9 Best Gamecube Fighting Games That You Should Know Update 04/2024

Best Gamecube Fighting Games

Fighting games are mostly based on retro games and arcade-style play, with fast-paced twitch gameplay and a focus on playing with other people. Even though this can make a title seem timeless, it can also make some titles seem old.

This is especially true on Nintendo’s less powerful GameCube, which had some fighters with graphics and gameplay that don’t hold up today. Even the unique controller, which is often good for the genre, isn’t always enough to make up for some of these fighters’ clunky mechanics, awkward animations, or confusing visuals.

That doesn’t mean, though, that the console doesn’t have a good selection of fighters. In fact, it does. But which fighting games for the GameCube have stood the test of time the best?

WWE Day Of Reckoning

WWE Day Of Reckoning

Even if you’re not a big fan of wrestling, wrestling games tend to be fun to play because of how intense the fighting is and how competitive they are. Even though Day of Reckoning is exclusive to the GameCube, it still holds up pretty well in the multiplayer department. However, its simple campaign and small number of wrestlers make it a failure by today’s standards.

And this doesn’t even take into account the rough character models and dull, jumbled art style.

Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee

Godzilla is still a classic when it comes to monster movies, but he doesn’t show up much in games, like this Pipeworks Software fighter, where he’s a prehistoric beast. Fair enough, this fighter was a surprise hit when it came out in 2002 for the GameCube and Xbox.

It was fun to play monsters like Megalon and Anguirus, as well as different versions of the scaly green monster himself. This was helped by mechanics that worked well most of the time and a variety of fun moves, like a beam shot and the ability to throw things at enemies.

Still, Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee hasn’t held up too well over time because of its simple gameplay, clunky animations, and old-fashioned polygonal graphics.

TMNT: Mutant Melee

TMNT Mutant Melee

There have been many different versions of the famous turtles-in-a-half-shell, including one from 2003 that was more serious and focused on action. Even though this version might work well for a fighting game, TMNT: Mutant Melee hasn’t aged as well as it might have.

Still, the buzz around Shredder’s Revenge shows that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has taken on a retro charm that only adds to its wide appeal, and this brawler has a lot to offer. Even though TMNT: Mutant Melee is simple and a little rough around the edges, its cartoony look has helped it last longer than other more polished and solid fighters.

This romp is worth at least a second look because it has four different game modes, including a fairly detailed single-player campaign, a lot of fun moves, and a lot of people who want to play with them.

Mortal Kombat: Deception

Mortal Kombat from Midway is a long-running, violent game that has had its ups and downs over the years. This sixth-generation version for the GameCube is about in the middle. Mortal Kombat: Deception shakes up the tried-and-true formula by adding new weapons, funny instant-death traps, Combo Breakers, and even minigames.

The game also has exciting 1-on-1 brawling and a huge cast of 26 characters, including series mainstays like Scorpion and Sub-Zero. Even though Deception’s in-game graphics don’t look great to modern eyes, the animations and cutscenes were very impressive for the time they were made.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2

Dragon Ball Z Budokai 2

It’s no surprise that this well-known anime series works well as a fighting game, as hits like Dragon Ball FighterZ continue to show. Yet, this spiritual predecessor, which came out in 2004, is still a strong fighter on the Cube that many people don’t know about. Fans of Dragon Ball Z are sure to be interested in it.

Even though it’s been said that Budokai 2 isn’t much better than the first game, it’s still a fun game in its own right, with bright anime graphics, heart-pounding action, and a combat system that’s both varied and intense.

Bloody Roar: Primal Fury

When it came out, it was a big deal for both Smash Bros. and Sony fans, but it didn’t take long for Xbox to get it with a little bit better graphics. Bloody Roar: Primal Fury is still an underrated hit on the Big N’s machine, and it even looks pretty good. Even though it came out in 2002 and was first made for the less powerful Cube, this is the case.

Primal Fury is a fast-paced fighting game with a variety of attacks and blocks. It is based on a fan-favorite game for the PlayStation and adds to it. As players fight to fill the important Beast Gauge, the stakes go up. A satisfying power move turns fighters into half-animal beasts when the Beast Gauge is full.

Even though the game isn’t a technical marvel, it stands out because it looks great, has fun arcade-style combat, and has solid controls that work well with the Cube’s fighter-friendly controller.

SoulCalibur 2

SoulCalibur 2

People usually didn’t pay much attention to the few third-party games on GC, but Project Soul and Namco got people interested in this version of the great SoulCalibur 2 game by adding Link as a playable character.

The game improves on the good things about its predecessor by adding new fighters, a more in-depth Conquest Mode, and mechanics that have been improved and made more complex. Even though there have been a lot of similar games since SoulCalibur 2 came out in 2002, it is still the best 3D arena fighter.

DreamWorks Shrek SuperSlam

Shrek SuperSlam is a fun game for kids and people who like the movies.

It’s a simple, easy way to pass the time that isn’t hard or complicated in any way.

The characters still have the same great charm they had in the movies, and some of the cutscenes are even funny.

One Piece: Grand Adventure

One Piece Grand Adventure

Grand Adventure is a must-have for anyone who likes the One Piece series.

This fighter seems simple, but it has a surprising amount of depth and entertainment. Even if you’ve already played One Piece: Grand Battle, there’s enough extra content to make this one worth your money.