As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I recall the thrill when Sony unveiled the PS1 to the world. It wasn’t long before I noticed a trend: third-party game developers began to create or shift their popular franchises towards systems equipped with disc drives, boasting larger storage capacities compared to Nintendo’s offering at that time.
The gaming journey began with the Nintendo 64 and gradually moved on to the GameCube, resulting in a scarcity of specific game genres. If you were a fan of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), you might have found yourself relying heavily on PlayStation, much like I did.
From the Nintendo 64 to the GameCube, we witnessed a shift that left certain game genres in short supply. If you were passionate about Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), you’d likely have turned to PlayStation, just as I did.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply that JRPGs entirely forsook Nintendo’s systems. On the contrary, their home consoles experienced a decline, but their handheld devices flourished instead. The journey commenced with the Game Boy and continued up to the Nintendo 3DS.
To compile this list, I’ll thoroughly analyze the collection of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) available for the Game Boy Advance, and rank what I consider to be the top JRPGs on this handheld system, all while expressing my dismay that certain gems from this list have yet to be re-released.
Here are the criteria I applied for the list:
• A mix of Metacritic scores and my personal opinion.
• Original games only—no remasters, remakes, or ports.
• Only one game per series.
10. Mother 3
Never Released Outside of Japan
Initially, I hadn’t planned on including “Mother 3” in my list because it didn’t have an official Western release. However, given its widespread acclaim and significant influence as a Game Boy Advance RPG, excluding it would have been quite neglectful.
I’m not claiming it’s the poorest, but it earned its spot because it can only be played using non-authorized channels.
In the idyllic village of Tazmily, nestled on the Nowhere Islands, the story of Mother 3 unfolds. When the Pigmask Army storms in, it falls upon Lucas and a motley crew of courageous individuals to expel them before their advanced tech can reshape the islands beyond recognition.
In this new JRPG, you’ll find that the classic turn-based combat remains, but now there’s an exciting addition – a combo feature! By timing your button presses to match the rhythm of the music, your character will continue attacking relentlessly. The gameplay still adheres to traditional JRPG elements, such as leveling up and earning currency for progression.
One of the standout features of Mother 3 is its exceptional narrative, largely due to the writing skills of its creator Shigesato Itoi. His background as an essayist and copywriter, rather than a mangaka, sets it apart from many other JRPGs that typically adhere to popular anime or manga themes. This difference in approach gives Mother 3 a distinct character among its peers in the JRPG genre.
9. Mega Man Battle Network 2
Execute MegaMan.EXE
If the initial installment is successful, you’ll often find that subsequent series may encounter some initial rough spots, which are smoothed out as the story progresses. This was exactly the case with the Mega Man Battle Network, beginning with a strong debut but seeing its format developed and enhanced in Mega Man Battle Network 2.
Next up, players resume command over Lan Hikari and MegaMan.EXE, venturing forth once more on a quest to safeguard the web.
In this installment, the game maintains the distinctive real-time strategic battles, set within a 18-tile battlefield, allowing both Mega Man and his adversaries to navigate freely.
In Mega Man Battle Network 2, they refined the mechanics from the initial game, particularly focusing on Battle Chips and various character builds.
Rather than using ten identical chips that make the game overly simple, we’ve reduced the number to five now. Additionally, there are multiple active folders available, enabling you to switch between various build compositions at your convenience.
Following every fight, Mega Man no longer recovers his health on his own, but instead, Battle Network 2 introduced an improved Armor System as a substitute.
Now, the blue bomber is capable of selecting from among five distinct styles that influence both the damage he sustains and inflicts, as well as his overall appearance. Many aspects of these features were subsequently incorporated into subsequent games in the series after garnering positive feedback from players.
8. Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2
Summons and Crafting Tied Together
Title indicatively hints at the core theme of Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2, which primarily focuses on swordcrafting and summoning entities. Not unlike Mega Man Battle Network 2, the second installment in the Summon Night series built upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, making it a worthy addition to this role-playing game collection.
In this game, players assume the identity of either Edgar or Aera, both apprentice Craftknights. They can choose their character based on their preferred gender. With the aid of a summoned creature, they are tasked with securing and safeguarding the ruins to protect their family from Goura, a newly awakened, aggressive summoned beast.
In the game “Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2”, you’ll find a traditional exploration style common in Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). Combat, on the other hand, has an action-oriented feel, much like the early “Tales of” games. Instead of engaging enemies directly within the world, battles occur on a different screen once an enemy is encountered. You’ll be controlling just one character, but this character can switch between three weapons you’ve equipped. The magical aspects are managed through summoning creatures.
