It’s time to relive couch multiplayer action as we take a look at the best 4 player GameCube games of all time!
I don’t care what anyone says, nothing…nothing beats playing games with your friends in the same room, watching their reactions in real time and being able to bounce off each other in person.
Nintendo have always known that, which is why multiplayer games are still such a big part of their ethos.
Back in the days when the WaveBird reigned supreme, my mates and I would spend every waking minute challenging each other on the best 4 player GameCube games, replaying match after match to try and hone our skills.
I want to share twenty of the games that defined my youth with you. Hopefully, you’ll get as much enjoyment out of them as I did!
Table of Contents
1. Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
Super Smash Bros. Melee takes the Gold Dodo as the best 4 Player GameCube game!
Melee is the best Smash Bros game in the series, without a shadow of a doubt. Ok, so it might not be as intricate or have as many players to choose from as Ultimate, but sometimes too much choice can be a bad thing!
And, as Melee is the best selling GameCube game ever, and one that caused my first GameCube to burnout through over-use, I think it’s a worthy winner
So, who’s on board for a fight in this game?
Well, Ganondorf and Marth were two of my go-to characters, but all the usual suspects such as Peach, Yoshi, and Luigi return to battle once more.
And, this game is so simple to play that it hurts. If all else fails, just mash the C-Stick to glory!
You might be a wizard on Overwatch, but until you’ve felt the sweat pouring down your neck while trying to stay alive with 200% damage, then you’ve never truly gamed.
2. Gauntlet: Dark Legacy (2002)
Warriors shouting for sustenance, wizards wielding spells, dwarves smashing hammers. No, it’s not Lord of the Rings; it’s Gauntlet: Dark Legacy
It was a close call between this title and the game in the top spot in our list. Me, Andy, Josh, and Chris used to knuckle down for a Gauntlet session every Saturday morning, right after Smackdown and the Pokemon TGC show on Ideal World.
Yes, I’m surprised I’ve ever had a girlfriend either…
Slaying undead demons, working together to find artefacts, and teaming up against some of the gnarliest bosses imaginable… this game has it all.
One of the best bits about this game was playing with the same team of mates too. You got to see your characters change over time as you upgraded them, turning from mere Wizards and Warriors into Mages and Barbarians!
Plus, with lots to unlock and more hordes of annoying creatures than Walmart during the January sales, there’s never a dull moment to be had in Dark Legacy.
3. Mario Kart: Double Dash (2003)
I mean, how can we have a GameCube games list without a Mario Kart title!
As the name might suggest, Double Dash uses two characters instead of one. One character drives while the other stands on the back of the kart throwing items.
You can even change who’s driving as many times as you want mid-race. Yeah… it’s a bit of a weird gimmick, but it’s Mario Kart, so we always cut it some slack…
Check out the graphics too… still looks good, right? It’s a huge jump from the N64 days, with rounded corners instead of janky edges and lots of sweet features to entice players in with.
Whether you liked the double-driver dynamic or not, this game still went on to be the 2nd best selling GameCube game of all time, so I guess either Nintendo did something right here or everyone just really loves Mario Kart.
Probably the second one, eh?
4. The Legend Of Zelda: Four Swords (2004)
Four Swords is one-hundred percent an underrated Legend of Zelda title. Ok, so it’s not Ocarina, but having a co-op multiplayer Zelda title is what dreams are made of, and we can’t get enough of it.
Work with three mates to control four Links split apart by the Four Sword. Team up to solve puzzles and take down evil enemies in topdown fashion, just like the Link’s Awakening days of old.
Don’t worry; there’s still plenty of collecting action to undertake too. Find gems to make your sword more powerful. It’s the only way to break Dark Barriers and finally thwart the evil Vaati once and for all.
And in an early sort of Wii-U style vibe, players 2 to 4 needed GBAs to control their characters and have their own personal screens when their link went inside buildings.
Work through the main adventure together, proving that you and your friendship group don’t need the Triforce to bond you together. Or, just destroy each other in battle mode and have done with it, it’s up to you!
5. Mario Party 4 (2002)
It’s finally time for Mario Party 4, the best of the best Mario Party game ever made!
