We already published the list of best GameCube games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GameCube action games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GameCube definitely has a great library of action games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GameCube and action 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. Mortal Kombat: Deception
- Release Data: Midway, 2005
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Deception is best suited for the series’ fans, especially those who liked Deadly Alliance.
The thing is, many of these players have already experienced the game on other platforms, though hardcore devotees might want to find the means to check this version out just to see Goro and Shao Kahn.
#24. Donkey Konga
- Release Data: Namco/Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Donkey Konga packs hours of fun. It’s a good single-player experience and a great multiplayer one.
If you can round up four buddies and four bongo controllers, you’re set for the evening.
The mini-games offer a little fun, but your best still sits in Konga’s primary game modes.
#23. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
- Release Data: Ubisoft Shanghai/Ubisoft, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
To sum things up, Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc is an excellent 3D platformer and one of the best to appear on the GameCube.
It re-creates much of the same lighthearted whimsy that made Rayman 2 so incredibly enjoyable, while differentiating the action enough for the game to stand up on its own.
#22. Red Faction II
- Release Data: Cranky Pants Games/THQ, 2003
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Red Faction II is a great shooter overall, offering up a short but sweet single-player campaign and a solid multiplayer mode for the long run.
All in all, Red Faction II can offer some good shooting action for fans of the genre.
#21. Call of Duty 2: Big Red One
- Release Data: Treyarch/Activision, 2005
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Overall, Call of Duty 2: Big Red One is a worthwhile first-person shooter.
The game has made noticeable strides over the previous Call of Duty game on consoles with an interesting, but short, campaign.
Ultimately it’s a game of straightforward shooting, but one directed with such care that it really shouldn’t be ignored.
#20. Medal of Honor: Frontline
- Release Data: EA LA/EA Games, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
In the end, Medal of Honor Frontline is a terrific game that will satisfy anyone who is looking for a first-person shooter.
The game’s level and mission design are extremely well done and provide an ample amount of different activities, keeping the gameplay fresh from start to finish.
#19. Karaoke Revolution Party
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/Konami, 2005
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
In all, Karaoke Revolution Party is the finest and most fun karaoke game on any console and even rivals many PC-based karaoke programs.
In other games, you sing. In this game, you sing and the computer tells you how much you blow.
#18. Alien Hominid
- Release Data: The Behemoth/O3 Entertainment, 2004
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
The game is a perfect fit for Metal Slug fans, and its incredible charm and refreshing visual style will make it hard for anyone to look away from.
If you’re just tired of sequels, and long for a game that can genuinely surprise you, go get Alien Hominid.
#17. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
- Release Data: Nintendo EAD Tokyo/Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Prepare your hands for a workout, as this Donkey Kong title will have you tapping with intensity as you work your way through several stunning worlds.
Only true experts will be able to keep their combo going through the entire level!
This inventive GameCube-exclusive game will have you tapping to the beat and playing in ways you never thought possible.
#16. Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
- Release Data: Midway, 2002
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Deadly Alliance is a 3D fighter that doesn’t fall into the same trap that some other games have fallen into when making the 2D-to-3D transition.
It is an unusual fighting game that does a great job of balancing the classic Mortal Kombat style with enough new additions to draw in people who aren’t completely familiar with the series.
#15. 007: NightFire
- Release Data: Eurocom/Electronic Arts, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
This FPS blends exciting gun-play and cool spy mechanics for an unforgettable action experience.
Players can also test their skills against friends in local multiplayer or hone their skills against bots.
If you’re a fan of the Nintendo 64 classic GoldenEye 007, this is another James Bond adventure you’ll absolutely love.
#14. Freedom Fighters
- Release Data: Io Interactive/Electronic Arts, 2003
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Tactical
By blending together an interesting war setting and engaging squad-based gameplay, this shooter stands out from the pack.
Players will fight through the streets of New York City over a series of missions, recruiting other characters to fight in their resistance.
As you overtake the enemy and do good deeds, your squad will grow in size, with you as their leader.
#13. Metal Arms: Glitch in the System
- Release Data: Swingin’ Ape/VU Games, 2003
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Get ready to scrap some junk robots in this exciting and inventive action title.
Each level is full of enemies and dangers, so players will have to keep firing and utilize things like zip-lines to stay alive.
Despite its somewhat cutesy visuals, this game provides an ample challenge for any action-game buff, with a difficulty that feels rewarding and satisfying.
