Topic: Recommend Any Good Gamecube Games

[TJ Spyke]

One reason is that most of its third party games also came out on PS2 and Xbox. I don't know who would every buy the PS2 version unless you only had a PS2 (because usually it was the worst version), but the Xbox version would usually look a little nicer and/or have faster loading times (and the built-in hard drive, so no worrying about Memory Cards).

[Ian Sane]

During the Gamecube's generation third party games tended to fall into three categories:

-Exclusive for the PS2
-For the PS2 and Xbox
-For all three consoles

99% of the time this was the situation.  So if third party support mattered to you the Gamecube was not very useful.  Most of the third party games it got were also on the other systems but there were tons of exclusives the Cube never got.  The biggest third party game the Cube ever got was Resident Evil 4 and Capcom announced the PS2 version before the Cube version was released.  So who is going to buy a Cube specifically for it then?  Nintendo also completely sabotaged any chance of the Cube having an online presence.  So once games started going online the Cube version, if it existed, was always the worst version because it lacked the online parts.

But the Cube had a lot of problems.  It really seemed like a half-assed effort from a company that arrogantly assumed everyone would buy their product just because.

And, hey, do you think if Nintendo didn't go after the casuals that the Wii would have amounted to anything?  They're just as, if not more, inept at attracting the core now as they were then.  The big difference is when the Cube was around the core was essentially the whole videogame market.

[Chozo Ghost]

Because the PS2 had a larger quantity of good games,

I went and fixed that for you.

Anyway, the two main factors for the PS2's success were reverse compatibility with the already successful and well established PS1 plus a long head start. The xbox had Halo and online support, but Nintendo had Mario and the quality A+ 1st and 2nd party games going for it. Its sad that the xbox beat the GC (only by a hair, but still) when the Gamecube had such awesome games, but I think the lack of online and 3rd party support plus the ridiculous notion that Nintendo is "kiddie" were the main factors in that, but at least the GC was only in 3rd place by a hair and not by a huge margin. But of course the PS2 was in 1st by a huge margin.

I don't know who would every buy the PS2 version

Resident Evil4 on the PS2 had extra content which wasn't included with the GC version, which added further insult to injury because it was supposed to have been a GC exclusive. People were literally buying a GC just to play that game right up until Capcom announced it for the PS2 and that put an end to that. Talk about a knife in the back...

But on the other hand, the GC version did have superior graphics so even though it was missing some content at least it was better in that respect. Its kinda funny though, because usually the GC got shitty looking games from 3rd parties because they were ports of PS2 games which made a bad impression of what the GC was actually capable of, but this time around the PS2 got a port from the GC for a change so I call that scoring one for the little guy.

[Ian Sane]

Chozo, don't sell the PS2 short.  It had GTAIII.  No game last gen was a bigger deal.  There was no game that people wanted more.  And it was temporarily a PS2 exclusive.  It also NEVER came to the Cube.  The Cube had nothing like it at all.

If anything I think that demostrates the power of new IP.  Having Mario and Zelda yet again didn't sell Cubes worth a ****.  Wii Sports, a brand new IP, is what made Nintendo a big deal again.  MS sold Xboxes with Halo, a new IP.  GTA went from being an obscure PC game to the biggest franchise in videogames.  Though technically not new it was so different from pretty much any game at the time that it might as well have been.

Every generation there are new ideas and new IPs that become the hot thing and can sell a console.  Who has ever had a runaway success on the strength of the same old ****?  The big success stories usually have some big hot new game leading the way.  The Cube didn't really have that game and Nintendo's reaction to this was just MORE existing franchise stuff - all the same franchises that didn't get people to buy an N64 over a Playstation in the first place.

You can coast a bit as the established market leader but you have to give people a reason to pay attention to you when you're coming from behind.  The Cube failed because Nintendo sucked at giving all the people that swept them aside with the N64 a reason to pay attention to them.

[TJ Spyke]

Chozo, don't sell the PS2 short.  It had GTAIII.  No game last gen was a bigger deal.  There was no game that people wanted more.  And it was temporarily a PS2 exclusive.  It also NEVER came to the Cube.  The Cube had nothing like it at all.

Not quite true, the GameCube did get both True Crime games (I only played the first one, but I had fun with it).

[Kytim89]

Chozo, don't sell the PS2 short.  It had GTAIII.  No game last gen was a bigger deal.  There was no game that people wanted more.  And it was temporarily a PS2 exclusive.  It also NEVER came to the Cube.  The Cube had nothing like it at all.

Not quite true, the GameCube did get both True Crime games (I only played the first one, but I had fun with it).

GTA 3 was originally planned for release on the Gamecube but I believe it was cancelled.