I can’t tell you how many times me and my Mum played this game. We’d spend hours doing 50-turn rounds on an evening, battling it out to see who could hold their nerve in all the amazing mini games.
Still, having four players on the go made it even more exciting, teaming up against friends (turned foes) or going head to head to win those coins and bag those precious stars.
While the premise is the same as pretty much all the previous Mario Party games, there’s just something special about MP4 that gets me every time.
I don’t know whether it’s the courses, the magic lantern and accompanying genie, or the simplicity of it, but this game is, in my humble opinion, the ultimate party title.
And I say that knowing full well that Muppets Party Cruise exists!
This game is rated E for everyone, and I challenge you to find me anyone that doesn’t smile while playing this game.
6. WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$! (2003)
If you love the idea of playing games that last 5 seconds and take 3 to work out, then WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$! is the game for you.
This could well be the weirdest game on the GameCube, but man is it the funniest.
We’re talking mini games that involve picking a nose, blasting asteroids, and loads of other weird stuff that shouldn’t exist but I’m glad it does.
Yeah, get ready to question your reality…
I really should have done more revising instead of playing this game with my mates. Still, I guess it set me up working for Retro Dodo, so it’s not all bad… right?
Each character has their own party game platform as well as their unique personalities… though I’m still confused as to why one of the characters has a member on its head…
Sure, you can play this game on your own, but it’s the laughs you have with mates while going through this insane title that makes it worth it.
And, Wario looks like a real badass in his new get-up!
7. F-Zero GX (2003)
Speaking of addictive racers, F-Zero GX is one of those games that never left my GameCube back in the day. My dad and I played this continuously, but the four player mode was really where it as at.
Anyone with the need for speed (not the game, the feeling), needs to strap themselves in for this insanely quick title.
If you’ve never played it, imagine Star Wars Episode 1: Racer mixed with WipeOut, and then times it by 10.
It makes Mario Kart look like a soft walk through a woodland glade… which sounds rather nice, actually.
Oh, and there’s no prizes for guessing who most people pick while playing this game…
… that’s right… FALCON PUNCHHH.
Yes, Captain Falcon is the star of the show when it comes to the F-Zero racetrack. Of course, there are other racers, but who really cares about them?
The tracks are an absolute minefield, with twists, turns, slides, tubes, and drops aplenty.
If you and your mates are looking for quick white knuckle thrills without even leaving the house, then look no further. Just try not to get in a fight about who’s going to play as the Cap’, alright
8. Super Mario Strikers (2005)
Super Mario Strikers, or Mario Smash Football for the PAL players, changed Friday night games night forever.
Finding a spot on the floor near the TV for the non-WaveBird users, keeping drinks within arm’s reach, and knocking back goals while stuffing our faces with Pizza… those were the days.
Plus, tell me anything better than going 3-0 down against a robot army, only to knock in 4 super strikes and come out victorious.
Right, so I know that this isn’t the most realistic Football game going, especially with Fifa out there on the shop shelves, but it definitely makes the game at least 67% better.
We’re talking unlockable characters, chain chomps, items, and all your favourite Nintendo characters taking to the pitch in a battle for glory.
Every game is different, and the courses have a kind of Pokemon Sword/Shield Spikemuth Gym feel to them. It’s real street sports at its finest… if also 100% made up.
9. 1080° Avalanche (2003)
1080 Avalanche is up next, carrying on the franchise that Kenuske Kimachi and DIOOOON BLASTERRRRR started back on the N64.
With new players, slick looking tracks, and tonnes of moves to pull off, this is one cool game that you all need to try.
And yes, I did use the word ‘cool’ because it’s a snow game…
The original 1080 game had a big emphasis on getting points from each trick made while cruising downhill. There’s still moves to pull off in Avalanche, but this game is mainly about hardcore racing.
And with 4 GameCubes connected via LAN play, you can have 16 boarders playing at once.
Plus, there’s an exciting new mode called Avalanche Mode (obviously…) where players have to race against nature itself. Beat an avalanche, or die trying (not literally).
With 20 courses and some quirky snowboards like an epic NES controller, there’s tonnes of fun to be had whether playing with three mates or fifteen!
10. Super Monkey Ball (2001)
Super Monkey Ball drops into 10th place in our best 4 player GameCube games list… especially if you’re having a bash at Monkey Target in the multiplayer mode!