It’s evident from the game’s name that crafting plays a significant role within it, and indeed, it does. In contrast to the initial release, where players acquire abilities to create new equipment, the sequel incorporates a unique feature called shapestones.
Once you select a material, the game shows you a sneak peek of the finished gear, detailing its unique attack (for weapons) and any associated effects.
In the captivating world of Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2, it’s the diverse crafting mechanics such as enhancing or breaking down equipment that form the core gameplay cycle, ensuring players remain engaged and enchanted.
As a gamer, I stumbled upon this hidden treasure from the Game Boy Advance era. It’s got an engaging narrative that hooks you right in, and the main character, Dinah, is simply captivating. The visuals are so enchanting, they’re like a breath of fresh air!
7. Riviera: The Promised Land
A Unique Exploration System
As a gamer, I’ve got to say that Riviera: The Promised Land stands out from the usual suspects because this gem originally sparkled on the WonderSwan Color, but it took its GBA port to finally reach western shores and prove itself as one of the handheld’s top-tier JRPGs.
What immediately stands out about Riviera is its stunning beauty. Its pixel art games on the GBA are among the most attractive, capturing your attention from the very first turn-based battle.
The impressive graphics could stem from its efficient exploration method, where navigation is achieved through a point-and-click interface that seamlessly transitions the player between screens, thereby reducing the frequent back-and-forth movement typical in traditional Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs).
In the gaming world, I find myself as Ein, a millennium-old Grim Reaper crafted by the deities of Asgard, tasked with vanquishing demons. However, my memory is hazy, I can’t recall my past or my mission, instead, I’m meandering through the mystical realm of Riviera, searching for answers to my forgotten identity and purpose.
This Role-Playing Game (RPG) for Game Boy Advance (GBA) stands out due to its exceptional exploration focus. Each fresh view could lead to a battle, a scene, or an interaction among your party, like opening a treasure chest or taking a break in a room. At these critical junctures, you’re given the opportunity to make decisions that affect the storyline and the final outcome.
In the conventional turn-based fighting system, there’s a significant restriction: Each character can carry only four items into battle, be they weapons or supplies, and each item has a set number of uses before they become useless. This extra layer of strategy means players must weigh their moves thoughtfully rather than simply spamming the attack button.
This game titled “Riviera: The Promised Land” might not suit everyone’s taste, especially those who enjoy the conventional approach to exploring in RPGs. However, it stands out as one of the most distinctive Japanese Role-Playing Games on this list.
6. Pokémon Emerald
The Best of Both Worlds
In simpler terms, I believe it’s unjust that Pokémon Emerald received a lower Metacritic score compared to its counterparts. At the time, many reviews deemed it as merely an updated version of Ruby and Sapphire, not offering much more—and in truth, they were right about that.
It’s unjust since they evaluated the game primarily based on its market potential instead of design quality, presuming that most people had already purchased both Ruby and Sapphire. As a result, they concluded that Emerald wasn’t a wise investment.
I can’t help but correct the misconception here. In my opinion, Pokémon Emerald surpasses Ruby and Sapphire in terms of technical superiority and additional content. It appears those reviews were penned by someone who hasn’t experienced the third-generation of Pokémon games, making them unaware of the advantages that come with owning Pokémon Emerald over Ruby or Sapphire.
The Game Boy Advance (GBA) version of Pokémon Emerald offers the ultimate third-generation Pokémon adventure. It features all the evolutionary forms that were exclusive to previous versions, and trainers can capture both Kyogre and Groudon. The battles have been improved significantly, with Gym Leaders now participating in double battles as well.
In addition to Pokémon Emerald, it brought about the Battle Frontier – an engaging post-game area that offers extended playtime and is nearly a reason in itself to play. It’s important to note that all the Game Boy Advance Pokémon games are fantastic, but if you’re seeking the ultimate experience, opt for Pokémon Emerald without hesitation.
5. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
Nothing Sacred About Permadeath
If you’re well-versed in the world of Fire Emblem, then you already have an idea of what Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones offers. It’s a role-playing game with strategic combat on a grid, featuring a weapon triangle system that adds tactical depth. The game is set in a fantasy realm intertwined with political intrigue, much like many other Japanese strategy RPGs.
True to form, the game commences as the Grado Empire, inexplicably, launches attacks against nearby kingdoms. Our heroes, Eirika and Ephraim, set off on a mission to halt Grado’s aggression, all while discovering the hidden cause of this war.
Praise for the game “Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones” is overwhelmingly high, particularly for its captivating storyline. This narrative introduces characters who evoke genuine emotion in players, while also presenting intriguing antagonists and protagonists that keep one engaged.
