- 9.95/10 1. Editors choice: Super Smash Bros Melee
- 9.82/10 2. pick: Luigi's Mansion
- 9.65/10 3. Best value: Tony Hawk American Wasteland
- 9.91/10 4. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Wii U
- 9.86/10 5. Mario Kart: Double Dash
- 9.71/10 6. Ultimate Spider-Man
- 9.40/10 7. X-Men Legends
- 9.00/10 8. Simpsons Hit and Run
- 8.85/10 9. Madagascar
- 8.79/10 10. Over the Hedge
Everyone deserves some therapy sessions to relax the brain after a long day at work. One of the best and most effective ways of doing so is playing a video game. Did you know that video games help us make faster and more accurate decisions in real life? Also, the background music that plays is tailor-made to help you achieve unmatched concentration.
Playing video games is not just about having fun. There are some proven health and psychological benefits attached to it. Some of the best GameCube games of 2020 are made specifically to help you improve your brain's speed, memory, problem-solving skills, attention, and social skills, among others.
If you're a gaming enthusiast, then you probably know that the industry has a multitude of them, and finding your perfect choice can be a real hassle. But don't worry; we've sampled nothing but the best GameCube games of 2020. Find out more about how to buy your best GameCube game is this guide and make an informed decision.
If you're looking for a GameCube game that you can play both online and offline modes with every family member, then you landed the right choice. Super Smash Bros have very lively and well-behaved stars like Donkey Kong, Mario, Pikachu, Kirby, and Link.
At the preliminary levels, you'll begin with 14 characters, as the 11 keep unlocking based on merit. The idea of the gameplay is straightforward, and it's even more fun if you have at least one human opponent. Don't worry about all the characters not fitting on the screen because the 3D camera does an excellent job of enhancing screen visibility.
To win the game, you have to knock many opponents off the ledges. Just make sure that you don't fall victim as well. The game is best when played with friends or family, i.e., in the multiplayer mode. However, it also has a single-player option, which is somewhat dull, to be honest. We recommend that you play with two or three friends.
- Perfect for 1-4 players
- Awards virtual coins which you can use to purchase a capsule toy machine
- More characters unlocking based on the objectives met
- Head-to-head and multiple players options
- Comes with a gamecube case
- Straightforward controls
- Let's you fight up to 100 opponents in a row
- It has a replay option
- Very cool graphics and top-class screen visibility
- There's no bloodshed
- The adventure mode may prove difficult, especially for beginners
Luigi's Mansion is an action-adventure based video game developed and published in the early 2000s by Nintendo. Since then, the game has been improvised to meet customer demands. In this game, Luigi is the main character, and all the players do is control him as he explores the spirit-haunted mansion.
Luigi's Mansion is played in four crucial stages. Between every stage, there is a training room where players get to learn the basics of the next phase of play. In each of the four stages, players get to control Luigi around the mansion. The mansion is filled with ghosts, and all you have to do as a player is direct Luigi in individual rooms to hunt ghosts.
As stages advance, more rooms are accessible for Luigi to keep hunting the said ghosts. The boss ghost appears in the final stage and signifies the end of the game. The flashlight used by Luigi reduces ghosts' hit points (HP), which makes it easy to capture them. Apart from this, players can as well use a map function to access the mansion and determine where to direct Luigi.
Luigi's mansion is among the best-selling GameCube game of all time, signifying its convenience. However, the game has received a lot of criticism due to its short length. Regardless of this shortcoming, it is a good game suitable for all age groups.
- Four stages
- In-game training
- Familiar characters
- Fun-filled
- Keeps your mind engaged
- Easy to play since guidelines are provided in-between stages
- Suitable for a family setup
- Encourages creativity
- Abnormally short
- Scary to younger players
This GameCube game is the seventh development of Tony Hawk game by Neversoft. While its previous versions were mainly based on gameplay and structure, the new version is based more on the story. You will love how American Wasteland has come up with an amazing plot. You not only play to win and enjoy yourself but also get the thrill of the story behind it.
Aside from that, Tony Hawk American Wasteland features a handful of tricks with a story mode that feels like a tutorial for the entire game. The gameplay takes the form of fluid skating that most veterans expect from series games. The game incites you to a never-ending action of bike racing and skating. You're not going to experience any load times neither do you have to deal with different levels.
The graphics are also fantastic. Experience that fun as you travel through the Los Angeles terrain and see different landmark areas. Don't worry about getting bored because you're not going to skate or bike in the same line twice.
- Access to different tracks and controls
- Different tricks, including best slides, one-footed grinds, etc.
- Different shops in-game
- No levels or load times
- Amazing soundtrack
- Total freedom of biking and skating
- New and expansive environment
- Amazing graphics
- Doesn't come with official game case
- More of a story mode rather than mission-based
This review features this combat engine in the list of the best GameCube games for 2020, not just as marketing hype, but due to its incredible features. The Legend of Zelda, as it is popularly known, is the trailblazer of adventure gaming, thanks to its brilliant animations.