I know a lot of us have tried our hand at the solo player mode in this game and spent hours trying to navigate those twisty-turns sky levels, but the real magic lies in the 4-player games.
Have a bash at Monkey Billiards, Monkey Bowling, Monkey Fight, Monkey Target, Monkey Golf, and Monkey Race!
Seriously, you’ve never lived until you’ve gripped your WaveBird tightly and prayed to the Monkey King while dropping towards the point zone in Monkey Target.
I’ll never forget playing this game with my Mum as a kid. When her and GonGon teamed up for Monkey Billiards, there really was no stopping them!
11. Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour (2003)
Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour is up next, one of the best GameCube games for calculated fun…
… that’s everyone’s favourite type of fun, right?
I’m not the biggest fan of golf, and I’m not ashamed to say it. Still, if you add in chain chomps, mushrooms, and all my favourite Nintendo Characters, then I suddenly become interested.
Take your time, get your button-mashing finger ready, and strike at the right time to get that sweet super shot.
You can even use top spit and backspin to manipulate the ball when it lands…
… man, golf really is difficult!
And you know what, this game still looks good today. Ok, so it’s nothing compared to the PS5, but the characters and scenery still look super smoothened detailed, even without the best GameCube HDMI cables.
12. James Bond 007: Nightfire (2002)
If you loved GoldenEye 007 (and let’s face it, who didn’t), then James Bond 007: Nightfire will be right up your street.
We’re talking sneaky snipers, mountain top perches, and Oddjob skulking around the multiplayer maps while tossing that brutal hat of his.
Yes, you heard me right. Players can now play as Oddjob and use the world’s most famous bad-guy hat to take out their mates.
And you thought the Golden Gun was cool!
Honestly, my mates and I spent so many hours playing this game. My friend Andy always used to be the one manning the cable car, and I’d be the one dying continuously while he picked me and the others off one by one.
Pick up classic Bond weapons from explosives to pistols and rack up as many kills as you can .
Ok, so it doesn’t have the Facility level like GoldenEye 007, but it’s a small price to pay for some killer headwear.
13. Wave Race: Blue Storm (2001)
Wave Race: Blue Storm takes the 13th spot in this list of the best 4 player GameCube games. It’s the sequel to the classic N64 title and launched alongside the GameCube back in the day.
The characters have lost the wetsuits and now sport shorts and caps, giving jet skiing an even cooler edge than it already had before.
Oh, and if you thought 1080 Avalanche had some sick moves, then wait till till you start hitting the ramps in Blue Storm.
All the characters in Wave Race have a turbo meter that can be filled up through slaloming correctly through coloured boys.
Race through three laps, navigate different weather conditions, and deal with crazy waves trying to throw you off course as you speed through epic locations.
And, as we’re here talking about the best 4 player GameCube games, I can tell you that Blue Storm is one of the most addictive racers out there…
… it also gives you some serious Wanderlust. I wish I was back near the ocean…
14. Donkey Konga (2003)
Let’s face it, we all thought that Donkey Konga was going to be a massive flop, right?
Well, we were all incredibly wrong. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that they should change the phrase ‘never judge a book by its cover’ to talk about Donkey Konga instead…
… never judge a game by it’s bongos? I’m still working it out…
Grab three mates, four sets of bongos, and slap beats together like you’re in a drumming workshop.
Hard to believe that kids used to do this when all they do now is text and play Fortnite…
Donkey Konga works the same as Guitar Hero; hit in time to the beats to score points, and lose combo bonuses if you miss a beat.
Get the most points, and you win!
15. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (2003)
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles really needs no introduction, but as I’ve got a word count to meet, then I might as well give it a go…
Some of you might have come across this game in our best GameCube games on Switch article (hence the picture). The recently remastered title is amazing, but the incredible storyline still stands true in the GC classic.
From the iconic characters to the ludicrously-fantastic RPG-licious battles, Crystal Chronicles compliments the FF series perfectly, covering everything from Myrrh to meteorites.
If that isn’t the recipe for an amazing game, then I don’t know what is!
If you’re looking for the best GameCube games for teaming up with friends, then you came to the right place. Ok, so playing on your own was all well and good, but nothing beats going into battle with your mates beside you…
… as long as it’s not a real battle..