In this game, there’s a feature known as “Support Dialogues”. As characters spend more time together in close proximity, their relationship deepens, leading to enhanced status once they engage in a chat afterwards.
The game’s permanent death feature significantly emphasizes the importance of characters. Once a character is defeated in battle, they are removed permanently from the game. You can either restart from your last save or proceed without that character – which can certainly be disappointing. If the main characters lose, it results in an immediate game loss.
In terms of gameplay, The Sacred Stones doesn’t deviate significantly from other installments in the series. What sets it apart is a class promotion system that introduces more diversity when crafting your army. This is particularly noteworthy because certain classes have multiple paths for advancement. Strategy-wise, the combat stays true to its roots, but remains no less engaging.
4. Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis
A Mature Game In A Lighthearted Console
Speaking of tactical RPGs that blend fantasy landscapes and political machinations, we can’t forget about “Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis,” a spinoff prequel within the series originally known as “Ogre Battle.” This game was initially conceived by Yasumi Matsuno, who’s famed for his work on “Final Fantasy Tactics.” However, it’s important to note that Matsuno wasn’t involved in the creation of “The Knight of Lodis” as he had moved on from Quest and joined Square Enix instead.
In essence, “Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis” is undeniably a strategic role-playing game. It lacks the open-world exploration found in many other games, instead focusing on a system where interactions primarily occur around battle sequences, cinematic scenes, and character management within an interface.
To me, battles seem simpler compared to other games, or perhaps I haven’t mastered the gameplay fully. It has spells, abilities, and regular attacks, but it doesn’t offer the same level of variety as the job system in Final Fantasy Tactics, for example.
In this precursor story, players take on the role of Alphonse Loeher, a knight hailing from the land of Lodis. He leaves the military after finding issue with the strategies being implemented in nearby countries. Throughout the game, multiple narrative options become available, each shaping the plot differently. Ultimately, these choices lead to one of five distinct conclusions.
Among the appealing aspects of the game “The Knight of Lodis“, one standout feature was the emblem system, serving as a recognition for each individual unit, similar to achievements. The most captivating aspect was that earning certain emblems granted access to new character classes. Consequently, not only did my units receive acknowledgment for their unique actions, but I was also expanding the game’s functionality by unlocking additional features.
Compared to other Role-Playing Games (RPGs) on the Game Boy Advance (GBA), Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis adopts a more mature narrative tone. Unlike the permadeath system in Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, this game doesn’t kill off characters permanently, but it excels in story depth and thematic complexity, largely thanks to its compelling writing.
3. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Mario Bros. Never Misses
Since the collaboration between Square and Nintendo led to the creation of one of the greatest SNES JRPGs – Super Mario RPG, it appears that our beloved mustachioed character has developed an affinity for level-up systems and has been embarking on numerous fresh escapades ever since.
A group of developers who worked on ‘Super Mario RPG’, including its lead, departed from Square and established AlphaDream, a company that no longer exists. This team created a new series called ‘Mario & Luigi’, where they placed the brothers in the role-playing game (RPG) genre.
The first game in the Mario & Luigi series, titled “Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga“, draws heavily from the style of “Super Mario RPG“. Unlike its counterpart “Paper Mario“, which also incorporates several similar features but stands out as one of the few Japanese Role-Playing Games on the Nintendo 64, “Mario & Luigi” presents a more humorous and lighthearted tone, emphasizing the bond between gaming’s iconic brothers.
In this Role-Playing Game set in the land of Beanbean Kingdom, bordering the Mushroom Kingdom, our heroes Mario and Luigi embark on a quest to retrieve Peach’s lost voice, which has been magically seized by the enchantress Cackletta.
The game’s script garnered much acclaim from critics, brimming with hidden references and a playful wit, despite some finding the storyline somewhat redundant and the characters not particularly deep.
As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled to revisit the world of Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, where turn-based battles get an exciting twist with timed input mechanics. After executing each action, pressing a command can amplify the move, be it for attacking or defending. In the vast overworld, there’s a delightful interplay between the brothers that not only invites exploration but also assists in solving intriguing puzzles.
In summary, “Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga” can undeniably be classified as a classic Nintendo Role-Playing Game (JRPG). It’s filled with laughter and amusement, features the most iconic characters in gaming, and, crucially, focuses on providing enjoyable gameplay experiences above everything else.
2. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Worthy Successor To The Best Spinoff
It’s striking how similar these games on the list seem, making me wonder if they were all part of some grand design. Interestingly, before Square took over Quest Studios, the last game they released was “Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis“. Can you imagine what their next project could have been after being acquired? Indeed, it turned out to be “Final Fantasy Tactics Advance“.
