Developer: Retro Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Year Released: 2004
Synopsis: There may only be 25 positions to fill, but the Metroid franchise has managed to take up two of them. It wasn't long after gamers fell in love with the 3D vision of Metroid Prime, that Nintendo announced its sequel. Metroid Prime 2 continues the story of the previous game, offering players a chance to battle an evil version of Samus Aran in her second first-person adventure title for Cube. If you haven't caught up with the latest in the Metroid series, now is the time. Metroid Prime 3 is hitting Wii later this year, which leaves only a few months for any Nintendo slackers out there to get cracking. Offering a new story, stunning visuals, and multiplayer support, Metroid Prime 2 easily makes our list of the Top 25 GameCube Games of All Time.
Other games influenced by Metroid Prime 2 Echoes: Metroid Prime: Hunters (DS), Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco
Year Released: 2003
Synopsis: Every good collection needs a solid fighting game, and we can't think of a better fighter to add to our own Top 25 than Namco's Soulcalibur II. In most gamer's minds, SCII is the gem of the series. Releasing on all three systems, the title had a golden year in 2003-2004. Each version includes a specific character, and no other version sold as well as the Cube package, offering good ole' Link as the headlining character. Where did the franchise go after that? For some odd reason ($), the series made ($) its way over to the PS2 ($). Makes sense, right? After all, it sold the best on ($) the Cube, so why not bring it to ($) PS2 instead? All joking aside, fans can't complain too much. After all, the GCN got the best version anyways, and nobody can take that away now. It's a sweet little package, and well worth the price. Maybe Namco will give the series a much-needed return on Wii. In the meantime, pick this game up and cherish it.
Other games influenced by Soulcalibur II: Soulcalibur III
Developer: Capcom Production Studio 4
Publisher: Capcom
Year Released: 2002
Synopsis: While Resident Evil 4 may be one of the best games of all time, the remake of Resident Evil for GameCube is by far one of the scariest in the business. Resident Evil works as a remake of sorts to the original Playstation version, though a ton of content has been added. Graphically, Resident Evil could still stand with the best of this (and next) generation, as it offers amazingly spooky visuals, and an even better audio presentation. In fact, Resident Evil is the first game we've ever played that kept us up at night, and while it may not have the solid over-the-shoulder control that RE4 has, it is far more scary.
Other games influenced by Resident Evil: The rest of the Resident Evil series, specifically Resident Evil Zero, and Resident Evil 4 for GameCube.
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Year Released: 2003
Synopsis: Yet another amazing vision of design, Beyond Good & Evil is an original property designed by Michel Ancel, creator of Rayman, and lead player in such titles as King Kong, and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Beyond Good & Evil is a total sleeper classic offering gameplay strikingly similar to Zelda, but in a world (and design) all its own. Shortly after its initial release, the game dropped to $10 and then slowly began to rise again once production went up. This is one of those games players will forget to grab, and then make a mad rush for on E-bay years later. Why not pick it up now, enjoy the hell out of it, and then mock those who didn't later? Sounds good to us! Beyond Good & Evil is, without a doubt, one of the best games on GameCube.
Other games influenced by Beyond Good & Evil: None specifically. BG&E; takes heavy influence from the Legend of Zelda series.
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Year Released: 2002
Synopsis: Before there was the insanity that was Animal Crossing DS, there was the Cube. Originally a N64 game, Animal Crossing made its American debut in late 2002, and gamers had no idea what hit them. By far one of the most addicting games on the Cube, Animal Crossing offers players a true real-time RPG which continues to play even after you turn off your GCN and head to school, bed, or Aunt Edna's house. The Animal Crossing craze caught on so huge in America that a DS version helped launch Nintendo's first-ever online service. While any good Nintendo fan is still busy getting every item in the handheld version, there are a few great aspects of the original title (such as the GBA island) that shouldn't be missed.
Other games influenced by Animal Crossing: Animal Crossing DS
