What are the most expensive GameCube games?
We looked at the prices on CeX’s website (WeBuy.com) to find out which titles top the list, and whether they’re worth playing for such expensive price tags. Expect to see some picks from popular franchises, like Fire Emblem, Pokemon and Kirby.
Transcript
So in the last video I talked about the second hand game retailer CeX, and their brand new ‘rarities’ categories, which catalogues all the hot ticket games on certain retro consoles.
Last time out I looked at the most expensive PlayStation 2 games, and it was… interesting. It was a mixed bag of the pretty good, the pretty bad, and Snow White and the Seven Clever Boys.
But you seemed to dig it, and I liked making it, so let’s do it again. This time I’ll be looking at the most expensive games on the GameCube, a strong contender for the most underrated console ever.
It has a handle, I could only dream of having that much rizz.
And while I hadn’t heard of many of the most expensive PS2 games before researching them, this time around there’s some surprisingly popular franchises topping the charts. And with that juicy little teaser to keep you lil’ sausages watching, let’s get cracking.
Usual rules apply, we’ll start with the least spenny, working up to the most eye-watering price tag. Let’s go!
Gotcha Force – £190
Hey, we’ve already covered Gotcha Force on the channel, so you’re legally required to go watch that video now. But in case you’re gonna break the law and not watch it, here’s a little something something.
Gotcha Force combines action and strategy as players collect and battle with toy-like gacha robots. Despite its poor sales at launch, it’s since developed a devoted fanbase and is now considered a hidden gem.
While it got pretty middling reviews at the time, it’s genuinely a lot of fun. There’s not a whole lot of downtime between missions, the action is snappy and energetic, and the style is cute and colourful – the weak links are the story, and lack of other things to do. This is a fairly impressive game for 2003 as far as I’m concerned, and it’s a bit of a shame that there’s not been any news on the series since.
But for £190, there’s better robot games out there for a fraction of the price. Maybe we’ll do a video on them sometime. Who knows?
Ribbit King – £210
A mental premise, cartoony graphics and surprisingly decent gameplay? Yeah Ribbit King was destined to be a cult classic.
You play as Scooter, who alongside your trusty sidekick who just so happens to be a picnic basket, has to save your home planet by playing ‘Frolf’, literally frog golf. I never thought I’d ever find a game that’d make Katamari seem normal, but here we are, and there’s a lot to be said for that.
I’m a fan of weird, kitschy things and Ribbit King tickled that particular fancy. It’s a really solid game, but the whimsical packaging that envelopes it takes it to a whole new level. Still not worth the £210 price tag, but just know if you own this, I feel nothing but tightfisted envy towards you.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Battle Nexus – £210
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and beat ‘em up games go together as well as pizza and, well, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
But while the original arcade game is a bonafide classic, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Battle Nexus, a classic, it is not. The game received mixed reviews for its repetitive gameplay and lacklustre graphics, and I’d say that’s a pretty fair assessment. It’s not awful, but it might be one of the more forgettable games I’ve ever played. But does this level of sheer forgetability make it ironically memorable? Frankly, I don’t care, and neither should you.
To tell you the truth, the only real redeeming feature is the fact the exceptional arcade game is included as bonus content, which is a bit like having an episode of The Simpsons as extra content on the DVD of a mid-2000s Adam Sandler comedy. I don’t care what it says on the box, I’m watching The Simpsons.
Another one coming in at £210, and considering you can play the arcade game in browser for free, you’re better off buying 84 copies of Legends of Wrestling, for no other reason than it looks like Hulk Hogan’s doing a big poo on the box.
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance – £250
Fire Emblem is a turn-based JRPG series, so there’s a solid 2% chance I’m actually going to be able to play it. Seriously, I played about two hours of Three Houses and I’ve never felt more inadequate.
Path of Radiance is, if anything, less welcoming to the uninitiated, but don’t get it twisted, this is a reflection of my lack of ability, rather than the quality of the game. This is a bonafide work of art, with a rich, captivating narrative and rewarding gameplay if you’re up for the challenge.
While Fire Emblem is pretty well known today, back in 2005 it was still pretty niche in the West, meaning it got a fairly limited print run over here. This, combined with its growing popularity means it now fetches £250, and while it’s not one for me, this is the closest I’ve come in one of these videos to justifying the price tag. Like a first edition book, there’s a lot to be said for having this in your collection, but I think the better outcome would be a remaster or re-release.
