We already published the list of best GameCube games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GameCube action-adventure games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GameCube definitely has a great library of action-adventure games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GameCube and action-adventure games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. LEGO Star Wars
- Release Data: Traveller’s Tales/Eidos Interactive, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
This is probably one of the better kids’ games on the GameCube, and it has enough cleverness and charm to appeal to adults.
The novelty of watching a Lego version of Obi-Wan Kenobi duel it out with Darth Maul certainly accounts for a large portion of the game’s appeal, but on its own merits it’s a fun, inventive little game.
#24. Spider-Man 2
- Release Data: Treyarch/Activision, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Even with all the repetition, Spider-Man 2 is still a good game, since it does succeed at capturing the sheer thrill of webswinging through a metropolitan area.
However, it also feels like a missed opportunity.
With some more variance in its mission design, Spider-Man 2 actually could have been something truly amazing.
#23. Star Fox Adventures
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
It’s true that Star Fox Adventures didn’t even originate as a Star Fox game, but the game’s main cast fits in perfectly with everything else that’s going on.
And given the amount of detail in all the game’s environments, you’ll likely be struck by how long the game turns out to be.
#22. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Despite not having the multiplayer mode like the other versions, the single-player experience is still fun, still clever and engaging, and still intense.
Great missions, gadgets and weapons, all encapsulated in one of the best stealth-action games on any console.
Plus, despite some technical shortcomings, this is one of the prettier games to grace Nintendo’s console.
#21. The Simpsons: Hit & Run
- Release Data: Radical Entertainment/Sierra Entertainment, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
It creates the most accurate representation of the world of Springfield ever put into a game, and it manages to make the gameplay surrounding it quite a lot of fun.
Additionally, the game’s sense of humor is delightfully self-referential, and any Simpsons enthusiast should have a blast exploring the levels and pointing out the numerous obscure locations and characters.
#20. Second Sight
- Release Data: Free Radical Design/Codemasters, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Second Sight is a respectable single-player adventure that shows the developer is capable of making more than just first-person shooters.
It’s got some flaws and it’s not very long or replayable—you’ll probably finish it in 12 to 15 hours, without much incentive to go back to the beginning—but it’s fun while it lasts.
#19. Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montpellier/Ubisoft, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
This is a game that immerses fully you in a quality adventure, the likes of which will probably make you want to see Peter Jackson’s movie all the more.
It’s the thing that so many licensed games shoot for, and so few achieve.
#18. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
The design of Splinter Cell Chaos Theory‘s campaign fulfills a lot of the previously untapped potential of its predecessors’ single-player portions, and the game’s multiplayer options are certainly intriguing.
On paper, it has to be the most fully featured stealth action game on the GameCube, so if you like the idea of high-tech espionage, it’s going to be appealing.
#17. Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
- Release Data: Io Interactive/Eidos Interactive, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Hitman 2 is exceptionally well done in most every way and represents a major improvement over the original.
Even the most experienced gamers will find a serious, rewarding challenge in the game’s highest difficulty mode, yet the well-rounded design of Hitman 2 means almost everyone will like the game and its distinctive cinematic style.
#16. LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
- Release Data: Traveller’s Tales/LucasArts, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
LEGO Star Wars II is a great entry-level title for young Star Wars fans looking to expand their videogame horizons.
Its violence is never scary, its humor is always funny, and its gameplay is always fun.
Sure it’s easy and simple, but it’s a lot of fun and has a great amount of lasting appeal beyond a single playthrough.
#15. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
- Release Data: Radical Entertainment/VU Games, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Sure, it isn’t the deepest, longest, or most technically proficient game out there, but fans of the comic book are sure to have a blast smashing their way through every destructible obstacle the game throws at them, and anybody else with a penchant for obliteration ought to at least give Ultimate Destruction a look.
#14. Resident Evil 0
- Release Data: Flagship/Capcom, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Those who have stuck with the Resident Evil series despite its insistence on not changing its ways will find that Resident Evil 0 still has a lot to offer in the form of some terrific graphics, a couple of small changes to the series’ gameplay, and a story that unveils the origins behind the Umbrella corporation.
