GameCube Launch ‐ Part 2 - RetroAchievements/RANews GitHub Wiki
RetroAchievements is proud to announce support for its 52nd console, the GameCube!
The Nintendo GameCube launched in Fall 2001 as a successor to the Nintendo 64. It features a handle so you can whack people with the Gamecube and yell "that's my purse, I don't know you!". The system used mini discs which actually spin backward as an attempt at anti piracy. This primarily worked until the end of the system's lifestyle. Unfortunately the mini disc format was hard to develop for by third-party developers. Although the GameCube was not the lowest powered system of the generation (that honor went to the PlayStation 2), it did often receive buggier versions of ports. Still, the system was not short on power or exclusives and boasts some of the most memorable exclusives in the generation.
With this launch, RetroAchievements is proud to announce this was our Biggest Launch of all time with over 100 games here at release. That means GameCube will launch with over 25% of the system's library already available!
This project was spearheaded by LillyJade at the coding helm, and the entire project at this point was a good 2 years of work. We also have to thank our partners at the Dolphin Team for working with us to get this product out the door.
We also need to thank the Writing Team led by Nepiki who have made sure these sets are up to a high standard for English readability. We also can't forget to thank the Dolphin Testers for taking the sets and beating them with a hammer to find lingering bugs and errors. Finally, thanks go out to the Rollout Team who have helped over the past two years including Snow, StingX2, TheMysticalOne, AuburnRDM, pinguupinguu, televandalist, and Sutarion.
Furthermore, an event for the GameCube launch is now ongoing as well. Check out this forum post for all the details regarding this event!
An additional thank you to the Writing Team for helping write some paragraphs you can see down below, including Kiwiron, Jazerus, PlugMeister, and BloodParade!
With RANews, we wanted to take a look at each of the games released during this rollout and give you a short introduction on what to expect. This will be split up into three articles, with each covering a random set of games! Here is the second set for you to check out:
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 7054, 088971, Battalion Wars %} | Strategy, Real-Time Strategy |
By: {% rauserpic MGNS8M %}
The real Art of War is to understand all of its aspects. If you've found through Advance Wars that you were a genius tactician, take direct control of your troops and run in the hills, fly in the sky or roam the roads in a vehicle to now prove that you have what it takes to lead the Frontier's Force to victory. You will need Power, you will need Technique, you will need Speed and most importantly you will need GUTS if you want to be the best at war!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 28604, 089894, Donkey Konga [Europe] %} | Rhythm |
| {% ragamepic 13727, 089809, Donkey Konga [USA] %} | Rhythm |
| {% ragamepic 28605, 089895, Donkey Konga [Japan] %} | Rhythm |
By: {% rauserpic Sines %}
Clap, clap, clap your hands! We have Taiko no Tatsujin at home: Bongos edition. There really are no surprise when you launch this game: you want a classical rhythm game and you've got it. Exception made of a few minigames that are a bit tacked-on the core gameplay loop is to play the songs, get points & money for it and then buy more songs. Once you've warmed-up enough try your skills on Gorilla difficulty and aim for that high-score, those gold medals and even the classic Full Combo. On the menu exclusively for the European release you'll find songs such as 99 Red Balloons, a bit of Supergrass, some Jamiroquai or the world famous Don't Stop Me Now from Queen. US release wish it could be half this cool! Well, I guess they do have a few good things for them as well such as We Will Rock You or the Pokemon main theme... And if not weeb enough then hop on the Japan release for an almost entirely different song list full of various anime opening, most importantly including the Hamtaro opening theme song! Don't have any bongos? No worries: you can also play the game perfectly fine with a regular GameCube controller!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 5404, 089983, Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Plus %} | Role-Playing Game |
By: {% rauserpic Snow %}
The GameCube version of Sega's pioneering online multiplayer action-RPG, Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Plus features new class & race combinations as well as a brand-new second episode of content just as large as the original game! While online multiplayer is currently not supported for the set, players can still experience the full variety of areas, enemies, items, and quests in offline mode as they journey into the depths of planet Ragol in search of the missing colonists from the ship Pioneer 1. The core set emphasizes plot progression and quest completion for both Episodes across the game's four difficulty levels, but you can also hunt for rare items and reach the towering height of Level 200 with the Grind subset as you explore more of Phantasy Star Online than ever before!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 8231, 036335, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance %} | Tactical RPG |
