Best games for GBA

Unfamiliar with games for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance and want to learn about the best series and titles? These are the games you absolutely must play to get acquainted with this platform. The games are listed in alphabetical order.

	Advance Wars: This is a turn-based strategy game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. Players must manage an army consisting of various military units and battle against other armies on the map. The objective of the game is to capture the enemy base or eliminate all of the opponent’s forces. Players can engage in storyline campaigns or multiplayer mode using the Game Boy Advance Game Link cable.
	Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising: This is a strategy game where the player must command their army and fight against enemies. Players can choose from various characters and units, each with their unique abilities and weapons. The game features both single-player and multiplayer modes.
	Astro Boy: The Omega Factor: This game is based on the anime series of the same name. The player controls a robot boy named Astro Boy and fights against enemies using various moves and abilities. Throughout the game, Astro Boy encounters different characters from the anime and searches for his missing robot friends who disappeared during dangerous adventures. Players can upgrade their character’s skills and abilities, allowing them to become even stronger and more effective in battles.
	Castlevania: Aria Of Sorrow: This game is a classic action title with RPG elements and a gothic style. Players take on the role of Soma Cruz, a young man who finds himself in Dracula’s castle in 2035. He discovers that he has the ability to absorb the souls of his enemies and use their abilities for his own purposes. With this power, Soma explores the castle, battles enemies, and seeks a way to defeat Dracula. The game received high praise for its gameplay, atmosphere, and music, becoming popular among fans of the genre.
	Castlevania: Circle of the Moon: This game, released in 2001, is part of the Castlevania series. The player controls Nathan Graves, who is searching for his kidnapped mentor, Camilla. The player must navigate dangerous mazes and battle numerous monsters. The game features RPG elements, such as a leveling system and the ability to collect various items that enhance Nathan’s abilities. Additionally, players can use different types of weapons and magic in battles against bosses. Castlevania: Circle of the Moon received high praise for its gameplay, graphics, and sound design.
	Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance: This is a metroidvania-style action game developed by Konami. The player explores a castle and battles various monsters using weapons and magic. The main character, Juste Belmont, must find his friend Maxim, who has disappeared in the castle. The game offers the player a choice of two different ‘castles’ to explore, each with its own mysteries and secrets. It also features a weapon and ability enhancement system for the hero. Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance is a continuation of the Castlevania series, which has become iconic in the metroidvania genre.
	Double Dragon Advance: This is an updated version of the classic arcade game Double Dragon. Players control the Lee brothers, who must rescue their girlfriend Marian from a gang of thugs. The game features several levels, each ending with a boss battle. Players can use a wide arsenal of punches and moves, as well as pick up weapons to defeat their enemies. Overall, it’s a fun and exciting game that will appeal to anyone who loves classic arcade games.
	Drill Dozer: This is an exciting game from Game Freak, the creators of the well-known Pokémon series. Players control a drilling machine and battle opponents using drills of varying power. They must also solve puzzles and collect treasures to upgrade their machine. The game offers numerous levels with different themes and difficulties, as well as an intriguing storyline about the search for a stolen diamond.
	F-Zero: Maximum Velocity: This is a racing game. Players can choose one of four racing cars and compete on various tracks against other racers. The game offers a variety of gameplay modes, including a career mode and quick race. In F-Zero: Maximum Velocity, high speed and skillful handling of the vehicle are key factors for victory. The game features excellent graphics and sound effects, creating an atmosphere of real racing.
	Final Fantasy V Advance: This is a remake of a classic Japanese role-playing game for the Game Boy Advance. In the game, players embark on a journey through a fantasy world, controlling a team of characters and battling monsters and enemies along the way. Players can choose classes for their characters and upgrade their skills and abilities in battles. The game also features a rich storyline and numerous characters, each with their own backstory and attributes.
