As a console that succeeded the revolutionary Nintendo 64, the Nintendo GameCube is considered one of the most underrated platforms in video game history. It didn’t appeal to the masses because of its lack of features, but the games were phenomenal.
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Almost every kid wanted to get their hands on a Nintendo GameCube. The system’s unique controller and challenging games gave players reasons to return. As a console without a DVD player, however, it garnered fewer sales than its competitors. Despite this, it spawned numerous critically acclaimed games. This is ranking the ten hardest Nintendo GameCube games of all time.
10 Resident Evil Zero
After playing all the Resident Evil games, it becomes abundantly clear that Hard Mode on Resident Evil Zero is absurd. Resident Evil 2 on Nightmare Mode poses a challenge, but Resident Evil Zero is a step-up in difficulty. Nintendo GameCube’s Resident Evil 4 sits somewhere on the easy side of the spectrum. Resident Evil Zero can be beaten if you dodge and only kill zombies when needed. This way, you can conserve ammunition and resources for vital parts in the game.
9 The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess offers a robust challenge for those not familiar with the franchise. It features gameplay consisting of combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration. Puzzles are arduous, and the dungeons pose unique challenges. Some might find themselves lost in the game’s sprawling world. Its difficulty is somewhere halfway between The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, with the latter being the easiest.
8 Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
As a launch title for the Nintendo GameCube, Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader is a worthy successor to the Nintendo 64 classic. It offers an added level of realism, which can work against you in a dogfight.
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Flying an X-Wing might not be as realistic in the first-person view, but at least the game gives you the option. This game would’ve benefited from more starfighters, but overall, it’s an otherwise excellent game in the Rogue Squadron series.
7 Splinter Cell
When Splinter Cell released for the Nintendo GameCube, and most other major platforms, it was a critical success that redefined the stealth genre. This award-winning game boasted graphics that were way ahead of their time. Details in shadows never appeared as impressive. The contrast of light and darkness gave players a reason to return to this game.
Splinter Cell is one of the Nintendo GameCube’s hardest games. Try playing this game on Hard mode, and you’ll face enemies with increased health who can withstand frag grenades. At least the game presents multiple ways to approach a situation.
6 Super Monkey Ball 2
It’s recommended to try the beginner stages before you dive into Super Monkey Ball 2‘s more difficult levels. The story mode contains one-hundred levels, with each of them being split between ten worlds. There is also a challenge mode that contains ninety stages. Every level is like an elaborate circus act. Riding a ball through puzzling levels makes progression a grueling experience.
5 Viewtiful Joe
The style of animation doesn’t do you any favors. The fact that the original Viewtiful Joe was played in a 4:3 aspect ratio gave you a short warning for incoming danger. Viewtiful Joe is a beautiful game that is along the lines of Super Smash Bros. and Crash Bandicoot. It contains beat ’em up and platforming gameplay—the combination mixes for a tough but rewarding experience.
4 Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes offers complex level designs. Trying to progress is through this game is no cakewalk, but you’ll feel the reward when you do. Those experienced with Metroid games will agree Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is one of the hardest. It’s more than twice as long as the original Metroid, which really begins to take a toll on your stamina. It’s ratcheted difficulty will become apparent if Nintendo ever decides to port the Metroid Prime trilogy to the Nintendo Switch.
3 Mega Man Network Transmission
The Mega Man series has remained true to its original formula, with new games taking on a 2.5 D appearance. Despite being lambasted by critics, Mega Man Network Transmission is considered one of the most challenging games on the Nintendo GameCube. It gets to the point of frustration because of how tricky the gameplay is. The level design is top-notch, but Mega Man Network Transmission could have benefited from an easier single-player mode.
2 F-Zero GX
It’s not so much the obstacles (and they are there) that make the game challenging, but one has to keep up with the blinding speed. This futuristic racer implores you to participate in ultra speed races with objectives to complete during each race.
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Defeating Black Shadow, who is essentially the epitome of evil, takes numerous attempts on the hard difficulty. Sort of like the film Speed, Blood Falcon has attached a bomb to your vehicle that detonates when you go below 700 km/h. On the Very Hard difficulty, this speed increases to 800 km/h.
1 Ikaruga
This game is notorious for its painstaking difficulty. Regardless of what difficult mode you choose, it throws challenges at you in the form of objects that collide with your ship. Also, waves of incoming fire don’t make the game any less aggravating. Beneath its tough exterior, there is an enjoyable game if you choose the right upgrades in a particular order. Ikaruga is the most difficult game on the Nintendo GameCube—and it’s not even close.
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