We already published the list of best GameCube games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GameCube RPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GameCube definitely has a great library of RPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GameCube and 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. 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.
#9. 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.
#8. 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.
#7. 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.
#6. 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.
#5. 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.
#4. 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.
#3. 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.
#2. 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.
#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 RPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!