Best games
Best Platformer games on GameCube
The 25 best Platformer games on GameCube, ranked from 7,530 critic and player ratings.
The best Platformer game on GameCube right now is Metroid Prime, with a critic score of 95/100 — updated September 2026.
How this ranking is built
- Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
- A game only enters the ranking with at least 80 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
- Each game is ranked in one genre only, the one that defines it best, so the same title never tops two different genre charts.
- Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
- Release window covered: 1970 to 2026.
- 25 games are listed on this page, carrying 7,530 ratings between them.
- Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 28 September 2026.
Top 25
01
Metroid Prime
A 3D exploration-focused metroidvania with first-person shooting mechanics and the first 3D entry in the Metroid series, Metroid Prime follows Samus Aran after the events of Metroid (1986) as she boards a Space Pirate frigate, then chases her escaping archrival Ridley into the intricately structured Tallon IV, a planet full of deadly wildlife and former home to the advanced and ancient Chozo race.
95
/100
02
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
An exploration-driven 3D metroidvania/first-person shooter hybrid and sequel to Metroid Prime (2002) in which Samus lands on Aether, an intricate planet torn into light and dark versions of itself, to help its remaining inhabitants defend against the invaders from its dark incarnation by traversing both the light and dark worlds, acquiring new power-ups and braving oppressive environments.
92
/100
03
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Dr. Eggman (aka Dr. Robotnik) has returned, turning helpless animals into robots and forcing them to build his ultimate weapon, the Death Egg! But this time, Sonic has a friend that can help him: Tails! Find the 7 Chaos Emeralds and stop Dr. Robotnik’s evil scheme!
90
/100
Metroid Prime
A 3D exploration-focused metroidvania with first-person shooting mechanics and the first 3D entry in the Metroid series, Metroid Prime follows Samus Aran after the events of Metroid (1986) as she boards a Space Pirate frigate, then chases her escaping archrival Ridley into the intricately structured Tallon IV, a planet full of deadly wildlife and former home to the advanced and ancient Chozo race.
95
/100
02
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
An exploration-driven 3D metroidvania/first-person shooter hybrid and sequel to Metroid Prime (2002) in which Samus lands on Aether, an intricate planet torn into light and dark versions of itself, to help its remaining inhabitants defend against the invaders from its dark incarnation by traversing both the light and dark worlds, acquiring new power-ups and braving oppressive environments.
92
/100
03
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Dr. Eggman (aka Dr. Robotnik) has returned, turning helpless animals into robots and forcing them to build his ultimate weapon, the Death Egg! But this time, Sonic has a friend that can help him: Tails! Find the 7 Chaos Emeralds and stop Dr. Robotnik’s evil scheme!
90
/100
04
Super Mario Sunshine
Super Mario Sunshine is a Mario action-adventure 3D platformer. It follows Super Mario 64, and is the second 3D Mario platformer. Gameplay features a combination of action and puzzle solving, with numerous stages and multiple episodes to each stage, and plenty of hidden secrets and surprises. This game introduced many recurring characters and bosses in the Mario series, including Toadsworth, Bowser Jr., Petey Piranha, Gooper Blooper, Piantas, Nokis, Shadow Mario, and F.L.U.D.D. Super Mario Sunshine pays homage to Mario's Italian heritage and upbringing, with many of the locations in the game having Italian names and sometimes referencing Italian culture.
90
/100
05
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Deceived by the treacherous Vizier, I was led to unleash the Sands of Time curse upon the Sultan's kingdom. With little but an ancient dagger and a devious princess to aid me, I must undo my fatal mistake. Mine is a fight for survival… not glory. • Reverse, accelerate, and slow time itself with the almighty Sands of Time. • Master the Prince's speed, agility, and ferocious fighting skills. • Explore and survive the vast kingdoms of medieval Persia.
84
/100
06
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
The game is a sequel to the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the same system and follows on directly from the end of the game, in which Sonic defeated his enemy, Dr. Robotnik; crash-landing on a floating island, Sonic encounters new character Knuckles the Echidna, and must once more retrieve the Chaos Emeralds while also working to stop Dr. Robotnik from relaunching his ship, the Death Egg.
83
/100
07
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
I returned home expecting peace. Instead, I found my kingdom ravaged by war and my people enslaved. Now I am a fugitive, hunted by hostile armies and plagued by a curse that is gradually possessing my soul. A darker Prince resides in me now. And I must embrace his powers and skill if I want to restore peace to my land, my people, and my soul.
80
/100
08
Lego Star Wars: The Video Game
LEGO Star Wars blends the unique world of LEGO with the adventure of Star Wars, for unforgettable action and fun. Live the most popular moments from The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Episodes I to III come to life -- and you can become a part of the story! Will you succumb to the dark side of the force or will you become a strong Jedi knight? Find your destiny.
80
/100
09
Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles is a side-scrolling platform game that continues the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Sonic seeks to prevent Dr. Robotnik from repairing the Death Egg and obtaining the Master Emerald, while Knuckles attempts to protect Floating Island. Players can control either character through a series of zones, collecting rings and Chaos Emeralds while defeating enemies and bosses. Knuckles can glide, climb walls, and break certain obstacles, while Sonic can use abilities granted by elemental shields.