[Chozo Ghost]

Having Mario and Zelda yet again didn't sell Cubes worth a ****.

I strongly disagree. Those games were multi-million sellers. They may not have done much in attracting new audiences, but they were still necessary in order to keep the existing audience happy. The GC may have had a much smaller userbase than it should have, but without Mario and Zelda it would have been worse; not better. Its gotten to the point where Mario and Zelda games are taken for granted on Nintendo hardware. If Nintendo decided to stop making them the effect would be devastating.

[Ian Sane]

I strongly disagree. Those games were multi-million sellers. They may not have done much in attracting new audiences, but they were still necessary in order to keep the existing audience happy. The GC may have had a much smaller userbase than it should have, but without Mario and Zelda it would have been worse; not better. Its gotten to the point where Mario and Zelda games are taken for granted on Nintendo hardware. If Nintendo decided to stop making them the effect would be devastating.

Well, yeah, if they weren't there sales would obviously be worse.  But them being there was not going to be good enough.  Nintendo should not have relied on them to be the system sellers because that was going to doom them to selling only with kids and Nintendo nuts - the same group that bought the N64.  To attract those that jumped ship after the SNES or the younger gamers that had grown up with the Playstation Nintendo needed something different.
 
You need a good balance of old favourites and new stuff.  Mario and Zelda should always be there but they need to co-exist with new IP that are promoted and treated as titles of equal importance.  To accomodate the new titles, some older stuff has to take a back seat and that's where you axe the superfluous Mario spinoff game and dedicate that development effort into a new IP that may or may not become a big hit.  There is the risk of the new title flopping but the risk has to be taken.  If you just stick with the old stuff you're coasting and you sure as hell can't coast when you're already behind.
 
While I'm not thrilled about the audience Nintendo decided to attract with the Wii, Wii Sports is an example of the theory working.  They were never going to attract this big group of casuals with the same franchises.  They needed something new and Wii Sports was new and the Wii series is now a big franchise for Nintendo.  At the same time they still have not attracted the Playstation era gamers because they have not provided a similar new IP for that audience.  For the core gamer it's just been the same old franchises and thus with that audience they've lost out to Sony and MS - who have provided new IP for their consoles like Uncharted and Gears of War.

[Chozo Ghost]

Nintendo did try some new core IPs on the Gamecube such as Geist but they flopped miserably. So the effort was there. The problem is that no one paid any attention.

[TJ Spyke]

Well, Pikmin was a core IP and pretty successful.

[Ian Sane]

  Nintendo did try some new core IPs on the Gamecube such as Geist but they flopped miserably. So the effort was there. The problem is that no one paid any attention.

Yeah and that game sucked.  It also came out years after the Cube's fate was already sealed.  I see that as a weak token effort at best.  If the game sucks, sorry, that does't count.  Try again.  The second Nintendo hired a team that had only worked on complete garbage Olsen Twin games they ceased to be putting in any real effort.
 
You have to put in a real effort and get a quality product out of it and if that still fails you have to try again.  The threat of failure is always there and if it doesn't happen, you try again until something works.  Pikmin was a real effort though.  I'll give them that.  And they were great games.  So it didn't sell Gamecubes but at least you got a new profitable franchise out it.  So try again until you get that killer app!
 
What if Wii Sports was a flop?  Should Nintendo have just given up, released the same franchises, and meandered along?  Or should they have made another attempt?

[lolmonade]

Having Mario and Zelda yet again didn't sell Cubes worth a ****. 

Can't speak for Mario, but I bought a Gamecube specifically for The Legend of Zelda Collector's edition with Zelda I, II, Occarina of Time, and Majora's Mask.  Best decision I made that console generation, because it filled my Zelda gaps from not owning a NES or N64. 
 
With that being said, here are my suggested GC Games:

Mario Kart: Double Dash (In my opinion, the best Mario Kart game made)
Super Smash Bros. Melee (Assuming you don't already have it)
Soul Calibur II
F Zero GX
Mega Man Collection
The Lord of The Rings: Return of the King
The Legend of Zelda Collector's Edition (I've found it for $30 before.  Good for if you haven't had the opportunity to play most of those games like me).
 
I'll add more once I get a chance to look at my library.

[Kytim89]

I bought my Gamecube after I graduated from high school with the intent of playing Twilight Princess only. Eventually I bought a Wii and focused all my resouces towards buying games for that console. Now that money is getting a little tighter I amnot able to buy as many Wii games as before and I have beaten most of my games any way, I am now going to focus on Gamecube games.
 
