First Party
Geist
While Eternal Darkness may make more sense as a horror game to bring to Nintendo Classics, I feel that game would do best with a full remake instead. With Geist on the other hand, Nintendo could bring its innovative FPS/Adventure horror game developed by N-Space to a new audience that would appreciate it more. The unique possession mechanics and gameplay ideas may not have gone over well at launch, but Geist could do very well with today’s gaming audience who are more accustomed to such blends of gameplay and off-beat ideas. Who knows, maybe it would show there is demand for it to come back.
Wave Race: Blue Storm
The superior sequel to Wave race 64, Wave Race: Blue Storm did everything a sequel needed to. It was bigger, better looking and had a lot more ideas. The game still looks amazing and plays great today, and while Wave Race 64 has seen re-releases, Blue Storm has not. This is a shame because to this day there is nothing like it in terms of racing games. Yes, there are the hydro thunder games, but Blue Storm far exceeds those and creates a deeper and more satisfying experience. It is high time to let this aqua racing game get its time in the sun.
Battalion Wars
Battalion Wars was an interesting spinoff of the Nintendo Wars series. A mix of Real Time Strategy game and Third Person Shooter, Battalion Wars felt different and was a breath of fresh air. That is not to say it was nothing like the Nintendo Wars series, but rather that it shifted the Nintendo Wars format into a different style while retaining some ideas and charm from Advance Wars. With Advance Wars having made a return on Nintendo Switch, it is time Battalion Wars got a chance again.
Star Fox: Assault
While many will clamor for Star Fox Adventures, we cannot forget the followup, Star Fox: Assault. This was a return to aerial combat, online with on foot and land vehicle based missions, and never got the attention it deserved.The game was developed by Namco as part of a deal with Nintendo and showed a degree of creativity that had not been seen in the series to that point. The action was intense, and the multiplayer, which allowed you to use any of the three modes of gameplay, was some of the best in the series. This is one Nintendo should not leave in the past.
Wario World
Wario’s first 3D outing and it was a unique one. Wario World is half 3D Platformer and Half 3D Beat em up. This Treasure developed game was perfect for Wario, because it helped set apart his 3D game from what Mario 3D games were. Sadly not enough people played this back in the day, but Wario World is a game that deserves a bigger audience. It had great visuals and amazing gameplay, and is still a fun time today. With Wario getting several of his handheld titles released on Nintendo Switch’s Nintendo Classics lineup, it is only fair Switch 2 get his amazing GameCube Adventure
Third Party
Viewtiful Joe
One of the most creative side scrolling beat em ups ever made, Viewtiful Joe saw you pulled into a movie and utilizing the power of cinema to take out enemies. You could stop and rewind in this tokusatsu-inspired world, and utilize different film based powers based on your VFX gauge. This game and its sequel were like nothing else before or since, with amazing visuals and music to go with the gameplay, and a return on Nintendo Switch via Nintendo Classics would be a great way to bring in a new fanbase to see why this platformer/beat em up hybrid was so beloved
Lost Kingdoms 1 and 2
The Lost Kingdoms games were unique action RPGs developed by From Soft that were exclusive to the GameCube and have never seen a re-release. The combat is done in real time, but uses a set of cards for the action and combat while you keep your character moving to avoid enemy attacks and plot tactical points to attack. There was also a neat multiplayer mod that would be fun to revisit online on Nintendo Switch 2.
Skies of Arcadia Legends
Fans have been calling for the return of Skies of Arcade in some form for decades and what better way than via a re-release of the GameCube version. This update changed a number of things compared to the original Dreamcast release and was described as a director’s cut, with a lot of new content. This included more detailed character models, a more stable frame rate and reduced loading times, as well as new side quests and subplots, new hidden discoveries, and a “Wanted List” of new enemies to find. Legends is regarded as a fantastic way to experience the game and a return on Nintendo Switch 2 via Nintendo Classics would b amazing.
Bloody Roar: Primal Fury
Soul Calibur 2 may have been chosen for its inclusion of Link, but it does set a precedent for fighting games to come to GameCube Nintendo Classics, and Bloody Roar: Primal Fury is a great choice to add. Often considered the peak of the series, Primal Fury was fast paced and hard hitting and fun to play with friends. With online play via Nintendo Switch Online already showing that fighting games previously released via Nintendo classics can be a lot of fun, Bloody Roar: Primal Fury is an ideal choice. Plus it could help stoke interest in the series again.
Bomberman Generation
Bomberman had a number of platformer titles and Bomberman Generation is often regarded as among the best. Its cel-shaded art style worked great for a fun platformer, along with excellent minigames that kept you hooked for hours. Plus it had amazing multiplayer modes and of course, those would be welcome with online multiplayer on Nintendo Switch 2
Special Instances
Judge Dredd: Dredd vs. Death
I said there would be no licensed games on this list, but Dredd vs Death is an exception. The reason for that, is that Dredd vs Death was developed by Rebellion and Rebellion now owns Judge Dredd and most 2000AD properties.This means that one of the best Judge Dredd games could be re-released without any major issue whatsoever. Dredd vs. Death is still regarded as a fantastic game that is true to the series and with Nintendo Switch Online, the multiplayer modes would be a blast. This is one that needs to happen.
Metal Gear Solid The Twin Snakes
This one is a special case because it is both first and third party. It is a Konami IP, but Nintendo has a stake in this GameCube game and helped develop it. Fans have long wanted a return of Solid Snake’s GameCube outing, which made a number of changes to the original experience, and a release on Nintendo Classics would be the ideal way for it to happen.
Phantasy Star Online
This one would be difficult, I acknowledge right away. Phantasy Star Online on GameCube had some unique single player content to it, as well as offline multiplayer that could be played online via NSO. But if there was a way to set up small-scale online play to mimic the classic days, then Phantasy Star Online’s GameCube version would be a killer app for Switch 2.
And there we are. What GameCube games are you hoping to see come to Nintendo Classics on Nintendo Switch 2? Let us know!
