We already published the list of best GameCube games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GameCube JRPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GameCube definitely has a great library of JRPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GameCube and JRPGs, 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. Evolution Worlds
- Release Data: Sting/ESP Software, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Evolution Worlds doesn’t set its sights particularly high and as such is fine for what it is: a lighthearted, entry-level role-playing game best suited for younger players.
It’s linear, repetitive, and predictable—criticisms that perhaps can be leveled at a lot of such games, but they apply more accurately to this one.
#9. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
- Release Data: Genius Sonority Inc./Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is a fun, though familiar, trip back into the world of collectible creatures.
At about 20 hours for the single-player game, it’s a fairly lengthy adventure.
However, if you aren’t already a Pokémon fan, you won’t find much here to make you one.
#8. Mega Man X: Command Mission
- Release Data: Capcom, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Mega Man fans who have grown weary of the usual action fare will find this game to be a nice diversion, with a good narrative and enjoyable battles.
However, those with just a passing interest in the realm of Mega Man X will probably be able to satisfy their curiosity with a quick session over the weekend.
#7. Lost Kingdoms II
- Release Data: From Software, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Thanks to this sequel’s seamless integration of its combat and exploration elements, and to the improved graphics and overall production values, Lost Kingdoms II is a solid sequel and a good game that’s recommendable to GameCube owners up for a complex challenge.
#6. Lost Kingdoms
- Release Data: From Software/Activision, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
As an RPG, Lost Kingdoms lacks a lot of the depth, scope, and production values that makes the genre so compelling.
Yet at the heart of Lost Kingdoms lies a cool combat system that makes you look forward to each of the game’s random encounters.
#5. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age
- Release Data: EA Games, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
In the end, The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age molds Middle-earth into a traditional turn-based frame, and while the results aren’t all that great, the game carries some pretty good features and should appeal to fans of the source material.
#4. Baten Kaitos Origins
- Release Data: Monolith Soft/Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Baten Kaitos Origins is packed with content and nostalgia for series fans, along with lots of difficulty and some good old-fashioned level grinding.
You don’t need to have already played the original game to understand the events here, and the story holds up very well if you can survive the sometimes brutal card battles.
#3. Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
- Release Data: Monolith Soft/Namco, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
When it comes down to it, RPG fans will not be disappointed in this gem of a title that Namco has brought exclusively to the GameCube.
This is a first-class work with a compelling storyline and an active card-battle system that stays fresh throughout the life of the game.
#2. Skies of Arcadia Legends
- Release Data: Overworks/Sega, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
What ultimately defines an RPG is its characters, and this is where the game remains blemish-free, with a large cast of memorable heroes and villains.
The exploration and bounty rewards, plus the ship-to-ship combat, are also great uses of the game’s setting.
It’s almost an excellent game, and that’s still pretty good.
#1. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
If you’ve enjoyed any of Mario’s past appearances, you really ought to give Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door a try.
It’s difficult to imagine how someone could not be quickly pulled into Paper Mario‘s whimsical world if they give the game so much as half a chance to do its thing.
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See also: Best GBA Games & Best DS Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which GameCube JRPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