But with that seeming unlikely, it feels like the right time to mention my favourite aquatic mammal is the dolphin.
Pokemon XD: Gale Of Darkness – £250
I’m not really a Pokemon guy, but I do know quite a lot of you are pretty fond of those little Pocket Monsters. That’s why you’ll have to forgive me when I say that, until recently, I was absolutely convinced the XD in Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness was a laughing face. Aren’t I silly?
Anywho, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is a RPG spinoff of the main games, offering a darker storyline and unique Shadow Pokemon, which helps to set it apart. The game received positive reviews for its engaging story and innovative mechanics, though some criticised its repetitive gameplay. If I were a little bolder I might say all Pokemon games have repetitive gameplay, but I dare not be that bold.
But as a Pokemon game and a relatively obscure one at that, ‘Laughing Face’: Gale of Darkness was bound to shoot up in price, currently settling at £250. I think we’re now entering silly money territory, and it’s only going up from here.
Chibi Robo – £310
Chibi Robo puts players in control of a tiny robot tasked with helping a family by completing various household chores. The game is praised for its unique gameplay and heartwarming story, though it didn’t sell well initially.
Over the years, it has developed a strong cult following, and I think a large part of that might be all the love it gets on Scott the Woz. Seriously, I’d never heard of it before watching Scott’s videos, but if you showed me a list of the games in this video ahead of time and said I could pick one to own, it’d be Chibi Robo hands down.
While there’s been some half-baked attempts to keep the series going on later consoles, none of them have maintained the aura of the original. But at £310, I’ll guess I’ll just stay sad and jealous of everyone lucky enough to own that cute little bastard.
Disney Sports Basketball – £310
It’s like Space Jam, but with Disney characters and less Bill Murray. Disney Sports Basketball does exactly what you think it does, mixing beloved Disney characters with arcade-style basketball action. Despite the charming concept, the game received lukewarm reviews for its simplistic gameplay and lack of depth.
With hundreds of better basketball games, and indeed even licensed sports games out there, this is one with a price tag driven entirely by its novelty factor. And while I’m almost always down to see Goofy dunk, not for £310.
Frogger Beyond – £310
Hey, everyone knows Frogger. That jaywalking little amphibian is a true icon of video games. But get this – what if he was 3D? Frogger Beyond attempts to do just this, just not very well.
It’s exactly what it looks like, complete with uninspired level design and frustrating controls. Its high price is mainly due to its limited release and perceived nostalgic value. It’s a game that’s more valuable as a collector’s item than as a memorable gaming experience, and for £310, I’d rather forgo the collector’s item for more memorable gaming experiences.
Kirby Air Ride – £320
Normally the games on these lists are so niche or obscure that I’ve either never heard of them, or at best I’m vaguely aware of their existence. But not only have I heard of Kirby Air Ride, it’s a game I remember playing quite a bit.
If you’re not aware of it, it’s a racing game featuring everyone’s favourite pink blob and vore enthusiast. With plenty of different modes and levels to challenge yourself against, and pretty simple to grasp controls, it was perfect for my simple child brain, and offered something different enough from Mario Kart to stand on its own merit.
And adult me loves it just as much. What I don’t love is that I must’ve got rid of it, and it’s now worth £320. Have I spent the last few hours screaming into a pillow? Maybe. But this is still an ace game.
Gadget Racers – £695
And finally we have Gadget Racers, which feels like a bit of bum note to end on. It’s a pretty bog standard arcade racer, with cutesy presentation and limited customisation options. But for some inexplicable reason, it costs £695.
But what makes this even weirder, the very same game on PS2 is £20, and in stock to buy right now. The exact same experience for pretty much 97% off. I just don’t get why it’s so much more expensive, or why you’d buy it on GameCube. To brag that you’ve got the most expensive game on the console? Is it really worth it for that? I have no idea, but I feel poorer for just looking at these prices. Good grief.
So that’s the most expensive, rarest GameCube games in the UK according to CeX, and with lower prices and better quality than the PS2’s offerings, I think Nintendo’s baby boy pips it at the moment. Will the most expensive games on the original Xbox be able to challenge our angular king? Tune in next time to find out, whenever I get round to making it.
And before you go, make sure to like and subscribe for plenty more on all things gaming, check out our movie channel UDS Films and visit upsidedownshark.com for everything else. Until then my name is Tom, this has been UDS and we’ll see you next time.
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Tom Baker
I like Star Wars, heavy metal and BBQ Pringles.
