GameCube’s Forgotten Multiplayer Games

GameCube, with its four controller ports, is notorious for being a great multiplayer console. With titles such as Super Smash Bros. Melee, Mario Party 4 through 7, and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, it’s easy to forget about some of the lesser-known multiplayer titles.

Alien Hominid 

Originally a Flash game, Alien Hominid is a side-scrolling shoot ‘em up that received console ports. The main game mode allows for two player co-op play. With comical animations and big boss fights, it’s a great game that is often overlooked. Try out the Flash game before buying.

Hunter: The Reckoning

Hunter: The Reckoning offers an abysmal single player experience, but gather two or three friends and it’s fun. Don’t come in expecting any great story or depth; just expect some non-stop hack-and-slash action. The main thumbstick controls movement while the C-stick controls aiming.

NHL Hitz 20-03

NHL Hitz 20-03 has aged gracefully.

Yes, it’s an old sports game. No, it’s not obsolete. NHL Hitz 20-03 is not a realistic hockey game; rather, it's an extra fast, hard-hitting hockey fantasy. It has wacky characters, a sense of humor, and easy-to-learn controls. I’m not a sports fan of any kind, yet I find it very entertaining.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures

Four Swords Adventures is probably the last Zelda game to come to mind when thinking of Zelda titles for the GameCube. The requirements to play it properly are very steep, because standard controllers will not work for multiplayer. Here's what you'll need for four players:

• x4 GameCube—Game Boy Advance Link Cables
• x4 Game Boy Advance systems (preferably GBA SP)
• x4 GameCube controller extensions (the GBA link cables run quite short)

Gather this equipment along with some friends, and you can prepare for a good time. It’s a unique experience where each player receives his or her own screen. Four Swords Adventures offers a nice mix of cooperation and competition.

Pikmin 2

Multiplayer in Pikmin 2 is split-screen yet retains detail.

Pikmin 2 is a real-time strategy game unlike any other—it’s both easy to understand and highly entertaining. The two-player versus mode of Pikmin 2 pits players against each other in an assortment of challenging environments. Build an army of Pikmin and use them to strategically meet one of the three win conditions. Consider purchasing the Nintendo Selects re-issue of Pikmin 2 for the Wii, as it offers widescreen support and enhanced Wii control.  

WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$!

 "Nighttime Allergies" Microgame

This is a weird one. Overshadowed by Mario Party games, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$! should not be forgotten. Rather than having a virtual board with minigames, WarioWare gives up to four players the opportunity to take turns playing “microgames"—games that have a duration of only a few seconds each. It’s not a game to be played regularly, but every once in a while it will produce some great laughs.