The Nintendo GameCube is renowned for hosting some of the most iconic video games of all time, whether developed by Nintendo or third-party studios. Conflict is a common theme in these games, often driven by nefarious characters such as Ganondorf from The Legend of Zelda or Bowser from Mario.
While some of these games may be undervalued by fans, the antagonists within them are even more overlooked. These characters have left a strong impression on GameCube players, either through fear or fascination with their ability to challenge the protagonists. Fortunately, none of these six underappreciated GameCube villains emerged victorious in the end.
6 Dark Samus
A Formidable Adversary
Dark Samus was often overlooked as a villain in the Metroid franchise prior to being featured as an Echo Fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. However, Dark Samus truly stands out as one of the most terrifying entities in the series, surpassing even legendary rivals like Ridley, Kraid, or Mother Brain.
Debuting in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes on GameCube, Dark Samus is a being composed of pure Phazon, assuming the form of Samus after her suit merges with the remains of the titular Metroid Prime. While evil character variations are common in Nintendo games, few are as menacing and perilous to the protagonist as Dark Samus is to Samus.
5 Miror B.
An Unconventional Pokemon Adversary
The Pokemon franchise has featured its share of formidable villains, from Gen 1's Giovanni to characters like Lusamine from Sun & Moon. However, only players of Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD remember the character Miror B., a flamboyant yet formidable Pokemon Trainer who is revealed to be one of the more corrupt figures in the Pokemon universe.
In Colosseum, Miror B. seizes control of Pyrite Town and distributes Shadow Pokemon to winners of colosseum battles. In Pokemon XD, Miror B. establishes his own malevolent team with the goal of capturing every Pokemon in the world, making him a significant adversary for any aspiring Pokemon trainer, including the protagonist.
4 Rahu
Unveiling the Unforeseen Threat
Custom Robo stands as one of Nintendo's most underrated franchises, with no new releases since 2006 for the Nintendo DS. The standout title in the series is likely the GameCube's Custom Robo: Battle Revolution, where protagonists become Robo Commanders, constructing titular robot soldiers for battles in arenas reminiscent of Pokemon.
In the GameCube installment, the villain Rahu emerges as a mysterious adversary taking the form of a robotic toy. Although certain human characters attempt to manipulate Rahu for their nefarious aims, the entity proves to be more formidable than anticipated. Fortunately, the hero and their allies utilize their fully-powered Custom Robo to emerge victorious.
3 Dark Raven
Billy Hatcher's Formidable Foe And Leader Of A Crow Army
Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg was Sonic Team's attempt to replicate the success of their beloved blue hedgehog. Regrettably, the series never extended beyond its GameCube title. Nevertheless, the game introduced one of Sega's most intriguing villains in the form of Dark Raven.
In the narrative of Billy Hatcher, Dark Raven invades the tranquil Morning Land, enveloping the terrain in unending night. Leading an army of Crows, they become the primary adversaries for Billy Hatcher throughout this 3D adventure. Additionally, Dark Raven assumes an even more formidable final form known as Ultimate Raven, serving as the game's ultimate boss.
2 The Black Knight
Zelgius' Compelling Antagonism Towards Ike
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is noteworthy among Nintendo enthusiasts for introducing Ike, who has been a playable character in the Super Smash Bros. series since the Wii's Brawl. However, the GameCube game also introduced a significant antagonist in the Fire Emblem universe: Zelgius, also known as the Black Knight.
The Black Knight goes to great lengths to establish themselves as one of the most personally menacing foes in any Fire Emblem game. Pursuing Ike and his band of mercenaries, the Black Knight (spoiler alert!) eliminates Ike's father and becomes the protagonist's primary rival. Surprisingly, Zelgius reappears in the Wii sequel Radiant Dawn
1 Captain Blue
Joe's Unexpected Adversary
Viewtiful Joe is often considered one of the more underappreciated titles for the Nintendo GameCube due to its underwhelming initial sales. Nonetheless, the game has garnered a loyal following thanks to its plot filled with clever movie references. Players assume the role of Joe, a film enthusiast who teams up with his favorite superhero, Captain Blue, to rescue his girlfriend from villains.
In a surprising twist, it is revealed that Captain Blue is the true mastermind behind the game's turmoil. Joe must confront his own hero, who transforms into the robotic King Blue, and emerge victorious. However, Captain Blue remains a sympathetic figure, driven to corruption by his passion for movies, much like Joe.