Best Gamecube RPGs: A Complete Guide

If you're like us RPGs, you're probably wondering what is the best Gamecube RPG game.

The GameCube brought us some of the finest games within the entire genre throughout gaming history. Whether you enjoy exploring magical worlds or prefer more tactical gaming, the GameCube has something for everyone.

We'll be covering the finest RPG titles for the GameCube platform that will keep you engaged and entertained for hours on end.

So, prepare to elevate your gaming experience with some of the best GameCube RPGs available!

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10. Mega Man X Command Mission

Mega Man X Command Mission contains typical turn-based action with a twist: by filling up your opponent's tension gauge, you can manipulate their turns. Character-specific skills are also available, as is a complicated weapon system that lets you to create your own weapons by customising parts and using them to develop your characters.

The RPG aspects of the game are extremely balanced, with some heavy grinding at times, some unique character advancement, and a vast range of weaponry, making it an absolute blast to play.

Mega Man X Command Mission's graphics are competent but not innovative. The game combines 2D and 3D features, with a concentration on cell-shaded graphics, to create a distinct appearance that distinguishes it from other Mega Man titles.

The well-crafted RPG system in Mega Man X Command Mission keeps players engaged through a decent amount of gameplay practise while also allowing for character and weapon customization.

Another notable element is the game's storyline, which is engaging enough to keep players' attention. We did find that the game's focus on turn-based combat can be repetitive, and the graphics, while different, cannot be described as cutting-edge.

9. Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II

With its fast-paced and action-packed gameplay, Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II provides quite the online experience.

The use of the broadband adapter can be quite rare to find at this point. There's also a massive wavebird controller that has a full sized keyboard attached to it to type to your friends during online play.

Performing the series of missions with your friends was such a blast to experience. You also have the option to go in alone in order to grind away through the stages by yourself if you're feeling up to it.

8. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is an extremely popular RPG that has amassed a large fan base over the years. It supports up to four people in multiplayer mode, and you can choose from a variety of characters with varying powers.

How's that for a really unique feature?

You'll be busy as you must tour the world together, fighting creatures that threaten their town. You must gather fuel to power your crystal chalice, which acts as a mobile base from which you can purchase stuff, weapons, and spells.

The main storyline revolves around the world of Gaia, where a great war took place many years ago. Miasma, a deadly cloud, steadily blankets the land and engulfs the population. A crystal chalice was constructed to dispel the cloud. You play as a caravan of people travelling the world in search of the Myrrh that the crystal needs.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is a blast and we think it's one of the greatest RPG games on the Gamecube ever.

7. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

If you're like us, you might be wondering why is pokemon xd: gale of darkness so expensive. Well, it's a fantastic quality of a role playing game and we'll explain why below.

One of Pokémon XD's best features is: Its original take on the Pokémon formula. The refining framework and Shadow Pokémon add another layer of profundity to the game. Additionally, the sound and graphics are outstanding. However, the game's limited options for exploration and customization may turn off some.

Considering this game was released all the way back in 2005, the graphics in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness are supremely fantastic. The environments look so great and incredibly well designed and the characters are wonderfully detailed and the animation is stunning.

The Pokémon themselves are also stunningly rendered and look amazing in battle. The sound in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is excellent, with a catchy soundtrack that will stay with you long after you've finished playing. The sound effects are also well-designed, adding to the immersive experience of the game.

6. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

Something that I truly appreciated about Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance was that it simply kept me coming back for more, even though it was challenging without being frustrating.

The game gained an emotional stake in me because of the richness of the narrative and the characters. The pacing was one thing I didn't like as much. Especially during the longer battles, which can be tedious, the game can sometimes be a little sluggish.

Fire Emblem: The game Path of Radiance is stunning. The environments are beautifully rendered, and the character models are well-designed. We were immediately immersed in the gameplay and while the graphics still hold up quite well, despite being somewhat out of date by today's standards.

The game's music and sound effects are also well done, with a variety of tracks that convey the epic nature of the battles as well as the story's most moving moments.

Fire Emblem is an excellent game: Way of Brilliance to any individual who appreciates strategy RPGs.

5. Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean

Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean brings you a battle system that is extremely complex and in depth. It involves a card-based battle system that lets you take a strategic and customizable approach to combat.

To gain an advantage over your opponents in battle, you'll be busy choosing which cards to include in your deck and which combination of cards to use. The extraordinary interactivity mechanics make for an exhilarating and compensating experience, particularly for those looking for a new interpretation of RPG games.

Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean is an extraordinary RPG title that offers a remarkable overall gaming experience. The graphics are top notch for a Gamecube game, the storyline is epic, and sound design is designed to keep your head nodding the entire time.