80
/100
10
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within is a video game and sequel to Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. It picks up where The Sands of Time left off, adding new features, specifically, options in combat. The Prince now has the ability to wield two weapons at a time as well as the ability to steal his enemies' weapons and throw them. The Prince's repertoire of combat moves has been expanded into varying strings that allow players to attack enemies with more complexity than was possible in the previous game. Warrior Within has a darker tone than its predecessor adding in the ability for the Prince to dispatch his enemies with various finishing moves. In addition to the rewind, slow-down, and speed-up powers from The Sands of Time, the Prince also has a new sand power: a circular "wave" of sand that knocks down all surrounding enemies as well as damaging them.
80
/100
11
Sonic Adventure 2
79
/100
12
Spider-Man
74
/100
13
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
74
/100
14
Madagascar
73
/100
15
Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
73
/100
16
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
68
/100
17
Sonic Heroes
67
/100
18
Shrek 2: The Game
63
/100
19
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
60
/100
20
Tomb Raider: Legend
60
/100
21
Kirby's Adventure
60
/100
22
Ratatouille
60
/100
23
Sonic 3D Blast (1996)
59
/100
24
TMNT
56
/100
25
Shadow the Hedgehog
48
/100
Super Mario Sunshine
Super Mario Sunshine is a Mario action-adventure 3D platformer. It follows Super Mario 64, and is the second 3D Mario platformer. Gameplay features a combination of action and puzzle solving, with numerous stages and multiple episodes to each stage, and plenty of hidden secrets and surprises. This game introduced many recurring characters and bosses in the Mario series, including Toadsworth, Bowser Jr., Petey Piranha, Gooper Blooper, Piantas, Nokis, Shadow Mario, and F.L.U.D.D. Super Mario Sunshine pays homage to Mario's Italian heritage and upbringing, with many of the locations in the game having Italian names and sometimes referencing Italian culture.
90
/100
05
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Deceived by the treacherous Vizier, I was led to unleash the Sands of Time curse upon the Sultan's kingdom. With little but an ancient dagger and a devious princess to aid me, I must undo my fatal mistake. Mine is a fight for survival… not glory. • Reverse, accelerate, and slow time itself with the almighty Sands of Time. • Master the Prince's speed, agility, and ferocious fighting skills. • Explore and survive the vast kingdoms of medieval Persia.
84
/100
06
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
The game is a sequel to the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the same system and follows on directly from the end of the game, in which Sonic defeated his enemy, Dr. Robotnik; crash-landing on a floating island, Sonic encounters new character Knuckles the Echidna, and must once more retrieve the Chaos Emeralds while also working to stop Dr. Robotnik from relaunching his ship, the Death Egg.
83
/100
07
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
I returned home expecting peace. Instead, I found my kingdom ravaged by war and my people enslaved. Now I am a fugitive, hunted by hostile armies and plagued by a curse that is gradually possessing my soul. A darker Prince resides in me now. And I must embrace his powers and skill if I want to restore peace to my land, my people, and my soul.
80
/100
08
Lego Star Wars: The Video Game
LEGO Star Wars blends the unique world of LEGO with the adventure of Star Wars, for unforgettable action and fun. Live the most popular moments from The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Episodes I to III come to life -- and you can become a part of the story! Will you succumb to the dark side of the force or will you become a strong Jedi knight? Find your destiny.
80
/100
09
Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles is a side-scrolling platform game that continues the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Sonic seeks to prevent Dr. Robotnik from repairing the Death Egg and obtaining the Master Emerald, while Knuckles attempts to protect Floating Island. Players can control either character through a series of zones, collecting rings and Chaos Emeralds while defeating enemies and bosses. Knuckles can glide, climb walls, and break certain obstacles, while Sonic can use abilities granted by elemental shields.
80
/100
10
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within is a video game and sequel to Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. It picks up where The Sands of Time left off, adding new features, specifically, options in combat. The Prince now has the ability to wield two weapons at a time as well as the ability to steal his enemies' weapons and throw them. The Prince's repertoire of combat moves has been expanded into varying strings that allow players to attack enemies with more complexity than was possible in the previous game. Warrior Within has a darker tone than its predecessor adding in the ability for the Prince to dispatch his enemies with various finishing moves. In addition to the rewind, slow-down, and speed-up powers from The Sands of Time, the Prince also has a new sand power: a circular "wave" of sand that knocks down all surrounding enemies as well as damaging them.
80
/100
11
Sonic Adventure 2
79
/100
12
Spider-Man
74
/100
13
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
74
/100
14
Madagascar
73
/100
15
Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
73
/100
16
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
68
/100
17
Sonic Heroes
67
/100
18
Shrek 2: The Game
63
/100
19
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
60
/100
20
Tomb Raider: Legend
60
/100
21
Kirby's Adventure
60
/100
22
Ratatouille
60
/100
23
Sonic 3D Blast (1996)
59
/100
24
TMNT
56
/100
25
Shadow the Hedgehog
48
/100
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Platformer game on GameCube?
Metroid Prime currently tops the ranking with a score of 95/100 across 869 ratings. Ranking updated September 2026.
How is this ranking built?
Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.