When the Nintendo GameBoy was first launched in 1989, it was a revolution in private gaming. Up till that point, avid avid gamers had been basically caught with their programs that wanted to be plugged right into a TV. Then, the GameBoy modified all the things.
Different handheld sport programs got here out across the identical time, together with Sega Sport Gear, NEC TurboExpress, and the Atari Lynx. Every had its personal advantages, Nintendo’s GameBoy stood the check of time and finally made approach for the Advance a bit of greater than a decade later.
Launched in 2001, it was the sixth technology of the GameBoy consoles. The primary GameBoy Advance launch didn’t have an illuminated display screen, 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 programs had been bought world wide. When Nintendo launched its DS handheld sport system, some might have assumed this is able to utterly change the GameBoy that most of the prime 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 Sport?
It actually comes right down to a matter of non-public choice. For probably the most half, although, it includes a number of components, together with graphics, playability, technique, and ease of use.
Maybe most necessary 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 likely seem 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 might have been worlds aside.
We used the next fundamental standards in constructing out our checklist of the most effective GBA video games of all time:
- Did it carry out as designed?
- Was it enjoyable to play?
- May a participant get pleasure from this sport for months and even years? Or did it rapidly lose its attraction?
- Was the sport comparatively easy to know and get began with?
- Did it have rising challenges that stored the participant engaged and looking for to enhance his or her ability set?
When all is claimed and achieved, nonetheless, it actually comes down to non-public choice. A number of the finest Nintendo GameBoy Advance video games we listed right here it’s possible you’ll discover to have been boring, nonstarters, or lower than worthy of any such checklist. That’s okay.
That is our checklist, and it’s one we discover a lot of different folks agree with.
The Greatest GBA Video games
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Once you had been in search of severe motion, however with a splash of enjoyable and lighthearted sentimentality, you’ll flip to Aria of Sorrow. The builders had been in a position to mix the most effective of the 2 earlier variations of Castlevania on this sport, creating an icon for the ages.
WarioWare Twisted
Imagine 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 the most effective 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 factor that was referred to as 4 Swords. It additionally added many new options that made it way 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 vital. Whereas it was obtainable on different programs, the GameBoy model might not have had the identical visible consideration to element because the PlayStation one, nevertheless it was nonetheless an excessive amount 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 varied ranges of traps, puzzles, and enemies to assert victory.
Remaining Fantasy VI Advance
Some would argue that this model of Remaining Fantasy was the best possible, not less than inside the confines of the two-dimensional world. It nonetheless holds up in the present day. Nonetheless, even in the present day’s variations can’t evaluate to the GBA sport’s model due to the way in which it drew you in and the narrative that went together with it.
Metroid: Zero Mission
Whereas it could 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 most effective GBA sport for motion on the system. It provided 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 need to 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 may 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 completely different tracks and a number of other sport modes. Nonetheless, once you compete at larger ranges, Synthetic Intelligence will get harder.
Remaining Fantasy Ways Advance
Set inside the Remaining Fantasy world, this motion sport had a mixture of nice tales and techniques for gamers to deal with. Gamers bought to select from quite a few characters and every one would have particular, distinctive talents that might be helpful at completely 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 flexibility for gamers to decide on Luigi at any time on the world display screen. Gamers in the present day nonetheless love the Mario world, because it stays a prime 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 degree and puzzles to resolve alongside the way in which. There have been additionally six completely different worlds to discover, which was a beautiful benefit, particularly for individuals 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 completely different, to say the least. This was an entertaining enterprise and as much as 4 gamers may get pleasure from it in multiplayer mode.
Kirby and the Superb Mirror
This sport regarded misleading at first, however the place many gamers assumed it could be a simple, linear sport, it really allowed gamers extra freedom. It was a really mature sport, surprisingly so, and explored plenty of deeper, darker points of life.
Double Dragon Advance
Whereas the preventing style that was fashionable within the Eighties had pale, this Double Dragon Advance model hearkened again to these occasions, however within the 3D period. Whereas this didn’t supply deep storylines or dimensional characters, it was merely plenty of enjoyable, particularly in case you cherished these 80s-style video games.
Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire
Attempting to seize all the 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
Though it’s possible you’ll 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 plenty of pleasure occurring at each degree.
Wario Land 4
Wario is Mario’s evil counterpart. Having been noticed in quite a lot 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 degree, there was loads to maintain gamers occupied.
Remaining Fantasy V Advance
Constructing on earlier variations, this one took role-playing to a brand new degree. Providing fluid class modifications that may very well be achieved as you performed, there have been additionally new professions that allowed gamers to create fantastic mixtures.
Drill Dozer
This stunning unique for the GameBoy system breathed new life into the console, not less than for some time. Nice animation at each degree 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 turned extra excessive.
Pokémon Thriller Dungeon: Purple Rescue Workforce
Purple Rescue Workforce is an excellent Pokémon journey that created a singular shift. On this one, dungeons had been the primary 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 unique Gunstar sport, the God of Spoil 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 one in every of two completely different characters.
