Best GameCube RPGs in 2024

While the PlayStation 2 was the RPG fan's go-to in the sixth generation of video game consoles, GameCube RPGs were often some of the system's most creative and unique games. They may not have been as common as they were on competing platforms, but there are plenty that made the GameCube stand out. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, the GameCube likely has an RPG you'll love.

Paper Mario is Great for all Skill Levels

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a fan-favorite game that still commands respect. For those unfamiliar with RPGs, its battle system is simplistic and intuitive enough to be completed without ever walling off the player. Despite this, it's still a great game for experienced players, as its badge and partner system enables an incredibly high skill ceiling for those who wish to optimize their gameplay. Some beginner-friendly RPGs, such as Final Fantasy Mystic Quest, make the mistake of thinking that new players will be put off by a system with depth. Instead, they make every combat encounter so simplistic that neither newcomers nor veterans will enjoy it. The Thousand-Year Door never has this problem.

In addition, the fact that it takes place in Mario's world immediately makes for a strange and interesting setting. This fantasy adventure takes on many different ideas, from making Mario join a pro wrestling circuit to stranding him on an island cursed by a ghost pirate. Characters recur throughout the entire game, each with struggles that make the world come alive, from the Shadow Vivian's struggle with her family's transphobia to the Bob-omb sailor Bobbery's grief over his wife's death. These mature themes fit surprisingly well in the game's universe, making it one of the best GameCube RPGS.

A GameCube RPG for Action Fans

Tales of Symphonia is the West's first major exposure to the long-running Tales franchise, and for its time was easily the best Action RPG on the market. While its mechanics may seem dated, it still has a fluid and fun combo-focused battle system that plays similarly to a fighting game. With a total of a whopping eight party members, each of which is playable, the gameplay has an incredible amount of variety that only other Tales series games can match.

Among GameCube RPGs, Tales of Symphonia also does some unique things in its narrative. At first glance, it appears to be a simplistic story about a chosen heroine (who interestingly is not the main character) going on a journey to save the world. However, midway through the game, this cliche is turned on its head as the truth behind this seemingly destined journey comes to light. With overarching themes of systemic prejudice on a grand scale, Tales of Symphonia should not be overlooked among the catalog of GameCube RPGs.

Fire Emblem is the King of Strategy

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Turn-based and Action are not the only genres GameCube RPGs provide. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is an excellent Strategy RPG with incredibly well-designed systems. It is a fan-favorite among the Fire Emblem series, which says a lot given how popular its newer installments are. The series's famous weapon triangle mechanic, in which swords, axes, and lances function in a rock-paper-scissors-style advantage system is present here, in addition to several other mechanics such as certain characters' abilities to transform into beasts.

Path of Radiance stars the popular character Ike, the son of the powerful mercenary Greil. As a teenager, his life is thrown into chaos when his father is assassinated by the enigmatic Black Knight whilst he tries to save the princess, Elincia, amid war. Ike is portrayed as a bit naive, initially failing to understand the impact racism has on the people of his world. However, even as he grows and learns of the corruption throughout the world, Ike's undying idealism allows him to push forward and become a just hero who exceeds his father's legacy.

GameCube RPGs are a Great Option

GameCube RPGs may not be the first thing people think of when they think of the console, but it is a disservice to dismiss them. Whether you like Turn-Based, Action, or Strategy RPGs, there is a great option for you, and even those who are not normally into RPGs will find something to enjoy. If one is looking for a library filled with RPGs from this generation, there is no doubt the PlayStation 2 is the better choice, but the GameCube RPGs that are there are excellent and worth the time of any gamer.

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The article was originally written by Dylan Mattern