These are the 10 Best Game Boy Advance Games of All Time
The Game Boy Advance (GBA), a handheld console released by Nintendo in 2001, was a technological marvel. It offered a significant leap in processing power and graphical capabilities compared to its predecessor, the Game Boy Color. This advancement enabled developers to create more complex, visually stunning, and immersive games. Often touted as a “portable SNES,” the GBA was undoubtedly capable of playing impressive ports of classic 16-bit titles. However, to consider it merely that would be a disservice. The GBA’s library boasts a wealth of original titles, pushing the handheld’s hardware to its limits and delivering unique gaming experiences that remain captivating even today. This article will explore ten of the very best games that graced the Game Boy Advance, games that solidified its place in gaming history.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap - A Pocket-Sized Adventure with Enormous Heart
The Legend of Zelda franchise is synonymous with quality adventure gaming, and Minish Cap, released in 2004, is a shining example of its excellence on the GBA. Developed by Capcom subsidiary Flagship, Minish Cap stands out in the Zelda series due to its unique art style, charming story, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Shrinking Link and Exploring a Miniature World
The game’s central mechanic revolves around the Picori, tiny beings also known as the Minish. Link gains the ability to shrink down to their size with the help of a magical talking cap named Ezlo, a grumpy but ultimately helpful companion. This ability opens up entirely new areas to explore within familiar environments. What was once an impassable crack in a wall becomes a sprawling dungeon, and ordinary objects transform into gigantic obstacles. This constant shift in perspective adds a layer of depth and discovery unmatched by other entries in the series.
Mastering the Kinstone Fusion System
Minish Cap also introduces the Kinstone fusion system, a collect-a-thon mechanic where Link can fuse Kinstones, small fragments of magical stones, with various characters throughout the world. Successfully fusing Kinstones unlocks secrets, opens up new pathways, and triggers events that advance the story. This system encourages exploration and interaction with the game’s world, making even seemingly insignificant characters potentially vital to your quest.
Classic Zelda Gameplay with a GBA Twist
Beyond the unique mechanics, Minish Cap delivers the classic Zelda gameplay we all know and love. Exploring dungeons, solving puzzles, battling enemies, and collecting items are all integral parts of the experience. The game’s charming visuals, catchy music, and engaging story further enhance its appeal, making it a must-play for any Zelda fan or GBA enthusiast. The game’s boss battles are well-designed and challenging, requiring players to utilize all of Link’s abilities and weapons to emerge victorious. The story, while simple on the surface, explores themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of believing in oneself.
2. Metroid Fusion - A Tense and Atmospheric Return to Form
Metroid Fusion, released in 2002, marked Samus Aran’s triumphant return to handheld gaming after a long hiatus. Developed by Nintendo R&D1, the game offered a darker and more story-driven experience than previous Metroid titles, while retaining the series’ signature exploration and action-packed gameplay.
A Parasitic Threat and a Harrowing Transformation
The game begins with Samus investigating a mysterious lifeform on a research planet when she is infected by the X Parasite, a deadly organism capable of mimicking its host. To survive, Samus is injected with a Metroid vaccine, granting her new abilities but also altering her DNA. This transformation sets the stage for a compelling narrative about identity, fear, and the nature of the Metroids themselves.
Linear Structure with Metroidvania Exploration
Unlike previous Metroid games, Fusion features a more linear structure, guiding players through specific objectives and areas. However, this doesn’t detract from the exploration aspect. Each area is still filled with hidden passages, upgrades, and secrets to discover. The game’s map system is also significantly improved, making it easier to navigate the complex environments.
A Gripping Narrative and Tense Atmosphere
The game’s atmosphere is thick with tension and suspense, as Samus is constantly pursued by the SA-X, a powerful doppelganger created from her infected suit. These encounters are terrifying and force players to rely on stealth and quick thinking to survive. The story is well-written and engaging, exploring Samus’s internal struggles and her evolving relationship with the Metroids. Metroid Fusion is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling and thrilling action, cementing its place as one of the best GBA games.
3. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow - A Symphony of Darkness and Souls
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, released in 2003, is widely regarded as one of the best Castlevania games of all time. Developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, the game refines the “Metroidvania” formula popularized by Symphony of the Night, offering a vast, interconnected castle to explore, challenging enemies to defeat, and a compelling story to uncover.
