The Nintendo GameCube was something of an enigma to the sixth generation of consoles. Arriving from late 2001 to early 2002, the GameCube was an original offering that stood apart from the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Its smaller discs, distinctive controllers, four control ports, GameBoy connectivity and modem adapter, were unique to the Nintendo console. Ultimately, the PlayStation 2 would go on to leave its competitors in the dust becoming the best-selling console of all time. Yet the GameCube has arguably aged the best of the bunch. The graphical looker of the generation offering four-player local multiplayer is looked on fonder now than ever before.
Furthermore, its extensive library of games, many of which are among the best Nintendo ever produced. Early 2000s 2D games were not in vogue and were hard to find on home consoles. Below are the best 2D platformer offerings on the Nintendo GameCube.
8 Adventure Island
Released exclusively in Japan, the GameCube was given a remarkable remake of NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) classic Adventure Island. As part of the Hudson Selection that released four enhanced NES remakes, Takahashi Meijin no Bōken Jima brings the adventure of Mr. Higgins to the sixth generation of consoles. Differing from the original game in several respects, this Japan-exclusive brings 3D graphics to the side-scrolling gameplay and brings an entirely new music soundtrack.
Other quality-of-life improvements are here including bonus content and the bosses having their highly simplified mechanics improved considerably. Direct NES remakes were something of a rarity in the early 2000s, this Adventure Island Remake is a quality example of one done well.
7 Mega Man Anniversary Collection
Releasing on the GameCube in 2004, Capcom brought a video game compilation for the ages in the Mega Man Anniversary Collection. This video game compendium featured 10 games from the original Mega Man franchise. The first six entries of the series initially released on the NES are here, as well as Mega Man 7 and 8 from the Super Nintendo and PlayStation respectively. While Mega Man compilations would follow in the years to come, this would mark the first time that arcade releases would reach home consoles.
Fighting games Mega Man: The Power Battle and Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters made their console debut in the collection. Anniversary Collection would prove a financial success across its 6th generation release. The GameCube edition was highly rated, though its reversal of jumping and firing buttons from the original did garner some criticism.
6 Bonk
The Japan Exclusive Hudson Selection gave 4 of its most successful NES titles remakes and new life on the GameCube. Volume 3 of the Selection PC Genjin, brought the NES classic Bonk to sixth generation standards. Released in December 2003, PC Genjin leaves the engaging 2D side-scrolling gameplay but gives the graphics a stylish Cel-shaded revamp. Fully rendered 3D Cel shading on a 2D background brings a storybook quality to the art design and sound effects are spelled out on the screen.
Bonk does look considerably meaner in this art style but his head-diving antics are as charming as ever, with an overhauled soundtrack to boot. Levels from the original are altered in places and an abundance of hearts is swapped for more lives. Western audiences never got this release of PC Genjin, and it's one of the GameCube’s best 2D platformer offerings.
5 Sonic Gems Collection
Released in 2005, the Sonic Gems Collection likely missed several players by on the presumption it was more of the same that Mega Collection offered. However, the Sonic Gems Collection was a purposeful release from Sega to bring the lesser more obscure Sonic titles to a wider and younger audience. Unlike the Mega Collection, which predominantly focused on the iconic mainstream line of Sonic platform titles, Gems features a variety of games from different genres. Sonic Fighters, Sonic R, Sonic Pinball and Sonic Drift 2 are all here.
As for 2D platformers, there is a solid lineup not to be missed and not easy to get hold of otherwise. Game Gear classics Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble and Tails Adventure are quality entries not to be missed. In terms of unlockable games, the Vectorman games make for some quality platforming and are two of the best-looking games of the 16-bit era.
4 Mega Man X Collection
Compiling some of the best platformers of the 16 to 32-bit era, Mega Man X Collection is a fine collection of fast-paced action platforming. Providing seven games in total, with six entries from the Mega Man X series, any GameCube owners seeking an old-school 2D platforming fix should be sure to check X Collection out. The first three entries of the Mega Man X series, originally released on the Super Nintendo rank highly to this day and are a must for 2D platforming fans. On its 2006 release, the collection received praise for the games it brought to the GameCube but some detractions for the lack of additional content to the ports.
A feature unique to the collection and certainly not par for the course of generations-old games, is the addition of a save feature. Available for all the games, arguably Mega Man X has never been more accessible as a series. Outside the X series games, the collection also includes Mega Man: Battle and Chase, a rare kart racer for the franchise that until the collection, had never seen a North American release.
3 Sonic Mega Collection
One of the best compilations ever brought to a console, the Sonic Mega Collection grants the player a staggering 12 games from the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Predominantly, the entries are the first four legendary Sonic the Hedgehog games, but the titles expand considerably beyond this. Some of the standout 2D platformers of the 16-bit and 8-bit eras are unlockable including Flicky and Ristar, as well as unique Sonic entries from the Sega Master System.
On its release, the Sonic Mega Collection was met with acclaim for its value and commercial success, going on to become a best-selling ‘player’s choice title’ for the platform. An updated and further expanded release Sonic Mega Collection Plus would be released across other sixth generation consoles, with Sega Game Gear games added. This is a collection of emulated games, but it is some of the finest of their time and seldom has a collection been done better.
2 Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
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Donkey Kong Jungle Beat was without a doubt one of the most unique titles released for the Nintendo GameCube. A traditional formula of 2D side-scrolling was not only brought to life in 3D graphics but also the player-controlled Donkey Kong with the DK Bongo’s controller, exclusive to the console and brand. A prime example of Nintendo's ingenuity, Jungle Beat takes the bongo designed and released for a rhythm game and utilizes it to make a charming platformer with deceptive depth.
The gameplay has been designed to be simple and approachable for any player, yet within the gameplay, there is a combo system that is far from easy to master and a challenge for veterans. The game also upholds the Donkey Kong franchise's high standard of graphics, with the game displaying some of the best of the GameCube’s library. Receiving high praise and winning awards in 2004, the only knock on Jungle Beat was the length of the game, that there wasn’t more of it to be enjoyed.