By: {% rauserpic voiceofautumn %}
As Evil awakens, the fight for peace begins! Playing as the young and brash Ike fight your way through almost 30 intense chapters. Recruit new allies and clash with friends and foes on your way to stop the Mad King. Will you bring back peace to Tellius? Will you have your revenge on the mysterious Black Knight? Will you and your mercenary band manage to survive this unforgiving ordeal? Only one way to find out!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 1442, 091995, Bomberman Generation %} | 3D Platformer |
By: {% rauserpic RyudoSynbios %}
Grab your explosives and get ready for another bombtastic adventure in Bomberman Generation! Six crystals of unfathomable power were collected, but the freighter carrying them gets attacked and the crystals fall to planet Tentacalls. Thus it is up to our hero to restore peace to the galaxy by going through a variety of levels, blowing up enemies, solving puzzles, and finding treasure. The iconic charabombs also return, and are featured in Pokemon-like battles within these levels as well. Collecting all of the Charabombs, as well as Lightning Cards will be the main gist of the set alongside progression, but of course we can't forget about the various minigames as well as classic Bomberman gameplay!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 3781, 081298, Pokemon Channel %} | Pet Simulation, Point-and-Click Adventure |
By: {% rauserpic tsyque %}
You know, there are far too many games this rollout. Let's instead sit back and just watch TV for a bit with our favourite electric mouse! Pokémon Channel puts you in the shoes of a player with his Pikachu, where Professor Oak has already handed out too many Pokédexes so he forces you to stay at home and watch television instead as a beta tester for his new network. You got your classic channels like the news with Psyduck, working out with Smoochum, and of course the shopping channel where Pikachu unapologetically steals your credit card to buy whatever it sees. Some channels are interactive while others are not, but your attention will still be required to answer questions about what you saw to other Pokémon! You get cards in return, which will be the main thing standing between you and a mastery, so good luck and enjoy a break with Pokémon Channel!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 6238, 075893, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat %} | 2D Platforming |
By: {% rauserpic MGNS8M %}
A DK Adventure with Bongo-Pounding Controls! From the team that would later make Mario Galaxy, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat was a return to form for the most popular videogame gorilla. After a controversial (if very funny) DK64, no one had heard of him in a while but the King of the Kong is back better than ever. Wild beasts roam the jungle and a new group of baddies have staked their claim on all the bananas! This simply cannot stand so clap and punch your way through the competition! Be assured that if you don't have access to the official Bongos (or don't want to use them) this is a game that can perfectly be played without.
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 6981, 092333, Tales of Symphonia %} | Role-Playing Game, Action RPG |
| {% ragamepic 28798, 092334, Tales of Symphonia [Subset - Gung Ho Run] %} | Role-Playing Game, Action RPG |
By: {% rauserpic Jenettebaghead %}
The Tales series would return to the GameCube with the first ever 3D game in the series, and what a hit it was. Commonly seen as one of the best games in the franchise with protagonist Lloyd even being part of the logo, Tales of Symphonia is the fifth entry in this long-running series of action RPGs. With the land dying due to a steady loss of mana, it is up to the chosen one Colette to travel around the world on a journey of world regeneration, awakening the summon spirits and becoming an angel at the end. She is a bit of a klutz though... so good thing Lloyd and friends are ready to help out! After all, he fights with two swords, and that makes him twice as strong! Spam Demon Fang and Double Demon Fang, defeat enemies and collect all titles and items to show you are the true master of Sylvarant. And if you're especially brave, check out the Gung Ho Run subset as well to prove you don't need levelling to fight your enemies!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 7423, 068145, Pokemon Colosseum %} | Turn-based RPG |
| {% ragamepic 28797, 099667, Pokemon Colosseum [Subset - Espeon & Umbreon] %} | Turn-based RPG |
By: {% rauserpic Delmaru %}
Step into the wild, rugged region of Orre because it's time to add some much-needed edge to the Pokémon franchise on RetroAchievements! This entry flips the script, putting you in the shoes of Wes, a former Team Snagem member who steals their prized Snag Machine, which allows him to capture other trainers' Pokémon. Oh, and he bombs their hideout in the process... Wes meets a mysterious girl in the next town who insists on keeping him in line. Can't have a Pokémon game be too dark now, can we?
