Nintendo’s GameCube console may have beenovershadowed and largely undervaluedwhen it released in 2001. However, it had, and still has, a large fan base and many dedicated gamers. It had well over 600 titles, but many of these were not localized and released in other countries. There were many games that either never reached American shores or that had planned releases in North America but never happened.
From Japan-exclusive anime tie-in games to games set across Europe, these Nintendo GameCube games were — and some of which still are — enjoyed by players across the worldexceptin America. Some of these titles did eventually reach the USA , but only on later consoles. Even if some of these games can be enjoyed today, at the time, American players did not get to experience a whole host of exciting and intriguing GameCube titles.
8Radirgy GeneriC
A Fast And Addictive Arcade Shooter
Initially released for the Sega NAOMI arcade platform,RadirgyGeneriCwas ported to the GameCube, PS2, and Dreamcast in Japan. This scrollingshoot ‘em up titlefollows protagonist Shizuru Kamigusa, who is allergic to radio waves but undertakes a mission to save her father from terrorists. Shizuru can use multiple weapons — those being a shield, sword, or gun, giving her different abilities, but each coming with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Radirgy GeneriChas funky and upbeat music, as well as unique cel-shaded graphics. Though it’s not a long game at all, it offers great replayability, with the GameCube version sporting an extra mode — the ‘Manpuku Mode' — wherein players can go for a high score.
7Nintendo Puzzle Collection
Cozy Puzzle Games That Could Be Enjoyed In Multiplayer
Nintendo Puzzle Collectionoffers a cozy and simple play experience, containing three puzzles:Dr. Mario,Yoshi’s CookieandPanel de Pon. These three mini-games had previously been released on older consoles in America. This compilation was exclusively released in Japan and added a multiplayer mode to support four players at once, along with more polished graphics. All three games followTetris-style gameplay.
All three games are very similar and short, but they offer a lighthearted experience for anyone looking for a simple, fun game. It is also compatible with theGame Boy Advancevia a link cable, meaning the games could be downloaded and enjoyed on a handheld console — a great feature perfect for playing on the go.
6Largo Winch: Empire Under Threat
Has A Deep Story Taking Place All Over The World
Published by Ubi Soft,Largo Winch: Empire Under Threattakes players on a globetrotting adventure following a James Bond-style plot. Released only in PAL regions, Largo must investigate the mysterious disappearance of a scientist after just becoming the heir to the billion-dollar company, Group W. The adventure becomes gradually more thrilling and intense as Winch travels all over the world to stop a conspiracy against Group W.
The game is puzzle-based, and players will need to complete mini-games and other tasks in order to progress. This makes it quite a linear experience, as the game offers no chance to backtrack once an area has been completed. With a deep story and varied locations, it’s similar to otherGameCube 3D platformers, likeStar Wars: Bounty Hunter, in terms of aesthetic.
5Donkey Konga 3
A Fun Rhythm Game
Developed by Namco,Donkey Konga 3was the final entry in this iconicrhythm-game series. Though both the originalDonkey KongaandDonkey Konga 2were released around the world, its third installment was only available in Japan.Donkey Konga 3boasts even more tracks to play along to, and even lets players control the beloved Funky Kong, unlike in previous games. Players could make full use of theGameCube-exclusive accessory, the DK Bongos, to increase their enjoyment of the game.
Donkey Konga 3has a greater music selection for jamming, all songs completely fresh and not reused from either preceding game. As well as well-known J-Pop songs, players could also play along to famous opening themes from anime series likeNaruto,Dragon Ball Z,andBobobo-bo Bo-bobo.
4Asterix & Obelix XXL
Offers Plenty Of Action And Adventure Set In Ancient Europe
This game was only released on the GameCube in Europe, though it has since seen a worldwide release on more recent platforms. It may not have the best graphics for its era, butAsterix & Obelix XXLstill offers a solid platforming adventure. Set in the year 50 BC, the duo meet a disgruntled secret agent from Rome, who agrees to help the duo on their quest to defeat the Romans.
Players control both titular characters, who play pretty similarly but have subtle unique traits. Obelix has greater physical strength, whereas Asterix is able to solve more puzzles. From rescuing villagers to battling the Roman armies, this adventure game has a bit of everything to make for some entertaining gameplay.
3V Rally 3
An Addictive Racing Game
V Rally 3was released only in Europe and Australia on the GameCube as a port of the original, but it never made it to America on this console. Incorporating real-life elements such as iconic cars and a realistic ranking system, thisrally racing game has many traits that made it funto pick up and play by players of any experience. Though critics felt the controls were too sensitive, they were also easy to learn for new gamers.
Another realistic element is its “Career Mode," as seen in other sports titles like theFIFAseries. Players ‘become’ a rally racer who is offered contracts from various car companies and must complete their requirements to be hired as one of their racers. Players can rise through the ranks as they race on over 20 different tracks set around the globe.
2Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo Dassutsu! Hajike Royale
A Unique Anime-Tie-In Offering A Range Of Gameplay Styles
Based on the manga and anime series,Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo Dassutsu! Hajike Royaleis something of an RPG, fighting, and puzzle platformer all in one. TheBobobo-bo Bo-boboseries has had, as of writing, seven video games released only in Japan, this one alone for the GameCube. InBobobo-bo Bo-bobo Dassutsu! Hajike Royale’sStory mode, players traverse 5 different stages with Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo and his crew, engaging in an arena-style battle once they encounter enemies. Each character has their own unique Super Move.
The game also has a gallery and character bios among other extras, including the “Nose-Hair Training Center” in which four players can compete against each other.Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo Dassutsu! Hajike Royaleis as bizarre as the manga and anime itself. Unfortunately, the game does suffer from numerous glitches and pauses during battle, and characters' Super Moves suffer from long loading times — worse than in other games known for their loading times, such asSonic ‘06.
1Kururin Squash!
Cozy, Colorful, And Calming
Kururin Squash!was only released in Japan, and it was a GameCube exclusive. Though it isn’t well-known, this obstacle-course style game has fun, addictive gameplay. Despite the bright and colorful aesthetics and music, this doesn’t mean it is all that easy. Players are tasked with navigating a helicopter, the Helirin, through a maze without bumping into anything. Collecting coins is important too, as they can be used to buy new colors for the Helirin and download an extra game for the GBA, among other things.
There’s also different, even harder modes, making for hours of fun with this deceptively simple game. AlthoughKururin Squashremains extremely niche, the Helerin is featured as a trophy in the popular Wii title,Super Smash Bros Brawl.As such,Kururin Squashhas loads of features that make it worthy of being one of the best GameCube titles, despite it having never been released in America.
