Nintendo consoles were once known as the premier home for role playing games. Since the release of the Nintendo 64 that completely changed. The big developers moved their huge scope RPGs to Sony consoles. This was due in part to Nintendo sticking to the cartridge format when full motion video was all the rage. Compact Discs were large enough to encompass these videos, and thanks to the huge amounts of storage the games could be bigger as well. Nintendo finally switched to a disc format with the Nintendo Gamecube. It had more role playing games, but still not a ton of them. Regardless there are some real gems to be found here. We’re going to take a look at these. This is our list of the top 15 best Nintendo Gamecube RPGs. Let’s get started.
#15. – Evolution Worlds
It’s not that Evolution Worlds is particularly amazing. Rather, the Gamecube is a bit lacking when it comes to role playing games. Evolution Worlds includes both the first title, and the second which were both originally released for the Sega Dreamcast. Some of the fat was cut from Evolution: The World of Sacred Device but in my opinion it’s mostly for the better. Basically the cut scenes were altered and the beginning changed. Other than that both games are pretty much intact, and look/play better than the Dreamcast iterations. They both have a focus on randomly generated dungeons and simple combat. They’re also a bit non-linear in design which is unique for the genre. Evolution is a series that pretty much died with this release but it’s interesting to look back on them. Worlds is the best way to do so.
#14. – Lost Kingdoms
I still remember when this title was announced at Space World in 2001 as ‘Rune.’ It was a pretty big deal that the Gamecube was getting an original RPG. Expectations were dulled when it turned out the game was being made by From Software. This was well before Demon’s Souls was a thing. Regardless Lost Kingdoms was a pretty unqiue take on the genre. Gameplay is action based but rather than striking foes directly the main character uses cards. That’s going to be a turn off for many. It was for me back then. When I finally gave the game a chance I found that it’s actually pretty fun. It is a little disappointing that the first exclusive role playing game was focused on card combat however.
#13. – Lost Kingdoms II
If you liked Lost Kingdoms then you’re in for a treat. The game must have been popular enough because From Software released a sequel. This is better than the original in just about every way imagineable. Unfortunately it does stick a little too close to the source material. The battle system is still based entirely on card combat. Many of these are recycled from the first game but there are more than one hundred new ones. Combat has been re-worked a fair bit. Now you can choose to either transform into the monster from the card, or summon it to your side. Additionally you can spend double the points to use a card and an enhanced effect. The game isn’t amazing, but honestly there aren’t a whole lot of Gamecube RPGs in the first place. Lost Kingdoms II is still one of the better ones.
#12. – Mega Man X: Command Mission
How long did fans of the franchise wait for a proper Mega Man RPG? Too darn long, and no, I’m not counting the Battle Network titles. Those are kind of their own thing. Regardless I prefer the world of Mega Man X. Back to Command Mission. This is a fairly traditional role playing game with linear progression and turn based combat. Those two concepts are generally foreign to the franchise. This game uses a battle system similar to Xenosaga. It’s a bit overly complicated (hence the low placement on this list) but I found it functional and with its own charms. What’s more is that it feels like a Mega Man X RPG. It’s a pretty decent combination but it’s no wonder this title didn’t set the world on fire.
#11. – Pokemon Colosseum
For years Pokemon fans asked for the franchise to be released on console. I’m not talking spin-offs, or Pokemon Stadium (as good as that was). We wanted a full fledged Pokemon RPG with modern graphics, and with Pokemon Colosseum Nintendo finally understood the assignment. For the most part. Despite the title suggesting this is a mere sequel to Stadium the game actually has a fully fledged story mode. It’s also a surprisingly interesting take on the franchise. Here you catch Pokemon by stealing shadow versions from trainers. It’s quite different from your typical Pokemon fare. It’s an interesting mechanic that keeps this one separate from the mainline titles. What’s most cool is that you can transfer Pokemon from Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald and even Fire Red/Leaf Green on the GBA. This is definitely one of the best Gamecube RPGs.
#10. – Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles
After a generation of exclusivity to Sony consoles it was a shocker when Squaresoft announced this title for the Nintendo Gamecube. Unfortunately it’s not your typical Final Fantasy fare. Crystal Chronicles is multiplayer focused. Additionally it makes heavy use of the console’s connectivity to GBA systems. The game is heavily reliant on teamwork. It’s an action RPG where you play with four characters in total. One of these guys has to carry a special chalice that keeps poisonous miasma away. Combat, as I mentioned, is action based but it’s fairly fun. The game is pretty different, but fun nonetheless. It’s just not quite up to usual Final Fantasy quality and polish. That’s fine because it’s still a good Gamecube RPG. There’s very little Final Fantasy here outside of some of the enemies though. Even as far as spin-offs go Crystal Chronicles is pretty out there.
#9. – Baten Kaitos Origins
The first Baten Kaitos was easily one of the best original Gamecube RPGs. The biggest surprise is the fact that it had a prequel. It’s not like Baten Kaitos set the sales charts on fire. It actually sold poorly. Namco was dedicated though and thus Baten Kaitos Origins. The story here takes place twenty years before Kalas’ journey began. You have a new cast of characters but many of the same locales return. The combat system is still card based. Before you click away let me tell you that it’s really good. Basically all items, magic, and equipment come in the form of cards. This adds some randomness to battle. You’re basically at the mercy of a card draw in dire moments. I wasn’t interested at first but the first Baten Kaitos sold me on the concept, and Origins further cemented it.
