In 2005, Microsoft debuted the “GamerScore” achievement system and rolled it out for their new Xbox 360 home console. From then on, every Xbox 360 game had a list of in-game challenges to complete, earning you “GamerScore” points to show off on your profile for bragging rights. Achievements ran the gamut from easy to insanely challenging, whether you were simply beating a boss or trying to collect every secret in a game. This concept was universally regarded as an all-around good idea, and before long, almost every platform had an achievement system of its own. Sony was quick to add “trophy” support to the PlayStation 3, while the PC-based client, Steam, rolled out a similar system.
As one of the best modern features in gaming, achievements simply make playing video games more fun and add a dose of motivation for players to push their skills. Now, thanks to the hard work of the folks at RetroAchievements, you can now unlock achievements in your favorite GameCube games, picking up the slack where Nintendo has skimped.
What is RetroAchievements?
As the name implies, RetroAchievements is a system that lets players earn achievements in their favorite retro games, via supported emulators like RetroArch. A community-driven effort, RetroAchievements supports over 50 different retro consoles and handhelds, ranging everywhere from the Sony PlayStation to the Neo Geo Pocket. With over 8,000 total games supported, it can be tough to choose where to start. Thankfully, setting up RetroAchievements is incredibly easy. You simply need to create an account on the RetroAchievements website, then enter your account credentials on any supported emulator. Just like that, you’re earning RetroAchievements! If you want to use emulator-specific tricks like save states and gameplay rewind, you’ll still be able to grab achievements, but true bragging rights come from earning “Hardcore” achievements, which force you to play games as originally intended with no extra help.
In the same way that modern achievement systems changed the way that players interacted with various games, RetroAchievements provides the same refreshing perspective on beloved classics. Even with the all-time-great games that we’ve played dozens of times before, hunting for achievements adds an element of replayability that’s too fun to pass up. Plus, since these are achievements created for gamers, by gamers, there are niches within RetroAchievements to appease every kind of player. It doesn’t matter if you’re into speedruns, multiplayer games, or even ROM hacks, RetroAchievements supports it all. Best of all, it’s backed by a bustling community of dedicated players who are more than happy to help you tackle whatever challenge comes your way.
GameCube Achievements Go Live
After compatibility with the PlayStation 2 was added to RetroAchievements a few years ago, it was just a matter of time until the underdog of the sixth generation, the Nintendo GameCube, received its due. Luckily, the wait is now over, as RA finally added GameCube achievements on July 15! At launch, over 100 games are supported, including popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and Super Smash Bros. Melee, as well as underrated gems like Chibi-Robo and Star Fox: Assault.
To celebrate the launch of GameCube support, RetroAchievements is having a site-wide competition over the next four months, encouraging players to party like it’s 2001. If you beat any GameCube game during the launch party window, you’ll earn a point, while “mastering” a game by unlocking all achievements earns two points. Extra points can be nabbed if you tackle games with a special bounty, such as Viewtiful Joe, Kirby Air Ride, and F-Zero GX. Not only is this contest a great way to flex your GameCube skills, but it’s also a perfect time to welcome yourself into the community, as tons of new players are trickling each day.
Although RetroAchievements support for the GameCube is still in its infancy, the launch has been stellar to start. Every couple of days, new sets of achievements are being added, while everyone eagerly awaits their personal favorites to arrive. I can barely contain my excitement for the day when Tony Hawk’s Underground or Metroid Prime 2: Echoes get a big list of achievements to grab, but in the meantime, there are plenty of other amazing games to play. Before we know it, every GameCube game will have achievement support, and then someone will assuredly set out to complete the entire library. Maybe that will be you. Especially if you enjoy playing retro games on your Steam Deck or custom modded system, I highly recommend adding RetroAchievements to your platform of choice to add a modern twist to the golden ages of gaming.
