Discover games · NexWave Games
RPGs on the GameCube where you can disappear for dozens of hours
A GameCube collection can extend beyond racers and short multiplayer evenings. The console also received role-playing games that focus on a group of characters, its own combat system and a long journey. There is a lot of variation. Sometimes your timing and button work determine the battle, sometimes you think about cards or the next turn. These four adventures show how different an RPG can feel on the same console.
Paper Mario: an adventure that plays with paper
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door also makes use of its paper appearance within the game world. Mario can, for example, fold himself into an aeroplane and move through narrow openings. His journey brings him into contact with a variety of inhabitants and new travelling companions, giving each new area its own tone.
You remain active during turn battles. Good timing makes attacking and defending more effective. That makes the step to a role-play clear: you make a decision calmly, but then you have to pay attention. The humor also gives room to enjoy the adventure without having to fully master every system immediately.
Tales of Symphonia: a group you get to know
In Tales of Symphonia, Lloyd travels with Colette, who is given an important task for her world. Along the way, the group grows and the situation turns out to be more complicated than it initially seems. The conversations between characters are an important part of the journey.
Battles take place in real time. You move, attack and use skills, while also taking your fellow fighters into account. Anyone who enjoys learning how to use a favorite fighter will find guidance here. Developing your group gives the many battles a purpose beyond just advancing the story.
Baten Kaitos: Think about your hand of cards
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean takes you to a world of floating islands. You follow Kalas and Xelha from the role of a protective spirit. The appearance of the areas gives the journey something of an illustrated travel book.
The battles revolve around cards, the Magnus. Your available hand affects how you attack and defend. As a result, preparation outside of battle becomes meaningful: you think about the composition of your deck and have to work with what you draw during battle. This is an attractive extra layer for players who like to figure out systems.
Skies of Arcadia Legends: Take to the skies with pirates
Skies of Arcadia Legends follows sky pirate Vyse and his companions. Islands and ships turn the sky into a world you want to explore. In addition to battles with your characters, there are also battles between airships, with different considerations than a normal encounter.
The feeling of traveling is a big part of the appeal here. A new destination raises the question of what lies beyond. This suits players who like to get to know a world and take time for discoveries along the way, without always rushing to the next story scene.
Make room for a long journey
How long it takes depends on your pace, side paths and experience. For a second-hand copy, check the platform listing and included discs: later reissues are single versions. Also make sure you have a suitable memory card on the GameCube. If necessary, keep a quick note of your next destination when taking a longer break.