Oh the old DOL-001! How I missed you so!

So today I decided to dig up my old Nintendo GameCube (which I've affectionately nicknamed Ol' Dolphin) to see if it still works. My Nintendo Wii has been on the fritz recently and it may be time to put it out to pasture, and no sense replacing it since the Wii U has launched... though I can think of ONE solid reason; backwards compatibility.

Though sadly, the start of the Wii U marks the official end of the Nintendo GameCube. I guess to cut costs the Wii U doesn't support GameCube software. So if I were to bury my Nintendo Wii today and replace it with a Wii U (which I'll totally do), then I wouldn't be able to play a GameCube game ever again!

BUT WAIT- after a bit of digging, I found that Ol' Dolphin survived the GameStop trade-in purge and was still hiding in my own room all along! And of course how could I ever get rid of this thing, it was pretty much the entire second half of my childhood! After a bit of dusting I found that she runs like brand new! I always new GameCubes were durable little suckers!

Though... there is the sad news; I don't own ANY GameCube games anymore!

I guess when I decided to bend to the whims of the used game market empire known as GameStop (man I hate them) I must have forgot that I still owned a GameCube because my whole library, GONE! Yes my greed has made me forget and betray my Ol' Dolphin... probably so I could play some lame new shooter everyone was raving about.

So I've decided this holiday that I will make it my mission to restore my GameCube library back to its former glory! (or well... as close as possible) Though I'm not simply just going to rebuy all that I had, because I bought some stupid horrible games, but I'm going to collect all the ones that I played and enjoyed, including MANY that I never owned (because mooching on friends was easier).

Here's a list of 21 games that I just MUST have for the Nintendo GameCube!

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Luigi's Mansion

Of course there's the first one... yep the first major launch title for the Nintendo GameCube. And really... compared to other consoles, I haven't seen a launch title as big as this one. Yeah Wii Sports and Nintendo Land do a better job at showing what the console can do, but this one is more of an actual game rather than a collection of minigames.

It was a neat adventure with gameplay all of its own. Instead of playing Mario, you played Luigi which was kinda nuts! It had a Ghostbusters like theme where you use a vacuum to suck up ghosts. It was a neat title that hasn't gotten a sequel yet, but now finally getting a sequel on the 3DS that I look forward to playing.

Currently, I'm unsure exactly where I can find this title aside from the Internet. My go-to store Elite Games doesn't have it in stock unfortunately.

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Pikmin

Seen as "the other big launch title" for the GameCube is Pikmin! A fun little game where you control little ant-like creatures to help you explore and survive on a strange yet familiar world!

This game is usually seen as one of the biggest titles of the platform, and along with its stellar sequel, are modern Nintendo classics.

I feel Pikmin may be one of Nintendo's best games ever. Seriously, its a fun adventure.

What do I feel about the sequel? Well in some ways its superior to the original, but in some other ways its lesser. Specifically, I am speaking about the classic 30 day time limit of the original. I love that the time limit adds extra challenge to the game, but it also limits your time to explore the world. Pikmin 2 removed this time limit so you can explore more, collect more, and just more, more, MORE! Its one of those sequels where BIGGER IS BETTER, which actually pays off in this case.

...Also now that I think of it. Pikmin was a huge title released not too long after the GameCube's release, thus being a major selling point of the console. And the Wii U has Pikmin 3 announced to come out some time next year... the Wii U is reminding me a lot of the GameCube in these ways...

This is another title I'll have to hunt down. Elite doesn't have it in their shelves.

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Super Smash Bros. Melee

Well... this is THE BIG ONE! Its the console's highest selling game and not having it in my library would be a bit of an insult.

Its also a ton of fun! Nintendo characters battling it out! Chances are you've either played this one or Brawl... so I don't really need to explain further.

What do I think of its sequel? Well I think I'm part of a minority that thinks that Brawl is actually superior to this one and YES I REALLY DON'T MIND TRIPPING! With a few minor character changes, Brawl has everything this game had and more. It also had a rather sub par, but enjoyable story mode, but I think they should focus more on fighting and less on platforming.

