J!-ENT’s The Top 33 Game Boy Advance Games (not developed or published by Nintendo)
- 9th September , 2007 by KNDY in Video Game Reviews: DS/GBA
- 0 comments
With so much attention on the next gen consoles and a lot of us enjoying the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP, although many have decided to say goodbye to their Game Boy Advance (GBA), I for one haven’t.
There are a lot of games out there for the GBA and many that are on sale at your local video game store that for many gamers, there are some awesome games that many of us continue to hunt for.
But as I look on the Internet for top GBA games, I realize that the majority of the list have one thing in common, the majority of the games on those lists were developed or published by Nintendo (so, your not going to see “Golden Sun”, “Final Fantasy”, “Fire Emblem”, “Drill Dozer”, etc. included on this top 33 list).
I have to agree that the majority of the awesome games that I love which happened to be on the GBA are from Nintendo and I really don’t disagree with the various top GBA lists online because you can’t go wrong with many of the Nintendo developed or published games.
But I wanted to do something different. To offer a list of my top 33 GBA games that are not developed or published by Nintendo and giving those of you a chance to look for really awesome games that you may be able to still find at your local game store and many of them that are probably under $14.99 (used).
Before I list my top 33 (note: the number is just a lucky number of mine – hint: Dallas Cowboys), I just want to say that many of you who are part of our J!-ENT audience may be wondering how many imports we are going to include on this top 33. The answer is none.
As much as I would love to include “Rhythm Tengoku”, “Tennis no Ojisama”, the various “Kunio” related games, “Mother” and more, the truth is that buying an import for a GBA game is an expensive hobby and even through eBay, they are expensive new or used.
So, with so many GBA games available at the store and many used for such a great price, I decided that no imports are going to be included on this list.
The other thing that I will also need to mention is that when it comes to series, instead of having multiple “Final Fantasy”, “Street Fighter”, “Sonic the Hedgehog”, “Mega Man” games listed on the list, I’m just going to pick one from that series, my personal favorite to determine where it goes on the list.
Granted, not everyone is going to agree with my top 33 but that’s ok. If there are other games that you recommend, please comment on it because the goal is to give people a chance to search and find cool GBA games out there that they may not be familiar with and again, if they don’t have a GBA or a GB Micro, the fact that they can still play them on their Nintendo DS is awesome.
So, let’s begin the J!-ENT TOP 33 GBA GAMES (not developed or published by Nintendo):
#33 – DRAGON BALL Z: SUPERSONIC WARRIORS
Developed by Banpresto
Published by Atari
Released in 2004
With the release of “Dragon Ball Z” way back for the SNES, I have always been a big fan of the import fighting games in the series. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, similar to “Mega Man”, the series has been whored out to the consoles in unimaginable proportions and instead of good games, we have games that are just made because there is an expectation that DBZ fans will buy anything with DBZ on it.
But for each console, I do buy one DBZ game and for the GBA, there really is only one game that I highly recommend and that is “Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors”, a fighting game worthy of DBZ fans attention.
Play as 15 characters and it’s pure out DBZ fighting with many modes and also alternate endings. The best DBZ game on the GBA!
#32 – JET GRIND RADIO
Developed by Vicarious Visions
Published by THQ
Released in 2003
I have been a big fan of the “JET SET RADIO” series and loved it for the Sega Dreamcast and hoped that people would dig it for the XBOX but unfortunately, “JET GRIND RADIO” hasn’t really done all that well in the US which is a shame.
Now Vicarious Visions, developer of the very popular Tony Hawk series (which I will say right now will not be on this top 33), had their hands in creating the GBA version of this game. So, naturally this game incorporates those Tony Hawk elements into the game in the “JET GRIND RADIO” setting.
I love the series and the atmosphere and music is what makes the original games so exciting. There is only so much you can do with the GBA but fortunately; the GBA does feature several extra modes that make it a game worthwhile.
I still hope the game is created for the next gen consoles but from the looks of it at this time, it appears the final “JET GRIND RADIO” game of the series will be on the GBA.
#31 – METAL SLUG ADVANCE
Developed by SNK PLAYMORE
Published by SNK
Released in 2004
You know, its interesting because there are “Contra” fans and then there are “Metal Slug” fans, in my opinion both are classics and I happen to enjoy the latter much more.