	Final Fantasy VI Advance: This is a remake of a classic Japanese role-playing game for the Game Boy Advance. Players can enjoy improved graphics and additional features, such as the ability to fast travel across the world map and an enhanced save system. The game offers an engaging storyline that follows a group of heroes fighting against a sinister empire bent on world domination. Final Fantasy VI Advance is an unforgettable adventure that will appeal to both fans of the Final Fantasyseries and newcomers alike.
	Final Fantasy Tactics Advance: This is a tactical role-playing game developed by Square Enix. The player controls a young boy named Marche, who finds himself in the fictional world of Ivalice along with his friends. They seek a way to return to the real world but soon encounter conflict between various races and states of Ivalice. The player must gather a team and engage in tactical battles against various opponents, as well as upgrade their characters and develop their strategic skills. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance offers an engaging storyline, a deep battle system, and numerous quests to complete.
	Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade: This is a tactical RPG developed by Intelligent Systems. The player controls a team of characters, each with their own unique skills and attributes, and battles enemies across various levels. The gameplay is based on a turn-based system, where players and enemies take turns performing their actions. The game offers an intriguing storyline full of unexpected twists, which will evolve based on the choices made by the player.
	Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones: This is a tactical role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems. The storyline unfolds in the fictional world of Magvel, where siblings Eirika and Ike, along with their allies, fight against a magical entity known as the Stone of Darkness to save their people. The player controls the heroes on the battlefield and develops their abilities to defeat opponents. The Sacred Stones is the second game in the Fire Emblem series released on the Game Boy Advance and received positive reviews for its deep and engaging gameplay mechanics and captivating storyline.
	Golden Sun: This is a role-playing game with fantasy elements, where the player controls a group of young wizards on their journey through a world filled with mysteries and dangers. The player must use the magical abilities of their characters to solve puzzles, battle enemies, and explore various locations. The storyline revolves around the quest for legendary artifacts that can save the world from disaster. Golden Sun is one of the most successful and popular games for the Game Boy Advance.
	Golden Sun: The Lost Age: This is the sequel to the popular role-playing game Golden Sun. Players will embark on another journey through a fantasy world, where they will solve puzzles and battle monsters. The new installment introduces new heroes and locations, as well as an improved battle system. Players will be able to use psy-energy and various items to perform powerful attacks and defend against enemies. Golden Sun: The Lost Age will offer players engaging gameplay and a captivating story that concludes the plot of the first game.
	Gunstar Future Heroes: This is a game developed by Treasure for the portable Game Boy Advance console. It is a sequel to the classic game Gunstar Heroes and features a dynamic shooter with platforming elements. Players choose one of two heroes and dive into battle against villains, using weapons and abilities that can be combined to create unique combinations. Gunstar Future Heroes offers numerous levels with various bosses and challenges, as well as a multiplayer mode where players can compete against friends. This game is an ideal choice for fans of fast-paced games and classic titles.
	Harvest Moon: Friends Of Mineral Town: This is a game where the player takes on the role of a farmer, caring for their farm by growing crops, tending to animals, and improving their home. The game also features a social aspect, allowing players to interact with the townspeople, build relationships, and even get married. This version of the game also introduces new features and characters. Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town is a great game for those who love farming simulators and want to spend time caring for their farm and socializing with the townsfolk.
	Kirby & The Amazing Mirror: This is a platformer game released in 2004. The player controls Kirby, a round character who explores the maze of the Mirror World, battling enemies and bosses using his absorption and copying abilities. Unlike previous games in the series, players can not only control Kirby but also his three friends who can be found along the way. Additionally, the game features numerous secrets and alternate endings that can be unlocked by thoroughly exploring the world. Kirby and The Amazing Mirror is a bright and fun game for platformer enthusiasts and fans of the Kirby series.
	Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land: This is a colorful game created by HAL Laboratory. Players take on the role of a pink creature named Kirby and embark on a journey through a fantastical world to stop the evil King Dedede and his assistant, the mysterious Meta Knight. Players can absorb enemies to gain unique abilities, as well as cooperate with friends in multiplayer mode. With numerous levels, bosses, and secrets, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land offers an engaging adventure for all platformer enthusiasts.
