7 Best JRPGs You Can Only Play on the Game Boy Advance

Summary

Game Boy Advance era featured standout JRPGs like Oriental Blue: Ao no Tengai, showcasing unique mechanics & rich narratives.
Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2 deviated from turn-based combat, offering dynamic real-time battles & custom equipment.
DemiKids: Light and Dark Version and Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis are hidden gems that deliver strategic depth & compelling stories on GBA.

The pixel art period of the Game Boy Advance is considered one of Nintendo’s most remarkable milestones in handheld gaming, housing some of their most acclaimed titles. The intricate graphics often tested the device’s limits, creating an enchanting effect that seemed even more vibrant on its compact screen, particularly in renowned JRPGs which fully demonstrated the console’s capabilities for RPG enthusiasts everywhere. Even today, these games continue to captivate players globally with their impressive visuals.

Although several of these games eventually appeared on other platforms, many of them were exclusive to the Game Boy Advance and never transitioned beyond the cartridge era. These exceptional titles offer unique adventures, combining captivating artwork with finely-tuned mechanics, and continue to shine as undiscovered treasures for players seeking an experience that can only be found on the original hardware.

7. Oriental Blue: Ao No Tengai

A Rare Treasure Of Ancient Japan Still Trapped On The GBA

Platform: Game Boy Advanced
Developers: Hudson Soft
Genre: JRPG

In 2003, the game Oriental Blue: Ao no Tengai, released uniquely in Japan, is part of the highly respected Tengai Makyou series. Notably among the best Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) on Nintendo’s handheld, it is deeply rooted in Japanese mythology and presents a storyline influenced by morally significant decisions. The game’s adventure uses a karma system to influence the plot’s progression and the protagonist’s development throughout their journey.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but be captivated by the intricate branching paths and multiple endings this game provides, making it a rare gem in the realm of role-playing games exclusive to the system. The game’s vibrant 2D art style harmoniously blends with smooth turn-based combat animations and innovative spell effects, creating a visual experience that surpasses the limitations of the hardware and solidifies

6. Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2

This JRPG’s Combat Was Highly Dynamic

Games from the Game Boy Advance era that fell under the JRPG category usually adhered to turn-based combat mechanics, with only a handful of titles straying from this norm. However, Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2 was one such exception. In contrast to the typical gameplay style, battles in this game took place in real time, much like those in the Tales of series. Players were able to employ a variety of gear to attack their foes.

As you advanced through the story in “Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2”, you could also create personalized equipment. This game boasted beautifully designed sprites, particularly for a handheld console. Despite its numerous qualities, it continues to be one of the most underrated games on this platform and offers a truly distinctive experience that is still only available on the Game Boy Advance.

5. Demikids: Light And Dark Version

The Game Retains Several Elements From The Original Series

Often overshadowed by more prominent handheld devices, DemiKids: Light and Dark Version is a spin-off of Shin Megami Tensei that holds its ground as one of the strongest role-playing games exclusive to the Game Boy Advance library. Notably released in 2003, this game’s complex storyline combines elements of time travel, interdimensional conflicts, and the ongoing struggle between light and dark, creating a vividly depicted world that bears the distinctive mark of Shin Megami Tensei influence.

Beyond its distinctive narrative, DemiKids: Dark Version showcases a streamlined yet tactical fusion process, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy gathering and enhancing demonic entities. The game’s increased challenge compared to the Light version, coupled with a more captivating and ominous storyline, has earned it the title of a forgotten treasure in the realm of handheld gaming. It continues to be one of the most underappreciated titles on the Game Boy Advance and remains one of the most unique role-playing games in the console’s collection.

4. Lufia: The Ruins Of Lore

The Franchise As A Whole Was Overlooked Over Time

Platform: Game Boy Advanced
Developers: Atelier Double, Neverland, Taito Corporation
Genre: JRPG

Despite having some powerful installments like Lufia 2 among its ranks, the series didn’t manage to capture the commercial success enjoyed by giants such as Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. This gap in popularity led to the franchise being somewhat overlooked throughout the years. However, Lufia: The Ruins of Lore, though often underrated, remains one of the best JRPGs you can find on a Game Boy Advance.

A unique aspect of this game is that it doesn’t use the random encounter method common in many RPGs of its time. Instead, enemies are clearly marked on the map, and fights start only when your party comes into contact with them. Moreover, players can catch monsters for future use in battles, introducing an extra layer of strategy not commonly found in games of its handheld category during that era.

3. Tactics Ogre: The Knight Of Lodis

One Of The Best Tactical JRPGs On The Game Boy Advance

Despite the fact that “Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together” is commonly linked with the franchise and has been remade for multiple platforms, making it a household name in tactical gaming, “The Knight of Lodis” remained unique to the Game Boy Advance system. Regardless of its lower profile, its grid-based combat matches the complexity and balance of the original content, providing tough battles that reward strategic placement and class compatibility.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that popular strategy games from respected series have made their way onto handheld devices. Take Final Fantasy Tactics Advance for instance. In the same vein, The Knight of Lodis opted for a slightly chibi aesthetic to appeal to a younger crowd. However, it maintains the mature narrative that longtime fans of the franchise appreciate, filled with political intrigue and power struggles in every region portrayed.

2. Boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hand

Action JRPG Was Developed By Hideo Kojima

Known for his work on series like Metal Gear and Death Stranding, creator Hideo Kojima also lent his talents to other projects, one of which was Boktai: The Sun is in Your Hand. This game uniquely blended stealth mechanics with top-down action, making it one of the most creative Action RPGs ever made. To this day, it can only be found on Nintendo’s handheld devices.

The game, known as Boktai, features a unique solar sensor that measures actual sunlight intensity and impacts gameplay significantly. This solar sensor is crucial for both exploration and combat since bright sun rays efficiently recharge the protagonist’s solar gun. By combining this hardware innovation with intelligent level design and enemy placements, Boktai offers a distinctive gaming experience that remains unparalleled on rival systems, solidifying its position as one of the most original role-playing adventures for the Game Boy Advance.

1. Pokemon Emerald

One Of The Best Games In The Entire Franchise

The Pokemon series is often associated with portable gaming systems, and Pokemon Emerald is considered one of the best role-playing games (RPGs) that the franchise has ever created. Not only did it feature remakes of the original versions on a console, but it also marked the introduction of the Hoenn region on the Game Boy Advance. This provided players with an unforgettable adventure, enhanced by some of the best pixel art that the platform was capable of producing.

While later versions of Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire were released for Nintendo 3DS, they followed the original storylines and missed out on many improvements that came with Emerald. Therefore, if you’re after a truly comprehensive Hoenn experience, you’ll need to look towards this Game Boy Advance game, which is still only available in its original form.

2025-06-08 01:36