So, here we are with “Metal Slug Advance”, a difficult side scrolling shooter and like the popular Neo Geo series, you encounter many enemies and insane vehicles coming after you.
The graphics are beautiful and they make gaming a little easier with a life bar because the enemies that you encounter, they get insanely difficult. Also, the game incorporates a battle card system which allows for powerful weapon power-ups. Unfortunately, despite being a “Metal Slug” game, the original characters are not on this game. But it didn’t bother me all that much.
The game is short. There are only five levels in the game but that is if you can make it that far because it is a challenging, difficult game. It all comes down to your patience, persistence and determination which are needed to beat a “Metal Slug” game.
#30 – GT Advance 3: Pro Concept Racing
Developed by MTO
Published by THQ
Released in 2003
Of course, “Mario Kart” is a favorite for racing game on the GBA but since we are not including any Nintendo games, I enjoyed GT Advance 3, a Japanese racing game featuring Japanese cars released in the US. So, it’s a glorified rice rocket video game for your GBA. Sweet!
“GT Advance 3: Pro Concept Racing” featured modding your car, includes a drifting mini-game and for the first time in the series…a battery save.
#29 – Iridion II
Developed by Shin’en
Published by Majesco Games
Released in 2003
This decision was actually hard for me to make. I love the “Gradius” series and grew up with that game but I felt it was ultimately frustrating to play (and later buy the collection for the PSP which was a lot cooler).
So, for spaces shooter, I have to say that “Iridion II” was an entertaining space shooter for the GBA. Over 200 enemies, each stage has 2 bosses and 16 levels. But most of all, it controls well and for a shooter especially on the GBA, that’s important.
#28 – Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django
Developed by KCEJ
Published by Konami
Released in 2004
I will have to say that I struggled buying both “Boktai” games. I loved the fact that it was a game that was produced by Hideo Kojima of “Metal Gear” fame, that it was a Japanese RPG and that it featured a special technology (incorporates a solar sensor) that allowed the main character Django power up his solar gun when you play the game in sunlight. Yes…sunlight.
So, that was a killer for me because I mostly play games at night, nor do I play games in the sunlight. But I gave both games a try and I enjoyed the second game quite a bit. It’s a cool RPG game that definitely incorporated something new but because it requires the player to play this game in sunlight, it is evident by sales that this was a game breaker despite it doing well in Japan.
But because you can find both games under or around $10 used, it’s worth checking out!
#27 – SONIC ADVANCE 2
Developed by Dimps Corporation
Published by Sega
Released in 2003
I grew up with Sonic games and I remember telling myself a zillion times when I was younger that “Sonic” was the ultimate game and each time getting my ass handed to me because it was so challenging on the Genesis.
Now that the first three games are out on GBA, it’s great to see Sonic out and it was hard deciding which should I select for the series. I enjoyed “Sonic Advance 3” but I felt that “Sonic Advance 2” was much more enjoyable. I probably have to chalk that up to nostalgia but also because the game stays sorely in my mind for how incredibly difficult it was.
I know that most people would put Sonic on top of their list but similar to “Super Ghouls and Ghost” and even games like “Megaman” and for hardcore gamers, the most difficult games stay in their mind, especially if you successful beaten the game.
I enjoyed the “Sonic” series but I have yet to beat this game. Grrr…
#26 – Mega Man Zero 4
Developed by Inti
Published by Capcom
Released in 2005
There are way too many “Mega Man” games on the GBA and I know sticking Mega Man not in the top 10 will offend the hardcore Mega Man fans. But in deciding which game that I played in the “Mega Man” series that should be in this top 33 was difficult. I think that the first game in the Zero and Battle Network games could be worthy for what it introduced.
But in the end, I chose “Mega Man Zero 4”, the final in the Zero series and the fact that the Z-saber weapon is effective and now you have the Z-knuckle which allows you to steal an opponents weapon that allow you to have different effects. I thought that was nice to have.
Also, I think this game will provide a good challenge challenge although not as insane as old school Mega Man games but I found the “Zero” games much more to my liking than “Battle Network”.
#25 – rebelstar: Tactical Command
Developed by codo games
Published by Namco
Released in 2005
I am a sucker for tactical RTS games and my favorites on the GBA game that I spent a lot of time on are the “Advanced Wars” games from Nintendo.