#13. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures is a game best enjoyed with a group of four, and using the Game Boy Advance as a controller has an appreciable impact on the experience.
When you’re all hooked up and playing with a gang, Four Swords Adventures is a great game.
#12. Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Those who primarily enjoyed The Sands of Time for its original charm and subtle character development may not find quite what they’re looking for in this sequel.
But even with this caveat, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within is easy to recommend for any action-adventure fan, and its lengthier campaign should keep players busy for a lot longer this time around.
#11. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Though some new gameplay mechanics have been introduced, such as the speed kill and the new tricks of the Dark Prince, The Two Thrones is still basically very similar to the other two games.
For those who love solving the environmental puzzles and seeing the beautiful environments that the series is known for, The Two Thrones delivers perfectly.
#10. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
- Release Data: Silicon Knights/Konami, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
There’s no doubt that The Twin Snakes is a great game on its own merits.
It marries the better graphics and more entertaining gameplay from Sons of Liberty with the tighter, more intriguing storyline of the original MGS.
If you’ve never played Metal Gear Solid before, here’s your chance to experience a truly great game for the first time.
#9. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell
- Release Data: Ubisoft Shanghai/Ubisoft, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell is undoubtedly one the best examples of a stealth game to date, and it will surely appeal to those who’ve enjoyed similar games in the past.
Or, if you like the idea or even just the look of Splinter Cell but haven’t played a stealth game before, then this is a perfectly good place to start.
#8. Beyond Good & Evil
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montpellier/Ubisoft, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
While the game’s repetitive nature and short length take away from its overall impact, Beyond Good & Evil is a fantastic-looking game that tells its story well.
It may be short enough to complete in a day or two, but fans of action adventure games will find enough to love in the game’s overall design to make it worth playing.
#7. Resident Evil
- Release Data: Capcom, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
This classic horror game is brought to new heights in this amazing remake, with updated visuals and controls.
Playing as either Chris or Jill, players must investigate a multi-roomed mansion teeming with zombies and other dangerous horrors.
If you’ve never played the original Resident Evil on PlayStation, this is arguably the better way to experience it.
#6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time / Master Quest
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Originally released as a pre-order bonus for Wind Waker, this compilation includes both the original Ocarina of Time as well as the unreleased expansion, Master Quest.
To save the day, Link must travel back and forth through time, finding new items and solving puzzle-filled dungeons.
Simply put, this is a game that must be played by everyone
#5. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
- Release Data: Silicon Knights/Nintendo, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
The game follows four characters, each living in a different place and time.
Guiding each character, players must make their way through levels filled with terrifying traps, creatures, and peril.
There is a “sanity” meter that must be maintained over the game, otherwise, you will fall prey to many of the unique scares in the game.
#4. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
This reboot of the classic Prince of Persia game upgrades the gameplay to 3D, offering tense platforming and brutal combat.
Playing as the prince, players must battle through various locations, fighting enemies and free-running around the level.
The excellent level design and cool time-control mechanics make for a stylish adventure and an unforgettable journey.
#3. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
This entry in the Legend of Zelda series breaks the franchise mold with a brand new cel-shaded graphical style.
Players must explore the vast Great Sea, visiting its many islands and delving into dangerous dungeons.
Between the vivid visuals and fantastic gameplay, this is simply one of the best games in the Zelda series.
#2. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
This Zelda game is pretty dark and serious when compared to other games in the franchise, including difficult puzzles and morbid visuals.
Unlike other Zelda games, in this game Link is able to transform into a wolf, giving him new movement and attack options.
In the end, few games are as epic in scale and adventure as this awesome GameCube title
#1. Resident Evil 4
- Release Data: Capcom, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
This game is widely known as the title that popularized the “over-the-shoulder” camera angle which has become the standard in modern games.
Playing as Leon, you’ll explore several terrifying locations as you encounter horrifying enemies both human and supernatural.
Moreover, the epic boss fights punctuate the amazing story, resulting in a fantastic experience that blends the horror and action genres together.
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See also: Best GBA Games & Best DS Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which GameCube action-adventure game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!