At the turn of the century,Nintendowas wrapping up itsNintendo 64life cycle and turning its attention to a new era. In 2001, theNintendo GameCubewas released to the world. The console is remembered now as having an incredible library despite not being a commercial success.
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Even with the lack of sales at the time, Nintendo fans look back fondly on the console as having amazing games. Plus, there was a massive graphical upgrade from one platform to the next that made the games even better. While the visual quality of games has far surpassed theGameCubedays, some games from the console still look amazing today.
10F-Zero GX
TheF-Zerofranchise has lied dormant for a while, but one of the last games released was among the series' best.F-Zero GXfeatures the series first story mode in which Captain Falcon is the star in a mission-based storyline. Outside of this,F-Zero GXbrings back many of the high-speed racing elements of the previous games.
The goal is for players to memorize tracks as to be able to properly conquer them. This is one of the first games in which Sega and Nintendo collaborated, and its no surprise these former rivals created the best-looking installment in the series.
9Metroid Prime
To sayMetroid Primeimpacted the industry would be an understatement. TheMetroidseries was already popular, but Nintendo’s leap to 3D-graphics, in addition to playing the game in first-person, was something to behold. The story followsSamus Aranas she continues her battle with the Space Pirates as they are conducting experiments on Tallon IV.
The graphics of the game haven’t aged perfectly, but the visuals are still engaging and amazing in their own way. The game also led to multiple sequels, including the upcomingMetroid Prime 4.
8Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance
Fire Emblemgames are always among the more gorgeous from an art-style perspective, butFire Emblem:Path of Radiancewas incredibly innovative for its implementation of 3D graphics. The game focuses on Ike and his friends as they try to restore order in the kingdom of Crimea after another nation, Daein, attacks.
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The game is a tactical RPG with various ways to customize the experience. It’s not so much the gameplay that makes this game beautiful, its the full motion cutscenes. With the beautiful animation paired with the voice acting, its the perfect combination.
7Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Metal Gear Solidis one of the most influential game series ever made, so its no wonder the first installment got a remake. EntitledMetal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes, the game vastly improved the graphics of the original game. There were also new cutscenes included and gameplay mechanics that were introduced inMetal Gear Solid 2.
The stealth game retained a lot of the charm while also adding different ways to take down enemies. This remake was a step forward for the series as a whole.
6Mario Kart: Double Dash
Mario Kart: Double Dashmade a massive leap from its predecessors into a more customizable and in-depth experience. There was a large collection of characters to choose from. Players drive with two characters in the car, with one in charge of driving and the other in charge of items.
What made this game gorgeous was the growth of therace tracksthemselves into beautiful and interactive courses. Many of the tracks made for this game look better than some of the tracks released inMario Kart 8 Deluxe.
5Star Fox Adventures
One of the biggest takeaways from playingStar Fox Adventuresis, according to critics, how detailed the characters and environment look. This action-adventure takes place eight years after the events ofStar Fox 64. As Fox McCloud, players are tasked with saving a planet in the Lylat solar system from being destroyed.
With widescreen mode an option for players, it was easy to take in the intricate character designs and stunning areas. While this is the last game developed by Rare for a Nintendo console, it is among their best works that still looks good today.
4The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker
The Legend Of Zelda’solder 3D games have not aged too well graphically despite their innovations. The exception to this isThe Legend Of Zelda: Wind Waker, which turned away from the more serious dark animation for a more cartoon-like art style.
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As Link, players must rescue his sister from Ganon by sailing the open seas and exploring islands to gain the strength to take him down. Despite a drift to a more colorful and unrealistic look, the art of the game holds up to many of Nintendo’s uniquely designed games today.
3Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Speaking of art style, no Nintendo game has taken on a more unique style than thePaper Marioseries.Paper Mario: The Thousand-YearDoorembraced that look and brought it to a whole new level. The plot revolves around Mario having to rescue Peach from the X-Nauts and needing seven Crystal Stars to do so.
The storybook element of the game returns as each level is divided into different chapters. The game doesn’t have the look of a 3D triple-A game, but with what it tried to achieve, its as beautiful a game as it can be.
2Super Mario Sunshine
Many of the series mentioned on this list made a visual leap from previous systems to the GameCube.Super Mario Sunshinewas possibly the biggest leap of all compared to its predecessorSuper Mario 64.Mariois forced to clean up Isle Delfino after being accused of littering the island with graffiti. Things take a turn when Shadow Mario, the real culprit, kidnaps Princess Peach.
There are so many little details that make this game great visually, from the bodies of water to the various landmarks. There’s a reason its re-release only needed small visual upgrades.
1Pikmin 2
The world was introduced toPikminin theGameCubeera with two games, with the sequel being better than the original.Pikmin 2is about exploring an unknown planet from the miniature point-of-view of Captain Olimar and Louie. Players are tasked with directing Pikmin, cute plant-like creatures, to help them solve puzzles and get through obstacles.
With the game being very nature-forward, the breathtaking design of the water and plants as players travel the game is sure to make any player feel good, even 16 years after the game’s release.
