Top 10 Gameboy Advance Games
Jun 02 '09
The Bottom Line It's amazing that the 16-bit era lasted so long that even the Gameboy Advance can churn out some great and fresh titles.
10. Golden Sun
When Golden Sun burst upon the GBA scene it opened up a whole new world for RPG fans. It offered a decent story as well as a compelling battle mechanics. Golden Sun isn't like a typical RPG in that the classes aren't typically defined. Instead the game is very magic heavy in that it relies a lot on the magical system. In addition the Djinn system is a very unique way to mix up the elemental properties found in the game. Beyond that Golden Sun has a lot of dungeon crawling as well as some puzzle elements as well. If you're a big Final Fantasy fan, you'll likely find Golden Sun to be a familiar yet fresh approach on the formula they've already established.
Why should I care?
Golden Sun is a fresh RPG that has a lot of polish. Like a good book, it compels you to play further along until you're watching the final cutscene. Unlike many other RPGs Golden Sun has a lot of dynamic gameplay especially in the battle system. The most satisfying aspect of Golden Sun is using your Djinn creatively to take down a tough boss. Beyond that the graphics are amazing for a sprite-based game. Golden Sun takes a lot of chances with a new RPG that's designed to take on the heavyweights of the genre and it succeeds. This game is definitely worth your money.
9. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
This is a game whose gets its inspiration from A Link to the Past in that it takes some creative chances. Those creative chances such as unique weapons and gameplay mechanics really work out well can make for a unique Zelda experience. I always felt that the top down Zelda games really ended up being some of the best games ever made. I never pass up a top down Zelda game because it's always worth my time.
Why should I care?
It's Zelda plain and simple. I can only guess as to why this game wasn't more popular and remembered for the classic it was. Maybe it was released so late in the GBA's lifespan. The fact is this is an iconic game which could easily be the face of what the Gameboy Advance was all about. Still, like most other people I thought there were even better games on the list. But given the fact that The Minish Cap is only #9 on my list should tell you the quality of games available on the Gameboy Advance.
8. Fire Emblem
Fire Emblem is a great turn based strategy game. The strategy is rewarding, the graphics are amazing, and the audio is pretty decent too. This game is was a huge hit when it arrived on the Gameboy Advance; however it was overshadowed by Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. Still, it's a game that shouldn't be ignored because another similarly spectacular game was released alongside it.
Why should I care?
One of the best aspects of Fire Emblem is that it plays for keeps. If one of your characters gets killed in battle, then you can kiss him or her goodbye for good. Its easy appearance can sugar coat the unforgiving nature of the game. The tactical aspect is solid and there's a decent story buried in there as well. While more modern Fire Emblem games flesh out the gameplay a little more, the original means more to me than the others. It's a fantastic gaming experience and is one of the best games on the GBA.
7. Mario Vs. Donkey Kong
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong is a stage-based puzzle game. The object is to guide Mario through a series of levels where you must flip switches and avoid enemies and traps. The stages get progressively harder yet the concept remains simple.
Why should I care?
So often it's the simplest games that are the most fun to play. Mario Vs. Donkey Kong doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles and it's not a game that offers a lot of replayability, but the experience you have with the game is high quality.
6. Metroid Fusion
Metroid Fusion is the best of the Metroid games on the Gameboy Advance. Metroid Fusion follows the basic formula from previous games. Most areas become accessible by finding certain items or defeating certain bosses. There are some decent platformer puzzles mixed in just to provide a more cerebral experience. There are also a lot of different weapons and areas to explore on top of everything else. It's a solid Metroid experience.
Why should I care?
I was never much of a Metroid fan, but Metroid Fusion was different for me. There was more of a backstory and the game was a little more structured. In addition Metroid Fusion works well on the Gameboy Advance. The reason this game should be seriously considered is because it's a Metroid game that can satisfy someone who isn't that much of a Metroid fan in general.
5. Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald
Pokemon has been a part of every portable Nintendo system going way back to the original Gameboy. This iteration features roughly a 100 more pokemon and many different gameplay mechanics. The game is designed for kids, but many adults can get enjoyment out of this game since because the gameplay is so deep. As a turn based RPG, your collection of Pokemon will grow as you battle all sorts of pokemon and pokemon trainers.
Why should I care?
