Best RPGs Only Available On The Game Boy Advance, Ranked

by

Summary

  • GBA games like Golden Sun and Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban are remastered or ported to other consoles.
  • Unique GBA RPGs like Lufia: The Ruins Of Lore and Sword of Mana have remained exclusive to the system.
  • Games such as Boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hands with solar panel copies, haven’t been transferred from GBA.

As a seasoned gamer who has traversed the digital landscapes of countless consoles and handheld devices throughout my lifetime, I cannot help but feel a pang of nostalgia when I reminisce about the games that graced the Game Boy Advance (GBA). The GBA was a treasure trove of unique experiences that have since been forgotten by time or relegated to the annals of gaming history. One such game, which has left an indelible mark on my memory, is “Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis.”

Having grown up in the era of tactical RPGs, I’ve played my fair share of games that required strategy and careful planning to emerge victorious. However, none have left me quite as enamored as this GBA gem. With its charming art style, deep narrative, and engaging gameplay mechanics, “Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis” was a true standout among its contemporaries.

The game’s story follows the tumultuous political climate of the land of Valeria, where players must navigate treacherous alliances and make difficult decisions to shape their own destiny. The game’s tactical battles were both challenging and rewarding, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment after each victory.

What truly sets “Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis” apart from other games in the genre is its accessibility. Despite its depth, the game was designed with newcomers in mind, making it an ideal introduction to tactical RPGs for those who were just starting their journey into the world of gaming.

In my opinion, “Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis” deserves a second chance on modern platforms. With its charming art style and engaging gameplay mechanics, it’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation that would appeal to both old-school gamers and newcomers alike.

And as a final thought, I’d like to leave you with this joke: Why did the tactical RPG cross the road? To get to the other side… of the battlefield, of course!

The Game Boy Advance, despite having a shorter lifespan than its predecessor, the original Game Boy, was home to some exceptional games for handheld devices. Its influence hasn’t waned; numerous titles have been re-released on other platforms with improved versions or even complete remakes. Additionally, Nintendo has established digital stores on their consoles, from the 3DS to the Switch, which continue to make these classic games accessible.

The collection of Role-Playing Games (RPGs) on the Nintendo Switch’s Game Boy Advance compatibility is relatively small yet powerful, boasting some exceptional titles like “Golden Sun” and “Mother 3.” However, these specific games are only available in Japan. Meanwhile, other GBA RPGs have remained exclusive to that system throughout their existence.

7. Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban

A Golden Sun Clone

The majority of video games inspired by the Harry Potter films were action platformers that incorporated puzzles. However, the Game Boy Advance version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban stood out as it was a turn-based RPG, rather than the typical format. Similarly, the Game Boy Color adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets followed suit with its turn-based RPG style. After these two games, there were no more RPG adaptations in the series until Hogwarts Legacy.

The battle system resembles that of ‘Golden Sun’, and its execution, remarkably clever, even for a movie-style game. Solving puzzles is achieved through environmental spells, much like those you’d find in ‘Golden Sun’.

6. Lufia: The Ruins Of Lore

A Forgotten RPG Series Overall

  • Developer: Atelier Double
  • Publisher: Atlus (NA)
  • Released: May 6, 2003 (NA)
  • Platform: GBA

As a devoted cinephile immersed in the realm of gaming, I’d say: “Following the epic tale spun in ‘Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals,’ we find ourselves delving into the captivating world of ‘Lufia: The Ruins of Lore.’ This unique installment, exclusive to the Game Boy Advance, maintains the turn-based gameplay that the series is known for, but with a fresh twist. Characters in this adventure can be assigned classes, each offering a unique set of abilities that they can learn and carry over as they switch roles.

In this game, you’ll find a unique feature where you catch monsters to join your team. There are plenty of these creatures to gather, and an intriguing aspect is the ability to momentarily combine with them for powerful special moves. This fusion mechanic isn’t commonly seen in role-playing games.

5. Pokemon FireRed/LeafGreen

Will A Retro Mainline Pokemon Game Ever Make It To The Switch?

The video game versions of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen are remakes of the initial Pokémon games, developed for the Game Boy Advance (GBA). Similar to other mainline GBA entries, these two games haven’t been released on digital storefronts. However, one platform has previously offered past games digitally.

For the Nintendo 3DS, fans could buy the six mainline Pokemon games originally released on Game Boy and Game Boy Color from the eShop. Since the eShop has now permanently closed, it would bring back a wave of nostalgia if Nintendo were to make available for digital download on the Switch or future versions like the Switch 2, games such as Pokemon FireRed, LeafGreen, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald.

4. Kingdom Hearts: Chain Of Memories

Polygons Can’t Match These Pixels

In essence, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories has been reintroduced multiple times, though always in the form of its updated version known as Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. Originally debuting on PlayStation 2, this title was revamped to emulate its initial appearance while preserving the card-based gameplay mechanics.

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that the enhanced storytelling through voice acting in this new version is indeed captivating. However, when it comes to fully immersing myself in the game, nothing beats the original Game Boy Advance (GBA) version’s pixel art. Fingers crossed, Square Enix might consider porting it to a digital storefront someday, or even better, remaking it as an HD-2D game, preserving the charm of its GBA graphics that outshine the polygonal versions on home consoles.

3. Sword of Mana

Let It Not Be A Fantasy

The game titled “Sword of Mana” is another Square Enix production that can be played on various platforms, but it originally debuted as “Final Fantasy Adventure” on the Game Boy. In Japan, this game was known as “Seiken Densetsu“, marking the start of the renowned “Mana” series.

Mana Sword follows similar storylines yet expands upon it with additional narrative elements, offering two playable characters for gamers to choose from. These characters can either be a male lead, showcasing greater physical prowess, or a female mage heroine boasting superior magical abilities. A direct remake of the original game was created under the title Mana Adventures, but unfortunately, it remains limited to older platforms such as mobile devices and the PS Vita.

2. Boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hands

Kill Vampires With The Literal Sun

In my experience, “Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hands” stood out as one of the most distinctive titles ever launched on the Game Boy Advance. It was equipped with a mini-solar panel on its cartridge, allowing it to capture sunlight that played a crucial role in combating vampires and other supernatural foes within the game. This unique feature likely explains why none of the three GBA installments have transitioned beyond the platform.

Although gamers have modified the game to make solar power more feasible through emulation, they could do so by re-releasing this trilogy or even the handheld spinoff titled “Lunar Knights,” which doesn’t require actual solar energy. In other words, Konami has the opportunity to bring back this series if they choose to do so.

1. Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis

Clinging To The GBA

As a dedicated movie-goer and avid video game enthusiast, I’d like to shed light on an often overlooked gem in the realm of strategy RPGs: “Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis.” This title, nestled within the esteemed “Ogre” series, appears to have slipped through the cracks of time, while its predecessor, “Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together,” has enjoyed a resurgence across numerous platforms since its debut on the SNES.

However, let us not overlook this underrated gem from the Game Boy Advance era. This game is as deserving of attention and praise as its more popular counterpart, offering a compelling narrative and tactical depth that warrants multiple playthroughs. If you’re a fan of strategic RPGs or simply seeking a hidden gem to add to your collection, “Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis” is a must-play.

Similar to how I found “Final Fantasy Tactics Advance” appealing, this game also offers a more youthful aesthetic, yet delves into deeper political themes. Navigating through grid-based maps for strategic battles, recruiting soldiers, and progressing through class levels are just some of the engaging elements it provides. Transforming it to play on the Nintendo Switch would be an absolute delight, especially if it’s released in its original form.

Read More

2024-12-29 06:37