	The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords is a revamped version of the classic game for the Super Nintendo, released on the Game Boy Advance. In the game, you play as Link, who travels through time and space to save Princess Zelda and protect the kingdom of Hyrule from evil. However, this version includes an additional mode—Four Swords—where you and your friends can play together to navigate through mazes and battle enemies. Additionally, you can use a special linking feature to play in multiplayer mode with other players on different Game Boy Advance consoles.
	The Legend Of Zelda: The Minish Cap: This is an exciting fantasy adventure where the player controls the main character, Link, who embarks on a journey to save the kingdom of Hyrule from the evil sorcerer Vaati. In this game, the player can freely navigate the world, explore it, and solve puzzles using unique abilities, such as the ability to shrink to a miniature form. The player can also interact with mini-creatures that assist Link on his journey. The game offers an engaging storyline and unique gameplay that is sure to appeal to all fans of the The Legend of Zelda series.
	Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga: This is a game in which Mario and Luigi travel to the Beanbean Kingdom to stop the evil witch Cackletta and her minions, who have stolen Princess Peach’s voice. In the game, players control both brothers, using their unique abilities to solve puzzles and engage in turn-based battles with enemies. Players can also receive support from various characters, such as Bowser, Boo, and Kammy, who assist in combat and on the journey to defeat Cackletta and her minions.
	Mario Kart: Super Circuit: This is a fun racing game with arcade elements developed by Nintendo. In this game, you can choose one of several characters from the Mario universe and compete on various tracks using different types of vehicles and special items. The game also includes a multiplayer mode that allows you to play with friends via a cable. The variety of tracks, characters, and difficulty levels makes Mario Kart: Super Circuit an engaging game for players of all ages.
	Mario vs. Donkey Kong: This is a game where Donkey Kong has kidnapped Mini-Mario toys, and Mario must rescue them by navigating through numerous levels filled with traps and puzzles. Players control Mario to solve puzzles and avoid dangers using his abilities, such as jumping and throwing objects. The game also features a level editor, allowing players to create their own levels and share them with others through a level exchange system. The game is a fun and vibrant arcade experience suitable for both newcomers and experienced players.
	Mega Man Zero 3: This is the third installment in the Mega Man Zero series. In this game, the main character, Mega Man Zero, once again battles enemies in a post-apocalyptic world. Players must navigate through numerous levels, fighting bosses and acquiring new abilities and weapons. A key feature of this installment is the introduction of a ‘symbol’ system, which allows players to enhance their attributes and abilities. Mega Man Zero 3 is an engaging game for all fans of the series and lovers of the platformer genre.
	Metroid Fusion: This is an exciting action-platformer game created by Nintendo. In this game, players control Samus Aran, a bounty hunter who fights X Parasites on a space station. Using her skills and equipment, Samus must navigate through various levels and bosses to uncover the mystery behind the infestation and save the galaxy from the threat. The game received many positive reviews for its gameplay, graphics, and music, and is one of the most popular and well-known games for the Game Boy Advance.
	Metroid: Zero Mission: This is a remake of the original Metroid with enhanced graphics, new features, and levels, created for the Game Boy Advance. Players control the main character, Samus Aran, exploring the dangerous caves of the planet Zebes and battling hostile alien life forms. The game combines elements of platforming, action, and adventure, and offers nonlinear gameplay with many secrets and puzzles to solve. Metroid: Zero Mission is a great return to the roots of the Metroid series for both fans and newcomers.
	Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire: This is a role-playing game developed by Game Freak and released by Nintendo in 2002. In the game, players embark on a journey through the Hoenn region, exploring various cities, battling wild Pokémon, and competing against other trainers. Players must also catch Pokémon, train them, and use them for battles in gym battles and against the Elite Four. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were the first games in the Pokémon series released for the Game Boy Advance and include many new Pokémon and gameplay features, such as the double battle system and Pokémon abilities.
