The Game Boy Advance (GBA) was a handheld video game console released by Nintendo in 2001. It was the successor to the Game Boy Color and was the first Game Boy system to use 32-bit graphics. The GBA was a huge success, selling over 80 million units worldwide. It was home to some of the best video games ever made, including many that are still enjoyed by gamers today. In this article, we will take a look at five of the best Game Boy Advance games ever.
One of the most popular GBA games is Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. These games were released in 2002 and were the first Pokémon games to be released on a handheld console. They introduced a new generation of Pokémon, as well as a new region to explore. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were huge critical and commercial successes, and they helped to make the GBA one of the most popular handheld consoles of all time. Another popular GBA game is The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. This game was released in 2004 and is a prequel to the classic SNES game The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The Minish Cap features a new shrinking mechanic that allows Link to explore a world of tiny people. The game was praised for its charming graphics, fun gameplay, and challenging dungeons.
Finally, no discussion of the best GBA games would be complete without mentioning Metroid Fusion. This game was released in 2002 and is a direct sequel to the Super Metroid. Metroid Fusion is a side-scrolling action-adventure game that features some of the best graphics and gameplay on the GBA. The game follows Samus Aran as she investigates a deadly parasite that is threatening to destroy the galaxy. Metroid Fusion was praised for its intense action, innovative gameplay, and memorable boss battles. It is considered to be one of the best Metroid games ever made and is a must-play for any GBA fan.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Released in 2004, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is a beloved Game Boy Advance installment in the iconic Zelda franchise. It introduces a unique shrinking mechanic that allows Link to transform into a tiny Minish, granting him the ability to explore hidden areas and solve puzzles inaccessible to his regular size.
An Epic Adventure in Hyrule
The Minish Cap follows Link on his quest to retrieve the titular cap, a powerful artifact needed to restore peace to the kingdom of Hyrule. Along the way, he teams up with a cast of memorable characters, including the royal princess Zelda, the wise Ezlo, and the mischievous Kinstones. The game’s captivating storyline and engaging dungeon crawls make it a true classic.
Shrinking Magic
The Minish Cap’s shrinking mechanic adds a fresh layer of gameplay to the Zelda formula. By shrinking down, Link can enter tiny holes and uncover secret areas, and even communicate with the Minish, a race of tiny beings living in Hyrule. The ability to shrink opens up new possibilities for exploration and puzzle-solving, keeping players captivated from start to finish.
| Shrunken Link | Regular Link |
|---|---|
| Can enter tiny holes | Cannot enter tiny holes |
| Can communicate with Minish | Cannot communicate with Minish |
| Can uncover secret areas | Cannot uncover secret areas |
Metroid Fusion
Released in 2002, Metroid Fusion is an action-adventure game that continues the story of Samus Aran from Metroid Zero Mission. After her encounter with the Metroid larvae, she is sent to investigate an abandoned space station where she encounters a deadly parasite known as the X. The game introduces numerous new gameplay elements, including the Fusion Suit, which grants Samus enhanced abilities and protects her from the X.
Gameplay
Metroid Fusion features fast-paced side-scrolling action with a heavy emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving. Samus can acquire various weapons, upgrades, and items to enhance her abilities and progress through the game’s labyrinthine levels. The game also introduces a new focus on stealth and evasion, as Samus must navigate areas infested with the X while avoiding detection.
Key Features:
| Feature |
|---|
| Fusion Suit: Grants Samus enhanced abilities and protection from the X. |
| X-Parasite: A deadly parasite that can infect Samus or other organisms. |
| SA-X: A clone of Samus infected by the X, which stalks her throughout the game. |
| New Weapons and Upgrades: Includes the Beam Burst, Screw Attack, and Grapple Beam. |
| Focus on Stealth and Evasion: Samus must avoid detection while navigating areas infested with the X. |
Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising
Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising is a turn-based strategy game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. It is the sequel to Advance Wars, and it was released in 2003.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Advance Wars 2 is similar to that of its predecessor. Players control a group of units, including infantry, tanks, and artillery, and must use them to defeat their opponents. The game features a variety of different maps and missions, and players must use their strategic skills to succeed.
