The Best GameCube Adventure Games

With its signature cel-shaded art style, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker introduced a breath of fresh air to the beloved franchise. Set in a vast ocean dotted with small islands, players embark on a gripping adventure as they guide the courageous protagonist, Link, to rescue his kidnapped sister and ultimately save the world from the evil Ganondorf. The game's innovative sailing mechanic affords a true sense of exploration and discovery, while its memorable cast of characters, intricate dungeons, and engaging combat system solidify it as a standout within the action-adventure genre.

A delightful departure from the classic Mario games, Luigi's Mansion sees the green-clad plumber take center stage as he navigates a creepy, haunted mansion to save his brother Mario. Armed with a trusty vacuum cleaner-like ghost-catching device called the Poltergust 3000, Luigi must solve puzzles and battle an array of ghosts throughout the eerie, atmospheric game world. Its unique gameplay mechanics, charming story, and quirky cast of characters elevate Luigi's Mansion beyond a simple spin-off into a delightful and hauntingly enjoyable adventure all its own.

Metroid Prime revolutionized the Metroid series by expertly transitioning the traditional 2D action into an atmospheric, first-person adventure. Players take on the role of iconic bounty hunter Samus Aran as she delves into the heart of the mysterious planet Tallon IV, uncovering the truth behind the deadly Phazon substance and battling the titular threat, Metroid Prime. A masterclass in storytelling, atmosphere, and immersion, Metroid Prime boasts a combination of exploration, puzzle-solving, and intense combat that is sure to captivate both fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Representing a groundbreaking shift in not just the Resident Evil franchise, but the survival horror genre as a whole, Resident Evil 4 redefined the third-person shooter with its over-the-shoulder camera perspective and adrenaline-fueled action. Players assume the role of Agent Leon S. Kennedy, tasked with rescuing the President's kidnapped daughter while battling Las Plagas-infected villagers in eerie European settings. The tense atmosphere, inventive enemy AI, and thrilling gameplay make for an unforgettable experience that is considered a classic by critics and fans alike.

Pokémon Colosseum brings a fresh twist to the iconic Pokémon formula by focusing on double battles and Shadow Pokémon purification in the 3D Orre region. The game's protagonist, Wes, emerges as a former member of the villainous Team Snagem, seeking redemption while attempting to thwart the plans of the nefarious organization Cipher. The daring story, unique desert-like setting, and engaging gameplay mechanics - such as snagging Shadow Pokémon from opponents and purifying them - invigorate the well-worn Pokémon formula, making Colosseum an adventurous must-play for fans.

A worthy successor to its groundbreaking predecessor, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes sees Samus Aran investigating the mysterious planet Aether, diving deep into a conflict between the native Luminoth and the ominous Ing. Boasting an atmospheric, two-world design akin to Zelda's "Light World/Dark World" mechanics, Echoes challenges players to navigate between Aether's light and dark dimensions, solving puzzles and engaging in intense combat encounters. With a gripping story, exquisite art direction, and innovative gameplay, Echoes is yet another showcase of the Metroid series' enduring brilliance.