Although the GameCube's selection may be smaller than the rest, there are enough gems to fill the sack of even the most picky Santa. It's a great console for families, as the hardware is inexpensive (down to $99) and mostly kid-proof, and the game library tends to stay away from the more mature themes.
That said, if you're looking for something for the grown-ups, you'd be a fool to miss the delightfully eerie Resident Evil 4 or deep strategic epics like Battalion Wars. Plenty of high quality cross-platform games also make it to this budget-friendly console, and it's home to many standout moments of pure Nintendo fun that you can't find anywhere else -- like Jungle Beat.
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Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
It's a game where you beat drums and make a monkey do things. How can it possibly be bad? Jungle Beat comes with a special controller that looks and works like a pair of bongo drums. The game stars Nintendo favorite Donkey Kong, and by tapping out various rhythms on the drums, you send him swinging through a series of platform levels. The drums can also be used with a range of Nintendo music games, so they're unlikely to sit and gather dust. Well, no more than any other novelty controller, anyhow.
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Resident Evil 4
While this Resident Evil game doesn't have the zombie theme of the rest in the survival horror series, it's still no more suitable for the kids. Shambling European villagers take the place of the undead hordes, and with vastly improved graphics and control, it's an outstanding choice if you're shopping for someone of appropriate maturity. Pair it with Nuby Tech's chainsaw-shaped controller for the ultimate gift combo.
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Super Mario Strikers
Mario and friends get stuck into soccer this year. New, more realistic interpretations of Nintendo favorites like Bowser and Princess Peach are the order of the day, but the gameplay is far from realistic and we mean that in a good way. Simplified rules, lots of powerups to collect, and a fun-focused attitude add up to a recipe for good, clean family entertainment.
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NBA Street Vol. 3
Sporting a new look and easier to handle controls, this three-on-three arcade basketball game is a must for any b-ball fan. The GameCube version misses the online play that's available on the PS2 and Xbox releases, but gains a special team made up of a trio of classic Nintendo characters: Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. We'll let you decide whether that's a good thing or not -- but even with this slightly odd addition, NBA Street V3 is a real blast to play.
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Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
It's fun to break things. Ultimate Destruction gives its players the chance to break a whole lot of things. So, Ultimate Destruction is a whole lot of fun. With a wide range of moves and abilities to learn, this Hulk game manages to convey the power and strength of The Hulk with ease. And that's what we all like about the character, right? Ultimate Destruction is perfect for your little monsters.
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Timesplitters: Future Perfect
Future Perfect hits the spot in both its single-player story section and four-player split-screen mode. It's packed with weapon types, doesn't take itself too seriously, and manages to pack an astonishing amount of content into an appealing and attractive package. There's even a level editor, so when you're bored with the included maps, you can make your own. It's perfect for any Gamecube owner, especially those with the necessary friends or family to take advantage of the excellent multiplayer.
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Battalion Wars
Combining action, strategy, and tactics in one attractive bundle, Battalion Wars is based on the much-loved Advance Wars series found on Nintendo's portable systems. The approachable style and over-the-top vocal presentation hides a game that's brimming with strategic depth. Budding commanders will love it.
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Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Fans of strategic role-playing games like Final Fantasy Tactics will love this GameCube hit. Unlike so many other similar titles, Path of Radiance manages to get both the tactical, turn-based battle sequences and the storyline right. It's a shame it doesn't look a little better, but you can't have everything. Anybody looking for something with a little more depth should be delighted with it.
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SSX On Tour
As the snow piles up outside, your loved ones might be glad of the chance to enjoy their favorite winter sports without braving the cold weather. SSX On Tour features races and trick contests on both skis and snowboards, an outstanding soundtrack that's among the year's best and a fantastic sense of visual design and identity. Plus you can pull off all the outrageous tricks you've always wanted to do without the risk of physical injury.
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