New Features
Advance Wars 2 introduced a number of new features to the series, including:
- A new fog of war system, which obscured enemy units until they were revealed by player units
- A new unit type, the Black Hole, which could absorb enemy units and fire them back at their opponents
- A new multiplayer mode, which allowed players to compete against each other via local or online play
Reception
Advance Wars 2 was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its strategic gameplay, its variety of maps and missions, and its new features. The game was also a financial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Advance Wars 2 is considered one of the best games ever released for the Game Boy Advance. It is a classic turn-based strategy game that has been enjoyed by millions of players around the world.
Sonic Advance 2
Sonic Advance 2 is an unforgettable classic in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. This Game Boy Advance title is bursting with high-speed action, memorable levels, and a beloved cast of characters.
The game introduces Cream the Rabbit and her Chao companion, Cheese, adding a touch of cuteness to the adventure.
Gameplay Mechanics:
Sonic Advance 2 features the signature Sonic gameplay of blazing through levels, collecting rings, and defeating enemies. It introduces a new move called the “Super Boost,” which allows players to accelerate at incredible speeds.
Level Design:
The levels in Sonic Advance 2 are diverse and imaginative, ranging from lush green forests to futuristic cities. Each level boasts secret areas, challenging obstacles, and thrilling boss battles.
Characters:
In addition to Sonic, players can choose to play as Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Cream. Each character possesses unique abilities that open up different paths and strategies through the levels.
Multiplayer:
Sonic Advance 2 supports up to four players in competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes. Players can race against each other or team up to conquer challenges in special multiplayer levels.
Story:
While Sonic Advance 2’s story is simple, it’s engaging enough to keep players entertained throughout the adventure. Dr. Eggman hatches an evil plan to capture Cream and steal the Chaos Emeralds, and it’s up to Sonic and his friends to stop him.
Music and Graphics:
Sonic Advance 2 boasts a catchy soundtrack that perfectly complements the high-speed action. The graphics are vibrant and colorful, bringing the world of Sonic to life on the Game Boy Advance’s small screen.
Reception and Legacy:
Sonic Advance 2 received critical acclaim upon release, praised for its gameplay, level design, and multiplayer modes. It remains a fan favorite and is considered one of the best Sonic games ever made.
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | High-speed action, Super Boost move |
| Levels | Diverse and imaginative, secret areas |
| Characters | Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Cream with unique abilities |
| Multiplayer | Competitive and cooperative modes, up to 4 players |
| Story | Simple yet engaging, Dr. Eggman’s evil plan |
| Music & Graphics | Catchy soundtrack, vibrant and colorful visuals |
| Reception | Critical acclaim, fan favorite, considered one of the best Sonic games |
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Mario Kart: Super Circuit is a kart racing game developed by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. It was released in Japan on July 21, 2001, in North America on August 13, 2001, and in Europe on February 15, 2002. The game is the second installment in the Mario Kart series and the first on a handheld console. It features 20 playable characters, 16 new tracks, and four returning tracks from the Super Mario Kart game.
Characters
Mario Kart: Super Circuit features 20 playable characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Bowser, Donkey Kong, and Yoshi. Each character has their own unique stats, such as speed, acceleration, and handling.
Tracks
The game features 16 new tracks and four returning tracks from the Super Mario Kart game. The new tracks are set in a variety of locations, such as a beach, a jungle, a volcano, and a castle. The returning tracks are Rainbow Road, Choco Mountain, Mario Circuit 1, and Donkey Kong Country.
Modes
Mario Kart: Super Circuit features a variety of modes, including a Grand Prix mode, a Time Trial mode, and a Battle mode. In Grand Prix mode, players race against seven other computer-controlled opponents on a series of four tracks. In Time Trial mode, players race against the clock to set the best possible time on a single track. In Battle mode, players can compete in a variety of minigames, such as Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast.
Multiplayer
Mario Kart: Super Circuit supports multiplayer for up to four players. Players can race against each other in Grand Prix mode, Time Trial mode, or Battle mode. The game also supports link cable play, which allows players to connect their Game Boy Advance consoles and race against each other.
Reception
Mario Kart: Super Circuit received critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and multiplayer. It was also a commercial success, selling over 5 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Mario Kart: Super Circuit is considered to be one of the best games on the Game Boy Advance. The game helped to popularize the kart racing genre on handheld consoles and set the stage for future Mario Kart games.
