The Best GameCube Adventure Games

Ranker Games
Updated February 1, 2024 37.3K views 76 items
Ranked By
6.2K votes
909 voters
1 reranks
Voting Rules
Games don't have to be console exclusive, as long as they were released for GameCube at some point.

If you owned a GameCube at any time during your life, then it's safe to say there were probably a few adventure games in your collection. There's something about exploring new places, finding treasure and fighting enemies that makes adventure games so addicting. With so many great options to choose from, there was never a shortage of games to play for fans of the genre. Since some games were much better than others, we've decided to rank the best GameCube adventure games of all time.

This list will feature the most popular and best selling adventure games that were released for GameCube. While many of these games were console exclusive, we're allowing non-exclusives to be a part of the list as well. Top adventure gamesย on this list include Luigi's Mansion and Resident Evil 4, along with many others. Vote for your favorite video games below.

Most divisive: Shadow the Hedgehog
Over 900 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best GameCube Adventure Games
  • Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy
    31
    33 votes

    Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy offers a captivating adventure in which players control two distinct protagonists - the brave warrior Sphinx and the recently cursed mummy Tutankhamen - each with their own unique abilities. The game's engaging storyline, inspired by Egyptian mythology, sees players traverse through vast, beautifully rendered environments while solving puzzles, battling enemies, and recovering ancient artifacts. Its blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and action gameplay make Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy an immersive and unforgettable experience.

  • In The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning, players embark on a vibrant adventure with the lovable purple dragon as he discovers his true origins and unlocks the full potential of his powerful elemental abilities. Featuring the voice talents of Elijah Wood and Gary Oldman, this title offers an engaging narrative coupled with exciting gameplay that includes combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. With its lush graphics, intriguing storyline, and user-friendly controls, The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning revitalizes the beloved Spyro franchise for a new generation of gamers.

  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets expertly brings the magical world of Hogwarts to the GameCube, immersing players in the enchanting events of the second book in J.K. Rowling's beloved series. Players take control of Harry Potter as they explore the expansive castle, attend classes, learn new spells, and unravel the mystery behind the Chamber of Secrets. This adventure game captures the essence of the Harry Potter universe with its charming graphics, engaging gameplay, and character interactions that will delight fans and newcomers alike.

  • The Hobbit
    34
    Nov 11 2003
    41 votes

    The Hobbit transports players into the magical world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, allowing them to experience the thrilling adventures of Bilbo Baggins as he journeys with a band of dwarves to reclaim their stolen treasure. Combining platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat elements, the game effectively captures the charm and wonder of Tolkien's beloved classic. With its enchanting environments, memorable characters, and enjoyable gameplay, The Hobbit offers a captivating experience for both fans of the literary masterpiece and adventure game enthusiasts.

  • Scooby Doo! Mystery Mayhem
    35
    36 votes

    Scooby Doo! Mystery Mayhem faithfully translates the zany antics of the beloved animated series into an engaging video game experience for the GameCube. As the members of Mystery Inc., players must solve puzzles, avoid traps, and uncover the truth behind a series of supernatural happenings in the game's five distinct locations. Its charming graphics, lighthearted humor, and classic Scooby Doo atmosphere make this title a delightful adventure that fans of all ages are sure to enjoy.

  • Shadow the Hedgehog
    36
    70 votes

    Shadow the Hedgehog offers players a darker twist on the Sonic universe, focusing on the mysterious anti-hero as he grapples with questions about his past and identity. Featuring branching story paths and a unique "hero vs. dark" morality system, players can influence the game's outcome based on their choices and actions. With its moody visuals, intense action, and the addition of firearms to traditional Sonic gameplay, Shadow the Hedgehog provides a fresh take on the franchise that intrigues both long-time fans and newcomers.

  • The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords introduces a novel multiplayer experience to the celebrated franchise, allowing players to cooperatively control four distinct versions of Link. This unique title combines familiar gameplay elements, such as puzzle-solving and dungeon exploration, with an emphasis on teamwork and cooperation to create a compelling adventure for up to four players. With its colorful graphics, inventive gameplay mechanics, and a blend of competition and collaboration, Four Swords offers an innovative and engaging twist on the classic Zelda formula.

  • Tak: The Great Juju Challenge
    38

    Tak: The Great Juju Challenge offers a unique gaming experience as players control the titular shaman-in-training and his dim-witted yet powerful friend Lok in an epic adventure filled with magic, puzzles, and comical exploits. The game's cooperative gameplay mechanics allow players to seamlessly switch between the two characters, strategically employing their distinct abilities to overcome numerous challenges. With its vibrant visuals, charming characters, and engaging gameplay, The Great Juju Challenge provides hours of entertainment for fans of the cartoon series and adventure games alike.

  • Batman Begins
    39
    Jun 15 2005
    30 votes

    Batman Begins delves into the origin story of the Dark Knight, offering players a chance to step into the shoes of Bruce Wayne as he becomes Gotham's iconic protector. Featuring a rich narrative that follows the events of the eponymous film, the game seamlessly blends stealth, combat, and detective work to create an immersive and engaging experience. With its atmospheric visuals, intense gameplay, and faithful adaptation of the Batman mythos, Batman Begins offers fans a thrilling experience in the world of the Caped Crusader.

