Monday, 1 February 2021

Top 10 Nintendo GameCube Hidden Gems


10. TimeSplitters: Future Perfect


A cult classic quite literally for the ages, TimeSplitters: Future Perfect sees you take the role of an off-brand Vin Diesel in a time travelling adventure to save the world. With light, accessible FPS gameplay, plenty of memorable characters and a deliciously satirical sense of humour, there’s a reason people have been clamouring for a new Timesplitters game for over a decade. Until then, Future Perfect is still worth a playthrough. 


9. Tales of Symphonia


One of the best RPG games to grace the Gamecube, Namco’s Tales of Symphonia isn’t one to miss. Starring a memorable cast of characters on a quest to save the world, its story is full of twists and turns that help elevate it above the standard genre affair. With thrilling battles, challenging environmental puzzles and a gorgeous cell shaded art style that still holds up today, this is a game that you can easily sink over 100 hours into.


8. Geist


An FPS with a difference, you play as a disembodied soul who has to reclaim his body before an evil demon can wreak havoc. As an incorporeal spirit, you’re able to not only move much faster than usual, but also assume control of the bodies of others. This could be human enemies, but also animals, all of which haven’t different abilities. A truly unique concept, and one that makes us wonder why more games don’t let us play as a moth!


7. Batman Vengeance


Based on the television series The New Batman Adventures and featuring most of the show’s voice actors reprising their roles, the story centres on Batman’s investigation into the Joker’s apparent death. With cinematic cutscenes and stellar voice work, the game is one of the finest outings for the caped crusader on consoles – pulling you into a compelling narrative with stunning visuals and addictive gameplay.


6. Odama


One of the strangest games ever released, Odama combines feudal Japan with pinball! At the bottom of the battlefield are two pinball flippers which you use to move the Odama, a big destructive ball. The aim of each mission is to wipe out the enemy forces while protecting your own; this is achieved through a combination of the Odama itself, and the efforts of your AI controlled military forces. It’s a title that needs to be played to be truly grasped, but somehow it just works


5. Capcom vs SNK 2 EO


With more than 44 characters from the Capcom and SNK fighting universes and customisable fighting styles, Capcom vs SNK 2 EO is an endlessly exciting beat-‘em-up that sees you powering your way through endless slugfests on your way to world domination. With beautiful 2D animation and new combos and super combos to master, this fighter will have you coming back for more again and again till you have defeated every single foe.


4. Beyond Good and Evil


Set on a distant planet, Beyond Good and Evil sees you take the role of Jade, an investigative reporter tasked with revealing a planet-wide alien conspiracy. You’ll have to solve puzzles, fight enemies and obtain photographic evidence to prevail, with plenty of interesting characters to meet along the way. It’s dark, gritty and with one of the most likeable protagonists in gaming, it's no wonder why Beyond Good and Evil has a strong legacy to this day.


3. Phantasy Star Online


The first online RPG to ever release on the Gamecube, Phantasy Star Online was nothing short of revolutionary. With a colourful sci-fi setting, you can team up with up to 3 friends over the internet to complete quests, collect items, and fight enemies in real-time action RPG combat. Its main servers might now be offline, but you can easily find private servers to continue the adventure in the present day. 


2. Eternal Darkness


The first game to be published by Nintendo to receive a Mature rating, Eternal Darkness is a game you don’t want to play in the dark, eternal or otherwise! Playing a little like a horrific Assassin’s Creed, you play out the horrific events of people from various points in history through chapters of the Tome of Eternal Darkness. Taking you from 26 BC to 1991, the terror holds up remarkably well, and you’ll be lucky to finish playing with your sanity intact!


1. F-Zero GX


The fastest racing game you’re ever likely to play, nothing gives you white knuckles quite like F-Zero GX. With futuristic tracks and vehicles, over 30 racers to choose from and a thumping EDM soundtrack, it’s a beautiful assault on all your senses as you traverse something of the most difficult courses found in gaming. You’ll need to have Cheetah-like reflexes, nerves of steel and a good knowledge of each track to prevail, but this all makes it infinitely satisfying when you achieve victory. If you think Mario Kart is a little too basic, graduate to F-Zero GX today!