The Tactical Soul System
Aria of Sorrow introduces the Tactical Soul system, a unique gameplay mechanic that allows players to absorb the souls of defeated enemies and use them to gain new abilities. There are over 100 different souls to collect, each with its own unique power and effect. This system adds a layer of depth and customization to the gameplay, allowing players to tailor their character to their preferred playstyle. The soul system also encourages experimentation, as players are constantly trying out new combinations of souls to find the most effective strategies.
Exploring Dracula’s Castle with a Twist
The game’s setting, Dracula’s Castle, is a sprawling and intricate environment filled with secrets and dangers. The level design is excellent, with each area offering unique challenges and opportunities for exploration. The game also features a variety of memorable bosses, each requiring different strategies to defeat. The castle is not just a series of rooms; it’s a living, breathing entity with its own history and secrets.
A Dark and Compelling Story
The story follows Soma Cruz, a high school student who discovers he possesses the power to absorb souls while visiting Japan. He finds himself drawn into Dracula’s Castle, where he must confront his destiny and uncover the truth about his connection to the Lord of Darkness. The narrative is surprisingly complex and explores themes of fate, identity, and the struggle between good and evil. Aria of Sorrow is a must-play for any fan of action RPGs or the Castlevania series.
4. Advance Wars - Strategic Warfare on the Go
Advance Wars, released in 2001, is a turn-based strategy game developed by Intelligent Systems. The game’s simple yet deep gameplay mechanics, charming art style, and engaging campaign made it an instant classic.
Simple to Learn, Difficult to Master
Advance Wars features a streamlined gameplay system that is easy to learn but difficult to master. Players control a variety of military units, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The goal is to capture enemy bases and defeat their army. The game’s terrain plays a crucial role in combat, and players must carefully consider their positioning and tactics to succeed.
A Charming Art Style and Engaging Campaign
The game’s colorful and cartoonish art style belies its strategic depth. The characters are memorable and the story is surprisingly engaging, following the battles between the Allied Nations and the Black Hole Army. The campaign mode features a variety of challenging missions that will test your strategic skills.
Multiplayer Mayhem
Advance Wars also features a robust multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other in local or online battles. The game’s balanced units and strategic gameplay make for intense and rewarding multiplayer matches.
5. Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones - A Gripping Tactical RPG Experience
Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones, released in 2004, is a tactical role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems. It delivers the classic Fire Emblem gameplay with a compelling story, memorable characters, and challenging battles.
Tactical Combat and Permadeath
Fire Emblem is known for its strategic combat and permadeath system, where fallen units are permanently removed from the game. This adds a layer of tension and consequence to every battle, forcing players to carefully consider their actions. The game features a variety of different character classes, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
A Gripping Story of War and Betrayal
Sacred Stones tells the story of two royal siblings, Erika and Eirika, who must unite their kingdom and defeat a powerful empire threatening to plunge the world into darkness. The story is well-written and features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own motivations and backstories.
Branching Paths and Replayability
The game features a branching storyline, allowing players to choose different paths and experience different outcomes. This adds to the game’s replayability, as players can experiment with different strategies and character builds. Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones is a must-play for any fan of tactical RPGs.
6. Pokémon Emerald - A Polished and Enhanced Pokémon Adventure
Pokémon Emerald, released in 2004, is an enhanced version of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Developed by Game Freak, it features improved graphics, new content, and a more challenging gameplay experience.
Exploring the Hoenn Region with New Challenges
Emerald takes place in the Hoenn region, a land filled with diverse environments and unique Pokémon. The game features a new storyline involving the legendary Pokémon Rayquaza, who must quell the conflict between Groudon and Kyogre. The game also introduces the Battle Frontier, a challenging post-game area where players can test their skills against tough opponents.
Improved Graphics and Gameplay
Emerald features improved graphics compared to Ruby and Sapphire, with more detailed environments and Pokémon sprites. The game also includes several gameplay improvements, such as the ability to rebattle Gym Leaders and a more streamlined interface.
A Classic Pokémon Experience
Pokémon Emerald delivers the classic Pokémon experience that fans know and love. Catching, training, and battling Pokémon is as addictive as ever. The game’s engaging story, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay make it one of the best Pokémon games of all time.