  • Bomberman Generation
    40
    29 votes

    Bomberman Generation successfully brings the classic arcade-style action to the GameCube, offering a 3D adventure with both single-player and multiplayer modes. Players control the titular hero as he battles his way through a variety of elemental-themed worlds, using strategic bomb placement to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. The game also includes a highly addictive multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to engage in fast-paced, bomb-filled battles. With its vibrant graphics, tight controls, and enjoyable gameplay, Bomberman Generation is sure to please both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

  • Pokรฉmon Channel
    41

    Pokémon Channel offers a unique, interactive television experience that allows players to interact with their favorite Pokémon characters in various shows and minigames. As they explore channels and unlock content, players can earn currency known as "Poké Coupons" to purchase in-game items and decorations for their virtual living room. While it may not be a traditional adventure game, Pokémon Channel provides a charming and relaxing experience for fans of the franchise, allowing them to enjoy the company of their favorite creatures in a different setting.

  • Digimon World 4
    42
    27 votes

    Digimon World 4 takes players on a thrilling journey through the Digital World, battling dangerous creatures and exploring diverse environments. With its action-oriented gameplay, players directly control their chosen Digimon, using weapons and special attacks to defeat enemies in real-time combat. The game also features cooperative multiplayer, allowing up to four players to participate in the adventure together. This blend of action and familiar Digimon elements makes Digimon World 4 a standout RPG experience for fans of the franchise.

  • The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe brings C.S. Lewis's timeless tale to life, inviting players to join the Pevensie siblings on their quest to save the magical world of Narnia. Players can take control of each sibling, using their unique abilities to overcome puzzles and battle the evil forces of the White Witch. With stunning visuals, captivating environments, and an engaging storyline faithful to the source material, this action-adventure game offers a truly immersive Narnian experience.

  • Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius
    44
    16 votes

    Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius allows players to dive into the imaginative world of the popular Nickelodeon series, controlling the titular boy-genius as he battles his arch-nemesis, the wicked King Goobot. Utilizing Jimmy's inventive gadgets and the help of his trusty robotic canine Goddard, players solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and engage in light-hearted platforming action. This family-friendly title is filled with humor, adventure, and excitement that will entertain fans of the animated series.

  • Avatar: The Last Airbender
    45

    Avatar: The Last Airbender

    Oct 10 2006
    37 votes

    Based on the critically acclaimed Nickelodeon series, Avatar: The Last Airbender immerses players in the mystical world of elemental manipulation as they control Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Haru in a quest to save their besieged world. With intuitive controls and engaging RPG elements, this action-adventure title offers thrilling combat and exploration sequences with a rich storyline that closely follows the narrative of the first season. Fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy stepping into the shoes of their favorite characters and bending the elements to their will.

  • Killer7
    46
    Jun 09 2005
    28 votes

    Killer7 is a stylish, macabre, and unconventional action-adventure game that delves into the world of a group of assassins, each with their unique abilities and personalities. The game's distinctive cel-shaded visuals, nonlinear narrative, and unconventional gameplay mechanics set it apart from other titles, providing a mesmerizing and immersive experience. With its mature storytelling, unforgettable characters, and challenging gameplay, Killer7 stands as a truly unique and memorable entry in the GameCube library.

  • The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer picks up where the first movie left off, putting players in control of Mr. Incredible and Frozone as they battle against the villainous Underminer. With its classic beat-'em-up gameplay and engaging story, players can effortlessly switch between the two heroes, utilizing their unique powers and abilities to save the day. The game also includes an enjoyable two-player cooperative mode, offering an exciting experience for fans of the popular animated film.

  • Geist
    48
    Jan 01 2005
    27 votes

    Geist is a first-person action-adventure game with a unique supernatural twist, where players assume the role of a disembodied spirit capable of possessing living creatures, including humans and animals, as well as inanimate objects. By inhabiting different beings and objects, players solve puzzles, progress through the story, and engage in intense combat scenarios. With its intriguing premise, inventive gameplay mechanics, and atmospheric visuals, Geist offers a fresh and captivating experience for fans of the action-adventure genre.

  • Spawn: Armageddon
    49
    23 votes

    Spawn: Armageddon brings the dark and gritty comic book anti-hero to the GameCube, offering an intense action-adventure experience filled with brutal combat, supernatural powers, and apocalyptic environments. As the titular character, players utilize Spawn's arsenal of weapons, hellish abilities, and powerful chains to battle both Heaven and Hell in an effort to save humanity. With its mature storytelling, visceral gameplay, and detailed graphics, Spawn: Armageddon provides a thrilling and satisfying experience for fans of the franchise and action-adventure enthusiasts alike.

