When the Nintendo GameBoy was first launched in 1989, it was a revolution in private gaming. Up till that point, avid players had been basically caught with their methods that wanted to be plugged right into a TV. Then, the GameBoy modified all the things.
Different handheld sport methods got here out across the similar time, together with Sega Recreation Gear, NEC TurboExpress, and the Atari Lynx. Every had its personal advantages, Nintendo’s GameBoy stood the take a look at of time and ultimately made method for the Advance slightly greater than a decade later.
Launched in 2001, it was the sixth era of the GameBoy consoles. The primary GameBoy Advance launch didn’t have an illuminated display, nonetheless, however by 2003, Nintendo had begun taking note of the little particulars that made a world of distinction.
By 2010, greater than 81 million GameBoy methods had been offered world wide. When Nintendo launched its DS handheld sport system, some could have assumed this could fully substitute the GameBoy that lots of the high GameBoy Advance video games followers had grown to like. Happily, the DS was backward-compatible, which means it may play GBA video games simply high-quality.
What Makes A Good Gameboy Advance Recreation?
It actually comes all the way down to a matter of non-public choice. For essentially the most half, although, it entails a number of components, together with graphics, playability, technique, and ease of use.
Maybe most vital when rating the highest GBA video games of all time is whether or not or not they carried out as they had been designed. This will appear to be an innocuous query, however many video games that had been launched and by no means gained traction, by no means held court docket for very lengthy, weren’t poorly designed essentially, however what the creator had in thoughts and what was completed within the sport itself could have been worlds aside.
We used the next fundamental standards in constructing out our record of the very best GBA video games of all time:
- Did it carry out as designed?
- Was it enjoyable to play?
- May a participant take pleasure in this sport for months and even years? Or did it shortly lose its enchantment?
- Was the sport comparatively easy to grasp and get began with?
- Did it have growing challenges that saved the participant engaged and looking for to enhance his or her talent set?
When all is alleged and executed, nonetheless, it actually comes down to non-public choice. A few of the greatest Nintendo GameBoy Advance video games we listed right here you could discover to have been boring, nonstarters, or lower than worthy of this kind of record. That’s okay.
That is our record, and it’s one we discover quite a few different folks agree with.
The Finest GBA Video games
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Once you had been in search of critical motion, however with a splash of enjoyable and lighthearted sentimentality, you’ll flip to Aria of Sorrow. The builders had been capable of mix the very best of the 2 earlier variations of Castlevania on this sport, creating an icon for the ages.
WarioWare Twisted
Consider it or not, this sport had a built-in movement sensor proper within the cartridge. That meant the cartridge itself may sense movement. For that, this sport alone stands as top-of-the-line GBA video games of all time.
Legend of Zelda: A Hyperlink to the Previous with 4 Swords
Constructing on the legendary (pun meant) Zelda, this GameBoy Advance model efficiently captured the essence of the unique sport however added a multilayer component that was known as 4 Swords. It additionally added many new options that made it rather more highly effective than the unique SNES model.
Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2
For anybody who loved skateboarding of their youth and who grew up throughout this age, this sport was essential. Whereas it was accessible on different methods, the GameBoy model could not have had the identical visible consideration to element because the PlayStation one, nevertheless it was nonetheless quite a lot of enjoyable within the palm of your hand.
Tremendous Mario Advance 3: Yoshi’s Island
Yoshi’s Island was initially launched on the SNES sport system again in 1995, so this was one other port model for the GameBoy. Gamers would navigate by way of varied ranges of traps, puzzles, and enemies to say victory.
Remaining Fantasy VI Advance
Some would argue that this model of Remaining Fantasy was the best possible, at the very least throughout the confines of the two-dimensional world. It nonetheless holds up right this moment. Nevertheless, even right this moment’s variations can’t evaluate to the GBA sport’s model due to the best way it drew you in and the narrative that went together with it.
Metroid: Zero Mission
Whereas it might be easy to imagine this was a remake of the unique NES hit sport, it merely takes its inspiration from there and builds upon it, creating a brand new expertise for followers.
