5 Hardest GameCube Games That Frustrated Players

by

Nintendo built its reputation early on with notoriously challenging games – so much so that players nicknamed them “Nintendo hard.” While game developers moved away from that extreme difficulty by the time the GameCube came out, the console still offered some tough experiences. These challenging games weren’t exclusively made by Nintendo, but a few stood out for players who wanted a real test of skill. I’ve intentionally left out what’s often considered the hardest GameCube game, Super Smash Bros. Melee, because its difficulty really comes from competing against highly skilled, long-time players – and that doesn’t feel like a fair comparison.

Here are the GameCube’s hardest games.

5) Viewtiful Joe

Viewtiful Joe deliberately evokes the feel of old-school arcade games, and it definitely delivers a challenge. But it’s more than just a traditional side-scroller like Double Dragon. The game introduces unique special moves that let you control time, using effects similar to slow motion and rewinding.

The enemies in Viewtiful Joe attack quickly and relentlessly, sometimes making the game feel more like a bullet-hell shooter than a traditional beat ’em up. However, it’s not frustrating when you make mistakes. Viewtiful Joe remains a visually stunning game, so even if you need a little extra time to complete it, you’ll still enjoy the experience.

4) Super Monkey Ball 2

I’ve always loved how challenging Super Monkey Ball is! It’s a game where you really need to focus and have steady hands to guide the monkey ball through each level. But honestly, the new sequel? It’s even harder! They’ve seriously upped the difficulty, and you really need a surgeon’s touch to avoid falling off the course.

Super Mario Bros. 2 throws a significant challenge at players with new mechanics that require more strategic thinking. It also features ten incredibly difficult Master floors that are only unlocked after completing the already-challenging Expert Extra floors without using any continues. These levels are so tough that many players give up before finishing them. Luckily, the game includes fun and accessible multiplayer mini-games, which add a lot of replay value even if you’re not interested in tackling the hardest parts.

3) Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

I’ve noticed a cool thing about GameCube games – the really tough ones often look amazing too. Rogue Leader is a perfect example. It nails the classic Star Wars feel, seriously. Everything from how it looks to how it plays is top-notch, and if you’re a Star Wars fan who loves space battles, this is about as good as it gets.

This game will really put your reflexes to the test! While some parts can be a little confusing, Rogue Leader delivers exciting action. It’s a fast-paced experience that takes you through famous locations from the films, and you get to pilot beloved ships like the Millennium Falcon. It’s too bad it doesn’t have a multiplayer mode, though.

2) Ikaruga

Treasure, the studio behind Ikaruga, has a history of creating innovative, yet often overlooked, games that truly showcase the power of the hardware they’re made for. Before Ikaruga, they were known for titles like Gunstar Heroes, Mischief Makers, and Sin and Punishment. Ikaruga represents a return to the challenging ‘bullet hell’ shoot ’em up style, and can be seen as a spiritual successor to their 1998 game, Silvergun.

As a fan of bullet hell games, I can tell you Ikaruga really tests your reflexes – you need to be quick! But it’s not just about dodging; there’s a cool polarity system where you switch between two states, which adds a layer of puzzle-solving to everything. It’s really clever! And forget about getting stronger by collecting power-ups, because Ikaruga doesn’t have any of those – it’s all about skill.

This game truly challenges your skill at dodging a chaotic barrage of bullets, but it’s always a fair test. Every time you fail, it’s because of something you did, and with enough effort, you’ll feel like a master of the game.

1) F-Zero GX

Okay, if you loved the speed of Rogue Leader, get ready, because F-Zero GX is on another level! It’s seriously intense – you’re constantly making tiny corrections as you race, or you’ll end up flying off the track. And the developers, Amusement Vision, didn’t hold back on the obstacles – the courses are packed with things trying to knock you off course!

To even stand a chance, you’ll have to learn each track by heart. Switching characters takes even more practice, as every machine handles uniquely. But that’s just the beginning – what really makes F-Zero GX challenging is how relentlessly the other racers attack.

In GX, every racer has a health bar, and the computer-controlled opponents will aggressively try to eliminate you. This makes the story mode incredibly difficult, and many players found it too frustrating to complete. However, GX features a great cast of characters, especially Captain Falcon, so if you’re up for a tough challenge, it’s a game worth experiencing.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/gaming/list/5-great-gamecube-games-with-even-greater-stories/embed/#

Read More

2026-01-29 01:11