Think of it this way. Pokemon Emerald is #5 on my list of most favorite GBA games, yet this is the game that got me hooked on Pokemon. What makes this game so addictive is you collect pokemon to battle where the type matchups create endless team and move combinations. What's more is the battle scene creates environments for you to test out your pokemon teams. Winning a pokemon battle against someone else with your carefully trained and developed Pokemon is definitely worth the time invested. Not many games can say that, which is why this is a must have game for the GBA.
4. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Aria of Sorrow takes the Castlevania games in yet a new direction. While this Castlevania iteration is still a sprite-based side-scrolling platformer in the Metroid-like unlockable world, we begin to see new gameplay mechanics and we're no longer bound to the whip as the primary weapon of choice. In addition we're seeing some new enemies as well as a few old favorites as well. The story is fleshed out a little more in detail and while I prefer the Belmont-types because they tend to be a man's man, Soma Cruz is still a strong protagonist in his own right.
Why should I care?
Aria of Sorrow is just the beginning of what is to come in the later Castlevania games for the DS. It opens up lots of new gameplay mechanics like non-whip weaponry and soul collecting. It's almost as if Konami is trying to combine Castlevania with the best aspects of not only Metroid but also Pokemon. To me this game really succeeds and is definitely deserving of your attention. It may not be as deep as the newer DS games, but Aria of Sorrow is a fantastic game all its own.
3. Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
Castlevania Circle of the Moon continues the Metoidvania genre as established by Castlevania Symphony of the Night on the PS1. But Circle of the Moon takes the unlockable castle one step further by adding the DSS card system. The DSS card system adds two great gameplay elements: searching the castle for cards (loot), and power/attribute combos. Both of these really create an interesting game. When you combine that with the top notch graphics and the always superb Castlevania musical scores, you have a fantastic game on your hands.
Why should I care?
The name of the game here is options. The DSS card system allows you to do many different unconventional things in this game. There are 100 different DSS card pairs which allow for all sorts of interesting things to happen and can even allow you to access new parts of the castle and secret areas. Circle of the Moon while a relatively short game, will definitely keep you entertained all while playing it.
2. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance gets a bad rap among seasoned gamers because the protagonist is a kid and the judge system. What I saw from this game is a spectacular turned based strategy RPG. The class system is done masterfully and the gameplay balancing is meticulously preserved. Many games tend to lure you into a comfort zone where you're just going through the motions. The judge system helps to keep you on your toes because of the ever changing ruleset.
Why should I care?
Out of all the games on this list, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is the game I played for more hours than all others. Part of it is because it is because completing a battle can take a little while, but mostly because it's so hard to put down. The number of classes, equipment, and spells make for some creative party combinations.
1. Advance Wars 2
Advance Wars 2 to me is the best game on the Gameboy Advance system. Not only that, but I also consider it to be the best Advance Wars game made. What sealed the deal for me is the game remains simple, while adding some useful units as well as nailing the gameplay balancing. It has interesting modes of play and kickass music.
Why should I care?
You're not going to find a better game suited to the Gameboy Advance. The action is fast paced and conquering your opponents is really satisfying. The game's style, while kind of quirky, makes the game that much more inviting. If there's still any doubt, it sells for $10 used at Gamestop.
Honorable Mention
Advance Wars
Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonnance
Chu Chu Rocket
Final Fantasy VI Advance
Double Dragon Advance
Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
Golden Sun: The Lost Age
Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga
Mario Kart Super Circuit
Mario Pinball Land
Metroid: Zero Mission
Pokemon Firered/Leafgreen
Rebelstar: Tactical Command
River City Ransom EX
Riviera: The Promised Land
Super Mario Advance
Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World
Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island
Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Brothers 3
Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation 2
Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
WarioWare Inc.: Mega MicroGame$!
Final Thoughts
It's kind of funny to sit back and analyze these games because it comes down to two primary genres that excel above all others on this system. The Gameboy Advance churns out some fantastic and creative turn based strategy and metroidvania games. Beyond the top 10 there are several great tactical games that could easily be considered on the top 10 list like Advance Wars, Rebelstar, and Tactics Ogre. In addition to the Metroid and Castlevania games you can also include the Zelda games to that same specialized genre too.
These games are still very relevant today. If you have a Nintendo DS, but haven't picked up a DSi yet, you can still play all of these games in the second cartridge port. And since the DS is backlit better than the Gameboy Advance, many of these games look and even sound better. Even if you still have your Gameboy Advance, there's little reason for you to put it away because there are a ton of great games which you would miss out on.
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