Metroid Fusion
Some argue that this was the very best GBA sport for motion on the system. It supplied an thrilling journey from the very begin. Gamers loved tantalizing music that would make them really feel as if they had been within the midst of a horror movie. The depth was that good.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
One other model of the legendary sport, this role-playing sport was one which modified all the things as a result of gamers may do that anyplace; they didn’t should be at a desk poring over sheets and a sport board.
Fireplace Emblem
Combining technique and role-playing inside a fantasy sport, gamers loved Fireplace Emblem as a result of it had all the things, together with dragons, kings, heroes, and even politicians who would steal from their very own mom if it meant they might get forward. Planning for future strikes was important to achieve success with Fireplace Emblem.
Mario Kart: Tremendous Circuit
Mario Kart has been a favourite for generations. With this model, gamers bought to select from 40 totally different tracks and several other sport modes. Nevertheless, once you compete at larger ranges, Synthetic Intelligence will get harder.
Remaining Fantasy Ways Advance
Set throughout the Remaining Fantasy world, this motion sport had a mix of nice tales and methods for gamers to give attention to. Gamers bought to select from quite a few characters and every one would have particular, distinctive skills that will be helpful at totally different phases of the sport.
Tremendous Mario Advance 2: Tremendous Mario World
This model stepped up the sport. The purpose was to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser, however one factor that separated this model from others was the power for gamers to decide on Luigi at any time on the world display. Gamers right this moment nonetheless love the Mario world, because it stays a high vendor for the brand new Nintendo Change.
Harvest Moon: Associates of Mineral City
Whereas there wasn’t a lot of a narrative to this farming simulator, you needed to study to plant crops, develop livestock, and befriend different characters (non-player characters, or NPCs), within the sport to maneuver forward. Seemingly mundane, this was extremely addictive.
Mario vs Donkey Kong
Mario has to retrieve some toys that Donkey Kong stole. There are two sections per stage and puzzles to unravel alongside the best way. There have been additionally six totally different worlds to discover, which was an exquisite benefit, particularly for many who had been enthusiastic followers of Mario Brothers and Donkey Kong.
Sonic Journey
Sonic has lengthy been Sega’s mascot, so to see this icon as a part of a Nintendo sport was totally different, to say the least. This was an entertaining enterprise and as much as 4 gamers may take pleasure in it in multiplayer mode.
Kirby and the Wonderful Mirror
This sport regarded misleading at first, however the place many gamers assumed it might be an easy, linear sport, it really allowed gamers extra freedom. It was a really mature sport, surprisingly so, and explored numerous deeper, darker features of life.
Double Dragon Advance
Whereas the combating style that was widespread within the Eighties had light, this Double Dragon Advance model hearkened again to these instances, however within the 3D period. Whereas this didn’t provide deep storylines or dimensional characters, it was merely numerous enjoyable, particularly for those who beloved these 80s-style video games.
Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire
Attempting to seize the entire Pokémon is the aim of this sport, as traditional. The purpose is to defeat the Elite 4 by making your Pokémon stronger. When going through fight, it’s turn-based.
Castlevania: Concord of Dissonance
On this model, gamers had the chance to play as Simon Belmont’s son. He was a vampire slayer with magical powers. On this model, it’s as much as the participant to lastly finish Dracula’s reign. Once you begin, you uncover that Lydie has been kidnapped and held by Dracula. Your job is to rescue her.
Astro Boy: The Omega Issue
Regardless that you could not have a lot expertise with Astro Board, this one was a must-play for everybody. With a number of weapons and mobility choices to select from, there’s numerous pleasure occurring at each stage.
Wario Land 4
Wario is Mario’s evil counterpart. Having been noticed in a wide range of video games beforehand, he returned for this one, too. With six sections within the pyramid, every with 4 ranges, and 4 gems to search out in every stage, there was a lot to maintain gamers occupied.
