Games

Top Game Boy Advance Titles for Every Year of the Console's Lifespan

Discover the standout video games that defined the Game Boy Advance era from 2001 to 2008. Here's a pick for each year.
Top Game Boy Advance Titles for Every Year of the Console's Lifespan

Highlights

  • The Game Boy Advance set a new standard in handheld gaming with its impressive 32-bit graphics in 2001.
  • Iconic series such as Metroid and The Legend of Zelda found success on the GBA platform.
  • The handheld's library boasted a variety of RPG treasures like Golden Sun and Mario & Luigi, offering quality gameplay experiences.

Nintendo has a history of crafting exceptional handheld consoles that have left a mark on the gaming landscape. In 2001, the release of the Game Boy Advance introduced a new era with its ability to deliver stunning 32-bit graphics on the move.

From its debut in 2001 until its discontinuation in 2008, the Game Boy Advance hosted a vast array of remarkable games across genres. Despite the emergence of the more potent Nintendo DS, developers continued to create compelling titles for the GBA.

8 Golden Sun (2001)

Metascore: 91

The Game Boy Advance's inaugural year saw the arrival of iconic titles like Super Mario Advance and F-Zero: Maximum Velocity. However, the standout release was Camelot's Golden Sun.

This fresh turn-based JRPG, heavily inspired by Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, carved its path with a vibrant cast, engaging mechanics, and a captivating soundtrack. Golden Sun quickly gained popularity, paving the way for its sequel.

7 Metroid Fusion (2002)

Metascore: 92

Nintendo's cherished franchises thrived on the GBA, with Metroid making a significant impact. The 2002 release of Metroid Fusion continued Samus Aran's saga from Super Metroid.

Players ventured through a vast space station battling X Parasites, offering a thrilling experience with elements of horror. Despite its linear nature, Fusion delivered the atmospheric gameplay fans anticipated, setting the stage for future franchise installments.

6 Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003)

Metascore: 90

In 2003, the RPG landscape on the Game Boy Advance flourished with titles like Final Fantasy Tactics Advance and Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire. A standout was Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, a unique addition to the Mario RPG lineup.

This game, with its engaging turn-based combat requiring precise button inputs, offered a colorful quest filled with humor and memorable characters. Superstar Saga kickstarted the beloved Mario & Luigi handheld RPG series on a high note.

5 Kirby & The Amazing Mirror (2004)

Metascore: 80

The Game Boy Advance was a fitting platform for Kirby's handheld adventures, with 2004's The Amazing Mirror marking a significant evolution for the franchise.

Distinguished by its interconnected world design and innovative gameplay, this Kirby installment offered a fresh experience with new abilities, epic bosses, and multiplayer features. The Amazing Mirror remains a standout title in the Kirby series.

4 The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (2005)

Metascore: 89

The Legend of Zelda franchise found success on the GBA with 2005's The Minish Cap, offering a captivating 2D adventure.

Developed by Capcom and Flagship, The Minish Cap delivered a colorful journey where Link's ability to shrink added a unique twist. Creative items, engaging dungeons, and a memorable antagonist made this title a must-play for Zelda fans.

3 Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team (2006)

Metascore: 67

Despite the rise of the Nintendo DS, the GBA saw a notable release in 2006 with Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, a captivating spin-off.

This dungeon-crawling RPG allowed players to embody Pokemon characters in a colorful adventure, offering solid mechanics and memorable interactions. The game leveraged the GBA's strengths, distinguishing itself from its DS counterpart.

2 Crash Of The Titans (2007)

Metascore: 65

  • Platforms: Game Boy Advance, PSP, PS2, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS
  • Released: 2007-10-04
  • Developer(s): Amaze Entertainment
  • Genres: Platformer, Action, Adventure

Amidst a slowdown in GBA titles, Crash of the Titans revitalized the handheld in 2007 with its engaging gameplay.

This 2D side-scroller featuring beat 'em up and platforming elements breathed new life into the Crash Bandicoot series. With innovative mechanics like enemy mind-jacking, the game offered a fresh experience, making it a standout title for the console.

1 Samurai Deeper Kyo

Metascore: N/A

  • Platforms: Game Boy Advance, PlayStation
  • Released: 2008-02-12
  • Developer(s): Natsume
  • Genre(s): Action, Adventure

As the GBA era drew to a close in 2008, Samurai Deeper Kyo emerged as the final North American release, offering a polished action-packed experience.

Despite its late entry, Samurai Deeper Kyo impressed with its fast-paced combat, vibrant visuals, and engaging gameplay, closing the GBA chapter on a positive note.

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