Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Game Boy Advance, Ranked

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Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Game Boy Advance, Ranked

Highlights

  • Turn-based RPGs on GBA challenge players to think strategically in battles with unique systems like alchemy and elemental powers.
  • Obscure sequels like Fullmetal Alchemist: Sonata of Memories and Mother 3 offer engaging storylines and innovative gameplay mechanics.
  • Remakes like Lunar Legend and Breath of Fire 2 update classic RPGs with improved visuals and gameplay while staying true to the original charm.

As someone who grew up with a Game Boy Advance as my constant companion, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of nostalgia when I look back at the games that defined the system for me. Among them, there are three RPGs that stand out like beacons in the night sky, guiding any GBA-wielding adventurer towards their destiny.

Role-playing games (RPGs) offer various elements that cater to diverse players on the Game Boy Advance. While some appreciate the game due to its captivating narrative, others are drawn in by the visuals, and yet another group relishes the challenge. Among the most immersive genres is the turn-based RPG.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I find myself immersed in the world of tactical role-playing games (TRPGs), where the focus is on strategic thinking rather than mindless hacking and slashing. The genre of TRPGs is a subcategory within the realm of role-playing games, and the Game Boy Advance (GBA) has some remarkable examples, such as “Final Fantasy Tactics Advance” and “Fire Emblem”. Although these games are excellent, they differ from traditional turn-based RPGs. So, let’s delve deeper into what other treasures the GBA holds within this genre.

8 Fullmetal Alchemist: Sonata of Memories

An Anime Game Fans Would Love

Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Game Boy Advance, Ranked
  • Released: July 22, 2004 (Japan)
  • Developer: Tom Create
  • Publisher: Bandai
  • Metacritic Score: N/A

In comparison to North America, Japan boasts a significantly larger number of anime games on the Game Boy Advance (GBA). For instance, the well-known anime series “Fullmetal Alchemist” is one such example, and it spawned a game titled “Fullmetal Alchemist: Sonata of Memories“. Initially, this game adhered to the early storylines of the anime before veering into filler content. However, its unique selling point lay in its battle system. Players were able to combine elements or materials during battles to craft alchemic attacks, a feature that echoed the distinctive aspect of the anime itself.

7 Mother 3

Nintendo’s Not So Best Kept Secret

Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Game Boy Advance, Ranked
  • Metacritic Score: N/A

“Mother 3, released exclusively in Japan, has garnered significant popularity despite this. An extensive English translation is available for those who wish to play it. Unlike Fullmetal Alchemist: Sonata of Memories, Mother 3‘s demand for an official international release has been high for nearly two decades due to its recognition. Similar to other games in the series, the narrative stands alone, yet carries consistent eccentric themes across characters and enemy designs. The combat system resembles a traditional turn-based RPG, but also includes a hidden rhythm element. Mastering this rhythm can simplify battles, but requires considerable practice.”

6 Lunar Legend

One Of The Better Remakes

Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Game Boy Advance, Ranked
  • Platform: GBA
  • Released: December 10, 2002 (NA)
  • Developer: Japan Art Media
  • Metacritic Score: 79

Title “Lunar Legend” is a fresh take on the initial game of the series, “Lunar: The Silver Star,” released first in 1992 in Japan for Sega CD. Despite being a lengthy series, many subsequent installments are simply adaptations or updated versions of the original game.

While having a simple plot, the core concept of “Lunar Legend” remains strong. The script was revised for clarity with translation, the combat system worked smoothly in turn-based style, and it boasted enhanced graphics, among other improvements. Much like the early editions of “Final Fantasy,” “Lunar: The Silver Star” is a timeless RPG classic.

5 Breath of Fire 2

Capcom’s Dragon-Infused RPG

Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Game Boy Advance, Ranked
  • Platforms: SNES, GBA
  • Released: April 15, 2002 (GBA NA Version)
  • Developer: Capcom
  • Metacritic Score: 81

Capcom has quite a few video game franchises that haven’t been active for some time, and “Breath of Fire” is one such series. Originally released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), both the first and second games in the series received updates for the Game Boy Advance (GBA). Among these two, many fans consider “Breath of Fire 2” to be a superior version due to its excellence on the SNES as well. It’s a classic role-playing game (RPG) featuring a compact party and frequent random encounters. What sets it apart is that the main character, Ryu, can transform into powerful dragon forms during battle, which can significantly shift the course of combat.

4 Pokemon FireRed/LeafGreen

Going Back To Basics

Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Game Boy Advance, Ranked
  • Metacritic Score: 81

In a delightful turn of events, Pokemon Sapphire and Pokemon Ruby , part of the third generation on the Game Boy Advance, were well-received. Yet, it was the remakes of the initial games, namely Pokemon FireRed and Pokemon LeafGreen, that truly ignited excitement among fans. These remakes upgraded the graphics to resemble the third generation games and incorporated contemporary mechanics as well. Stepping back into the Kanto region and selecting the original Pokemon starters, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander, brought a sense of nostalgia that sometimes overshadows newer entries. This was particularly true for the GBA Pokemon series.

3 Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

The Duo’s First RPG Together

Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Game Boy Advance, Ranked
  • Metacritic Score: 90

Title “Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga” marks the debut of a series within the RPG spinoffs that centers around the two brothers. Whereas “Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars” revolutionized combat mechanics, this game significantly enhanced exploration aspects. In combat scenarios, pressing any button would trigger actions specific to either Mario or Luigi for both offensive and defensive strategies. For instance, pressing A might enable Mario to leap over an enemy’s attack.

In this game, as we ventured through various worlds, combining different pattern sequences allowed the brothers to execute specific tasks. For instance, striking each other would cause one brother to dive beneath obstacles like traps, while merging into a single helicopter allowed them to fly over pits. This game was incredibly innovative, and it’s undeniably among the top RPGs in the series.

2 Golden Sun

Before They Made Sports Games, Camelot Ruled The GBA Market

Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Game Boy Advance, Ranked
  • Metacritic Score: 91

In essence, Golden Sun shared a similar style of puzzle-based exploration seen in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. Rather than morphing into peculiar shapes using two characters, players utilized psychic powers to manipulate objects from afar. Unlike the psychic abilities, battles were not influenced by these powers, but instead, the heroes were fortified by Djinns that represented specific elements. These Djinns could be interchanged among characters, providing them with new elemental powers. Similarly, Djinns could be employed as potent attacks during combat, mimicking Summons in Final Fantasy. The feature to change Djinns between characters to gain additional spells was analogous to the Esper system in Final Fantasy 6, and Espers served as the Summons within that universe.

1 Final Fantasy 6 Advance

A SNES Classic Made Even Better

Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Game Boy Advance, Ranked
  • Metacritic Score: 92

Discussing Final Fantasy 6, the enhanced version for Game Boy Advance, titled Final Fantasy 6 Advance, was an upgraded adaptation of the SNES classic. It’s the highest-rated game in the series on the GBA and ranks among the top ten overall on Metacritic. On the SNES, it was already a hit, but it shone even brighter on the GBA due to improved graphics and script. The core gameplay remained engaging, with the Espers system allowing characters to acquire diverse abilities, ranging from healing magic to fire spells. One of the game’s standout features was its massive party, which may be the largest in the series, boasting fourteen core characters and numerous temporary ones too. From combat to characters, music, and narrative, this is a phenomenal addition to the Final Fantasy library.

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2024-08-09 13:34