Oddly enough, I might already have this one! I remember not too long ago that I had this game, but in a Mario Kart: Double Dash case (which means I lost Double Dash). I'll have to look for it, but I may just buy it again anyway. Gotta have that case!

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SSX Tricky

IT'S TICKYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

This was one of the games that I played with my friends and I had a blast. I really don't care for sports titles, but this one had that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater kinda feel, where you just don't care.

I bet if I played it nowadays I'd probably say it has shit controls... because that's what these games have, but hey its one of my fonder GameCube memories so it goes on the MUST HAVE list.

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Animal Crossing

Okay you may disagree with me on this... but this is THE BEST GAME ON THE GAMECUBE!

Okay I know, I know it has little in the way of gameplay, I know it has no pace, I know it holds no challenge, and I KNOW its much less a game than some strange life sim... but I just don't CARE!

This game gave me a world... a world I title Kuhnsvil (my dad worked in a lumber company named Kuhns) and I played as my character Zidane (pre-headbutt days, more of a reference to the FFIX protagonist). I... or rather, Zidane went through this strange town filled with Animal people and lived a nice life. He payed his mortgage and lived a life of luxury in his mansion.

It was a game of just pure immersion and I loved every second of it. Maybe a bit too much... I remember I had an odd crush on one of the Mabel sisters, Whitney the wolf, and even Bob the cat because I admired his courage to go out in public in what I thought to be pink floral dresses.

I also enjoyed the game with not only friends, but family too! I remember clearly my one friend invading my town when I was asleep and I woke to discover he chopped down ALL OF MY TREES and claimed he was possessed by George Washington's ghost. And then I remember getting him back when one of his treasure wolf residents, Whitney, moved to my town and he got so pissed! Also my sisters enjoy this game as well, which its near impossible to get them to play anything. Hell even MY MOTHER got into this game!

I wasted HOURS upon HOURS in Kuhnsvil and really what more could you ask for in a game... to waste your time because you had nothing but time to waste as a kid.

What did I think of the sequels? Ha ha! What sequels? All we got after Animal Crossing were a bunch of ports. Hell, Animal Crossing itself is basically a port of the Japanese N64 game Animal Forest. Though I do like the look of Animal Crossing New Leaf for the 3DS. It actually does look like a full sequel to the GameCube classic, with updated graphics and tons of new features. Plus you're the freakin' Mayor now!

I can actually find this one at Elite for $6, so its gonna be the first game I grab when I get my controllers!

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Sonic Adventure 2 Battle

Actually... I'm kinda undecided about this one because I might just get it for Dreamcast instead, but I probably should own it for GameCube anyway since its probably my most played GameCube title next to Animal Crossing. Mostly for its Chao Garden!

I don't know exactly why, but Chao Garden was just somewhere I could escape and take care of these adorable Chao creatures. And... WHY DON'T THEY HAVE THEM IN FUTURE INSTALLMENTS!

Seriously, the game itself is pretty shitty. Even I as a kid knew it was rather meh, but still the Chao mode was worth the pain!

Also I really want to own Sonic '06 for the Xbox 360... mostly because I want the game that may just be the "Modern Superman 64".

I can pick this one up at Elite for a steep $15. They have like 5 copies which is a rather humorous symbol I think.

"Gotta Go Fast!"

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Gauntlet: Dark Legacy

So... this game might be the best multiplayer experience on the GameCube. I have VERY fond memories going through this with friends. The basic premise of the game? Shoot your weapons at enemies! Which doesn't sound all that great, but it is. I think where this game works is its level design. You go through a bunch of levels fighting bad guys, finding secrets, leveling up, unlocking secret characters, fighting giant bosses. Its a FREAKIN blast!

I can find this one at Elite for $10! Hopefully, I'll have four controllers and four friends first.

