Regarding real-time strategy (RTS) games, few platforms can compare to GameCube. The graphics and music of many GameCube titles are unsurpassed. Additionally, the controls are often top-notch, making for a deeply immersive and enjoyable experience.
With so many great real-time strategy games available for GameCube, it can be tough to decide which ones to play. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of our all-time favorite GameCube real-time strategy games. So, without further ado, let’s look at some of the best real-time strategy games for GameCube.
What is a Real-Time Strategy Game?
It’s a specific type of game that requires fast reflexes and strategic thinking. This game requires the player to control units on the screen and attack enemies in real time. It can be played online or offline. One person or multiple players can also play it.
The goal of this game is to defeat the enemy players and win the game. In real-time strategy games, players control individual units instead of managing a group. The player can issue orders to their units on a real-time basis.
The real-time strategy game is often considered one of the early computer gaming genres and is often compared with turn-based strategy games like chess. This game may be set in historical settings or may explore space science fiction themes.
Was the GameCube Known for Real-Time Strategy Games?
The GameCube was known for its role in the real-time strategy genre. It was one of the most popular consoles and is still a favorite among many gamers. GameCube’s library has a lot to offer fans of real-time strategy games.
That’s because the GameCube had several features that made it stand out from other consoles at the time, such as its built-in Wi-Fi adapter, which enabled users to connect directly to the Internet without using another router or modem.
This feature made it easy for gamers who wanted to play against each other over the Internet or take advantage of new features like voice chat or video streaming.
#7: Super Mario Sunshine
Super Mario Sunshine is a real-time strategy game developed by Nintendo and Camelot Software Planning. Nintendo published and released the game on Gamecube on 19th July 2002 in Japan. It was then released worldwide. Namely, on August 26, 2002, in North America, on October 4, 2002, in Europe, and on October 11, 2002, in Australia.
The game’s story is about Mario and Princess Peach, who are on vacation on the tropical island of Delphino. Mario is charged with cleaning up the island with his new water gun, Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device (FLUDD).
Super Mario Sunshine is an action-adventure game with platforming and puzzle elements. The camera is usually behind Mario, who can move left and right and jump, run, and wall jump. FLUDD can be used to attack enemies and obstacles, solve puzzles, and hover in areas that are too high for Mario to reach.
In addition to FLUDD, other items are available to help Mario clean up Delphino Island: Super Boots allow him to walk on water and go faster, Propeller Boxes will carry him across large gaps, and the Wing Cap allows him to fly for short distances. In addition, the Bee Mushroom gives him wings that allow him to fly for much longer distances.
#6: Animal Crossing
- This game has a 24-hour clock where something new happens in real-world time -- as day turns to night in the real world, it also happens in Animal Crossing
- Watch or join in as you watch the animal-people of Animal Crossing carry out their daily routines
- Build relationships with villagers, celebrate special days, collect furnishings for their homes and just live life in an innovative new gaming experience!
- Works with Link Cable to connect your Game Boy Advance to your GameCube!
Animal Crossing is a real-time strategy game for GameCube that tells the story of a young man who lives in an Animal Crossing town. Since he has no friends to speak of, he decides to move into the animal village and live there with the other villagers.
The game’s basic mechanics are simple: you can walk around your village, talk to animals and fish, collect items, build houses, decorate them, and more. You’ll even be able to marry characters from other towns as well as date them if you want to.
There are several ways to play Animal Crossing; you can control one character or play through the entire game with up to six people at once. Each person has their own house and personality depending on how they were raised by their parents (and whether or not they have siblings). While most people will spend most of their time outside their homes, plenty of things can be done inside the houses as well.
#5: Pikmin
- Explore a lush garden from an ant's perspective
- Watch as plant life and objects interact together in beautiful 3D graphics
- Experience the different personality traits of different types of Pikmin including Bud, Leaf, and Flower
- break down walls, defeat giant bosses, and build bridges with all your Pikmin
- Store Pikmin safely in the nests when you're not playing
Nintendo’s Pikmin series is one of the most notable real-time strategy games ever made. The original game was released for GameCube in 2001 and quickly became a fan favorite. It’s still available today on the Wii U and 3DS, making it one of the best options for players who want to play a strategy game with a friend.
The first thing you’ll notice about this game is that it’s not a direct prelude to Pikmin 2. The main character has been promoted from Captain Olimar to Captain Louie, who is less aggressive than his predecessor and more concerned with getting off the planet alive. He’s even given a female companion in the form of Alph Pikmin.