Remaining Fantasy V Advance
Constructing on earlier variations, this one took role-playing to a brand new stage. Providing fluid class adjustments that might be executed as you performed, there have been additionally new professions that allowed gamers to create fantastic combos.
Drill Dozer
This stunning authentic for the GameBoy system breathed new life into the console, at the very least for some time. Nice animation at each stage that required gamers to find and use new abilities.
Mega Man Zero 3
Impressed by the X Video games, this GameBoy system sport managed to keep away from copying these quintessential video games of the late 90s and 2000s. With every subsequent model, the storylines bought darker and the gameplay grew to become extra excessive.
Pokémon Thriller Dungeon: Purple Rescue Group
Purple Rescue Group is an excellent Pokémon journey that created a novel shift. On this one, dungeons had been the principle focus, and just one village whereas earlier variations had quite a few villages and forests gamers may discover. With 16 dungeons, gamers would see all the things from the angle of the Pokémon.
Gunstar Tremendous Heroes
Within the authentic Gunstar sport, the God of Break was defeated. Throughout his defeat, although, the moon fractured into 4 smaller moons. Sadly, those that adopted this god had been bent on resurrecting him. On this model, he’s again and gamers can play certainly one of two totally different characters.
F-Zero: GP Legend
With new tracks and a wide range of sport modes, gamers had the power to change driving mechanics and even tweak their automobiles so that they had been extra real looking. Additionally, as much as 30 racers might be on the observe at any given time.
Tremendous Mario Advance
Each time a brand new Nintendo system was launched, it appeared to be met with a brand new Mario sport. This was no totally different, however this Tremendous Mario Advance model merely didn’t catapult the franchise ahead. Nevertheless, the four-player mode and higher graphics had been a bonus.
Automotive Battler Joe
This superior sport has gamers as skilled automobile battlers taking over others in deathrace-style matches. If you happen to full requests from the townsfolk, you’ll be able to improve your experience for the following match.
The Pinball of the Lifeless
That is mainly a standard pinball sport, and whereas that may not appear overly thrilling, the builders of this model put all the things inside a Home of the Lifeless set, so gamers may take pleasure in some zombie pinball.
Boktai: The Solar is in Your Hand
As a vampire slayer, gamers would use the solar’s energy as a method to defeat their evil opponents. Sounds easy sufficient? Certain, it’s, however there was a twist. The sport cartridge had a lightweight sensor constructed into it, so once you performed underneath vibrant gentle, your character’s evil slaying capacity elevated.
Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup
For many who haven’t seen any of the Harry Potter motion pictures or learn the books but, we’d wish to know what planet you’ve been residing on. Severely, although, this GameBoy entry was thrilling for Harry Potter followers.
Rayman Advance
Regardless that Rayman is the French model of Mario, and has been round almost as lengthy, this character had extra of an edge to his persona. The degrees bought more durable extra shortly and the graphics had been higher than most different comparable GameBoy video games.
Spyro 2: Season of Flame
This was the primary Spyro sport launched for the GameBoy system. It basically picks up the place the primary one left off. Spyro has ice and fireplace breath, which gives loads of choices for overcoming enemies.
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Reminiscences
This sport used a full-motion video and was extremely nicely designed. Regardless that the plot was a bit off, it basically had two genres packed into one sport. It offered nicely immediately however didn’t have the endurance of different related codecs.
Metallic Slug Advance
With humorous characters and massive weapons, it’s mainly like your Eighties motion film stuffed right into a online game system. The purpose is to wipe out your enemies by obliterating them with bullets. In different phrases, mow them down.
Digimon: Battle Spirit
In one other combating sport, as a substitute of getting scary-looking characters, gamers are Digimon and compete towards different Digimon. Nevertheless, when gamers attain the tip of 1 stage, they then should combat the harder Impmon, and easily utilizing fundamental strikes and combos received’t get you there. It’s important to click on the orbs as they fall.
