The NintendoGameCubewas an early 2000s console. The system used special GameCube Game Discs instead of DVDs to reduce piracy, among other reasons. Even without a DVD player, the GameCube managed to sell over 21 million units. Exclusive games likeLuigi’s Mansion,Super Mario Sunshine,andPaper: Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorput the system on the road map to success.
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To put things into perspective, the GameCube’s graphics processor is more powerful than the PlayStation 2, and about on par with the original Xbox. The GameCube and the Xbox released a mere two months apart. Graphics shouldn’t be the defining quality of a video game, but they can enhance gameplay. Even today, we are looking for more detail to get the most immersive experience. Here are the ten Nintendo GameCube games with the best graphics.
10Super Smash Bros. Melee
The best-selling game on the Nintendo GameCube,Super Smash Bros. Melee,has praiseworthy graphics. This game is acclaimed for its stunning visuals and gameplay depth.
Featuring characters fromFire Emblembefore the series came to the Western world,Super Smash Bros. Meleeis ranked among the greatest games of all time. This is a game that added an assortment of stages and characters, cementingSuper Smash Bros.as arelevant crossover fighting franchise.
9Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
Despite being inferior in visual design to its successor,Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leaderis a beautiful game set across various planets. The draw distances were improved, and the graphics were designed in three levels of detail; the closer you came, the more the graphics improved.
Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leadertells a war story between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire.
8Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike
Although considered an overly ambitious entry in theStar Wars Rogue Squadronseries,Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strikehas exceptional detail. The development team added atmospheric effects and improved explosions, creating a more immersive experience.
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This time around,Rogue Squadron IIItells an original story featuring characters likeLuke Skywalker and Emperor Palpatine.It takes place after the destruction of the Death Star.Rogue Squadron IIIshowed much promise, but its reviews were mixed.
7Star Fox Adventures
Back when developer Rare was a part of Nintendo,Star Fox Adventureswas one of their most breathtaking games. As a third-person adventure game, it took a new spin on theStar Foxseries.
The game’s sprawling worlds contain diverse environments.Critics praisedStar Fox Adventures,and it soon became one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo GameCube.
6Pikmin 2
While playing as living creatures that resemble plants, the game brings players into a miniature setting on a distant planet as you take part in a third-person adventure. Due to the success of the originalPikmin,sequels were made.
Pikmin 2introduced new gameplay mechanics like a more destructible world and the ability to control two Pikmin simultaneously.
5The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
As one of Nintendo’s hottest IPs,The Legend of Zeldaproved its relevance with an arduous journey.The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess’sworld is humbling; every nook and cranny is packed with subtle detail and nuances.
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This was the most soldZeldagame until it was surpassed byBreath of the Wild.Ahigh-definition remaster ofThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princesswas released for the Nintendo Wii U. ANintendo Switchport of this game needs to happen!
4Resident Evil 4
The Nintendo GameCube’s games shouldn’t be judged solely based on their artwork. However,Resident Evil 4’sresplendent artwork provides added depth.
This game has been ported numerous times, andrumors suggest a remake is on the way.Resident Evil 4was initially a Nintendo GameCube exclusive missing widescreen support; widescreen support was added to its HD remaster.PlayingResident Evil 4in the letterbox mode was less than ideal,but the graphics were outstanding for their time.
3F-Zero GX
Oddly enough,F-Zero GXruns on an enhanced version ofSuper Monkey Ball’s game engine. This game is praised for its visual design and is considered one of the most beautiful games on the Nintendo GameCube.
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The story followsCaptain Falcon, a mysterious pilotwho is tasked with completing nine missions throughout the game. The graphics ofF-Zero GXare considered ahead of their time.
2Metroid Prime
The originalMetroid Primereleased for the Nintendo GameCube way back in 2002. The game presents an astonishing level of detail as it follows protagonist Samus Aran, afemale interstellar bounty hunter. Puzzle-solving, platforming, and first-person shooting blend for a surreal outer space adventure.
The television countdown showFilteronce rankedMetroid Primefor having the best graphics of all time.
1Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
TheMetroid Primeseries wasthe franchise’s first foray into 3D.Developed by Retro Studios,Metroid Prime 2: Echoesis the Nintendo GameCube’s most visually pleasing game. The graphics are oozing with atmospheric effects that add subtle shade to tone.
Retro Studios, the developer behind theMetroid Primetrilogy, is back on theMetroid Prime 4project. However, the long-awaited sequel’s release could be a long way down the road. In 2019, Nintendo stated thatthe development ofMetroid Prime 4was restarted.Despite being games of the early 2000s,Metroid PrimeandMetroid Prime 2: Echoeshave graphics that hold up.