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Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem

Yep... the survivor horror that got away...

I've never played this game, but boy do I want it!

I like survivor horror games, but really the PS2 has a much better selection BUT it is missing Eternal Darkness and boy is it really missing out! Its a Silicon Knights Resident Evil clone... which on paper sounds like THE WORST POSSIBLE THING! But surprisingly this is pretty much the only good game Silicon Knights ever made and its actually better than Resident Evil. I think where Resident Evil gets lost is that it tries to go way too big. I like the first one and its creepy "What a mansion!", but by RE2 you can already see that its trying way too hard to be huge and complicated.

Eternal Darkness pretty much stays pretty consistent with its creepy old gods haunting the old mansion motif. The stories of the other playable characters are interesting, it has a well designed spell system, and it doesn't just use cheap jump scares, but it messes with your mind!

I may have to do a bit of searching for this one. It seems to be one of those "underrated uncommon classics".

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Super Mario Sunshine

Well what can I say... this one is a classic.

It THE GameCube Mario title. Its what Super Mario World was to the SNES. Its what Super Mario 64 was to the Nintendo 64.

You go around doing Mario platforming while cleaning up the Isle of Delphino (a possible reference to Project Dolphin). Its just a classic and a must have for your GameCube library.

I can find it at Elite for $10 which will also be an obvious title to own.

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Timesplitters 2

Probably my favorite FPS of all time! Not even joking! I love this shootfest!

I love the HUGE selection of selectable characters that range from cool to just plain weird. I love the different exotic locations and time zones. I loved the varied era'd weapons you could use! I loved the challenges. The different game modes!

This is my all time favorite FPS game! I like it better than Halo, better than Call of Duty, better than Unreal Tournament, better than Quake, better than DOOM. Its just my favorite... period!

I'm sad to see this game disappear though. It had a sequel on the PS2 which I really don't remember much of. And its been long rumored to have a Timesplitters 4 in the making, but its will likely never happen. They rumored about making an HD rerelease via Xbox LIVE and PSN, but still no luck.

I'll hunt this one down though, trust me!

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Metroid Prime

Another HUGE must own title! Along with its sequel, Metroid Prime is probably one of the most beloved GameCube games. It took the fast paced puzzle action from the original Metroid and Super Metroid games and flipped it into an FPS!

I'll admit, I might be a bit more partial to the 2D version of the Metroid games, but Metroid Prime is still incredible!

I can acquire this beauty for $7 at Elite Games.

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The Legend of Zelda: The Windwaker

Let it be known... I'm not a huge fan of the 3D Zelda titles. Ocarina of Time may just be the most overrated game in existence, but I will admit one thing.

Despite me being more of a fan of top down "Classic Zelda", Windwaker is my pick for best Zelda of all time! Honestly, this game shows great quality that it tears past my 2D preference and makes it to the top!

Maybe its not as focused as other Zelda titles, but that's the point. I can't get lost in a game that's too focused and to the point. I can get lost in a game where there's a grand adventure!

Maybe you think the exploration in the game makes too long and drawn out, but Windwaker does adventure right, its not about the location, its about getting there!

And it will be an adventure to find this old gem!

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Soul Calibur II

IT HAS FREAKIN LINK!

...FREAKIN' LINK!

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Viewtiful Joe

This is another one of those cult classics that got away type of deal. I never played it and I never heard of it until it was too late. I'll love to hunt this one down and play it!

Though yes, it may take some hunting.

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Kirby Air Ride

I'll admit... this game is pretty stupid and was NOT worth a full $50 back in the day, but alas sometimes Nintendo would release a small fun game that may just be that, small but fun.

But now that years have passed and I can probably pick it up for pocket change it seems like a much better deal! Its just a fun game where you look for and drive around in little flying machines, collect powerups, and do challenges. There's not much to it, but its a blast if you play it with your friends!

It'll certainly be a ride looking for this one. Hopefully, it will be at a low price worth the game content.

