We already published the list of best GameCube games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GameCube action RPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GameCube definitely has a great library of action RPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GameCube and action RPGs, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#10. Mystic Heroes
- Release Data: Koei, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
If you liked the pacing and mechanics of Gauntlet or the old Final Fight style of side-scrolling beat-’em-ups, then Mystic Heroes is a great expansion of and improvement on that sort of gameplay.
It definitely suffers from Koei’s lack of experience in storytelling, but it is still a good game that can be enjoyed both alone and with others.
#9. Summoner: A Goddess Reborn
- Release Data: Cranky Pants Games/THQ, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Summoner offers a lengthy quest with a good deal of optional stuff to do along the way.
Though the combat isn’t great, the fact that you can often choose whom to bring to the fray and how to develop each individual character makes Summoner feel open-ended without compromising the game’s emphasis on storytelling.
#8. Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance
- Release Data: High Voltage Software/Interplay, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Fans of action RPGs should make every effort to play Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance—but ideally not the technically deficient GameCube version.
Dark Alliance for the GameCube is still a good game, but it’s clearly a rushed port of the original, with nothing new save some never-before-seen graphical shortcomings—and that’s either embarrassing or sad.
#7. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
- Release Data: Hypnos Entertainment/Electronic Arts, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
In the end, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is a traditional action RPG with a terrific gameplay system that encourages you to battle it out like there’s no tomorrow.
Fans of the films will want to pick this one up, but those who enjoy action RPGs in general will also find a lot to like about it.
#6. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
- Release Data: Square Enix/Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Though it’s got a couple of irritating quirks, Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles really is a fun action RPG with its own style and a fair amount of replay value.
It doesn’t exactly fit into the Final Fantasy series, but it’s good enough to stand on its own without any famous franchise names attached to it.
#5. X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse
- Release Data: Raven Software/Activision, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
It doesn’t do anything new or groundbreaking in terms of gameplay mechanics, but the cast of characters and the story are more than enough to make it worth playing.
Even if you’re only a passing fan of the comic book series, and even if you’ve already played the first game, you’ll have a lot of fun with X-Men Legends II.
#4. Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
If you’ve played the original Phantasy Star Online extensively on the Dreamcast, then there isn’t any significant reason to play through the game on the GameCube.
But if PSO Episode I & II is the first chance you have to experience the series, then you should try this game since it’s still as addictive as ever.
#3. X-Men Legends
- Release Data: Raven Software/Activision, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
All in all, X-Men Legends does a good job with the comic license, so fans will probably enjoy the game’s attention to detail.
The gameplay, while perhaps a bit easier than it should be, is also great.
But most importantly, it’s an entertaining game with a story that you’ll want to see through to its conclusion.
#2. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
- Release Data: Hypnos Entertainment/EA Games, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King features fast-paced, cinematic action with plenty of pick-up-and-play appeal.
On its own merits, it’s not a particularly lengthy or complex game, so you should be able to get through most of its content in a weekend.
#1. Tales of Symphonia
- Release Data: Namco, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Those curious about the genre and who loathe the idea of turn-based battle and scads of random encounters will appreciate the quick fighting pace.
While the story may rely a bit too much on cliché, the ride is still worthwhile.
If you have a GameCube and like RPGs, you definitely need to check out Tales of Symphonia.
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See also: Best GBA Games & Best DS Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which GameCube action RPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
