5 Best GBA Games of All Time (2024)

The Game Boy Advance (GBA) was a revolutionary handheld gaming console that captured the hearts of millions of gamers around the world. Despite being discontinued in 2010, its library of games still holds a special place in the hearts of many. With its impressive graphics, addictive gameplay, and memorable soundtracks, the GBA remains a fan favorite. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 5 best GBA games of all time. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, these titles are sure to provide you with hours of fun and nostalgia. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and take a trip down memory lane.

The Game Boy Advance was a platform that brought some of Nintendo’s best remakes to a new generation of players.

The Game Boy Advance was the successor to the immensely popular Game Boy Color, and it introduced a whole new era of handheld gaming. With a vast collection of games ranging from RPGs to platformers to puzzle games, the GBA had something for everyone. Many of the games released on the console have become classics and have stood the test of time. From Super Mario Bros. to The Legend of Zelda, the GBA had some of the most iconic titles in gaming history.

Here are The 5 Best GBA Games of All Time

#1 – Metroid Fusion

GBA: Metroid Fusion Trailer

Previous expectations for Super Metroid’s conversion to Nintendo’s portable 32-bit powerhouse, like Super Mario games had, were subverted by the series’ long-time director, Yoshio Sakamoto. The resulting game, Metroid Fusion, is a fantastic adventure that takes the franchise into exciting new directions. While it’s not as open-ended as its predecessors, its more linear gameplay structure allows for a more compelling narrative, delving into Samus’ personality in a way that later games would follow. 

One of its standout features is the introduction of Samus’ nemesis, SA-X, a formidable parasite created from her discarded Power Suit. As Samus seeks to reclaim her lost abilities, she is relentlessly pursued by the powerful foe, creating a thrilling game of cat and mouse amplified by the game’s immersive visuals and the GBA’s compact screen. Metroid Fusion is undoubtedly the top game to experience on Nintendo’s handheld.

#2 – Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

Castlevania Aria of Sorrow - Trailer Gba / Wii U

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is a standout title for the Game Boy Advance and is widely regarded as one of the system’s best games. Developed and published by Konami, it features deep and engaging gameplay that includes a unique “soul collection” mechanic. This is where defeated enemies drop souls that grant Soma new abilities and powers. 

The game also boasts stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack that perfectly captures the game’s gothic aesthetic. Overall, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is a classic action-adventure game that showcases the best of what the Game Boy Advance had to offer and is a must-play for fans of the genre.

#3 – The Legends of Zelda: The Minish Cap

The Legend Of Zelda Minish Cap Trailer - Game Boy Advance

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is one of the most beloved games in the Legend of Zelda franchise and it’s easy to see why. Developed by Capcom, this action-adventure game was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004 and is still considered one of the best games for the system. 

It features beautiful graphics, charming characters, and an engaging storyline that keeps players hooked from start to finish. With its fun puzzles, memorable boss battles, and unique shrinking mechanic that allows Link to explore new areas, The Minish Cap is a must-play for any fan of the Legend of Zelda series and is a shining example of what the Game Boy Advance was capable of.

#4 – Golden Sun

Golden Sun - GBA Trailer

Golden Sun, developed by Camelot Software Planning, is one of the best RPGs to be released for the Game Boy Advance. It has a rich story, memorable characters, and stunning visuals that make it stand out from other games in the genre. The game’s deep and complex combat system, which includes the use of elemental magic and Djinn, adds another layer of strategy to battles. 

The puzzles and dungeons are challenging but rewarding, and the game’s unique class system allows for a high degree of customization. With an impressive length, engaging side quests, and a fantastic soundtrack, Golden Sun is a must-play for any fan of RPGs and is a testament to the Game Boy Advance’s ability to deliver a console-like experience on a handheld device.

#5 – Advance Wars

Advance Wars Official Trailer (2001, Nintendo/Intelligent Design)

Intelligent Systems and Nintendo’s Advance Wars is one of the most popular turn-based strategy games of all time. Advance Wars, which was first released in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance, provides a deep and complex gameplay experience that is both addictive and challenging. The game’s engaging story and memorable characters are enhanced by its simple gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals. 

With the addition of a map editor, multiplayer modes, and an extensive campaign mode with over 100 maps, the game can be played indefinitely. Advance Wars is a shining example of what the Game Boy Advance was capable of, with its blend of tactical gameplay, interesting story, and appealing graphics, and it remains one of the best turn-based strategy games ever made.

Final Remarks:

The Game Boy Advance was a truly remarkable handheld console that won the hearts of many gamers worldwide. Its game library is a testament to the power and potential of handheld gaming. As mentioned in this article, the five best GBA games of all time have stood the test of time and continue to captivate new audiences. These games represent the pinnacle of what the GBA was capable of, as well as the developers’ creativity and ingenuity.

From The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap’s deep and engaging story to Advance Wars’ addictive turn-based strategy, these games showcase the best of what the GBA has to offer. Golden Sun, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, and Metroid Fusion are all impressive and memorable titles that show off the variety of genres available on the GBA. These games aren’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; they’re also a reminder of the innovation and imagination that helped make the Game Boy Advance one of the greatest handheld consoles of all time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):-

Q1. What is the Game Boy Advance?

Ans. The Game Boy Advance (GBA) is a handheld gaming console developed by Nintendo. It was released in 2001 as the successor to the popular Game Boy Color.

Q2. What are the best GBA games of all time?

Ans. The 5 best GBA games of all time, according to this article, are The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, Golden Sun, Advance Wars, and Metroid Fusion.

Q3. Can I still play GBA games today?

Ans. While the GBA was discontinued in 2010, many of its games are still available to play today. Some can be played on the Nintendo 3DS or Switch, while others can be played on emulators.

Q4. Are these games suitable for all ages?

Ans. Most of the games on this list are suitable for all ages, but it’s always a good idea to check the ESRB rating and read reviews to ensure that the game is appropriate for you or your child.

Q5. Can I find these games on other platforms?

Ans. Some of the games on this list have been remastered or ported to other platforms, such as The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap and Metroid Fusion, which can be found on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console.

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Growing up, I was the kid who was obsessed with classic games. Fast forward to today, and not much has changed. I'm all about emulation ROMs, diving deep into retro gaming, and sharing that nostalgia on this blog. Ready to take a pixelated trip down memory lane?

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