fan favorite title is a thrilling adventure with 6 playable characters as they journey through one of the best story plots, and twists, in Sonic history.
This remaster features an expanded Multiplayer mode featuring new upgrades, abilities and exclusive characters. Like in Sonic Adventure DX, the Chao system is upgraded. The ability to link a GameBoy Advance, in the absence of the Dreamcast’s Visual Memory Unit, adds an extra gaming enhancement as players can transfer their Chao between the game and the Tiny Chao Garden in selected Sonic games. This exclusive feature, complete with great levels, characters and soundtrack, make this game a true gem for the GameCube.
2 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
With stunning visuals, gravity defying acrobatics and an epic storyline, it’s no wonder that The Sands of Time is one of the best 3D platformer titles for the GameCube. It remains faithful to previous titles in the series but with plenty of innovative and original creative ideas. Though it suffers from repetitive fighting sequences, the platforming is highly enjoyable and challenging. As an unlockable, players can access the very first level of the original 1989 Prince of Persia recreated in 3D.
Interestingly, The Sands of Time has some pretty notable elements specifically on the GameCube. For one thing the GC’s controller fits this game to a T. It utilizes every feature of it and the analog stick is precise. What’s more, if players are in possession of a Game Boy Advance, linking the two makes the game easier as it provides a health regenerator.
1 Super Mario Sunshine (2002)
The second 3D Mario game was released exclusively for GameCube in the summer of 2002 and became the 3rd bestselling GameCube game. It’s generally agreed that Sunshine is the hardest of the 3D Mario games, and it contains some unique gameplay mechanics such as FLUDD, which also makes it the first Mario game to rely heavily on an accessory.
Offering plenty of explorative gameplay and challenging platforming, gamers are introduced to the unique location of Isle Delfino and the Pianta people. Amidst a fun, tropical setting the player is tasked to collect enough Shine Sprites to restore the island. Notably, the storyline varies from the usual ‘Bowser kidnapping Peach’ scenario. This game presents an intriguing new layer to its storytelling as it focuses on Mario actually being falsely accused of graffiti, imprisoned and having to save Isle Delfino by slowly restoring its sunlight.
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