But on the PC one of the classics that you will hear over and over again is “X-com”, in fact, die hards believe it to be the best RTS game ever made and have been wanting a sequel and wishing for one for the longest time.
The brothers who made the game have decided to make a sequel for the GBA with a game titled “sigmastar: Tactical Command”. Now, hardcore “X-com” fans have a problem with this game but I understand their arguments. But I take it for what it is and for what it is, I found it entertaining.
The game is very challenging and very fun. In fact, some of the visual aspects of the characters remind me of “Advanced Wars” at times. And for the price of $19.99 (and cheaper on the used market), definitely give this game a try.
#24 – ULTIMATE CARD GAMES
Developed by Cosmigo
Published by Telegames, Inc.
Released in 2004
I know, I know… some of you may be wondering why a card game is on our top 25. Well, if you haven’t read… this game has received very good reviews and critically loved. Why is that? Well, there are always board or card games that can always preoccupy ones time and everyone knows someone who is addicted to playing solitaire on their PC, PDA, etc. to pass time.
The same with “Ultimate Card Games”, if you want to play a quick game of Black Jack, Poker, the childhood card games such as Hearts, Bridge, Go Fish, Gin Rummy and so much more. My gosh, for solitaire freaks, there are so many various solitaire games included that it’s indeed the ultimate card game for the GBA.
Also, to make things even more attractive is that you can play multiplayer with just one cartridge and linked play with four players with one cartridge. Also, it’s a game that I was stoked that my wife could easily get into on travel trips.
#23 – KONAMI COLLECTOR SERIES: ARCADE ADVANCED
Developed by KCEA
Published by Konami
Released in 2002
When Konami released their collector series for the GBA, I was very stoked because I was very ticked that the Namco and Midway collections were cool but nothing spectacular. When I purchase a collection, I like to find that either the company is going all out by including many games for each volume or adding something special, that extra incentive that makes the collector’s series stand out.
With “Konami Collector Series: Arcade Advanced”, you get six games: “Frogger”, “Scramble”, “Time Pilot”, “Gyruss”, “Yie Ar Kung Fu” and “Rush’n Attack”. But to make things more exciting is by entering a code on the main screen, some games have an enhanced graphics mode or give you extra lives, levels or characters.
This game truly stands out as one of the coolest collector series on the GBA.
#22 – FIRE PRO WRESTLING
Developed by Spike
Published by Bam Entertainment
Released in 2001
In this day and age where “WWE Smackdown vs. Raw” dominates the consoles, one of the most intriguing wrestling games from Japan made it stateside to the US called “Fire Pro Wrestling”.
This game is not an arcade wrestler, nor is it a game about storylines, it’s a difficult and challenging strategy wrestling game that is all about practice and right timing. It’s a game that features over a hundred wrestlers (some are based on WWE, Japanese and Mexican Wrestlers but also incorporating UFC style and much more) but each with its own unique ability that in the beginning, the game may seem so damn hard that you have to set the computer AI to level 1 but once you get the hang of the moves and learning how to outwit your opponents is when you start to see how truly awesome this game is.
#21 – MAX PAYNE
Developed by Rockstar Leeds
Published by Rockstar Games
Released in 2003
“Max Payne” was one of the biggest PC games that people loved on the consoles. How can you not love a story about a detective who is on a drug case and because of his investigations, the druggies kill his family and now the cop wants payback.
I have been looking for a game on the GBA that is targeted for a mature audience and it was great to have that with “Max Payne”. Now when people think of shooters on a GBA, makes you want to say “yeah right!” It’s understandable but instead of going the first person shooter route, the developers decided to go isometric.
Which means you are seen running around with the camera above and shooting at the enemy. I’m just amazed of what they were able to cram on a GBA game, even the narratives have audio (although highly compressed) but nevertheless, an enjoyable game.
#20– FINAL FIGHT ONE
Developed by Capcom
Published by Capcom
Released in 2001
I’ve always been a fan of the “Final Fight” game. I used to spend a lot of quarters on this game and when it came out on SNES, I was happy (well, except that it didn’t have Guy). The story of a city that has been corrupted by crime bosses. Now the Mayor Haggar’s daughter has been kidnapped and thus you can play either her boyfriend Cody, her father Haggar or Cody’s best friend, Guy.