#12. James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing
- Release Data: EA Redwood Shores/EA Games, 2004
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Fans of the James Bond movie franchise will adore this excellent adaptation of the Everything or Nothing movie, with a star-studded cast and amazing action.
Playing as 007, players engage in exciting third-person action, including gunfights, brawls, and vehicle chases.
In addition to the lengthy story mode, you can also hop into cooperative or competitive modes, enjoying this spy-thriller with friends.
#11. Def Jam: Fight for NY
- Release Data: Aki Corp./Electronic Arts, 2004
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Def Jam: Fight for NY is a great sequel.
What worked in Def Jam Vendetta has been expanded and improved upon in almost every way, and the new story mode is simply a joy to play.
If you like wrestling games, fighting games, or even just the world of hip-hop, Def Jam: Fight for NY is a game well worth owning.
#10. TimeSplitters: Future Perfect
- Release Data: Free Radical Design/Electronic Arts, 2005
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Once again, the TimeSplitters franchise delivers amazing FPS action in this third and final installment.
Players will love the humorous story mode, which is packed with levels that take place throughout interesting moments in history.
There are even numerous multiplayer challenges to complete, as well as a full map-editor that allows you to create your very own TimeSplitters mission.
#9. Ikaruga
- Release Data: Treasure/Infogrames, 2003
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
This incredibly challenging and fast arcade-shooter is well known in Japan, and this version is regarded as one of the best ports.
It presents a mind-boggling challenge as bullets fill up the screen while you attempt to survive.
Luckily, players can adjust the difficulty to their liking, giving them more control over the experience than in the original arcade version.
#8. Viewtiful Joe 2
- Release Data: Clover Studio/Capcom, 2004
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
The action of blockbuster movies and comic book heroes erupts on-screen in this awesome adventure!
Players control both Joe and Silvia, each with their own special VFX powers.
This sequel doubles down on the action as well, delivering levels set in crazy action films and colorful sequences with a cool cel-shaded visual style.
#7. TimeSplitters 2
- Release Data: Free Radical Design/Eidos Interactive, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
The TimeSplitters franchise combines humorous storytelling and unique levels with a great variety of modes.
Players can enjoy the ten-level story mode, as well as the various multiplayer modes and challenges included.
Additionally, players can create their own story or multiplayer levels by using the extensive MapMaker feature.
#6. Super Smash Bros. Melee
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 2001
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
This exciting exclusive doubles as both a fighting game and a party game, as it is easy-to-learn but has tons of complex techniques to discover.
Players can battle it out in a variety of fun modes, including a handful of single-player and multiplayer modes.
If you’re a fan of Mario or fighting games, this is a game you must own.
#5. Viewtiful Joe
- Release Data: Clover Studio/Capcom, 2003
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Few action games are as colorful and inventive as this one, with its awesome characters and explosive action.
Joe has several unique “VFX” powers that allow him to slow down time, rewind past mistakes, and boost his attack power.
Overall, this game provides a consistently entertaining and imaginative level design, with fun and challenging gameplay to boot.
#4. Super Mario Sunshine
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Like other 3D Mario games, this platformer invites players into a colorful world full of tropical fun and excitement.
The levels are broken up into individual challenges, with hidden secrets and bonus levels to find and unlock.
Players will have to think outside the box to solve dastardly puzzles and their skills will be tested in challenging side-activities.
#3. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
- Release Data: Retro Studios/Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
This fantastic sequel to Metroid Prime effortlessly blends first-person action with exploration and puzzle-solving gameplay.
The game heavily features the concept of alternative dimensions, with Samus able to jump between light and dark dimensions at will.
Any owner of the Nintendo GameCube should check out this unique and exciting adventure!
#2. SoulCalibur II
- Release Data: Namco/Nintendo, 2003
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
This fighting game series brings more than simple fighting into the mix, as each character has a signature blade or weapon to utilize.
In addition to the dozen-plus characters, the GameCube version contains the exclusive character Link from the Zelda series.
Whether you’re a newbie to the genre or a seasoned veteran, this is one fighting game you shouldn’t miss.
#1. Metroid Prime
- Release Data: Retro Studios/Nintendo, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
This absolutely amazing adventure game combines first-person shooting gameplay with fun exploration and character upgrades.
To complete the game, players must find and collect twelve artifacts that are scattered around the planet.
As you progress, you’ll find upgrades for Samus’ armor and weapons, unlocking new areas in the process.
So, fulfill your cosmic destiny and start bounty hunting as Samus now!
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See also: Best GBA Games & Best DS Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which GameCube action game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
