The story of Nintendo's home consoles is a turbulent one, with reception for different consoles ranging from wildly successful to dismally poor. The GameCube, despite being remembered fondly by many fans, was not one of Nintendo's success stories. Its poor sales were often attributed to it feeling toy-like, unlike its competitors, and for having a less than impressive library of games. The poor GameCube sold less than half the predicted number of units.
Despite all that though, many games that debuted on the GameCube were very popular and have remained critical darlings. Games like Pikmin or Luigi's Mansion made their first appearance on the 'Cube and have since spawned their own franchises. Almost everyone who owned a GameCube has a favorite game they wish would receive a big budget remake, and here are some we would be most excited to see.
10 10. Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime was the first Metroid game to use 3D graphics. It has a first person perspective, but because of its greater focus on exploration than combat, was marketed as a "first-person adventure" game. Technically this game did get another coat of paint when it was released in the Metroid Prime Trilogy for the Wii in 2009.
The game is so widely beloved that 10 years feels like long enough. The game was one of the best selling titles one the GameCube and was universally praised for its graphics, level design, and innovative gameplay while still managing to feel like a Metroid game.
9 9. Pokémon Colosseum/XD
The Pokémon games set in the Orre region (Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness) were a pretty big departure for the Pokémon franchise. It was the first 3D entry in the series that adhered to its roleplaying roots. However, there were changes made to the core gameplay that made it fresh and interesting, namely that the player didn't encounter wild Pokémon, but stole and rehabilitated "Shadow Pokémon" who have had the doors to their heart artificially closed. With the graphical achievements of modern 3D Pokémon titles, seeing the Orre region again would be exciting for many diehard fans.
8 8. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
This entry into the Fire Emblem franchise was first published in 2005 and was the first in the series to feature 3D graphics as well as voice acting and full motion cutscenes. However, it was also the first Fire Emblem game to be released on home console in the United States and came before the overseas explosion in the series' popularity.
Many fans probably haven't had a chance to play this gem. Giving it a remake would allow newer fans to experience the excellent gameplay and story the franchise is known fore while also polishing up the graphics it was criticized for at release.
7 7. Super Mario Strikers
Nintendo fans are well aware of Mario's penchant for playing sports and party games outside his usual job as a plumber/superhero. Super Mario Strikers was his first foray into the world of soccer. It features five-on-five soccer matches with single- and multiplayer support, choosing to diverge from actual soccer rules to maintain and more fast-paced and arcade-like style of action. The inclusion of power-ups, full body tackles, and Super Strikes made it a dynamic game that would be incredible to see given some modern polish.
6 6. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Breaking from the usual style of Legend of Zelda games, this title utilized a four-player cooperative mode and a new episodic style of gameplay. The main campaign can be played solo as well, and consists of eight worlds and a final boss battle. The four Links are used in the main campaign to solve puzzles or battle enemies, and there's even a Shadow Battle mode where players can face each other in arena combat. With the Switch's focus on couch co-op and party games, this title seems like an obvious candidate for a remake, and it would look adorable in Link's Awakening (2019)'s style.
5 5. Star Fox Adventures
Star Fox Adventures was the only title Rare produced for the GameCube, and also the last game Rare developed for a Nintendo home console; after its release in North America they were acquired by Microsoft. Despite that, the game was well received by critics, in particular for its visuals and environmental design. While it's quite a departure for the series and could have been a let down for fans of previous games, many players enjoyed the Legend of Zelda inspired gameplay. It would be fun to play this unique title again on modern hardware.
4 4. Super Mario Sunshine
After the success of Super Mario Odyssey, we're wondering if any of the classic 3D Mario games have remakes in their future. Super Mario Sunshine remains one of the greatest platformers on the console. The level design was brilliant and beautiful to look at, and the addition of a water jetpack named F.L.U.D.D. have Mario new options when traversing the environment.
However, it did suffer from some common issues of open 3D games of the time, notably some trouble controlling the game's camera. Seeing it transported into a modern console with these bugs ironed out would be incredible for fans of the series.
3 3. Kirby Air Ride
This is a racing game featuring everyone's favorite hungry pink orb. The primary gameplay revolved around players controlling Kirby as he hops into vehicles pulled from previous games to compete in races and other minigames. It supported single and multiplayer, but it's a little too simple to shine just playing by yourself. In fact, it received mixed reviews in general upon release, but was a commercial success; it sold over 1.2 million copies. There are probably a lot of people who have fond memories of this game, and there would be plenty to improve upon when remaking it for modern audiences.
2 2. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess was the final first-party game released for the GameCube and it was a real high note to go out on. It's development was delayed so it could be a launch title for the Wii, but at its core it was designed for the GameCube audience. It is widely considered one of the greatest video games of all time and was the bestselling title in the entire Legend of Zelda franchise before it was dethroned by Breath of the Wild.
The game did receive an HD remaster for the Wii U, but considering the less than ideal sales of Wii U consoles and Nintendo's ability to produce quality remakes of games from the ground-up, this landmark title would be a welcome addition to the Switch's library.
1 1. Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
Eternal Darkness was a GameCube exclusive psychological horror game that only a few people have had the privilege to play. Its gathered a devoted fanbase and remaking this strange, overlooked gem of a game would bring in all kinds of new appreciation for the title. Much has been said about the incredible Sanity feature, which purposely distorts your perception of the game. But the story is also very unique among horror games. It revolves around the Tome of Eternal Darkness, which is discovered by Alexandra Roivas following her grandfather's murder. Reading the book allows the players to control a variety of characters across history as they all struggle to stop the rise of an evil, otherworldly entity.