But this game is possibly the best version of the first “Final Fight” game out there. You get the three characters, the graphics look great and surprisingly, two unlockables include the ability to play as Street Fighter Alpha Guy and Cody. Now that’s awesome!
#19 – DOUBLE DRAGON
Developed by Million
Published by Atlus
Released in 2003
Double Dragon is a classic and when I powered up to hear the theme song, I knew that this game was going to be a blast. The game revolves around twins Billy and Jimmy Lee who are in a crime infested area looking for Mariann (Billy’s girlfriend) who was kidnapped.
Part of the allure of Double Dragon is the levels and characters. Back in the day, “Double Dragon” was a game that many people played in the arcades and on the consoles but with Technos going under in 1995, people have waited for a “Double Dragon” game and what Atlus gave back to fans was a portable version with exclusive characters and more levels.
#18 – The King of Fighters EX2: Howling Blood
Developed by Marevelous
Published by Atlus
Released in 2003
I’m a big fan of the “King of Fighters” series and have been collecting anything related to KOF since the 1995 game. Actually, have been a hardcore SNK fighting game fan for the longest time and to have “King of Fighters” for the GBA was awesome.
For my choice of what KOF game should be highlighted in the top 25, I have to give it to EX2: Howling Blood. Many new characters, over 20 characters in all and because of the smaller screen, the sprites and overall look of the game looks great.
The fighting is fast and fluid but of course, pulling moves off the GBA is difficult enough and to make things worse is that King of Fighters has always been known to have the cheapest bosses in fighting game history. But KOF fans expect that crazy difficulty that comes along with a KOF game. Great visuals and cool fighting game for the GBA.
#17 – STREET FIGHTER ALPHA 3
Developed by Crawfish Interactive
Published by Capcom
Released in 2002
It always appears that I tend to buy every incarnation of “Street Fighter Alpha 3” and I still have not gotten over it.
Part of the difficulty for me was which “Street Fighter” should be selected on the top 25. “Super Street Fighter II: Turbo Revival” or “Street Fighter Alpha 3”. Granted that SSSFII has better controls but give “Street Fighter Alpha 3”a play through and you’ll see how much the game has to offer versus SSSFII.
I pretty much got used to the control scheme and look at it as a handicap for me trying to pull of middle attacks on a GameBoy Micro. But all in all, the vast amount of characters and unlockables make “Street Fighter Alpha 3” a fighting game winner.
#16 – SIGMA STAR SAGA
Developed by WayForward
Published by Namco
Released in 2005
You know, each time I played a shooter like “Gradius”, “R-Type”, “Ikaragua”, I always said to myself, wouldn’t it be awesome if the game included an RPG element. A shooter/RPG, wouldn’t that be grand?
Well, “SIGMA STAR SAGA” is just that. Let me just say that the game has a love it or hate it feel to it. As you can guess, for it to be in my top 33, I loved it.
Not only did it bring back those “U.N. Squadron” (Area 88) memories of playing the shooter over and over in a city atmosphere and getting killed, it also has an RPG element that and a storyline that I found intriguing.
Most RPG players that never played a shooter since “Space Invaders” or “Defender” are probably not going to like this game for its shooter elements but for those who embrace both and have the patience to deal with both, “SIGMA STAR SAGA” may be to your liking.
#15 – RIVER CITY RANSOM EX
Developed by Million
Published by Atlus
Released in 2004
One of my favorite games of all time from the NES was “River City Ransom”.
A game that got me addicted to all Kunio-related games. Over a decade later, we get the remake of the popular game which puts super deformed guys to go up against rival gangs from different neighborhoods while trying to look for a girlfriend that is being held hostage by a gang leader.
Part of the original allure of the game was the ability to go to shopping areas in Japan (or in this case River City) for items and learn special moves and get to use those beat up moves against the bad gang members.
This game is a remake and graphics have been enhanced for the GBA. There are a few minor differences between the original NES release and GBA version. One of the noticeable differences is the move sets which the GBA has more. You have a charge attack.
“River City Ransom EX” also features saving of data of your character but still if you get beaten or shut your Game Boy Advance off, restarting you will start all the way from the beginning.