The story starts well enough with you being stranded on planet PNF-404 while trying to find out what happened to your crewmates, who were also stranded there after their ship crashed into a rock. You’ll have to explore the planet and find out what happened by solving puzzles or looking around for clues.
As you explore the world, you’ll come across different types of Pikmin species that can be used for various tasks depending on their characteristics. For example, Red Pikmin can be used to carry heavy things or lift them over obstacles. By contrast, Blue Pikmin can be used for digging up treasures.
#4: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
This game is the spiritual successor to Ocarina of Time, and it’s one of the best games on GameCube real-time strategy games of all time. It takes place in a fantasy world ravaged by war, and you play as Link, who must travel across this world and restore peace.
This is not your typical Zelda game; there are no dungeons for Link to explore, and combat is based on sailing your boat around the ocean.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker also features some of the best graphics in an action-adventure game. The cel-shading style looks so much like traditional Japanese art that it’s almost hard to believe American developers made it. You’ll see gorgeous environments, fantastic animations, and some amazing ships that look like they were pulled straight out of Star Wars.
If you’re a fan of real-time strategy games and looking for something new, you need to check out The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. It’s one of the best games ever made, and it’s sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.
#3: Super Smash Bros. Melee
- Number of Players: Offline: 1-4 Players
- Number of Players: Simultaneous: 2-4 Players
- More characters and stages are unlocked as hidden objectives are met, and coins rewarded for playing in all modes can be spent on a capsule toy machine.
Super Smash Bros. Melee is an action-adventure fighting game produced by Nintendo for the GameCube video game console in 2001. It was the first installment of the Super Smash Bros. series.
Despite being released on other platforms later, it has become a cult classic with a large player base. The game features characters from Nintendo’s series of fighting games, including Mario, Donkey Kong, Link from The Legend of Zelda series, Kirby, Samus Aran from Metroid, and Yoshi from the Mario series.
The single-player mode is lots of fun and offers plenty of challenges, especially in its competitive modes, where players go up against each other on one team. But even without competitive play, there’s still a lot of enjoyment to be had.
The single-player mode also has an option called “All-Star Mode,” which lets you fight against every character in the game who is controlled by different CPU players (you’ll see who they are when they pick their character).
Super Smash Bros. Melee is a fantastic game for adults, but it is most enjoyable with friends who will recognize its depth and humor. If you are new to the franchise, this game will take some time to teach you the ropes. But once you understand it, it is very gratifying.
#2: Tales of Symphonia
- Fierce, action-packed battle system with hundreds of special attacks, spells, and combos
- Fully customizable character growth system -- change your fighting style and alter the storyline according to the characters' relationships
- Multiplayer fighting action - Up to 4 players can control one party member each during combat
- Unprecedented number of great minigames and side quests
Tales of Symphonia is the third game in the Tales series and the first to be released on a home console. The game was developed by Namco Tales Studio, which also created Tales of Legendia and Tales of Vesperia.
Tales of Symphonia follows the story of Lloyd Irving. He’s a young man who is whisked away to another world after his mother dies. He soon discovers that he has been chosen to wield the power of the Silmerian goddess Martel, who once saved a village from an evil being known as Darkness.
Tales of Symphonia‘s gameplay is similar to that found in previous titles in the series. Players will choose one character at a time to control during battle. Then they use items and magic to defeat enemies before they reach their designated targets. The game features four main worlds divided into different areas and dungeons. Each one comes with its own quests and challenges for players to complete.
#1: Star Fox Adventures
Star Fox Adventures is the sequel to Star Fox, and it was released for the Nintendo GameCube in November 2001. The game’s storyline revolves around Fox McCloud and his friends Slippy Toad and ROB 64. They must travel to Dinosaur Planet to rescue Krystal, who has been kidnapped by an evil scientist named Andross.
The gameplay of Star Fox Adventures is quite different from that of its predecessor. The player takes control of Fox McCloud as he explores Dinosaur Planet on his way to rescue Krystal from Andross. The gameplay is similar to that of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, with lots of exploration and puzzles.
The graphics were improved in this game as well as many other aspects, such as sound effects, music, and voice acting. One of the most interesting features of this game is its plot, which includes political issues like a war between animals and humans over resources on Dinosaur Planet.
Final Thoughts
The greatest real-time strategy games for the Gamecube are those that offer the player a challenging and engaging gameplay experience. Are you looking for the best Gamecube RTS games of all time? Look no further!
The games discussed above provide unique and addicting gameplay that keeps you hooked to the end. And we’re sure you’ll find something to your liking. Whether you’re a fan of classic strategy games or looking for something new and innovative, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Pick one game from our list and start playing today!
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