The controller stuck to me like glue, the little discs were innovative and it produced some of the best games of the last twelve years. In addition, I was a clumsy kid and the fact that it’s invincible — unless you throw it forcibly on the ground — is a good feature. The GameCube produced everything I wanted in a console, and with the new generation on the horizon I think it’s due time we revisit. The GameCube is ridiculous, but that’s what gives it charm. It’s not your all-in-one home entertainment system, there isn’t even an option to watch DVD’s with it.
With the arrival of the next-generation everyone is rushing to get their hands on the new consoles, games and accessories. Within the next year or two, most people will have said good-bye to their PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. New, shiny boxes will be sitting proud on console owners shelves next to a thin, glossy HD TV.
Despite all the new and exciting technology, sitting down with a drink, that ‘ugly’ controller and a CRT TV is strangely refreshing. If you haven’t done it recently, I have three reasons which might entice you to consider.
Nostalgia
Nostalgia is cruel to us; it plays with our minds and covers up every inaccuracy and undesirable from our ‘favourite childhood games’. We can’t replicate it truly, but we can try. Picking up a GameCube this season might just leave you wanting more, then again it might give you a refreshing glimpse into the past.
Sitting down with that ugly controller in front of an old fat TV has done wonders for me. Sometimes we’re tied up with new technology, and forget that there are old, cheap alternatives that can still give us great entertainment. You’ll watch an old film, so why not play an old video game?
Speedrunning
Speedrunning’s been around for over a decade but has managed to stay under the limelight until recently. Since the online streaming service Twitch came around and gained much popularity speedrunners have shared their achievements live more regularly. If you’re unsure of what it even is, speedrunslive gives a pretty good summary on their site:
“Speedrunning is nothing more than playing a game with the intent of completing it as fast as possible. People speedrun to challenge themselves, to see a game pushed to the limits, and to get extra replay value out of a game.”
A really great way of getting extra replay value out of your games is to dive in and try it. Speedrunning takes dedication, time and skill. The more time you spend practicing, the closer you get to breaking records. Hundreds of hours of gameplay value for about 10% the price of a next-gen console. As well as that, the people behind the communities have set up various events that have raised a lot of money for charity.
Games
The Legend of Zelda, the Wind Waker
Sunshine is a necessary have for anyone who owned a Gamecube. If you were one of those poor souls who never owned a Gamecube, then you won’t regret this pick. As well as all that, if you feel like you might be inclined to trying speedrunning there’s a particularly good community behind SMS.
Super Mario Sunshine
Sunshine is a must have for anyone who owned a Gamecube. If you were one of those poor souls who never owned a Gamecube, then this is a pick you won’t regret. As well as all that, if you feel like you might be inclined to trying speedrunning there’s a particularly good community behind SMS.
Luigi’s Mansion
Luigi’s Mansion is the GameCube’s best-selling launch title. There’s a good reason for that; the game is awesome. It has humour, the gameplay is compelling, and we get to play as Luigi. Considering Nintendo dubbed 2013 as the year of Luigi you owe it to yourself and the green clothed plumber to pick this up.
Honourable mentions
- Pikmin 1 and 2 are influential, charismatic and general must-plays. Pikmin 2, released in 2004, arguably made the song “Ai No Uta” a hit in Japan.
- Billy Hatcher and The Giant Egg, developed by Sonic Team and produced by Sega is a charming game about rolling eggs, definitely something to pick up if you have the chance. The reason it’s an honourable mention is because of the Mac and Windows port it received in 2006.
- Doshin the Giant was originally released for the 64DD in Japan, but released forGamecube fairly soon after. Possibly one of the most charming, funny and enjoyable games in this list Doshin the Giant is a personal favourite pick.
- Super Smash Bros. Melee. (SSBM) As of 2008, SSBM is the best-selling GameCube title of all time. SSBM still has a competitive scene, which might appeal to the fighting enthusiast out there.
The Gamecube is and always will be a personal favourite for me. In a time when consoles are becoming increasingly more powerful and are capable of acting more like a home entertainment system than a games console, the GameCube sets us back to the roots of what was. The reason I use it as an example over the PS1/PS2 or Xbox is that it was so bare bones; it played games.
