When the Nintendo GameBoy was first launched in 1989, it was a revolution in private gaming. Up till that point, avid avid gamers have been basically caught with their techniques that wanted to be plugged right into a TV. Then, the GameBoy modified every little thing.
Different handheld recreation techniques 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 take a look at of time and ultimately made approach for the Advance a bit 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, nevertheless, however by 2003, Nintendo had begun being attentive to the little particulars that made a world of distinction.
By 2010, greater than 81 million GameBoy techniques had been bought around the globe. When Nintendo launched its DS handheld recreation system, some might have assumed this might utterly change the GameBoy that lots of the high GameBoy Advance video games followers had grown to like. Thankfully, the DS was backward-compatible, which means it may play GBA video games simply wonderful.
What Makes A Good Gameboy Advance Sport?
It actually comes right down to a matter of private choice. For probably the most half, although, it includes a number of elements, 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 have been designed. This may increasingly look like an innocuous query, however many video games that have been launched and by no means gained traction, by no means held courtroom for very lengthy, weren’t poorly designed essentially, however what the creator had in thoughts and what was completed within the recreation itself might have been worlds aside.
We used the next fundamental standards in constructing out our listing of the most effective GBA video games of all time:
- Did it carry out as designed?
- Was it enjoyable to play?
- May a participant take pleasure in this recreation for months and even years? Or did it shortly lose its attraction?
- Was the sport comparatively easy to know and get began with?
- Did it have growing challenges that saved the participant engaged and in search of to enhance his or her ability set?
When all is claimed and carried out, nevertheless, it actually comes down to private choice. A number of the greatest 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 the sort of listing. That’s okay.
That is our listing, and it’s one we discover various different folks agree with.
The Greatest GBA Video games
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Whenever you have been searching for critical motion, however with a splash of enjoyable and lighthearted sentimentality, you’d flip to Aria of Sorrow. The builders have been capable of mix the most effective of the 2 earlier variations of Castlevania on this recreation, creating an icon for the ages.
WarioWare Twisted
Consider it or not, this recreation had a built-in movement sensor proper within the cartridge. That meant the cartridge itself may sense movement. For that, this recreation 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 recreation however added a multilayer ingredient 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 recreation was vital. Whereas it was accessible on different techniques, the GameBoy model might not have had the identical visible consideration to element because the PlayStation one, but it surely 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 recreation 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 say victory.
Closing Fantasy VI Advance
Some would argue that this model of Closing Fantasy was the best possible, not less than inside the confines of the two-dimensional world. It nonetheless holds up immediately. Nevertheless, even immediately’s variations can’t evaluate to the GBA recreation’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 recreation, 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 recreation 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 have 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 recreation, this role-playing recreation was one which modified every little thing as a result of gamers may do that anyplace; they didn’t should be at a desk poring over sheets and a recreation board.
Fireplace Emblem
Combining technique and role-playing inside a fantasy recreation, gamers loved Fireplace Emblem as a result of it had every little thing, 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 obtained to select from 40 totally different tracks and a number of other recreation modes. Nevertheless, whenever you compete at increased ranges, Synthetic Intelligence will get more durable.
Closing Fantasy Techniques Advance
Set inside the Closing Fantasy world, this motion recreation had a mix of nice tales and methods for gamers to deal with. Gamers obtained to select from quite a few characters and every one would have particular, distinctive talents that might be helpful at totally different levels 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 immediately nonetheless love the Mario world, because it stays a high vendor for the brand new Nintendo Swap.
Harvest Moon: Associates of Mineral City
Whereas there wasn’t a lot of a narrative to this farming simulator, you needed to be taught to plant crops, develop livestock, and befriend different characters (non-player characters, or NPCs), within the recreation 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 totally different worlds to discover, which was an exquisite benefit, particularly for individuals who have 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 recreation 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 recreation seemed misleading at first, however the place many gamers assumed it could be an easy, linear recreation, it really allowed gamers extra freedom. It was a really mature recreation, surprisingly so, and explored a number of deeper, darker points of life.
Double Dragon Advance
Whereas the combating style that was standard within the Eighties had pale, this Double Dragon Advance model hearkened again to these occasions, however within the 3D period. Whereas this didn’t provide deep storylines or dimensional characters, it was merely a number of enjoyable, particularly should you cherished these 80s-style video games.
Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire
Attempting to seize the entire Pokémon is the aim of this recreation, as common. The purpose is to defeat the Elite 4 by making your Pokémon stronger. When dealing with 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. Whenever you begin, you uncover that Lydie has been kidnapped and held by Dracula. Your job is to rescue her.
Astro Boy: The Omega Issue
Although 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 a number of pleasure occurring at each degree.
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 degree, there was loads to maintain gamers occupied.
Closing Fantasy V Advance
Constructing on earlier variations, this one took role-playing to a brand new degree. Providing fluid class modifications that could possibly be carried out 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, 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 recreation managed to keep away from copying these quintessential video games of the late 90s and 2000s. With every subsequent model, the storylines obtained darker and the gameplay turned extra excessive.