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F-Zero GX

I'll admit... I don't know much about this game. I borrowed it from a friend once and hardly played it. I remember I found it too hard because the cars move too fast, but hey suck it up buttercup! This is F-Zero! High speed action racing with everyone's favorite hero Captain Falcon!

The guy with, hands down, the most EPIC PUNCH IN EXISTENCE!

Though ironically it doesn't really appear during gameplay, but fuck it! HIGH SPEED FUTURE CARS!

I can get this one for like $8 at Elite so I'll be fast to pick this one up.

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Tales of Symphonia

Well here we go... "the best RPG on the GameCube" and "one of the best RPGs of all time"

Well... I'll say no to that first bit, but this is a REALLY good RPG!

And I never owned it and never beat it! Yeah... its one of those borrowed it stories.

Still, I need to grab this and its Wii sequel sometime soon. But I do have to find them first.

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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Remember when I said Tales wasn't the best RPG on the console... well it takes a big 2nd place to this gem! Yay Unpopular Opinions!

No, but seriously... this game is just perfect. Which is a surprise because I didn't really care for the first Paper Mario. I thought it had nice dialogue, good characters, and a cute personality. It also had a neat new spin on turn-based RPGs that I thought was REALLY good! But Paper Mario lacked a good story. It had a bland stop Bowser story, just upscaled to JRPG level.

Then comes Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door and BAM! A HUGE original story with AMAZING CHARACTERS, HILARIOUS and WITTY DIALOGUE, a CHARMING PERSONALITY, BEAUTIFUL WORLDS, and some of the BEST RPG COMBAT I COULD EVER ASK FOR!

And maybe that's why I don't like the newer Paper Marios better. SUPER Paper Mario had a great story, good dialogue, but most of the characters were horrid looking and they took out the nifty turn-based combat for sup par Mario platforming. And from what I heard during Sticker Star the developers said that the game doesn't need story, which is the WORST thing I've ever heard for this series. I'm just avoiding Sticker Star on principle now (but mostly because I don't have a 3DS).

This was actually, specifically the title I was looking for today and sadly I did not find it. But this one is at the VERY top of my priority list!

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Resident Evil 4

Well here you go. What's highly regarded as the BEST GAMECUBE GAME, which I'd rather replace with "One of the Best" because there are clearly better ones and all caps makes you look like a psycho. Its also joked around as "The Only Good Resident Evil" which I sorta disagree with. Resident Evil 1 was interesting and RE2 was alright at best, but then the series just kept shitting on itself, and then POP Resident Evil 4 somehow becomes a masterpiece.

Which is a real shame Resident Evil 5 had to ruin everything by trying WAY too hard to pander to the online co-op players. RE6 is even WORSE to where it hardly even resembles ANYTHING close to the original.

But needless to say, I'll be headed after this one soon enough.

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Killer7

Well ladies and gents, the Suda51 cult-classic, Killer7.

Words really can't accurately describe this game. Its basically like a Rail-Shooter meets an acid trip. The game is just... weird! SUPER WEIRD! SUDA WEIRD!

Seriously... I just gotta have this one...

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Chibi Robo

Here's another cult-classic that I missed. This one is usually thrown in that category of weird cute Japanese game that most people miss out on because its just VERY Japanese.

You basically play as a small robot who lives in a person's home. You go around doing various activities. I just want more adorable fun games in my life.

And I'm in luck! Chibi Robo is available for $22 at Elite Games!

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So yeah there's 21 games that I MUST OWN for the Nintendo GameCube. I doubt I could get all of them this holiday season, but I'm sure I could get most of them for not all that much money. And of course there's more, but this was just a basic outline of what I need. Any sequels or games related to those above, I'd probably also pick up. There are also some that I am really looking for that I just didn't mention because 21 games is a big enough list already!

So what do you think about the game selection above? Do you think there are other must have titles that I missed? Do you feel some of the titles mentioned above aren't that great?

Leave a comment and let me know.