The publisher, Nintendo, employs a unique cel-shading tech, thus depicting the cartoon-like look of the Wind Waker. The cartoon animation brings about breath-taking screen visuals and beauty. The main obstacle is the wind, which you have to learn how to frequently change its direction as you sail the boat from one island to another.
Other than controlling the wind's direction, you'll also solve some puzzles to unlock more adventurous levels. The innovative puzzles can get a bit tricky, but it's a skill that keeps improving with experience. You'll also bump into some weird creatures, which can be a bit frightening for nervous players.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is a must-have GameCube game if you value adventure and relaxation after a busy day.
- Comes with several mini-games and side quests
- Witty moves like the parry attack will keep you rooted in the game
- Link makes an all-round adventure
- Installed button that controls the wind direction
- Superb visibility
- Cel-shading technology brings about incredible animations
- Much fun solving the puzzles and overcoming obstacles
- Comes with a gamecube case
- Easy controls and amazing graphics
- The cartoon look may overshadow some Zelda purists
5. Mario Kart: Double Dash
On-demand Mario Kart: Double Dash also gets a slot in this review of the best GameCube games of 2020 thanks to its amazing features. The first thing you'll notice about this game is the simplicity of the gameplay outlook. Depending on the number of players, each team will choose at least two of their most preferred characters. The stars include Mario, Bowser, Peach, Waluigi, Wario, among others.
The game s a multiplayer setting of up to eight people per session. However, four-player action is the most preferred because it's super-fast. It entails two-seater racing carts operated by two different teams. One team handles the wheel while the other side takes shots on the competing carts.
You will have to race through harsh courses and complete tough rounds to stay competitive and unlock more levels. This game is not devoid of battle arenas, though. But the good news is, it has power-ups that provide the much-needed liveliness for combat.
- Logitech steering offers matchless control
- s multiplayer action
- Compatible with Nintendo GameCube and Wii systems
- No special controllers needed for this game
- You can perform different tricks, thanks to its superb control system
- The graphics, styling, and color of the game is spot on
- Impressive split screen feature
- There's an option for online racing; you get to connect with new racers
- Fewer characters
6. Ultimate Spider-Man
Ultimate Spider-Man is an action-adventure video game. The game is based on comic books where Spider-Man is seen as a superhero. The player is allowed to explore and stop any kind of crime as well as complete various tasks.
The player can play as venom and control the missions in a different way from spider-man. Venom has his own series of missions. The game is set in a universe depicted from comic books and shows a conflict between the spider-man and venom.
The player can explore the city that covers queens and Manhattan. The player must shoot the swinging webs that spider-man uses to travel. Venom, on the other hand, travels by use of his symbiote and attacks by his tendrils and claws.
Ultimate Spider-Man is a standard edition game that is good for teenagers. The game can draw their attention to reading more comic books. It is a good game that keeps them busy during their free time.
- Standard edition
- 3D comic inking technology
- Two different fighting systems
- Comes with case and disc
- Free-roaming environments create an adventure with a variety of missions that are challenging
- The different fighting systems allow the player to defeat the enemies differently
- It’s a good combination for teenagers that read comic books
- The web sling is better and more refined and retains the momentum
- When playing venom, some bosses can be tedious
7. X-Men Legends
X-Men Legends is an action video game released on GameCube. X-Men Legends follow a young mutant who can control and summon volcanic activities. The young mutant is taught how to control her powers by one of the players. During X-Men missions, they learn Magneto's plan, which is to bring darkness to earth.
The brotherhood of evil mutants freed Magneto, who is their leader. He intends to use his power to bring eternal winter on the earth. The X-Men confront Magneto, and they have to save the world from destruction that he caused. The X-Men team has a hub that they return to after every mission.
As players proceed with the game, more X-men are unlocked. The characters can combine attacks and create a combination of powers against a single enemy at the same time. The heroes' powers and abilities can be upgraded on the fly.
The game is a good product for teenagers because it boosts their ability to be creative while recruiting and switching . The product immerses the players in a great X-Men quest, which includes brutal confrontation. It may drive teenagers into reading more X-Men comic books.
- 15 popular X-men characters
- Intense multi-player mode
- Epic storyline with plot twists
- 4 powerful X-men for each mission
- A player can recruit a squad of 4 mutants
- A player can switch between the four mutant characters at any time
- Players can add or remove the characters any time
- Players can participate in X-men trivia game and be rewarded points for correct answers
- Involves brutal confrontation which is not good for teenagers
8. Simpsons Hit and Run
The Simpsons Hit and Run is an action-adventure based game that was developed in 2003 by Radical entertainment. Vivendi Universal later published the game. Hit and Run follows a unique series of Simpsons video games.
