We already published the list of best GameCube games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GameCube platform games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GameCube definitely has a great library of platform games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GameCube and platform 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. Disney’s Chicken Little
- Release Data: Avalanche Software/Buena Vista Games, 2005
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Chicken Little manages to keep the look and feel of the movie, but most of all it has a solid design and execution that proves just because a game is licensed doesn’t mean it is a waste of time and money.
In the end, it has surprised and delighted us with entertaining level design and strong production value.
#24. Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
- Release Data: Eurocom/Vivendi Games, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
All told, Ice Age 2: The Meltdown is a fun, engaging platformer that should appeal to multiple audiences.
The gameplay is enjoyable, the characters are well represented, and the graphics are quite pleasing for this sort of game.
If you liked the movie, Ice Age 2 is a game well worth playing.
#23. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
- Release Data: Adrenium/Activision, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is a faithful rendition of the books and should please kids.
The gameplay at times feels a bit too simple, but overall it’s an excellent example of what can be done with a game designed specifically for kids.
As is, Unfortunate Events is a good game that does more right than wrong.
#22. Scaler
- Release Data: Artificial Mind and Movement/Global Star Software, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
There’s nothing especially wrong with it, but at the same time, it never finds a way to actually draw you into its experience, and it just seems to lack the intangible qualities needed to make a truly successful platformer.
As a result, Scaler is a decent 3D action platformer, but hardly anything that would stand out compared with similar games.
#21. Dr. Muto
- Release Data: Midway, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Dr. Muto is certainly a platformer, but it’s definitely unique.
Midway has created an original mascot, a refreshing change from the standard stuff most companies try and push off.
Not only that, Dr. Muto has sly humor, difficult challenges, and some fantastic gameplay elements.
Fans of the platform genre can rejoice, because Dr. Muto is worth your time.
#20. Ty the Tasmanian Tiger
- Release Data: Krome Studios/Electronic Arts, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
The short length of this game is somewhat justified by the high quality of the game’s content.
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger is great for younger players and can provide a satisfying experience for teens and adults as long as they don’t mind their replay value coming from finding every last collectible in the game.
#19. Wallace & Gromit in Project Zoo
- Release Data: Frontier Developments/Bam Entertainment, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
The developer has done an excellent job of creating a platformer that’s authentic and true to the world of Wallace & Gromit.
Based on the classic 3D formula set out by Super Mario 64, Wallace & Gromit adds a few touches of ingenuity here and there.
All in all, Wallace & Gromit in Project Zoo is a good thing for kids and diehard fans.
#18. Vexx
- Release Data: Acclaim Studios Austin/Acclaim, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Vexx is not a terrible game. Yes, the graphics are dated. Yes, the mechanics are familiar, perhaps to a fault. And, yes, the sound design leaves much to be desired.
But what undercuts Vexx the most is the increased level of polish and innovation other 3D platformers have brought to the table.
#17. The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
- Release Data: Heavy Iron Studios/THQ, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Instead of settling on oversimplified gameplay, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie delivers an entertaining mix of platform and driving sequences.
Not only that, the game also uses a majority of the voice work from the show and makes the most of the visual style making up the SpongeBob universe.
#16. Wario World
- Release Data: Treasure/Nintendo, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
There are some pretty cool things going on in Wario World, but the game’s mechanics are shallow, there aren’t enough levels, and the game is easy enough to complete in one day.
There are definitely some things to like here, but this game can only be recommended to Nintendo or Mario fans.
#15. Shrek 2
- Release Data: Luxoflux, Inc./Activision, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
As a whole, Shrek 2 is a fun diversion from more serious and time consuming titles.
Mature gamers won’t find it too stimulating but it’s worth trying if you’re a fan of Shrek or are looking for a multiplayer adventure to pass your time.
#14. Sonic Adventure 2 Battle
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
It has some flaws, but luckily, enough of what makes up this remake is still entertaining and the enhancements and additions in multiplayer should keep die-hard Sonic fans happy for a good, long time.
And while Sonic Adventure 2: Battle is definitely worth playing, it’s the kids that mostly will enjoy it due to its simplicity.
#13. Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg is worth everyone’s attention not because it delivers an exceptional single-player experience, but because it serves up an addicting multiplayer one.
The two-, three- and four-player arena battles in this game are extremely fun and satisfying. Try them and you’ll be hooked.
#12. Pitfall: The Lost Expedition
- Release Data: Edge of Reality/Activision, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Pitfall: The Lost Expedition is as much give and take as you’ll find in a modern platformer.
For every good quality it features, there’s an issue to be found.
If you can find it within yourself to simply ignore some of the problems the game has, you’ll likely find The Lost Expedition to be pretty enjoyable.
#11. Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue
- Release Data: Krome Studios/EA Games, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 2 is ultimately a good sequel to a game that wasn’t really all that spectacular to begin with.
This game doesn’t provide much improvement for the series, but it’s an appreciable update with enough positive qualities to charm most younger players.
Adults probably won’t be engaged by it, but it should be easily appreciated by kids.
#10. Tak: The Great Juju Challenge
- Release Data: Avalanche Software/THQ, 2005
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Tak: The Great Juju Challenge isn’t going to turn the platformer genre on its side, but the game is surprisingly fun.
This is due in large to a balance of old and new mechanics topped off with a stylized, humorous presentation.
Overall, it remains a rock-solid addition to the series and also one that can be recommended to most people.
#9. Pac-Man World 2
- Release Data: Namco, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Pac-Man World 2, like its predecessor, is a 3D platformer in which you play as Pac-Man.
The game has some technical issues, but Pac-Man World 2 is one of the better GameCube 3D platformers out there and provides a great deal of fun.
Fans of the platforming genre definitely should check this one out.
#8. Tak and the Power of Juju
- Release Data: Avalanche Software/THQ, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Tak manages to breathe new energy and life into the platforming genre.
While not a revolutionary title, Tak possesses enough characteristics that you want to play it through it.
Perhaps it’s because of the goofy main character, a humorous plot line, or some creative ways to present age old puzzles that make you want to play through Tak.
#7. SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom
- Release Data: Heavy Iron Studios/THQ, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
While Battle for Bikini Bottom is too easy, it’s still a lot of fun to run through the Jelly Fish fields.
If you aren’t a fan of SpongeBob, you’ll probably find this a pretty average experience.
However, if you can accept that this isn’t an overly challenging, revolutionizing platformer title, you can have a lot of fun.
#6. Sonic Heroes
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Sonic Heroes is the closest that Sonic Team has gotten to doing a 3D Sonic the Hedgehog game in the classic 2D style.
In the end, it’s a purer, more action-packed Sonic experience than either of the Sonic Adventure games.
All in all, if you were able to overlook the problems found in those games, Sonic Heroes is easy to recommend.
#5. Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams
- Release Data: Avalanche Software/THQ, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is a great sequel to what was a fun, well-designed platformer.
But not only that, Tak 2 is a lot more fun thanks in large to a smart, rewarding gameplay dynamic that appeals itself to both younger and older players.
#4. I-Ninja
- Release Data: Argonaut Games/Namco, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
At first glance, I-Ninja may appear to be a simple action game designed for kids, but in reality, it is anything but.
The visual style may seem kid-friendly, but the level of challenge I-Ninja has to offer keeps the game interesting for a wider audience.
#3. 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.
#2. 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.
#1. 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.
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See also: Best GBA Games & Best DS Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which GameCube platform game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!