Given their mastery, larger production facility, and successful previous release, it seemed nearly predictable that their subsequent game would showcase improvements in gameplay mechanics and overall design, or at least uphold similar quality levels.
In the end, the game “Final Fantasy Tactics Advance” veered off in a notably distinct direction compared to “Tactics Ogre,” favoring a lively and vibrant style instead of a more serious tone. Nevertheless, it remains exceptional and shines brightly in all its endeavors.
Initially, I found myself disconnected from “Final Fantasy Tactics Advance” as it wasn’t what I anticipated – a sequel to “Final Fantasy Tactics”. The judge system was irritating, and the overly juvenile narrative with an overly young protagonist didn’t appeal to me. However, over time, this role-playing game from Japan gradually grew on me.
In an urban setting like Ivalice, a high school student named Marche finds himself and his companions mysteriously whisked away into a fantastical universe upon opening a magical book, similar to stories often found in the isekai genre of anime. As days pass in this enchanting realm, Marche becomes a member of Clan Nutsy and takes part in numerous quests, all while striving to find his way back home.
In most cases, player interactions within this world primarily involve clicking on multiple spots on a map, reminiscent of numerous tactical role-playing games in the JRPG genre. However, what sets Final Fantasy Tactics Advance apart is an abundance of additional content that caters to completionists, extending the playtime by more than doubling it.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m pumped about the return of the Job system, but with a cool twist! In the world of Ivalice, various playable races each have unique Jobs. For instance, Bangaa can only become Dragoons, while Ninjas are exclusive to Humes. This opens up an opportunity for players to customize their party, blending different races and tapping into diverse Job options if they fancy exploring the game’s wide array of possibilities.
All in all, I found Final Fantasy Tactics Advance quite enjoyable. The narrative carries some significant scenes, yet it never delves too profoundly or becomes overly dramatic. There are numerous side missions, a few of which may be easily forgotten, while others are captivating and worth the effort – not to mention they open up new gameplay possibilities.
1. Golden Sun
A Technical Miracle
Feel free to express a differing opinion (just remember to stay polite), but there’s no debate when it comes to the technical brilliance of the Golden Sun game on the Game Boy Advance. It’s truly exceptional and unique, much like the magical craftsmanship Monolith Soft has demonstrated in their Xenoblade series.
The initial time I experienced “Golden Sun,” I was taken aback to discover it was a handheld game. This role-playing game from Japan showcases remarkable graphics, particularly during turn-based battles and summon sequences, an intriguing puzzle-driven exploration system that keeps you hooked, and a sprawling narrative so vast it had to be divided across two games.
As adolescents with inherent magical abilities, our story revolves around Isaac, who wields Psynergy – a type of telekinesis. His mission is to thwart the villains from resurrecting Alchemy, a power that could potentially annihilate their island. To accomplish this, he needs to seize control over four celestial stars representing the elements.
The journey through Golden Sun is enjoyable because the characters’ skills seamlessly blend with the game’s surroundings. By utilizing Psynergy, players can manipulate objects, remove hindrances, and even peer into NPCs’ thoughts. Some of these features are employed for problem-solving or hidden treasure hunting.
In simpler terms, the game features a conventional turn-based combat mechanism, yet it’s made unique by a Djinn advancement system. This system introduces an exciting variation as there are 28 Djinns available for characters to use, which can modify their skills, roles, and attributes.
Based on how you tailor your character, you can significantly alter their overall battle behavior, making each fight feel unique. The diverse options for Djinns and classes stimulate further discovery, enhancing the challenge of the puzzles and deepening the advancement process.
As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that “Golden Sun” is the ultimate JRPG experience for Game Boy Advance (GBA). It’s not an overstatement to claim it as the best in its class on this platform. Due to the limitations of the hardware, the epic story was divided into two parts. The first part, simply known as “Golden Sun,” sets the stage, while the second, titled “Golden Sun: The Lost Age,” unfolds the rest of the tale. To truly savor every aspect these games have to offer, it’s best to play them consecutively.
Read More
- March 2025 PS Plus Dream Lineup: Hogwarts Legacy, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Atomic Heart & More!
- Esil Radiru: The Demon Princess Who Betrayed Her Clan for Jinwoo!
- Unleash Willow’s Power: The Ultimate Build for Reverse: 1999!
- 6 Best Mechs for Beginners in Mecha Break to Dominate Matches!
- XRD PREDICTION. XRD cryptocurrency
- Unlock the Ultimate Armor Sets in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2!
- Top 5 Swords in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
- EUR AUD PREDICTION
- USD DKK PREDICTION
- JTO PREDICTION. JTO cryptocurrency
2025-02-28 18:15