The Hit and Run gameplay mainly focuses on explorations and missions. In this case, players race enemies as they interact with characters that their mission. However, you have to work and do all these under strict timelines. Other side tasks are part of the game and may not be part of the initial mission.
The game is made of seven levels, and each has a unique mission and storyline. In each level, you are only allowed to control one character, and not all of them are playable. When your character is on foot, they can jump, run, or walk. The same game has hidden cars that can be used the moment they are found.
Simpsons Hit and Run has a unique sandbox-style format that primarily focuses on driving. Here, the player has control over their character but has a downside in that characters can turn violent. This aspect makes it a dangerous game for teenagers as it may influence them to be violent. However, the sand-style format can be restricted, and violent acts will be nowhere. Apart from this aspect of violence, while in that driving mode, the game is suitable for refreshing and unwinding.
- Mission-based driving game
- Seven huge levels
- Sand-box style
- Excellent visual graphics
- Easy to play
- Triggers joy among kids
- Instills the power of friendship among the players
- Great for refreshing your mind
- May trigger violence in players
9. Madagascar
If you love movies, then you will love this movie-based GameCube game version of the DreamWorks' computer-animated comedy. Madagascar takes you through an enduring adventure that will immediately appeal to your senses as soon as you start playing. You don't need to have seen the movie to enjoy this game because you'll get used to the story and the fun behind it sooner than you realize.
While this is not surprising, you'll still be happy to realize that Madagascar is indeed a kid-friendly game. It features soundalike voice actors with pretty solid gameplay. Meet characters such as Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman on different levels with the same basic controls.
Madagascar provides you with different types of stuff to do so you'll never get bored. You get to jump around and collect items. You also come across different combat sequences and unlockable mini-games on your way.
- Movie-based GameCube game
- 11 action-packed game
- Several characters in the game
- A lot of action including jumping, and collecting items
- An impressive storyline
- Kid-friendly game
- A lot of actions taking place
- Availability of mini-games
- Beautiful graphics
- Repetitive action
- The movement controls are not very responsive
10. Over the Hedge
You hear the phrase "over the hedge," and the first thing that comes to your mind is a movie, right? Well, if you don't know, Over the Hedge is now available in game mode and just the way you enjoyed the computer-animated film, you're no doubt going to have more fun with its game version. The first thing that's going to get your attention is the amazing storyline with lots of action.
Something amazing about this game is that you're always going to find that artificial intelligence-control companion playing with you even if you don't have a partner to play with. You can easily switch through different characters and get impressed with your gaming skills. Unlock and solve different puzzles as well as go through the mini-games as you get powered-up weapons and earn energy-filled snacks.
Learning the game is relatively easy, and you will not have a hard time advancing through the levels. The Over the Hedge game is sure to blend new adventures and movie time perfectly. You also have a view of a superb neighborhood with both single and co-op player modes taking place.
- Different characters with special skills
- Plenty of computer puzzles and mini-games to unlock
- 30+ mission-filled levels
- Different moves to master
- Play with two different characters or switch to multiplayer mode
- Amazing graphics
- Action-packed game
- Great gameplay
- A lot of adventure and fun
- Kid-friendly game
- Not quite appealing to adults
Human beings are pretty diversified in of tastes and preferences. If one person likes something, it doesn't mean the other person thinks the same. GameCube games are no exception, especially now that the market has plenty of them to offer. There are several factors that you must consider when looking for a GameCube game that will guarantee satisfaction.
Story Type And Replayability
First of all, invest in a game that has a real-world story. The idea is to relax after a long day at work, not trying to solve a puzzle. A video game based on a relatable story will guarantee this without compromise. A good story also makes you emotionally connected to the characters hence boosting your levels of concentration. You can never feel bored and leave the game halfway if the story is good.
Can the GameCube game be replayed? You've invested your hard-earned cash into the game. Therefore, we see no reason as to why you shouldn't have maximum control of how you play it. Replaying the game as often as possible and when you wish not only makes you enjoy it more, but it's also a great way of mastering your gaming skills. If the GameCube has sequels, you're even better off because you'll see how the story or the theme continues from the previous game.
Gameplay And Improving Social Skills
Another essential factor to look out for is the gameplay. Gameplay refers to the features and structure of the game. If the gameplay doesn't make you feel part of the concept, story, and plot of the game, then you got the wrong GameCube. Most people believe that cool graphics directly translate to a great game, but that's not true. Graphics only make a small percentage of a superb GameCube game.
One of the goals and benefits of video games is improving social skills. In that regard, it is vital to ensure that your GameCube game has a multiplayer setting. Many people overlook the need for social bonding, giving their busy schedule as an excuse. But that's where most people go wrong- no man is an island. The multiplayer system brings more fun and experience as compared to playing alone.
Having gone through this short overview, choosing the most suitable GameCube game shouldn't be stressful anymore. But if that's still not the case, there's no cause for alarm because the best part of this informative review is yet to come. With this guide, there's no doubt that you will get the best GameCube games of 2020.