I loved my ‘Cube. It delivered a surprising amount of quality gaming to me, and I treasure it as one of my favorite systems. Despite the actual console biting it a long time ago, I do have a Wii that can play these wonders, so it’s not a huge loss for me to not have it anymore. Several essentials of mine are on this console, including three on my Absolute list and two on my Contender list!
Skies of Arcadia Legends (Sega/Overworks)
What more could I say about Skies that I already haven’t? Not too much, methinks. While I’ve formatted my favorite games list to remove the tiers, I still consider Skies to be an incredible experience I won’t forget.
Resident Evil 4 (Capcom)
Capcom did an amazing job with the revitalization of the Resident Evil franchise here, making a game that would deeply influence the industry for years to come. A marvelous treat, although I must say that the Wii version is the definitive version.
Beyond Good & Evil (UBI Soft)
UBI Soft’s Michel Ancel and his team created a wondrous game that I like to go on and on about on this site. So, for the sake of not parroting myself further, I’ll just say that I love this game so much.
Metroid Prime (Nintendo/Retro Studios)
This was a controversial resurrection of Samus Aran, but luckily, it turned out extremely well and is one of the few first person view games I adore. Kudos, Retro!
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Nintendo)
While Wind Waker left me a little uncertain of the future of Zelda, Twilight Princess swung things back into the right for me. It feels a little unfinished at times, but I really enjoyed my playthrough of the game and especially meeting Midna, the best character the franchise has yet produced.
Tales of Symphonia (Namco Bandai)
This more action-based JRPG is the best original title of that particular genre on the ‘Cube, with a fun battle engine, likable characters and tons of things to do. Definitely worth a look.
Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction (Sierra/Radical Ent.)
Sheer chaotic fun, this one. Running around and rampaging as the Hulk is a riot to control, and the game takes its sandbox concepts to astoundingly good heights. One of the best superhero games ever made.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (UBI Soft)
UBI Soft’s first stab at this classic franchise remains the best to me. The ambiance is wonderful, and the platforming is a major highlight, with some of the best 3D has yet produced. Combat is a bit wonky and irritating, but the overall quality of the rest of the game overpowers it.
Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO (Capcom)
Most pick Soul Calibur II as the ‘Cube’s fighter of choice, but that game really does pale in comparison to its predecessor, Link or no Link. Meanwhile, Capcom released the finest cross-up between their rival SNK and themselves for the ‘Cube, and it’s my easy pick for the console’s best representation of the genre.
Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (Nintendo)
I really liked Four Swords Adventures. It takes a unique concept of four Links that can be arranged into formations, throws them into self-contained levels, but manages to maintain the Zelda 2D vibe beautifully.
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (Nintendo/Intelligent Systems)
The sequel to the N64 Paper Mario improves the battle system, throws incredible spritework at you, and ups the kookiness factor to new heights (which its sequel may have overdone). In my book, this is the Mario game you want to invest in for the ‘Cube.
Contenders:
Second Sight (Codemasters/Free Radical)
SSX 3 (EA)
Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour (Nintendo/Camelot)
Animal Crossing (Nintendo)
Metroid Prime 2 Echoes (Nintendo/Retro Studios)