Games journalists couldn’t get enough of this title, which is a good job as it amassed over a million sales.
If you love the FF games, then you won’t need me to say any more. If you’ve never played one before, however, then get ready to have your mind blown.
16. X-Men Legends II: Rise Of Apocalypse (2005)
X-Men Legends II: Rise Of Apocalypse is up next, a marvel-licious RPG title with all of your favourite mutant fighters.
This is a game that requires you to use that brain of yours, specifically when changing characters to combat certain obstacles.
It’s not just a case of Wolverine being able to do everything; use Magneto to bridge gaps that would otherwise be unreachable, for example.
Of course, with this game being an RPG, there are lots of skill points for you and your mates to distribute after completing each stage.
There’s no better way to play this game than with three other mates by your side, all chatting about your favourite X-Men cartoon episodes and whether you enjoyed the Wolverine or Deadpool films more.
And trust me, if you’re a fan of this game, then you’re going to lose your mind over the title at Number 2 (no scrolling ahead though!).
17. Gladius (2003)
Gladius is one of the best GameCube RPGs on the console, and man is it an addictive title!
To be fair, show me a LucasArts game that isn’t addictive… those guys have a seriously cool formula that never fails!
This game revolves around two gladiator schools; one in Imperia in Northern Italy, and the other in a made-up Nordic country that has a serious Tolkien-esque vibe.
You and your friends must pick a school and then chose members of that school to head out on an ass-kicking adventure.
Remember though, the choices that you make on the way affect everyone, so use your brain before jumping straight in with your sword, got it?
Strangely, this game uses the same kind of swing bar that the next game in our list does when trying to get a super shot.
Time your moment, hit the bar when it’s full, and carry out a devastating blow. Then, when you’re done defeating enemies, collect materials and upgrade your armour.
Oh, and recruit Yetis… I probably should have led with that.
18. Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II (2002)
We’ve all experienced PSO over on the Dreamcast, but Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II received the star treatment when they dropped onto the GameCube back in 2002.
This compendium is the go to solution for PSO fans on the Cube, with both Dreamcast games making an appearances as well as a brand new quest to embark on with exciting features to discover for the very first time.
It also included the online versions of the games, though everyone’s probably playing Ghosts of Tsushima online these days…
Still, it doesn’t matter if no one’s logging on to play online anymore; you can still team up with three mates in the same room and immerse yourself in the incredible fantasy world that Sega created for this game.
Whether tackling the story mode or competing in battle-orientated mini games, there’s no shortage of fun to be had with this game.
And some of the attacks are mind-blowingly cool. This is certainly one for Final Fantasy fans and Fire Emblem fans out there.
19. Mario Party 5 (2003)
Ok, so this game always scores pretty low on my lists because of one reason… the capsule candy dispenser system.
I know it’s been many… many years since this game came out, but I still can’t let it go.
Anyway, if you’ve never played Mario Party, it’s 4 player board game mayhem, with coin collecting madness and great mini games.
Yes, the mini games; these are the best bits about the Mario Party games by far. Win the game and get coins to spend on items and stars.
Get the most stars, and you become victorious!
Ok, getting over my beef about the item store (finally), I can admit that the boards are exciting and the gameplay is still the same as we’ve come to know and love from these games.
Still, Number 4 will always be my favourite, which means you’re more than likely going to see it further down this list…
20. Bomberman Generation (2002)
Bomberman Generation gives everyone’s favourite white helmet wearing, bomb throwing superhero a brand new look.
He’s taken a leaf out of Link’s book and gone all Wind Waker on us, showing off a new cel-shaded get up that looks fresh… albeit a little like something from Yoshi’s Story.
The premise is very simple if you’ve played Bomberman games previously. Use bombs to blast through mazes and defeat bad guys, collecting items that will help you in your quest along the way.
But we all truly know why we’re here, don’t we. That’s right; the multiplayer mode.
Like the Mega Drive days of old, the classic 4-player topdown blast fest is back.
Move around labyrinthine courses destroying your mates before they have a chance to take you down.
Think Pac-Man with some serious firepower and where all the characters look like the dude on the case above, and you’ve got an idea as to how this game works.