Pokémon Thriller Dungeon: Pink Rescue Staff
Pink Rescue Staff is an excellent Pokémon journey that created a novel shift. On this one, dungeons have 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 every little thing from the angle of the Pokémon.
Gunstar Tremendous Heroes
Within the authentic Gunstar recreation, the God of Break was defeated. Throughout his defeat, although, the moon fractured into 4 smaller moons. Sadly, those that adopted this god have 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 recreation modes, gamers had the power to change driving mechanics and even tweak their autos in order that they have been extra practical. Additionally, as much as 30 racers could possibly 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 recreation. 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 have been a bonus.
Automotive Battler Joe
This superior recreation has gamers as skilled automobile battlers taking over others in deathrace-style matches. When you full requests from the townsfolk, you possibly can improve your experience for the following match.
The Pinball of the Lifeless
That is mainly a standard pinball recreation, and whereas which may not appear overly thrilling, the builders of this model put every little thing 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 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 whenever you performed below shiny mild, your character’s evil slaying potential elevated.
Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup
For many who haven’t seen any of the Harry Potter films or learn the books but, we’d prefer to know what planet you’ve been dwelling on. Severely, although, this GameBoy entry was thrilling for Harry Potter followers.
Rayman Advance
Although 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 obtained more durable extra shortly and the graphics have been higher than most different comparable GameBoy video games.
Spyro 2: Season of Flame
This was the primary Spyro recreation launched for the GameBoy system. It basically picks up the place the primary one left off. Spyro has ice and hearth breath, which offers loads of choices for overcoming enemies.
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Recollections
This recreation used a full-motion video and was extremely effectively designed. Although the plot was a bit off, it basically had two genres packed into one recreation. It bought effectively straight away however didn’t have the endurance of different comparable codecs.
Metallic Slug Advance
With humorous characters and large 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 recreation, as a substitute of getting scary-looking characters, gamers are Digimon and compete in opposition to different Digimon. Nevertheless, when gamers attain the tip of 1 stage, they then should combat the more durable Impmon, and easily utilizing fundamental strikes and combos received’t get you there. You must click on the orbs as they fall.
Beyblade: G-Revolution
This recreation didn’t promote as builders had anticipated, however a giant purpose was that the tv program it was based mostly on had stopped grabbing the viewers’s consideration. Nonetheless, it was a enjoyable entry into the GameBoy universe.
Closing Combat One
Although Double Dragon might have invented the combating style for online game techniques, Closing Combat took it to a brand new degree. On this one, gamers must tackle quite a few opponents on the identical time.
Mario Tennis: Energy Tour
If enjoying tennis on a online game sounds boring and boring, you in all probability haven’t tried Mario Tennis. On this model, the graphics have been improved and also you had entry to extra playable characters. There have been additionally higher recreation 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 will likely appear odd, it was extremely profitable. Merely put, it was lots more durable than it seemed.
Ninja 5-O
In all different areas of the world, this recreation 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 obtained more durable and extra difficult.
Kuru Kuru Kururin
Attempt to save this title 5 occasions quick and also you’re positive to have a tongue tornado in your palms. 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 recreation supplied new upgrades and weapons in comparison with earlier variations, together with the power to decide on the climate earlier than getting into the sport itself.
Tremendous Avenue Fighter II: Turbo Revival
Although it was basically the identical model as the unique, this one had new characters and mechanics. It held on to the core ideas that made the unique Avenue Fighter recreation 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 every little thing 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 recreation in 1998, however this model was extremely bold. Builders have been capable of mash every little thing from that authentic arcade system into the small handheld Nintendo GameBoy model. Though graphic particulars have been simplified to make this occur, every little thing else was top-notch.
Sonic Advance 2
This second addition to the Sonic Advance pushed the boundaries of what was potential in handheld recreation techniques. The degrees are bigger, gamers obtained 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 automobiles on tracks set around the globe, and also you’ve obtained this GT Advance Championship Racing version. By taking over and profitable totally different championships, gamers have been capable of unlock new tracks and new autos. Even inventory automobiles could possibly be improved with every victory.
Frequent GBA Questions
What Is The Rarest Gameboy Advance Sport?
This might be Pocky & Rocky with Becky. This multidirectional shooter recreation 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 value vary now will be anyplace from $120 to $700 or extra, with $5,000 being cheap for an authentic model sealed in its preliminary packaging.
Are GBA Video games Nonetheless Being Made?
No. Manufacturing of latest 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 around the globe.
Thousands and thousands of GameBoy followers around the globe can nonetheless take pleasure in these thrilling video games utilizing an emulator and even the Nintendo Swap. So, even should you discovered certainly one of your favourite video games on this listing and haven’t performed it in years, there’s nonetheless hope. What an exquisite time to be a GameBoy fanatic.