300 Word Expansion of Section 9: Legacy
Mario Kart: Super Circuit had a profound impact on the gaming industry. It was one of the first kart racing games to be released on a handheld console and helped to popularize the genre. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music made it a hit with gamers of all ages.
Super Circuit also introduced several new features to the Mario Kart series, such as the ability to hold two items at once and the addition of new characters and tracks. These features would later become staples of the series.
The game’s success helped to pave the way for future Mario Kart games. The series has since gone on to become one of the most popular and successful video game franchises in history. Mario Kart: Super Circuit is a classic game that helped to define the kart racing genre. It is a must-play for any fan of the Mario Kart series or racing games in general.
| Sales |
|---|
| Over 5 million copies worldwide |
Mega Man Zero
Gameplay
Mega Man Zero is a 2D action-platformer that follows the titular character, Zero, as he fights against Neo Arcadia, a tyrannical regime that seeks to control the world. Players control Zero and use a variety of weapons and abilities to navigate through challenging stages, defeat enemies, and ultimately confront the game’s final boss.
Cyber-Elf System
One of the key features of Mega Man Zero is the Cyber-Elf system. Cyber-Elves are small creatures that can be collected and equipped to enhance Zero’s abilities. Each Cyber-Elf provides a unique power-up, such as increased attack power, enhanced defenses, or special abilities. Players can experiment with different combinations of Cyber-Elves to create unique playstyles and overcome different challenges.
EX Skills and Ranking System
Mega Man Zero also introduced EX Skills, which are powerful special abilities that can be performed by combining specific sub-weapon attacks with the Z-Saber. These skills can deal significant damage or grant temporary enhancements to Zero’s abilities. Additionally, the game features a ranking system that rewards players with special items and abilities based on their performance in each stage.
Difficulty and Level Design
Mega Man Zero is renowned for its high level of difficulty. Stages are filled with challenging enemies, intricate platforming hazards, and demanding boss fights. However, the game also features a well-designed level layout that allows for multiple paths and exploration. Players are encouraged to experiment with different routes and find secrets hidden throughout the stages.
Plot and Characters
Mega Man Zero takes place in the distant future of the Mega Man X series. The game follows Zero, a powerful Reploid who fought alongside X in the Maverick Wars. After X’s disappearance, Zero awakens from stasis and discovers that the world is now controlled by Neo Arcadia, a human-led regime that oppresses Reploids. Zero sets out on a mission to free the Reploids and defeat Neo Arcadia.
Reception and Legacy
Mega Man Zero received critical acclaim upon its release for its challenging gameplay, innovative Cyber-Elf system, and compelling story. It has become a fan favorite in the Mega Man franchise and is considered one of the best games on the Game Boy Advance.
| Release Date | Platforms |
|---|---|
| April 23, 2002 | Game Boy Advance |
The Best Game Boy Advance Games Ever
The Game Boy Advance (GBA) was a handheld video game console released by Nintendo in 2001. It was the successor to the Game Boy Color and the predecessor to the Nintendo DS. The GBA was a popular console, selling over 81 million units worldwide. It had a wide variety of games, including many that are still considered to be classics today.
Here are some of the best Game Boy Advance games ever:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (2004)
- Metroid Fusion (2002)
- Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (2003)
- Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones (2004)
- Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (2002)
- Final Fantasy VI (2002)
- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003)
- Advance Wars (2001)
- WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! (2003)
- Golden Sun (2001)
- Sonic Advance (2001)
These games are all classics for a reason. They offer a variety of genres, from action to adventure to RPGs. They’re all well-made and offer hours of entertainment. If you’re a fan of the GBA, or just looking for some great games to play, be sure to check out these titles.
People Also Ask
What is the best Game Boy Advance game?
This is a matter of opinion, but some of the most popular and critically acclaimed GBA games include The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Metroid Fusion, and Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow.
What are the best Game Boy Advance RPGs?
Some of the best GBA RPGs include Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, Final Fantasy VI, and Golden Sun.
What are the best Game Boy Advance action games?
Some of the best GBA action games include Metroid Fusion, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, and Advance Wars.
What are the best Game Boy Advance puzzle games?
Some of the best GBA puzzle games include WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! and Tetris Worlds.