“River City Ransom Ex” features an edit mode which allows you to create your own character but all-in-all a great job in seeing the game come out stateside.
#14 – BOMBERMAN TOURNAMENT
Developed by Hudson
Published by Activision
Released in 2001
Bomberman is one of those games that if you grew up with it, you are more than likely always looking forward to a new release. “Bomberman Tournament” for the GBA is definitely worthy of game that fans of the series should look forward to because not only does it incorporate the single player vs. computer battle but the game also features the multiplayer frenzy battles ala link cables.
But the game’s shining moment is that it also incorporates a quest that is an RPG that is along the same vein as the Zelda GameBoy RPG games but also incorporates Pokemon type of gameplay features as well. Can you believe that… a Bomberman RPG on the GBA. Wonderful!
#13 – Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
Developed by Jupiter Corporation
Published by Square Enix
Released in 2004
Kingdom Hearts was one of the coolest RPG’s made for the PS2. I would never expect combining the “Final Fantasy” characters with Disney characters would be an enjoyable game but it was.
“Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories” is like Kingdom Hearts 1.5 which sets you up for the second game on PS2. Many people said you don’t need to play this GBA game to enjoy part 2 but I’m going to tell you right now, if you are going to invest so much time in playing Kingdom Hearts and enjoying its storyline, you will feel an emptiness of not playing this game.
Unlike the RPG game which allows you to slash or use magic against the enemy, this game utilizes a card battle. In the storyline in this game, Sora and friends end up in a castle where their attacks are eliminated and all attacks are card-based. That is, each card shows how powerful the slash will be or what kind of magic attack will be used against an opponent. Sounds like Yu-Gi-Oh but it’s really not. You’re not going against another card player, you’re just selecting the best card to enable a certain attack.
All in all, an enjoyable game that I highly recommend playing if you enjoy the first game.
#12 – Yggdra Union
Developed by Sting
Published by Atlus Co.
Released in 2006
The game probably did not make a blip in most gamer’s radar since it came late in the life of the GBA and many have moved on to playing games on their DS or PSP.
From Atlus comes “Yggdra Union”, a strategy RPG game (from the creators of “RIVIERA: THE PROMISED LAND”) that if you enjoy “Final Fantasy Tactics”, “Fire Emblem”, “ and “Disgaea”, you probably may get into this game as well.
The gameplay mechanics for “Yggdra Union” is similar to most sRPG games where you move your characters on a grid. Beforehand, you have cards that feature offensive and defensive attacks. Which you select before entering a map. Then it’s all about battling and trying to keep your unit morale up and you can see massive battles as your further into the game which is quite impressive.
The game is very entertaining and unlike “Fire Emblem”, you won’t lose a character if yo die. Although not the best strategy RPG’s on the GBA, it’s still worth owning.
#11 – Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town
Developed by Natsume
Published by Natsume
Released in 2003
“Harvest Moon” is one of those games that make gamers wince when people mention that they are playing it. Why is that? Well, the game revolves around taking care of a farm, taking care of the garden, raising animals, etc.
But there is much more than that and with “Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town”, the game features taking part in horse races, festivals and you control a guy who returns to his hometown to take care of a farm that his deceased grandfather has left him. But because its all rundown and the animals have died, the mayor of the town is willing to give you a four years to show that you can take care of the farm, if not, well…you lose it.
In a way, some people may describe it like “Animal Crossing meets the Sims” but not quite. This aspect does happen when you have to give gifts to the girl you are interested in and hope you can build your relationship but the game has a lot more going for it other than farming and developing relationships that this game is actually an awesome game for the GBA.
All in all, the game is a nice change of pace of what is out there on the GBA, it’s different and addictive that if you give it a try, it may be your kind of game.
#10 – NINJA FIVE-O
Developed by Hudson
Published by Konami
Released in 2003
Do you dig games like “Ninja Gaiden”, “Shinobi” or “Bionic Commando”? Well, “Ninja Five-O” is the game that you are looking for on the GBA that has those side scrolling, hack and slash elements.
Let’s face it, the game didn’t do well. Not only did it have the ugliest cover, it wasn’t even marketed. In fact, the reason why this game has done so well is because reviewers were the first to chime in on how cool this game is and this game became a hit for those who enjoyed those old school ninja games.