	Sonic Advance: This is a 2D platformer released by Sonic Team in 2001. Players can choose one of four characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy, and navigate through seven levels, collecting rings and bonuses along the way. The game features special abilities for each character, such as Tails’ flight and Knuckles’ digging. Additionally, the game offers a multiplayer mode where up to four players can compete on various levels. The vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay make Sonic Advance a great game for all Sonic fans.
	Super Mario Advance: This is a remake of the classic game Super Mario Bros. 2, released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System. In the game, players choose one of four characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad, each with their unique abilities. Players must navigate through numerous levels, battle bosses, and collect coins. Super Mario Advance introduced new features, such as game saving and the ability to play in multiplayer mode using the Game Link Cable. The game became one of the most popular titles for the Game Boy Advance and a favorite among fans of the Super Mario series.
	Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World: This is a remake of one of Nintendo’s most popular games. In the game, Mario and Luigi must rescue Princess Peach and her castle from Bowser. Players must navigate through various levels, collect coins and treasures, and defeat enemies. The game was revamped for the Game Boy Advance with enhanced graphics, as well as new gameplay elements, such as the ability to play as Luigi. This game has become a favorite among Mario fans due to its engaging and captivating gameplay mechanics.
	Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi’s Island: This is a game in which Yoshi must rescue Mario and Luigi, who have been kidnapped by evil Kamek Koopas. Players must navigate through various levels, controlling Yoshi and using his different abilities, such as jumping, throwing eggs, and utilizing colorful eggs to solve puzzles and defeat bosses. The game features vibrant graphics and music, as well as numerous secrets and hidden levels to explore. Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi’s Island is a fun and colorful game that offers players plenty of opportunities for entertainment and enjoyment.
	Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3: This is a port of the classic game Super Mario Bros. 3 to the portable Game Boy Advance console. Players can traverse through eight worlds, battling bosses and collecting power-ups such as the Tanooki Suit and Hammer Suit. Additionally, the game features a new e-Reader mode that allows players to scan cards to access new levels and items. The game also includes a multiplayer mode where two players can compete in Battle mode or cooperatively complete levels in Mario Bros. mode. Overall, Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 is an excellent portable version of the classic game, offering plenty of new and interesting content for fans of the series.
	Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis: This is a tactical RPG developed by Quest and published by Nintendo. Players take on the role of Alphonsus Loudis, a knight who leads his companions into battle against a sinister organization. The game offers over 40 character classes, as well as the ability to create custom characters and customize their skills. A key feature of the game is the choices the player makes during story moments, which influence the development and outcome of the game. Players must use their tactical skills to achieve victory in battles and progress through the storyline.
	Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3: This is an extreme sports game where you control a skater and perform various tricks. The game features several modes, such as career, single tricks, and multiplayer. The career mode allows the player to complete levels and fulfill tasks to unlock new characters and skateboards. The game also offers the ability to create your own character and customize their appearance. Overall, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 is an interesting and exciting game for fans of extreme sports and skateboarding.
	WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!: This is a collection of over 200 mini-games developed and published by Nintendo. Players must quickly complete each game, which lasts only a few seconds, to progress through the entire set. Each game has its own unique style and requires quick reactions from the player on screen. The game features a variety of characters, including Wario himself, each with their own unique mini-games. WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! is an exciting game for those who love fast-paced and diverse gameplay.
	WarioWare: Twisted!: This is an engaging game from Nintendo in which players must quickly complete short games called ‘microgames.’ This version of the game features motion controls, allowing players to maneuver characters and navigate levels by tilting the console. Players will battle bosses and try to achieve high scores in survival mode. The game also includes a multiplayer mode where two players can compete against each other. WarioWare: Twisted! is a fun and exciting game that is perfect for players of all ages.
	Wario Land 4: This is a game where you play as a character named Wario, who is searching for treasures in a mysterious temple. The game features many levels, each containing numerous secrets and obstacles. Wario can acquire new abilities and use them to progress through the levels and defeat bosses. The graphics are fun and vibrant, with excellent music and sound effects. Overall, Wario Land 4 is a fantastic game for those who love platformers and are looking for a fun way to spend their time.