The game features stunning 3D graphics with unique animations for each Pokémon, reminiscent of Pokémon Stadium. Story Mode battles are exclusively Double Battles, adding complexity to each encounter, while Battle Mode supports both Doubles and Singles. The achievement set will test you in every mode, as you catch and purify all Shadow Pokémon and reach the peak of Mt. Battle. Overcome all challenges, and become a legend of Orre!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 7693, 091536, Mario Kart: Double Dash %} | Kart Racing |
By: {% rauserpic AdeptTempest %}
Double the Dash, double the Players, Quadruple the fun! Classic among classics, come experience or re-experience one of the best Mario Kart title ever made and be reminded why it has a legendary status. Race, drift, fight your way through the entire Mario World and the wild tracks that can be found there. Admire the castle view of Mario Circuit, dodge traffic in Mushroom City, survive the chaos of the dreaded Baby Park and soar through the night sky of the evergreen Rainbow Road. Rumors talk of very skilled ghosts that need to be beaten and shortcut only the best can find...Whatever your skill level might be, it's guaranteed fun for everyone!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 25477, 089161, Swingerz Golf %} | Sports - Golf |
By: {% rauserpic Snow %}
The GameCube had another exclusive golf game next to our Italian plumber, namely Swingerz Golf! In this simulation game, choose from 14 different characters and play across 6 courses, all varying in difficulty and atmosphere. Change clubs and control the power of your swing to get the ball as close as possible to the hole, with stamina being lost- or regained depending on the accuracy. Choose from a variety of modes like the usual normal matches and strokes mode, but also a tour mode to stimulate the career of each character, a mission mode consisting of multiple challenges, and a bunch of minigames. With a beefy set at your hands, this is one of the most detailed golf games you can find on RetroAchievements!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 25473, 089001, Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast %} | First-Person Shooter, Hack & Slash, Third-Person Shooter |
By: {% rauserpic Mendil %}
Kyle Katarn thought he was out of the Jedi Knight business...but they always pull you back in. Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast is a First Person Shooter created by Raven Software using the Quake 3 engine with their usual variety of custom additions, such as a robust lightsaber combat system and a wide range of Force Powers. Players will follow the story of Kyle Katarn as he is once again forced to take up the mantle of Jedi Knight and defend the New Republic against the remaining forces of the Empire - the Imperial Remnant - and their mysterious Dark Jedi leader, Desann. The set features a wide variety of progression achievements and challenges for the main story mode which span across all of the game's difficulty levels as well as many challenges focused on testing your abilities against bot players in the game's numerous multiplayer rulesets. Strap yourself in for anything but a blue milk run as this set takes you to hyperspeed!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 25426, 097438, Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg %} | 3D Platforming, Collect-a-thon |
By: {% rauserpic LiveFastCyYoung %}
GOOD MORNING! Morning Land has been invaded by Crows and now it is time for Billy and friends to show that they are no chickens! Rolling (an egg) around at the speed of sound, you will have to traverse colorful levels to save the elders and restore peace to the place. No gorgeous chick to save this time, just a group of kids in their fursuit having an eggcellent time. Truly a game that has never had its vibe replicated since, proving once more that Yuji Naka (of Sonic fame) will never make a bad game in his entire career.
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 25423, 098948, Aquaman: Battle of Atlantis %} | Action-Adventure |
By: {% rauserpic WilHiteWarrior %}
Dominate the seas with DC Comics' most powerful aquatic hero, Aquaman! His mortal enemy Black Manta has returned to once again attempt to destroy the kingdom of Atlantis, and it is up to Aquaman to prevent the city falling into doom in a story told like it was ripped straight out of a comic book. Swim through more than 20 levels, fighting opponents in underwater combat and sometimes piloting crafts to shoot down enemy crafts. Several of these missions also come with challenge achievements, like doing it under a specified time or not engaging in combat at all. I hope you are ready to show off your swimming skills!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 29881, 099078, Cabela's Outdoor Adventures %} | Sports - Hunting |
By: {% rauserpic orchidcnr %}
Embark on the hunting journey of a lifetime! Travel North America across 11 different locations, each with their own unique fauna for you to hunt. With 33 potential species to hunt, your collection of trophies will be wide and varied! But it’s not all straightforward hunts, as the warden and your guide may ask you to do stuff like claim some rabbits for furs, take down a sick deer, and warn you of a bear that spawned behind you. You could even go ahead and bring along a fishing rod to fish up 11 different species of fish for a quick meal. Alongside these hunts, take on one of 22 different missions that’ll test your hunting and fishing prowess out in the wilderness, as well as 11 contests that’ll test your aim and your skills in the field at identifying the great trophies. It’s a journey that’ll test your patience, but yield you high reward, so get packed and onto the seaplane for an unforgettable journey! (Or you could choose Greenhorn and abuse the Lock-On function for an easy Beaten, but I won't judge ;))
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 25463, 088813, Piglet's Big Game %} | Action-Adventure |
By: {% rauserpic MaddieKittyTV %}
Help Piglet become a hero in Piglet's Big Game! Being the only one who saw a shadowy monster, it was quickly deemed to be Piglet's fears imagined. Piglet will never become a hero while he's scared, but that is all about to change. Finding a mysterious telescope, Piglet enters the dreams of this friends and helps them out with their problems, like Pooh unable to get his honey from the beehive or Owl unable to find his memory book. The game plays out like an action-adventure game, with Piglet interacting with his surroundings and becoming the big scare himself by shooing them with a scary face, of which multiple expressions can be bought with the collectables found in levels. With this, Piglet can now show of that he is truly the Bravest of Them All, and you can prove it too by mastering this achievement set!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 9915, 089891, Wave Race: Blue Storm %} | Extreme Sports - Watercross |
By: {% rauserpic Bartis1989 %}
It's time to rev up your Jet Ski and keep an eye out for those buoys... The sequel to the N64 cult classic, Wave Race 64, is here to make a splash on RetroAchievements! Blue Storm lives up to its predecessor, from the wonderful graphics (reflections ahoy!) to the dynamic weather effects that can alter both the waves and the very nature of each lap. Each character has their own attributes that further change how you navigate through each race; combine all of this, and you have the perfect storm!
