8 Best Nintendo GameCube Games That Never Came To America

Nintendo’s GameCube console may have been overshadowed and largely undervalued when it released in 2001. However, it had, and still has, a large fan base and many dedicated gamers. It had well over 600 titles, but many of these were not localized and released in other countries. There were many games that either never reached American shores or that had planned releases in North America but never happened.

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From Japan-exclusive anime tie-in games to games set across Europe, these Nintendo GameCube games were — and some of which still are — enjoyed by players across the world except in America. Some of these titles did eventually reach the USA , but only on later consoles. Even if some of these games can be enjoyed today, at the time, American players did not get to experience a whole host of exciting and intriguing GameCube titles.

8 Radirgy GeneriC

A Fast And Addictive Arcade Shooter

Release Date: 2006-05-25
Developer: MileStone Inc.
Genre: Shoot ‘Em Up

Initially released for the Sega NAOMI arcade platform, Radirgy GeneriC was ported to the GameCube, PS2, and Dreamcast in Japan. This scrolling shoot ‘em up title follows protagonist Shizuru Kamigusa, who is allergic to radio waves but undertakes a mission to save her father from terrorists. Shizuru can use multiple weapons — those being a shield, sword, or gun, giving her different abilities, but each coming with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Radirgy GeneriC has funky and upbeat music, as well as unique cel-shaded graphics. Though it’s not a long game at all, it offers great replayability, with the GameCube version sporting an extra mode — the ‘Manpuku Mode’ — wherein players can go for a high score.

7 Nintendo Puzzle Collection

Cozy Puzzle Games That Could Be Enjoyed In Multiplayer

Release Date: 2003-02-07
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Puzzle

Nintendo Puzzle Collection offers a cozy and simple play experience, containing three puzzles: Dr. Mario, Yoshi’s Cookie and Panel de Pon. These three mini-games had previously been released on older consoles in America. This compilation was exclusively released in Japan and added a multiplayer mode to support four players at once, along with more polished graphics. All three games follow Tetris-style gameplay.

All three games are very similar and short, but they offer a lighthearted experience for anyone looking for a simple, fun game. It is also compatible with the Game Boy Advance via a link cable, meaning the games could be downloaded and enjoyed on a handheld console — a great feature perfect for playing on the go.

6 Largo Winch: Empire Under Threat

Has A Deep Story Taking Place All Over The World

Release Date: 2002-10-01
Developer: Dupuis
Genre: Action-Adventure

Published by Ubi Soft, Largo Winch: Empire Under Threat takes players on a globetrotting adventure following a James Bond-style plot. Released only in PAL regions, Largo must investigate the mysterious disappearance of a scientist after just becoming the heir to the billion-dollar company, Group W. The adventure becomes gradually more thrilling and intense as Winch travels all over the world to stop a conspiracy against Group W.

The game is puzzle-based, and players will need to complete mini-games and other tasks in order to progress. This makes it quite a linear experience, as the game offers no chance to backtrack once an area has been completed. With a deep story and varied locations, it’s similar to other GameCube 3D platformers, like Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, in terms of aesthetic.

5 Donkey Konga 3

A Fun Rhythm Game

Release Date: 2005-03-17
Developer: Namco
Genre: Rhythm

Developed by Namco, Donkey Konga 3 was the final entry in this iconic rhythm-game series. Though both the original Donkey Konga and Donkey Konga 2 were released around the world, its third installment was only available in Japan. Donkey Konga 3 boasts even more tracks to play along to, and even lets players control the beloved Funky Kong, unlike in previous games. Players could make full use of the GameCube-exclusive accessory, the DK Bongos, to increase their enjoyment of the game.

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Donkey Konga 3 has a greater music selection for jamming, all songs completely fresh and not reused from either preceding game. As well as well-known J-Pop songs, players could also play along to famous opening themes from anime series like Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo.

4 Asterix & Obelix XXL

Offers Plenty Of Action And Adventure Set In Ancient Europe

Release Date: 2004-06-18
Developer: Étranges Libellules
Genre: Action-Adventure

This game was only released on the GameCube in Europe, though it has since seen a worldwide release on more recent platforms. It may not have the best graphics for its era, but Asterix & Obelix XXL still offers a solid platforming adventure. Set in the year 50 BC, the duo meet a disgruntled secret agent from Rome, who agrees to help the duo on their quest to defeat the Romans.

Players control both titular characters, who play pretty similarly but have subtle unique traits. Obelix has greater physical strength, whereas Asterix is able to solve more puzzles. From rescuing villagers to battling the Roman armies, this adventure game has a bit of everything to make for some entertaining gameplay.

3 V Rally 3

An Addictive Racing Game

Release Date: 2002-06-21
Developer: Eden Studios
Genre: Racing

V Rally 3 was released only in Europe and Australia on the GameCube as a port of the original, but it never made it to America on this console. Incorporating real-life elements such as iconic cars and a realistic ranking system, this rally racing game has many traits that made it fun to pick up and play by players of any experience. Though critics felt the controls were too sensitive, they were also easy to learn for new gamers.

Another realistic element is its “Career Mode,” as seen in other sports titles like the FIFA series. Players ‘become’ a rally racer who is offered contracts from various car companies and must complete their requirements to be hired as one of their racers. Players can rise through the ranks as they race on over 20 different tracks set around the globe.

2 Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo Dassutsu! Hajike Royale

A Unique Anime-Tie-In Offering A Range Of Gameplay Styles

Release Date: 2005-03-17
Developer: Hudson Soft
Genre: Action

Based on the manga and anime series, Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo Dassutsu! Hajike Royale is something of an RPG, fighting, and puzzle platformer all in one. The Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo series has had, as of writing, seven video games released only in Japan, this one alone for the GameCube. In Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo Dassutsu! Hajike Royale’s Story mode, players traverse 5 different stages with Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo and his crew, engaging in an arena-style battle once they encounter enemies. Each character has their own unique Super Move.

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The game also has a gallery and character bios among other extras, including the “Nose-Hair Training Center” in which four players can compete against each other. Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo Dassutsu! Hajike Royaleis as bizarre as the manga and anime itself. Unfortunately, the game does suffer from numerous glitches and pauses during battle, and characters’ Super Moves suffer from long loading times — worse than in other games known for their loading times, such as Sonic ’06.

1 Kururin Squash!

Cozy, Colorful, And Calming

Release Date: 2004-10-14
Developer: Eighting
Genre: Puzzle

Kururin Squash! was only released in Japan, and it was a GameCube exclusive. Though it isn’t well-known, this obstacle-course style game has fun, addictive gameplay. Despite the bright and colorful aesthetics and music, this doesn’t mean it is all that easy. Players are tasked with navigating a helicopter, the Helirin, through a maze without bumping into anything. Collecting coins is important too, as they can be used to buy new colors for the Helirin and download an extra game for the GBA, among other things.

There’s also different, even harder modes, making for hours of fun with this deceptively simple game. Although Kururin Squash remains extremely niche, the Helerin is featured as a trophy in the popular Wii title, Super Smash Bros Brawl. As such, Kururin Squash has loads of features that make it worthy of being one of the best GameCube titles, despite it having never been released in America.