F-Zero: GP Legend
With new tracks and quite a lot of sport modes, gamers had the flexibility to change driving mechanics and even tweak their autos in order that they had been extra life like. Additionally, as much as 30 racers may very well be on the monitor at any given time.
Tremendous Mario Advance
Each time a brand new Nintendo system was launched, it gave the impression to be met with a brand new Mario sport. This was no completely different, however this Tremendous Mario Advance model merely didn’t catapult the franchise ahead. Nonetheless, the four-player mode and higher graphics had been a bonus.
Automobile Battler Joe
This superior sport has gamers as skilled automotive battlers taking up others in deathrace-style matches. In case you full requests from the townsfolk, you’ll be able to improve your trip for the subsequent match.
The Pinball of the Useless
That is principally a standard pinball sport, and whereas which may not appear overly thrilling, the builders of this model put all the things inside a Home of the Useless set, so gamers may get pleasure from some zombie pinball.
Boktai: The Solar is in Your Hand
As a vampire slayer, gamers would use the solar’s energy as a solution to defeat their evil opponents. Sounds easy sufficient? Positive, it’s, however there was a twist. The sport cartridge had a light-weight sensor constructed into it, so once you performed underneath brilliant gentle, your character’s evil slaying skill 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 prefer to know what planet you’ve been residing on. Critically, although, this GameBoy entry was thrilling for Harry Potter followers.
Rayman Advance
Though Rayman is the French model of Mario, and has been round practically as lengthy, this character had extra of an edge to his persona. The degrees bought more durable extra rapidly 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 offers loads of choices for overcoming enemies.
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Reminiscences
This sport used a full-motion video and was extremely effectively designed. Though the plot was a bit off, it basically had two genres packed into one sport. It bought effectively straight away however didn’t have the endurance of different related codecs.
Metallic Slug Advance
With humorous characters and massive weapons, it’s principally 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 preventing sport, as an alternative of getting scary-looking characters, gamers are Digimon and compete towards different Digimon. Nonetheless, when gamers attain the top of 1 stage, they then need to combat the harder Impmon, and easily utilizing fundamental strikes and combos gained’t get you there. It’s a must to click on the orbs as they fall.
Beyblade: G-Revolution
This sport didn’t promote as builders had anticipated, however an enormous purpose 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 Battle One
Though Double Dragon might have invented the preventing style for online game programs, Remaining Battle took it to a brand new degree. On this one, gamers should tackle quite a few opponents on the identical time.
Mario Tennis: Energy Tour
If taking part in 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 an alternative of golf balls, you had monkeys trapped inside bubbles. Whereas this will appear odd, it was extremely profitable. Merely put, it was quite a bit harder than it regarded.
Ninja 5-O
In all different areas of the world, this sport was generally known as Ninja Cop, besides in america 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 difficult.
Kuru Kuru Kururin
Attempt to save this title 5 occasions quick and also you’re certain 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 provided new upgrades and weapons in comparison with earlier variations, together with the flexibility to decide on the climate earlier than coming into the sport itself.
Tremendous Avenue Fighter II: Turbo Revival
Though 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 Avenue Fighter sport profitable, particularly within the arcades. With the GameBoy model, gamers loved pressure-sensitive controls.
Mega Man Zero 2
Every little thing 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.
Avenue Fighter Alpha 3
One other entry from the Avenue Fighter universe, this was launched as an arcade sport in 1998, however this model was extremely formidable. Builders had been in a position to mash all the things from that unique 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 potential in handheld sport programs. The degrees are bigger, gamers bought to select from 5 characters, every with distinctive talents, and there have been hidden paths and power-ups to search out, uncover, and use.
GT Advance Championship Racing
Take a look at drive extremely quick unique vehicles on tracks set world wide, and also you’ve bought this GT Advance Championship Racing version. By taking up and profitable completely different championships, gamers had been in a position to unlock new tracks and new autos. Even inventory vehicles may very well be improved with every victory.
Widespread GBA Questions
What Is The Rarest Gameboy Advance Sport?
This could 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 obtainable to search out only a decade or so in the past for $5 or $7, the value vary now will be anyplace from $120 to $700 or extra, with $5,000 being cheap for an unique model sealed in its preliminary packaging.
Are GBA Video games Nonetheless Being Made?
No. Manufacturing of latest GameBoy Advance video games ceased by the top of 2009. By Could 15, 2010, all gross sales of GameBoy Advance video games had additionally ceased in retailers world wide.
Hundreds of thousands of GameBoy followers world wide can nonetheless get pleasure from these thrilling video games utilizing an emulator and even the Nintendo Change. So, even in case you discovered one in every of your favourite video games on this checklist and haven’t performed it in years, there’s nonetheless hope. What a beautiful time to be a GameBoy fanatic.
