Those of you who’re not willing to let go of your old Nintendo handhelds, these best GBA RPGs should come in handy to extract the most gaming pleasures out of them. Nintendo released the Game Boy Advance back in 2001, and it instantly managed to click among gamers from all over the world. The incredible handheld console turned out to be a huge success for the Japanese company, and part of the credit for this also goes to the awesome games which were created for it by developers. The device has sold more than 81.51 million units worldwide, and is considered a legendary gaming machine by many. Throughout its entire lifetime, it kept receiving excellent role-playing games which fans of the said genre heartily enjoyed over the years. The 32-bit titles have a retro feel to them which alludes back to the SNES generation, but the advanced nature of the system enables the games to deliver a lot more than the 16-bit console ever managed to. Here’s a look at some of the finest role-playing experiences you can treat yourselves to right now with the help of the GBA.
1 – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Prior to the release of this game, only Mario RPGs were doled out by Nintendo, but this was the first time that both the chubby plumber and his twin brother were seen together in a role-playing game. Launched in 2003, this hit multiplayer offering has the two brothers move from the Mushroom Kingdom into Beanbean Kingdom in order to face off against Cackletta who has stolen Princess Peach’s voice. A unique battle system which is focused more on timing and elaborate attacks has been granted to the game by its makers.
2 – Golden Sun
This first entry to the iconic series was released in 2001, and is still considered one of the finest 2D role-playing games of all time. Its story revolves around a group of magic-attuned ‘Adepts’ whose job it is to protect the world of Weyard from alchemy. You get to control four characters, even as they make their way through a fantasy-themed world, while battling monsters, gaining new abilities and more.
3 – Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
Pokemon titles have contributed a lot to the popularity of Nintendo’s handhelds and vice versa. These two games were released in 2003 with all the familiar elements of the vast series intact. You are allowed to control your character from an overhead perspective, and are needed to capture all the Pokémon in the games to defeat the Elite Four. New features which were added to this title include double battles and Pokémon abilities. With an awesome game design, ridiculously engrossing fights and an overall entertaining nature, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire become must haves for all GBA owners.
4 – Tales of Phantasia
The classic SNES title which Tales of Phantasia was, just had to be ported to newer platforms for its purpose to be fulfilled. In 2006 came its GBA version which was derived from its PlayStation version that had added various changes including re-drawn character sprites and backgrounds, re-recorded character audio, slight changes to its Linear Motion Battle System battle system and a lot more. It follows the story of a boy named Cress who sets out one day to correct his past mistakes and to learn more about history of his world.
5 – Breath of Fire II
Capcom’s wonderful 1994 SNES game was ported to the GBA in 2001, and impressed with its stellar offerings once again. This game places you in the shoes of a hero named Ryu who happens to be a dragon morphing warrior. We follow him on the journey on which he unknowingly embarks in search of his missing father and little sister. Eight different characters join Ryu along the way helping him get through to his goal. This Game Boy Advance version even comes with a new feature which allows you to build and develop your own town, and enables item exchanges by means of the Link Cable.
6 – Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
The breath of fresh air which Final Fantasy Tactics was, received a true successor in the form of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance which was released for the GBA in 2003. A number of new features have been granted to this entry which is not a sequel to the earlier game by the way. The game asks you to assemble a clan of characters and control their actions over grid-like battlefields. And it’s the incredibly addictive turn-based tactical battles of this game which make it such an unforgettable experience.
7 – Fire Emblem
One more tactical RPG in this list, Fire Emblem was the second title from the ace series to be released for the Game Boy Advance. It features a brilliant story and memorable characters. Developed by Nintendo Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo itself, Fire Emblem grants you seemingly unending turn based battles which are utterly enjoyable to say the least.
8 – Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis
Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis was launched back in 2002 as a GBA exclusive, and acted as a sequel to its SNES predecessor. The game is known for its awesome party-based tactical battles which take place on an isometric playing field. You assume the role of a Alphonse, a knight of Galicia who has been sent on a quest to investigate the intentions of the suspect governing body of the Holy Lodis Empire.
Conclusion:
Those are all the entries we’d like to submit to this list of the best GBA RPGs. We hope you’ve found what you came here looking for. Do browse through other such lists on our site.