Beyblade: G-Revolution
This sport didn’t promote as builders had anticipated, however a giant cause was that the tv program it was primarily based on had stopped grabbing the viewers’s consideration. Nonetheless, it was a enjoyable entry into the GameBoy universe.
Remaining Struggle One
Regardless that Double Dragon could have invented the combating style for online game methods, Remaining Struggle took it to a brand new stage. On this one, gamers should tackle quite a few opponents on the similar time.
Mario Tennis: Energy Tour
If enjoying tennis on a online game sounds uninteresting and boring, you in all probability haven’t tried Mario Tennis. On this model, the graphics had been improved and also you had entry to extra playable characters. There have been additionally higher sport modes and even minigames.
Tremendous Monkey Ball Jr.
Think about you took a golf course and put it within the sky. Then, as a substitute of golf balls, you had monkeys trapped inside bubbles. Whereas this may increasingly appear odd, it was extremely profitable. Merely put, it was loads harder than it regarded.
Ninja 5-O
In all different areas of the world, this sport was referred to as Ninja Cop, besides in the US the place it glided by this title. As a particular cop that had ninja abilities, gamers needed to take down petty criminals and gangs, however as the degrees elevated, issues bought harder and extra sophisticated.
Kuru Kuru Kururin
Attempt to save this title 5 instances quick and also you’re positive to have a tongue tornado in your arms. Whereas few folks really know what Kururin is, that doesn’t actually matter. Gamers have to search out their misplaced brothers utilizing a helicopter to rescue them.
Mega Man Zero 4
This entertaining motion sport supplied new upgrades and weapons in comparison with earlier variations, together with the power to decide on the climate earlier than coming into the sport itself.
Tremendous Road Fighter II: Turbo Revival
Regardless that it was basically the identical model as the unique, this one had new characters and mechanics. It held on to the core rules that made the unique Road Fighter sport profitable, particularly within the arcades. With the GameBoy model, gamers loved pressure-sensitive controls.
Mega Man Zero 2
The whole lot that made the primary Zero video games profitable is discovered right here, however builders ratcheted all the things up many ranges. The degrees are longer, the graphics vastly improved, and the motion is top-notch.
Road Fighter Alpha 3
One other entry from the Road Fighter universe, this was launched as an arcade sport in 1998, however this model was extremely formidable. Builders had been capable of mash all the things from that authentic arcade system into the small handheld Nintendo GameBoy model. Though graphic particulars had been simplified to make this occur, all the things else was top-notch.
Sonic Advance 2
This second addition to the Sonic Advance pushed the boundaries of what was attainable in handheld sport methods. The degrees are bigger, gamers bought to select from 5 characters, every with distinctive skills, and there have been hidden paths and power-ups to search out, uncover, and use.
GT Advance Championship Racing
Check drive extremely quick unique vehicles on tracks set world wide, and also you’ve bought this GT Advance Championship Racing version. By taking over and successful totally different championships, gamers had been capable of unlock new tracks and new automobiles. Even inventory vehicles might be improved with every victory.
Widespread GBA Questions
What Is The Rarest Gameboy Advance Recreation?
This is able to be Pocky & Rocky with Becky. This multidirectional shooter sport harkens again to the unique Tremendous Nintendo video games. It was solely launched on a restricted run, and few folks realized this on the time.
What was as soon as accessible to search out only a decade or so in the past for $5 or $7, the worth vary now might be anyplace from $120 to $700 or extra, with $5,000 being affordable for an authentic model sealed in its preliminary packaging.
Are GBA Video games Nonetheless Being Made?
No. Manufacturing of recent GameBoy Advance video games ceased by the tip of 2009. By Could 15, 2010, all gross sales of GameBoy Advance video games had additionally ceased in retailers world wide.
Tens of millions of GameBoy followers world wide can nonetheless take pleasure in these thrilling video games utilizing an emulator and even the Nintendo Change. So, even for those who discovered certainly one of your favourite video games on this record and haven’t performed it in years, there’s nonetheless hope. What an exquisite time to be a GameBoy fanatic.