#8. – Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution
Are you tired of hearing about card based RPGs yet? Well we aren’t done. Phantasy Star Online was big on the Dreamcast, Gamecube and Xbox, but this one is exclusive to Nintendo’s 3D box. The prior releases were action RPGs, but this one is strictly turn based. Oh and it uses cards. I already mentioned that though. Basically you compose a deck of cards. These can be monsters, equipment, spells, etc. In battle you take turns with your foes using these cards. I admit it sounds a little lame. The game is actually quite fun though. You could play this one both online and offline. This includes couch co-op and even versus. It’s a shame that this hasn’t been ported anywhere else. It’s at least better than Phantasy Star Universe.
#7. – Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
I admit that I’m not the biggest fan of Paper Mario. I like it, but I don’t love it. The Thousand Year Door is probably the best game in the series. Outside of battle it’s pretty non-traditional as far as RPGs go. Despite being made of paper here Mario controls more like he would in a platformer. He can walk and jump, and will need to do so frequently. The combat system is based on timed attacks. Almost everything you do in fighting mode requires a push on the joystick, or pressing/holding a button. To be honest it makes gameplay really repetitive. Thankfully the game is fun enough that this doesn’t ruin the experience. This is a very easy entry point into the genre for gamers. Overall I think the Thousand Year Door is heavily overrated, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still one of the best Gamecube RPGs.
#6. – Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
Pokemon Colloseum must have been pretty successful because Nintendo released a follow up. It’s pretty much more of the same, but with a different scenario as well as new shadow Pokemon to capture. The only thing holding this one back is that it’s largely more of the same. Sure it’s a new story but we’re still catching shadow Pokemon here, and the game takes place in the same desert region as the last one. With that said Gale of Darkness is more interesting than Colloseum. I liked the battle scenarios more, and the production values also seem higher. If you’re looking for a good Pokemon game on the Gamecube then I recommend this one. It’s made all the better by the fact that you can transfer Pokemon between the GBA titles and this. Plus, there’s shadow Lugia here.
#5. – Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Fire Emblem dates back to the days of the original Famicom. The franchise skipped out on the Nintendo 64 but after seeing a renaissance on the GBA had a fully 3D version on the Gamecube. This is a series of strategy RPGs with some real hardcore elements. First of all if a character dies they’re gone. Forever. Path of Radiance is a game where you’ll often find yourself restarting battles because it’s incredibly unforgiving. The game came out in a time when strategy RPGs were largely forgotten about. That’s not why it’s so special though. Gameplay is extremely fun and really requires you to plan out your next move. The story and character are super interesting, and the combat mechanics are fantastic. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is easily the best strategy RPG of its generation.
#4. – Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
Okay, this is the last card based RPG. I promise. The original Baten Kaitos is an incredible RPG. Not only does it have amazing graphics, a great soundtrack, but the combat system is unqiue and interesting. The game plays like a traditional turn based RPG up to a point Basically you have to rely on cards for your commands. You collect various items in the form of cards and compose your deck based on what you think you’re going to need. I am personally not a fan of card based games but Baten Kaitos keeps things interesting. The combat mechanics take a bit of getting used to. At least moreso than your typical Japanese style RPG. If you’re willing to put in the time you’ll find that this game has a highly strategic battle system. The production values are seriously impressive for the generation.
#3. – Tales of Symphonia
Tales of Symphonia was the first time the franchise saw major success in the West. It was also the first time the franchise went fully 3D. I’ll be the first to admit that the cel shaded graphics are extremely ugly. It uses borderline chibi character designs which isn’t my favorite. The fact that the story is so saccharine it could give a man diabetes didn’t help. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with this game. The battle system is incredibly user friendly but it’s also really deep once you dive into it’s nuances. You can fine tune characters to a high degree and create some really cool combinations in the semi real-time combat system. What’s even better is the fact that it’s multiplayer. Four human players can control the entire party and it’s an absolute hoot with this set up. Tales of Symphonia is amazing.
#2. – Phantasy Star Online: Episodes I & II
Phantasy Star was easily one of the best Sega Dreamcast RPGs. It’s the same case here with the Gamecube. This package contains the original Phantasy Star Online complete with several new additions in the form of weapons/items/mags. That’s all fine and dandy but Sega went above and beyond and doubled the content. Episode II features brand new levels and enemies. This new content is almost as well designed as the original. The best part of PSO I & II is the fact that you can play through both episodes offline in multiplayer via split screen. This is amazing because it makes the game just as fun for those who didn’t have the broadband adapter. Four friends on the same couch going on an RPG adventure together was simply incredible. This is Phantasy Star Online only better, and with much more to it.
#1. – Skies of Arcadia Legends
Yes, the two top spots on this list of the best Gamecube RPGs both were originally released on the Sega Dreamcast. Legends has a ton of enhancements over the original release. At its core it’s still the same old Skies of Arcadia though. This game tells the story of sky pirates in an alternate world of airships and floating islands. You play as a blue rogue (good hearted robbers that steal from the rich to give to the poor) named Vyse who gets swept up into a quest that takes him across the world. Eventually he’s tasked with saving it. The battle system is amazing as it takes notes from several classic RPGs like Lunar and Grandia as well as Final Fantasy. Skies of Arcadia: Legends also has enough to set itself apart from those including airship battles and a unique magic system. The new content here is amazing.