Here is a list of Gamecube that I own:
 
Starfox Assualt
Starfox Adventures
Geist
Eternal Darkness
Second Sight
Timesplitters 2 (no case or booklet)
Viewtiful Joe 2
Twilight Princess
 
I did own Wind Waker, but I sold it. Now I am pissed because i want play that game and have to repurchase it.

[BeautifulShy]

Haven't played Viewtiful Joe 2 but if you enjoyed it I'd recommend the first game.

[Ian Sane]

Looking at these lists of great Gamecube games, I get upset that the Wii's backwards compatibility is so downplayed by Nintendo.  Why aren't Gamecube memory cards and controllers easy to find in stores?  They have this feature but they never promote it in any way.  It's like you have to be "hip" to videogame culture to know that the Wii can play all these great games.  I doubt any of the casual Wii owners I know have the slightest idea that these games are available to them.

So much talk was made about Nintendo introducing videogames to a new audience.  But have they made any real effort to get these people to "graduate" to deeper games?  It's like those that came on board for Wii Sports are still playing that type of game.  They have not explored or moved further than that.  The Gamecube compatiblity is part of that.  Everyone should know that they can play these older games and should be encouraged to look into them.  Nintendo wouldn't even need to bother with the NPC games, they could re-release some of the Cube's greatest hits at a discounted price with new Wii-focused packaging.  And they can sell those old controllers and those old memory cards with it.  The Cube can get a second life of sorts.

But they don't seem to have any interest in such things.  They're content with the Wii Sports crowd sticking to Wii Sports Resort and Wii Party and stuff like that.  They could have those people playing Metroid Prime and Pikmin 2 but they don't seem interested in that.  Everything seems so hidden from the non-gamers and casuals.  Don't talk about the Cube backwards compatibility, don't offer classic controller support, let the VC dry up.  God forbid these people expand their gaming palette now that they have discovered videogames.

Of course I think the reasoning for this makes perfect sense.  If this market expands to "real" games then Nintendo can't sell them half-assed glorified tech demos anymore.  More advanced games require bigger budgets so it is not in Nintendo's interest to cater to an audience that demands a higher standard.

[Toruresu]

Capcom vs SNK 2 was/is a great game for the GC (and probably the ONLY 2d fighter -_-).

[BeautifulShy]

Looking at these lists of great Gamecube games, I get upset that the Wii's backwards compatibility is so downplayed by Nintendo.  Why aren't Gamecube memory cards and controllers easy to find in stores?  They have this feature but they never promote it in any way.  It's like you have to be "hip" to videogame culture to know that the Wii can play all these great games.  I doubt any of the casual Wii owners I know have the slightest idea that these games are available to them.

So much talk was made about Nintendo introducing videogames to a new audience.  But have they made any real effort to get these people to "graduate" to deeper games?  It's like those that came on board for Wii Sports are still playing that type of game.  They have not explored or moved further than that.  The Gamecube compatiblity is part of that.  Everyone should know that they can play these older games and should be encouraged to look into them.  Nintendo wouldn't even need to bother with the NPC games, they could re-release some of the Cube's greatest hits at a discounted price with new Wii-focused packaging.  And they can sell those old controllers and those old memory cards with it.  The Cube can get a second life of sorts.

But they don't seem to have any interest in such things.  They're content with the Wii Sports crowd sticking to Wii Sports Resort and Wii Party and stuff like that.  They could have those people playing Metroid Prime and Pikmin 2 but they don't seem interested in that.  Everything seems so hidden from the non-gamers and casuals.  Don't talk about the Cube backwards compatibility, don't offer classic controller support, let the VC dry up.  God forbid these people expand their gaming palette now that they have discovered videogames.

Of course I think the reasoning for this makes perfect sense.  If this market expands to "real" games then Nintendo can't sell them half-assed glorified tech demos anymore.  More advanced games require bigger budgets so it is not in Nintendo's interest to cater to an audience that demands a higher standard.

There is so much wrong with this post I don't know where to start.

First of all its been what going on 5 years that the Wii has been out.People move on to the next big thing. Unfortunatly we are lifing in a disposable world and basically its about "new and exciting" things.Also how do you know these new owners don't know about the Wii being backwards compatable? Have you anything to back that up?

As for your second point I'd argue that there is enough games on the Wii of many types that is what I would say are "core".

Metroid Prime is on the Wii in Metroid Prime Trilogy. While Pikmin 2 isn't on the Wii. There is similar games to that type. Little Kings Story comes to mind and another which is sliping my mind at the moment.They do offer Classic controller support when it is approprate. As for the VC when was the last time you bought anything off the service. There is lots of games on the service. If I recall correctly Insanolord had like over 100 games on his Wii from the service.


