10. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
The Wind Waker is one of those games that aged like a fine wine; the cell-shaded art style looking as good now as when it first released in 2003. It’s the timeless tale of our hero looking for his kidnapped sister. You can take to the seas
to explore an enormous world that’s brimming with mystery and intrigue, in an experience that’s as serene as it is exhilarating. A true classic that everyone should play before they die.
9. Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! takes everything that made Mario Kart 64 so addictively fun and makes it bigger, including the number of characters in your kart! Yes, this time around you have two racers per vehicle, who can be swapped to fire
off their character-specific items. Aside from that, all your favourite modes are here, including grand Prix and time trial, to keep you burning rubber for hours.
8. Super Mario Sunshine
Sequels are often a risky move, particularly if the original is as celebrated as Super Mario 64. Yet Super Mario Sunshine not only manages to live up to its predecessor but to many people surpasses it. Taking
Mario to the sunny climes of Isle Delfino, you’ll have to use your waterpower jetpack to explore a stunningly beautiful world and save its inhabitants. With tight gameplay, impressive visuals and a quirky sense of humour, this is a game
that can be enjoyed by players of any age.
7. Super Smash Bros. Melee
Is there any party game that can top Super Smash Bros.? Melee for the GameCube still stands out as many people’s favourite, and it’s easy to see why. With 25 fighters to choose from, the introduction of a single-player mode and
action-packed gameplay, it set the template for every game in the series that would come after it. Just make sure to call dibs on Captain Falcon first!
6. Luigi's Mansion
Sure, we all know Mario is great, but it’s Luigi’s time to shine! And shine he does in Luigi’s Mansion, which sees the more lanky plumber exploring the titular mansion on a mission to remove its ghostly inhabitants. With plenty of Nintendo
charm, engaging puzzles to solve and some of the best lighting effects on the console, this is a cult classic that deserves another playthrough.
5. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Essentially a remake of the original Metal Gear Solid title for the PS1, The Twin Snakes adds plenty of improvements. The same compelling story is here, but the graphics, controls and sound design have all had some welcome tweaks. There are
few experiences in gaming more nail-biting than sneaking around as Snake, and this GameCube outing is not one to miss.
4. Viewtiful Joe
One of the most memorable games on the GameCube, Viewtiful Joe is unadulterated madness. You star as Joe, an everyman who has to become a superhero to save his girlfriend after they’re both sucked into a cinema screen by a giant robot. We
told you it was mad. But what does make sense is the gameplay, which takes influence from various games from the 8 and 16bit eras, where you punch, kick and use special abilities as you side-scroll across the screen. It’s all presented with
a unique 2.5D art style, making it look as if you’re playing through a moving comic book.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Often regarded as one of the best Zelda games, and undisputedly one of the greatest launch titles of all time, Twilight Princess is a delightful experience. A much darker game than The Windwaker, it has all the right gameplay, imaginative
world and endless variety that’s now synonymous with the franchise.
2. Resident Evil 4
The franchise that helped to define survival horror may very well have reached their pinnacle with Resident Evil 4. In a bold narrative move, the story takes us from the zombie-infested streets of Racoon City to a rural Eastern European
village, where instead of the undead, you have to contend with feral villagers intent on killing you. It’s true ‘survival’ horror, as you won’t have a second to breathe in this pulse-racing title. Absolutely fantastic, but not for the
fainthearted!
1. Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime is often regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time. Taking the franchise from platformer to first person, it’s chock-full of exciting combat, engaging elemental puzzles and
beautiful worlds to explore. Balancing problem solving and action can be difficult, but Metroid Prime makes it look easy, and even has the cheek to wrap it with some of the most gorgeous graphics for the time as well. Nothing else stood a
chance!