Blue Storm has a number of game modes such as Championship, Time Attack, Stunt Mode, and Free Roam, you can race for glory or just casually explore each course! The achievement set will require you to showcase your mastery of all these game modes, including a special Nintendo Power Challenge! So go ahead and catch the wave, and don't forget to "Follow that dolphin!"
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 6837, 099101, Doshin the Giant %} | Real-Time Strategy |
By: {% rauserpic Layton %}
A lot of Nintendo's franchises had a spotlight on the Nintendo GameCube, be it completely new franchises or the ones we are already used to. While technically not new, Doshin the Giant would see its first game get re-released, as well as making it the first time the west got to see this friendly giant... at least, if you lived in Europe. In this god simulation game, you take control of the titular giant who goes around the island to help them with all things they need to live a happy life... or do the opposite as his evil alter ego Jashin the Giant, making the life of the inhabitants a living hell. Focusing on one side at a time makes the giant absorb emotions and grow in size, just to repeat the same the day after. For this set, you'll have to prove you can please both sides, inspiring the villagers to build monuments as well as picking up the variety of animals around the island. Whatever you do is up to you because after all, you are god, and therefore the fate of the inhabitants lay in your hands!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 6928, 089033, Mega Man X Collection %} | Action, 2D Platforming, Compilation, Kart Racing |
By: {% rauserpic Ghal416 %}
Attention, all Maverick Hunters! Put your combat skills to the ultimate test in the Mega Man X Collection, a harrowing hexalogy following the adventures of the elite duo of Mega Man X and his faithful sidekick Zero in their everlasting battles against the evil Sigma and his army of malevolent Mavericks in the dark future of 21XX! Collect Maverick weapons, armor parts, and upgrades to unlock your full potential! Triumph against overwhelming odds by facing every boss in each game without taking damage or using only your default weapons! And on your break, hit the road and take on the racing robots of yesteryear in the previously classified Mega Man: Battle & Chase, via its first (and only) North American release! Do you have what it takes? Only the X-Buster on your arm knows for sure... This concludes your briefing, Hunters. Dispatch!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 25424, 100189, Barnyard %} | Adventure, Minigames |
By: {% rauserpic Excessiveiser %}
It’s time to moooo-ve and groove! Based on the “hit” animated movie from Nickelodeon, you’re a new city cow transferred to the Farmer’s farm. Now at the Barnyard, you got to make new friends and go on some wild shenanigans with them. On top of that, there’s a bunch of things to buy, a bunch of mini-games to play, all while going through the movie’s plot as your new bud Otis has to take up the role of being a leader after his father’s death. With an extensive map full of collectibles, as well as a whole Night Barn to spruce up and maintain (provided you got the Gopher Bucks), you’re about to be one very busy cow!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 25450, 081241, Mario Party 4 %} | Party |
By: {% rauserpic lordpsycho %}
Mario and crew are back to party for the fourth time, and the first of four games on the GameCube! Travel across six unique boards fully rendered in 3D, roll the dice and make enemies by stealing your opponents' coins and stars in popular minigames such as Booksquirm and Dungeon Duos. The items from Mario Party 2 and 3 return, but there are loads of new features first introduced in this game, like the ability to team up in pairs in Party Mode. Custom mini-game packs can also be created by players of the game, and collectibles in the form of presents are found throughout the game as well. Complete the story as every character and clear all boards on the hardest-possible difficulty, and become a master of mini-games in the achievement set, now available on RetroAchievements!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 2199, 086944, Simpsons, The: Hit & Run %} | Racing, 3D Platforming, Sandbox |
By: {% rauserpic Guinea %}
Fasten your seatbelts and prepare to terrorize the good citizens of Springfield once again, the GameCube version of The Simpsons: Hit & Run has arrived! Play as the Simpsons family (except Maggie of course, babies can't drive...) and Apu in an original story created by the show's writers, with the original voice cast reprising their roles! Mysterious vans, robot wasps, and the new Buzz Cola drive a conspiracy that threatens to shake Springfield to its core.