Cool gameplay, cool animation and cool music. The game is easily the definitive sleeper hit on the GBA and if you ever see this game at your local game store used, I recommend picking it up!
#9 – GUNSTAR SUPER HEROES
Developed by Treasure
Published by Sega
Released in 2005
Fans of Treasure have waited a long time for a new “Gunstar Heroes” and a “Guardian Heroes” game to come out for the consoles and sure enough, Treasure Co., Ltd. was working on both a “Gunstar Super Heroes” and “Advanced Guardian Heroes” game for the GBA.
“Gunstar Heroes” has earned its reputation as one of the finest side-scrolling run-n-gun video games to come out for the Sega Genesis and established Treasure as one of the coolest developers to create quality games.
The game is not a remake but a lot of the enemies and even some bosses make their return from the original game. Another cool thing is despite the levels being short, you could play as one of two characters with each having their own storyline.
It’s great to see the return of “Gunstar Heroes” and the game is beautiful, intensive and exciting like the original despite having a bit less features than the original Sega Genesis game. It’s still worthy of a purchase and new or used, you can find this game low in price at your local video game store.
#8 – DUKE NUKEM ADVANCE
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Developed by Torus Games
Published by Take-Two Interactive
Released in 2002
It’s a little weird to put a first person shooter game on the top 10 because a lot of people can’t fathom a FPS on the GBA nor playing one on a GBA.
But with games like “Ecks versus Sever” and “Doom” showing that FPS can be done (not as lovely graphic wise) but it can be done on the FPS and can be quite enjoyable, there is only one shooter that deserves to be in the top 33 and that’s “DUKE NUKEM ADVANCE”.
The game was able to incorporate really awesome gameplay, lots of weapons and able to capture the excitement of “DUKE NUKEM”. And as people continue to wait for eternity for the next “DUKE NUKEM” game, if you are able to find a copy of this GBA game, give it a try. You’ll be surprised of what they were able to incorporate in an FPS game for the GBA.
#7 - Astro Boy: Omega Factor
Developed by Treasure
Published by Sega
Released in 2004
When word came out that Treasure was developing “Astro Boy: Omega Factor”, it was quite interesting to find out that the company was going to take on a video game based on one of Japan’s oldest anime characters (Tetsuwan Atom) from the 1960’s.
Personally, a game that features a character created by Osamu Tezuka caught my attention but when Treasure’s name was attached as developer. Knowing the quality of games to come from Treasure, especially the popular “Gunstar Heroes” for the Sega Genesis and “Guardian Heroes” for the Sega Saturn (note: Both games by Treasure returned for the GBA), I was very excited for “Astro Boy: Omega Factor” and the game does not disappoint.
The gameplay is fast-paced and quite frenetic at times but the weapons that Astro Boy has in its disposal is sweet! With awesome combos and special attacks combined with great control and beautiful graphics for a GBA game, I was very impressed with what Treasure was able to accomplish on the GBA. Very impressive!
#6 – RIVIERA: THE PROMISED LAND
Developed by Sting
Published by Atlus Co.
Released in 2005
“RIVIERA: THE PROMISED LAND” is one of the shining RPG’s to be on the GBA. Unlike other RPG’s where you walk around in different lands, “RIVIERA” has your character(s) going into a path which you decide which weapons or accessories to take with you, find secret paths and participate in turn-based battles but unlike RPG’s, there are no random battles and no need to worry about money.
In fact, the game revolves around your character earning trigger points (from battles and the better you do in battle, the more TP you get) which allow you to activate certain points in the game.
I would have scored this game higher but as of this time, a better “remixed” version for the Sony PSP which features voice acting (English and Japanese) is out and if you own both portable consoles, of course, I would recommend the PSP version. But if you don’t have a PSP, I still recommend “RIVIERA”. It’s a beautiful, fun and enjoyable game with a cool storyline that doesn’t disappoint.
#5 – SUPER DODGEBALL ADVANCE
Developed by Atlus Co.
Published by Atlus Co.
Released in 2001
I love Super Dodgeball and when it was first announced that a game would be coming out for the GBA, I couldn’t wait. I was awaiting Kunio and his band of big head, small body compatriots and experience the same excitement that I did back in those old school NES days.
But alas, Kunio was not to be found and I didn’t purchase the game when it came out because I felt all sour grapes about it. When the game was available used, I picked it up and what do you know… I enjoyed the game a lot!