  • Disney's Magical Mirror Starring Mickey Mouse invites players into a whimsical adventure filled with charm and nostalgia. After being trapped in an enchanted mirror by a mischievous ghost, Mickey must explore a magical mansion to find a way back to his own world. The game combines puzzle-solving, exploration, and light-hearted gameplay with beloved Disney characters and environments, making it an enjoyable and delightful experience for fans of all ages.

  • TMNT
    51
    Mar 20 2007
    24 votes
    TMNT is a single-player action-adventure multi-platform action game starring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It is based on the 2007 film of the same name, and was released three days before the actual movie's release for the Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Playstation Portable video game consoles, as well as for the PC on March 20, 2007. The Xbox and PlayStation 3 versions of the game were cancelled.
  • Super Mario 128
    52
    27 votes
    Super Mario 128 refers to a series of development projects that were originally to be used only to create a sequel to Super Mario 64. What was displayed in the Super Mario 128 demo shown at Nintendo's Space World trade show was the rapid generation techniques that were later incorporated into games such as Pikmin, and "sphere walking" technology used in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and Super Mario Galaxy. Other aspects include physics technology that was later incorporated into Metroid Prime.
  • Dragon's Lair 3D: Return to the Lair is an action-adventure video game released in 2002 by Dragonstone Software. The game is based on Cinematronics' 1983 laserdisc arcade game Dragon's Lair, and follows a similar story; the hero, Dirk the Daring, must enter the evil wizard Mordroc's castle to rescue Princess Daphne from Singe the dragon. Many of the characters and locations from the 1983 original make appearances in the game, along with new puzzles, rooms and enemies. Animator and director Don Bluth, who produced the cartoon animation for the arcade original, also produced two new animated sequences for the opening and ending of the game. The game uses cel shading to mimic the distinctive style of the original.
  • Carmen Sandiego: The Secret of the Stolen Drums is a 2004 video game of the action-adventure genre released by A2M. The game is based on the Carmen Sandiego series and features Cole Gannon along with Jules Argent, Shadow Hawkins and the Chief of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Treasures of Knowledge. This game is the first in the Carmen Sandiego series to give the player complete control of a character in a 3D world. The avatar, ACME agent Cole Gannon, must maneuver through multiple stages including a museum in New York City, the beaches of New Zealand, the palace in Bangkok, Machu Picchu, and five other exotic locations. The player fights against Carmen's robots and spirits to prevent her from stealing a beautiful diamond, the repository of all the knowledge of the nations. The game also features an in-game PDA system in which Shadow and Jules can send you "video mail".
  • Bionicle: The Game
    55
    17 votes
    Bionicle: The Game is an action-adventure video game released in 2003. The game is based on parts of the movie Bionicle: Mask of Light and other parts of the Bionicle storyline. Initially, the game was supposed to make each Toa, Toa Nuva, and the Toa of Light playable, but due to deadlines, much of the game was dropped. However, all of the characters are playable in the Game Boy Advance version. The Mac OS X version of the game was released by Feral Interactive.
  • Cubivore: Survival of the Fittest, known in Japan as Dลbutsu Banchล is an action adventure video game co-developed by Saru Brunei and Intelligent Systems for the Nintendo GameCube video game console. It was originally published by Nintendo only in Japan on February 21, 2002. After Nintendo expressed intentions to not release the game in other regions, Atlus picked up the game and localized it for North America on November 10, 2002. Development for Cubivore originally started on the Nintendo 64DD, but later was moved to the GameCube. The player controls a cube-shaped beast called a Cubivore, which eats other such beasts in order to mutate and become stronger. The game received mixed reviews upon release.
  • SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab is a video game for the Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Wii developed by Blitz Games and published by THQ. It stars SpongeBob SquarePants, his best friend Patrick Star, and their enemy Sheldon J. Plankton as they journey to nine different worlds, supposedly, inside the dreams of the characters. The Wii version was a North American launch title. It is also the first SpongeBob game released in Japan, but was released under the title: "Spongebob", to mark it as the first video game in the SpongeBob series to have a Japanese release.
  • Piglet's Big Game
    58
    15 votes
    Disney's Piglet's Big Game is a 2003 action-adventure video game by Gotham Games, Disney Interactive Studios and Doki Denki Studio. The game centers around Piglet and how he tries to show how he can help. The game is based on Piglet's Big Movie.
  • Virtua Quest
    59
    Aug 26 2004
    15 votes
    Virtua Quest, known in Japan as Virtua Fighter Cyber Generation: Ambition of the Judgement Six, is a Virtua Fighter spin-off title co-developed by TOSE and Sega AM2, and published by Sega for the GameCube and PlayStation 2 video game consoles.
  • Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku
    60
    Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku is an action-adventure video game released in 2004 by Hitmaker, Adrenium Games and Amaze Entertainment and based on the Samurai Jack animated television series on Cartoon Network. The series' original voice actors, including Phil LaMarr, Mako Iwamatsu, Jeff Bennett, and Jennifer Hale, reprised their respective roles for the game. An Xbox version of the game was planned, but never released, even though it has a score of 58.95% on GameRankings.