The gameplay is quite similar to Grand Theft Auto, but with a stronger focus on the vehicular aspects. You'll help and compete against a range of familiar characters in races and timed missions, or simply explore Springfield if the mood strikes you! All of this is accompanied by the tongue-in-cheek, referential humor you'd expect from The Simpsons. The achievement set focuses on full completion, with a range of extra challenges to test your skill.
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 30157, 099467, Universal Studios Theme Park Adventure %} | Adventure, Minigames |
By: {% rauserpic Hexadigital %}
Have you ever dreamed of visiting one of the captivating and wonderful Universal Studios theme parks? Hollywood, Orlando, Japan? Well, keep on dreaming, because you're about to have Universal Studios Theme Parks Adventure invade your cranium! This notorious GameCube exclusive puts you in the shoes of a child exploring Universal Studios Japan. Your objective? Collect stamps by completing various rides throughout the park, each inspired by the most iconic Universal Studios franchises! Experience thrilling attractions based on classics like Jurassic Park, Jaws, Back to the Future, E.T., and... Backdraft?
Of course, there are always the queues! To avoid them, you'll need to earn points and buy franchise-specific hats to skip ahead. If only it was that easy in real life! You'll gain these points by completing extra activities, like interacting with the various characters in the park, why not shake their hand while you're at it? You'll also need to pick up plenty of litter and dispose of it in trash cans, because no one else will! The achievement set for this game will ask you to finish the game on Hard, buy all the items, and collect all the Universal Studios letters hidden around the park. And remember, you're at a theme park, don't forget to have fun!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 25467, 095345, Road Trip: The Arcade Edition %} | Arcade Racing, Kart Racing |
| {% ragamepic 30490, 100391, Road Trip: The Arcade Edition [Subset - Road Trip Encyclopedia] %} | Arcade Racing, Kart Racing |
By: {% rauserpic Blazekickn %}
Hop into the Choro-Q cars and get ready to go on another Road Trip Adventure (heh) with Road Trip: The Arcade Edition! Choose from 10 different car types that all have multiple icon bodies to change their look, and race through six different tracks, each coming with different lengths as well as reversed editions to bring up the variety. But the biggest change to this game in particular, is that you don't just want to win races, but also make the lives of your opponents a living hell. That's right, it's weapons time! Not only are there some cartoony items to obstruct opponents, but you can attach actual guns to your car like a machine gun or a bazooka. Yeah this isn't your silly kart racer, you actually want your cars-without-actual-humans-inside-so-completely-legal-opponents dead! Alright, that's enough edge for today, but if this does sound right up your alley, then do consider giving Road Trip: The Arcade Edition a shot. And if you really, really, REALLY like the game, there's a subset for completing the encyclopedia. You'll be racing for a very long while to come but hey, this will be absolute satisfaction to completionists!
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| {% ragamepic 9190, 099022, Legend of Zelda, The: The Wind Waker %} | Action-Adventure |
By: {% rauserpic suspect15 %} and {% rauserpic AlmightyXor %}
Ahoy! Link and Zelda return for another epic adventure in this seaborne addition to a legendary game franchise. Wield the titular Wind Waker, board the King of Red Lions, and set sail on the Great Sea as you attempt to thwart Ganondorf's plans once again! This former GameCube exclusive has a timeless cel-shaded art style that makes it stand out from other Zelda titles, giving it a fun, tongue-in-cheek feel. The world is unique for a Zelda game, set in a vast ocean with unique islands dotted across the map. Many of these islands have obstacles that can only be overcome with the right equipment, a staple mechanic of the franchise. The world and its visuals are beautifully complemented by a soundtrack featuring iconic pieces like Dragon Roost Island and The Great Sea.
Okay, that's enough fanboying (this is my favourite Zelda game, after all...), I'm sure you've heard it all before. Let's discuss the achievement set! This set covers most aspects of the game and will keep you occupied for a long time. Fully explore the map, collect everything that isn't glued to the floor, and obtain all the Nintendo Gallery figurines. There are also challenge achievements, including timed tasks and beating the game with only 3 Hearts and 1 Bottle! If you're a Zelda fan and haven't played or completed this game, what are you waiting for!? Get to it!