The game is of course modernized and the gameplay of competing against different countries is there and the option to create your own team is there as well.
There is multiplayer modes and great control that really, it’s a highly enjoyable game to play on the GBA and worth picking up if you can find it!
#4 – SUMMON NIGHT: SWORDCRAFT STORY 2
Developed by Flight-Plan
Published by Atlus Co.
Released in 2006
An awesome Japanese RPG game that comes at the end of the GBA’s life is “Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2” and interesting enough, many are bringing brought out by Atlus.
There are quite a bit of RPG’s for the GBA but many are remakes of games that appeared on consoles before. So, it’s cool to get several games unique to the GBA coming out even though many people have moved on to the DS or PSP.
One thing that I enjoyed about this game is its humor and the interaction with the characters (and yes, characters that you care about). You get a game that features a an addictive storyline, cool, colorful graphics and also incorporates weapon crafting (and your weapon breaking) and overall a light-hearted game that may not break new ground among all the RPG’s that have/are coming out for all consoles but nevertheless, an enjoyable game that stands out on the GBA.
#3 – Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis
Developed by Quest
Published by Atlus Co.
Released in 2002
With with “Final Fantasy Tactics” not on this list because its published by Nintendo, in the top 10, I give “Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis” the nod for being a cool tactics game on the GBA.
But imagine a game where you can have up to 32 characters from different classes such as soldiers, ninjas, warriors, dragons, etc. and in training mode, have them battle each other to level them up.
“Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis” came out earlier than many of the games on this list but gameplay aside, this game is addictive and you’ll find yourself putting around 40 hours or more on this game alone. It’s that fun!
“Tactics Ogre” has received its reputation of being one of the well-enjoyed tactics game on different consoles and with the GBA is no exception. If there is one problem is that it being an Atlus game, like many Atlus games released several years ago, the game is going to be hard to find.
#2 – SUPER ROBOT TAISEN 2: ORIGINAL GENERATION
Developed by Banpresto
Published by Atlus Co.
Released in 2006
What can I say about “Super Robot Taisen 2: Original Generation” but Wow! The whole “Super Robot Taisen” series has been going on since the SNES days and in Japan, dozens of games have been released on multiple consoles and have been popular.
Unfortunately, none of them have been released in the US and fans had to resort to importing the games but fortunately, Atlus decided to localize “Super Robot Taisen” and now two games have been released on the GBA.
The game is known for being a mecha-RPG which features many characters, a complex storyline but exciting gameplay. The game features long dialogue and you can find yourself reading the text and just being interested in all that’s going with the storyline. But the gameplay is what its all about and that is where this game truly shines.
Mecha games have really been accepted in the US by gamers as they have in Japan. Here in the US, we have had cool RPG games such as “Front Mission” but we have also have had multiple Gundam games (which many have received poor reviews) that people can often be wary of purchasing a mecha related game.
But I can tell you right now, “Super Robot Taisen 2: Original Generation” is an enjoyable, addictive RPG game that tests your wits on what strategy you will employ with pilots and variety of mechs. Definitely a long awaited “Super Robot Taisen” game I in the US and a great game to come at the end of the GBA’s life.
#1 – CASTLEVANIA DOUBLE PACK: Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance and Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Developed by Konami
Published by Konami
Released in 2006
I’m so stoked that Konami made this decision easier for me because I love both “Aria of Sorrow” (2003) and “Harmony of Dissonance” (2002) as separate games on their own. But in 2006, Konami made the surprising move by releasing both games ala one cartridge titled “Castlevania Double Pack”.
If the double pack did not exist, “Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow” would ultimately be my selection for #1 but with both games released on a double pack, you get two awesome games at an incredible price. Can’t beat that!
Because each game has been sold separately for a high cost, gamers who stumbled up on “Castlevania” had the opportunity to own both games for a low cost and even lower now if you can find it used.
But of these two games, “Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow” is just a true masterpiece (great graphics and quite stylish, great gameplay and literally a great game overall) and one of the best games ever created in the whole “Castlevania” series (definitely has to be in the top 3, in my opinion at #2 right after the PS2 classic “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night”) and it happens to be on the GBA!
Tags: Game Boy Advance, GBA, Top 33 GBA Games