7. Golden Sun - A Magical Journey with Stunning Visuals
Golden Sun, released in 2001, is a role-playing game developed by Camelot Software Planning. The game’s stunning visuals, engaging story, and unique gameplay mechanics made it a critical and commercial success.
Harnessing the Power of Psynergy
Golden Sun features a unique battle system that revolves around the use of Psynergy, a form of magic that allows characters to manipulate the elements. Players can collect and equip Djinn, elemental spirits that enhance their Psynergy abilities. The game also features a variety of puzzles that require players to use their Psynergy creatively.
A World on the Brink of Destruction
The story follows a group of young Adepts who must embark on a quest to prevent the release of Alchemy, a powerful force that could destroy the world. The story is well-written and features a cast of memorable characters. The game’s world is rich and detailed, with a variety of environments to explore.
A Visual Masterpiece on the GBA
Golden Sun is one of the most visually impressive games on the GBA. The game’s environments are lush and detailed, and the character sprites are well-animated. The game’s use of color and lighting is particularly impressive. Golden Sun is a must-play for any fan of RPGs.
8. Wario Ware: Twisted! - Microgame Madness with a Gyroscopic Twist
Wario Ware: Twisted!, released in 2004, is a microgame collection developed by Nintendo R&D1. The game’s unique gameplay mechanic, which utilizes a gyroscopic sensor to control the action, made it a standout title on the GBA.
Twisting and Turning Through Microgames
Twisted! features hundreds of microgames, each lasting only a few seconds. Players must quickly understand the objective and use the GBA’s gyroscopic sensor to control the action. The game is fast-paced, frantic, and incredibly addictive.
A Wario-Fueled Fever Dream
The game’s story is as absurd and hilarious as you would expect from a Wario Ware title. Wario and his friends are up to their usual antics, creating bizarre and nonsensical inventions. The game’s visuals are quirky and colorful, and the music is catchy and memorable.
A Unique and Innovative Experience
Wario Ware: Twisted! is a truly unique and innovative game that takes full advantage of the GBA’s hardware. The game’s gyroscopic gameplay mechanic is intuitive and responsive, and the microgames are consistently entertaining.
9. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga - A Hilarious and Charming RPG Adventure
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, released in 2003, is a role-playing game developed by AlphaDream. The game’s charming story, witty dialogue, and unique gameplay mechanics made it a critical and commercial success.
Controlling the Mario Bros. in Tandem
Superstar Saga features a unique battle system that requires players to control both Mario and Luigi simultaneously. Each brother has his own set of abilities, and players must coordinate their actions to defeat enemies. The game also features a variety of puzzles that require players to use the brothers’ abilities in tandem.
A Hilarious Story with Memorable Characters
The story follows Mario and Luigi as they embark on a quest to retrieve Princess Peach’s voice, which has been stolen by the evil Bean Witch Cackletta. The story is filled with witty dialogue, memorable characters, and hilarious situations. The game’s setting, the Beanbean Kingdom, is a colorful and vibrant world filled with quirky inhabitants.
An RPG for Everyone
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is an RPG that is accessible to both newcomers and veterans of the genre. The game’s charming story, witty dialogue, and unique gameplay mechanics make it a joy to play.
10. Final Fantasy VI Advance - A Timeless Classic Reborn
Final Fantasy VI Advance, released in 2006, is a port of the classic Final Fantasy VI to the Game Boy Advance. Developed by Square Enix, the game features improved graphics, new content, and a more streamlined interface.
A Gripping Story of Rebellion and Resistance
Final Fantasy VI tells the story of a group of rebels who are fighting against the tyrannical Gestahlian Empire. The story is complex and emotional, with a cast of memorable characters. The game explores themes of war, oppression, and the importance of hope.
A Masterpiece of the RPG Genre
Final Fantasy VI is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs of all time. The game’s engaging story, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay have made it a timeless classic. The Advance version features several improvements, making it the definitive way to experience this masterpiece.
Collecting Espers and Mastering Magic
The game features a unique magic system that allows players to equip Espers, magical beings that grant them new abilities. Players can also learn magic from equipment, allowing them to customize their characters to their preferred playstyle.