The slow pacing can be frustrating at times and card-based battle system may not be for everyone and we did find it to be a bit confusing at times.

Still, if you're looking for something different than the JRPG genre than you'll have to really consider Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean.

4. Skies of Arcadia Legends

We really missed out on Skies of Arcadia as an orignal Dreamcast release and many of us did. Thankfully the development team brought over this epic RPG right on the laps of Gamecube fans.

The moment we picked it up, we were immersed in a vibrant and rich world as the story is told through engaging dialogue and beautifully rendered cutscenes. We felt that the characters are supremely advanced and amiable, that really helped add to the flow of the gameplay.

The world of Skies of Arcadia Legends is brought to life by vibrant, intricate graphics. The game's environments are filled with minute details that give them a sense of life, and the airships and floating continents are a sight to behold.

Skies of Arcadia Legends's sense of adventure is one of our favorite aspects. There are a lot of exciting moments in the game that make you feel like you're on a big journey.

The airship combat system, which is original and exciting, is another thing we adored. It's a lot of fun to play and adds another layer of strategy to the game.

You can't go wrong with one of the best Gamecube RPGs ever in Skies of Arcadia Legends.

3. Tales of Symphonia

Tales of Symphonia stands out from other JRPGs thanks to its unique take on the traditional turn based fights that you're completely used to for this style of game. With an absolute ton of playable characters in the game, you'll be busy fitting a party together based on your individual needs.

You're also able to make and personalize weapons and armor in the amazing crafting system that you can use. Each battle feels balanced and challenging without being overwhelming due to the excellent pacing. It's not as grind heavy as other role playing games.

Tales of Symphonia's graphics have stood the test of time, with their exquisite art style and vibrant environments. The person plans are exceptional and paramount, with each character having their own particular appearance that mirrors their character and foundation.

The world of the game is also richly detailed, with distinctive landmarks and settings that are sure to keep you interested the entire time. Seriously, we couldn't put it down the moment we picked up our controller.

We absolutely adored Tales of Symphonia because of the way it perfects the storytelling ability and it's fantastic cast of characters.

As you level up your characters and go through the epic storyline, you get the feeling that the formula has been perfected, something that most RPGs strive to be.

2. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Did we just put a Zelda game on a list of the best Gamecube RPGs?

Quick, head to the comments and flame away! Better yet, ALT + F4 and shut down the PC now or through that mobile phone into the pool of water next to you.

Seriously though, you do play as the role of Link on his quest to take on Gannon. And while you don't exactly "level up", you do get stronger by looking for heart containers and sailing the sea for new areas to explore.

There are those aspects that make The Wind Waker great. The unique combat mechanisms give you the ability to perform maneuvers like evasion, parrying, and counter-attacking, making the combat system more engaging and immersive.

Although The Wind Waker is a fantastic game, it does have its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. The game's engaging and immersive storyline is one of its notable advantages, keeping players engaged throughout. However, one drawback of the game is that it frequently moves at a snail's pace, which can be frustrating for some.

We enjoyed this epic quest all the way through and you totally will to if you give it a chance.

1. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

The storyline of Paper Mario: Thousand-Year Door is what made us fall head over heels in love with this epic RPG . It follows Mario on his journey to find the seven crystal stars needed to open the fabled Thousand-Year Door.

The main storyline takes many unexpected turns and turns into mysteries that must be solved at every turn. The fact that each character has a unique personality and backstory enhances the game's immersion.

Graphically speaking, they are ahead of it's time and stand up well even for today's standards. While being simply stunning, extremely vibrant, and full of bright colors.

The paper based world is exuberant and dynamic, with an extraordinary appeal that catches the substance of the Mario universe. The graphics of the game, which pays homage to classic Mario games and introduces brand-new worlds, are innovative as well as nostalgic.

We simply adored the brilliant gameplay mechanics, wonderfully vibrant graphics, and engrossing narrative are what sets it apart from the rest.

There is a reason why we consider Paper Mario: Thousand-Year Door to be the greatest Gamecube RPG game ever and you've found it.

Conclusion

From turn-based combat to strategy-based card games, the GameCube offered some of the best role-playing games ever made.

From Pokémon XD's original take on the Pokémon formula, each game has its own set of features that appeal to a wide range of fans like the mind boggling and top to bottom card-based fight arrangement of Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean.

There is something for everyone on the GameCube, and these ten games are without a doubt some of the best role-playing games the console has to offer, whether you prefer to explore magical worlds or play games that are more tactical.

To recap, here are all of the games we've covered in this article:

1. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
2. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
3. Tales of Symphonia
4. Skies of Arcadia Legends
5. Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
6. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
7. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
8. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
9. Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II
10. Mega Man X Command Mission