Future Classics: Ewen Hosie’s Gamecube Gems

1. Legend of Zelda:

The Wind Waker

Upon initial video announcement, The Wind Waker grew to represent the Zelda title that would prove most divisive amongst fans. Taking a vibrant, cel-shaded approach to the graphics proved alienating to some, but it is my personal belief that Link’s adventures in The Wind Waker to this day represent the closest gaming has ever come to a living cartoon. It also proved divisive due to its focus on sailing, instead of Link’s traditional steed Epona. These are moot points however, as the characterisation and environments are truly astonishing, with the hazy underground volcano caverns of Dragon Roost Island proving a particularly memorable visual highlight.

2. Resident Evil 4

The greatest action title on the Gamecube, and one of the premier titles in proving the console’s visual superiority over the PS2 (a visually inferior port was later released for the PS2, but the Gamecube version remains the definitive version). It represented a huge leap for the flagging series by featuring fully polygonal environments and an intuitive aiming system, while also continuing the saga through the eradication of zombies in favour of the more dangerous Ganado strain.

3. Metroid Prime

Samus Aran’s adventures through space went first-person for Metroid Prime, a game which takes Halo and gives it a Nintendo spin, resulting in a hybrid that is more first-person platform adventure than first-person shooter per se. Beautiful graphics, innovative controls and the re-establishment of a gaming legend.