There is games of both "Casual" and "core" So quite frankly I think your limited exposure to the Wiis library has clouded you judgement.

[lolmonade]

Looking at these lists of great Gamecube games, I get upset that the Wii's backwards compatibility is so downplayed by Nintendo.  Why aren't Gamecube memory cards and controllers easy to find in stores?  They have this feature but they never promote it in any way.

I agree with this point.  I've been searching for gamecube controllers and have only been able to find 3rd party offerings that look like a nintendo controller that has gained a few extra pounds when looking online.  I had an old college roommate who said he was able to buy actual Nintendo controllers from Japan (With extra colors too!), but I can't begin to find anything like that now, as that was two years ago.

Has anyone tried one of those 3rd party controllers?  Are they any good?  Otherwise, anyone know of a good source for 1st party controllers?

Either way, I'm sure Nintendo not putting any effort in stocking GC controllers is a boon for 3rd party suppliers.

[TJ Spyke]

I had a 3rd party GameCube controller (don't remember the brand), and it was crap. The problem is that they can't have the controller be the exact same design as Nintendo's, and the changes they make are usually bad.

[Stratos]

Some places still stock the Gamecube controllers. I forget what brand but the tiny clear one seemed to work rather well as a replacement My friend has several of them (MadCatz I think?). I'd buy those if I ran out of 1st party ones that function.

[Mop it up]

Otherwise, anyone know of a good source for 1st party controllers?

http://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&langId=-1&currency=USD&ignoreCrumbs=N&crumb1=&crumb1Ignore=&crumb2=%253CA%2BHREF%253D%2522javascript%253APassOn%2528%2527X%2527%252C%2B%2527ChooseView%2527%252C%2527%2527%252C%2B%2527%2527%2529%253B%2522%253ENintendo%2BGameCube%253C%252FA%253E&crumb2Ignore=&crumb3=%253CA%2BHREF%253D%2522javascript%253APassOn%2528%2527C%2527%252C%2B%2527CategoryDisplay%2527%252C%252744009%2527%252C%2B%2527N%2527%2529%253B%2522%253EParts%2B%2526%2BAccessories%253C%252FA%253E&crumb3Ignore=&translateFrom=%C3%88%C3%89%C3%87&translateTo=EEC&usrSearchText=&searchText=&selSrchType=&page=&view=&productId=64062&categoryId=44009&lastAction=ProductDisplay&orderTotal=null&tranId=0&jktranid=&rpComment=&dropOff=

I guess this is why people use TinyURL.com. I hope that works...

[Retro Deckades]

Nintendo still sells Platinum Gamecube controllers at their online store: http://store.nintendo.com

[Killer_Man_Jaro]

Somebody may have already mentioned this, because I didn't check the entire thread, but if you can track this down (easier said than done, I know), you might want to try Chibi-Robo. That was the last GameCube game I bought, shortly before the Wii launch. I took a risk based on one very complimentary review in a magazine, and I absolutely loved it.
It's a little slow to get going, but once it does, you'll have a great time exploring the house and soaking up the game's immense charm. Comparisons have been made with Majora's Mask, and though that didn't occur to me at the time, the connection makes a lot of sense with regard to the side quests.

[Kytim89]

    

[lolmonade]

Nintendo still sells Platinum Gamecube controllers at their online store: http://store.nintendo.com

Otherwise, anyone know of a good source for 1st party controllers?

http://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&langId=-1&currency=USD&ignoreCrumbs=N&crumb1=&crumb1Ignore=&crumb2=%253CA%2BHREF%253D%2522javascript%253APassOn%2528%2527X%2527%252C%2B%2527ChooseView%2527%252C%2527%2527%252C%2B%2527%2527%2529%253B%2522%253ENintendo%2BGameCube%253C%252FA%253E&crumb2Ignore=&crumb3=%253CA%2BHREF%253D%2522javascript%253APassOn%2528%2527C%2527%252C%2B%2527CategoryDisplay%2527%252C%252744009%2527%252C%2B%2527N%2527%2529%253B%2522%253EParts%2B%2526%2BAccessories%253C%252FA%253E&crumb3Ignore=&translateFrom=%C3%88%C3%89%C3%87&translateTo=EEC&usrSearchText=&searchText=&selSrchType=&page=&view=&productId=64062&categoryId=44009&lastAction=ProductDisplay&orderTotal=null&tranId=0&jktranid=&rpComment=&dropOff=

I guess this is why people use TinyURL.com. I hope that works...

Wow, I feel foolish.  Bookmarked.  Thanks for the help!   

Luckily I found a used wavebird in pretty good condition, so that should last me a while, but I may throw down $50 for a couple of them just for backup sake.