Every Square Enix Game On The Game Boy Advance, Ranked

Summary

Square Enix developed 8 GBA games; varying in quality, they remain exclusive and unlocalized outside Japan.
Final Fantasy 1 & 2: Dawn of Souls enhanced gameplay quality and performance, offering a definitive experience.
Final Fantasy 6 Advance amplified the SNES classic, enhancing the story, characters, and gameplay for a memorable playthrough.

On April 1, 2003, Square and Enix officially combined to form Square Enix. Prior to the merger, both companies had produced games for the Game Boy Advance without the Square Enix label. For instance, there was “Chocobo Land: A Dice Game,” “Dragon Quest Characters: Torneko’s Great Adventure 2 – Mystery Dungeon,” and “Dragon Quest Monsters: Caravan Heart” that did not bear the Square Enix emblem.

Later, we had “Final Fantasy Tactics Advance,” initially developed and published by Square in Japan, but later rebranded as Square Enix for North American distribution. As it was produced under Square prior to the merger, it, along with other early games, won’t be included in this ranking. However, separate from those initial titles, a total of eight games on the GBA developed or published by Square Enix are listed here, ranked according to quality.

8. Torneko’s Great Adventure 3 Advance

A Shopkeeper’s Final Run

Developers: Chunsoft, Matrix Software
Publisher: Square Enix
Released: June 24, 2004 (GBA Version)
Platform: GBA

Torneko’s Great Adventure 3 Advance is actually a remake of the PS2 game, Dragon Quest Characters: Torneko’s Great Adventure 3 – Mystery Dungeon. This game marks the final spin-off featuring Torneko, who was initially introduced as a playable party member in Dragon Quest 4: Chapters of the Chosen. In simpler terms, it’s a revamped version of the original game starring the character Torneko from Dragon Quest 4.

All three games derived from Torneko are classified as roguelikes. Players delve into dungeons, engage in battles against monsters to gather loot, and persist in the repetitive gameplay. The decision to port it to the Game Boy Advance was strategic since its portable nature aids in the continuous gameplay that is characteristic of roguelikes. Unfortunately, it was not released outside of Japan, and there’s no English fan patch available for it.

7. Vigorous Slime Dragon Quest: The Shocking Tail Squad

A Top-Down Action Adventure

Developer: Tose
Publisher: Square Enix
Released: November 14, 2003
Platform: GBA

The original title of the first game in the Slime Morimori series, translated roughly, is “Vigorous Slime Dragon Quest: The Stunning Tail Troop”. Out of the three available, only North America got the second one for the DS, which was titled “Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime“.

For this specific game, official translations haven’t been made available yet, which can make it challenging to suggest it to those who don’t understand Japanese. Yet, despite the language barrier, the gameplay is straightforward since it focuses on action rather than text-heavy content. The real charm of the game lies in its pixel art style, which is impressive for a Game Boy Advance title and incredibly cute as well.

6. Final Fantasy 1 & 2: Dawn Of Souls

Two Classics Reimagined

The compilation titled Final Fantasy 1 & 2: Dawn of Souls combined the first two games in a single bundle. It’s worth noting that these games were also bundled together on other occasions, such as the PS1 release of Final Fantasy Origins. However, it was with Final Fantasy Origins that Final Fantasy 2 first became accessible outside Japan. Although the remakes were commendable, Final Fantasy 1 & 2: Dawn of Souls addressed many of the original games’ rough edges.

This pixel art was notably tidy, offered extra perks, and performed smoother due to avoiding the hassle of disc-based loading. Though they might not have deep narratives compared to other games in the series, they remain straightforward to engage with. This compilation provides an ultimate platform for enjoying them.

5. Final Fantasy 5 Advance

Advancing The Job System

In the game “Final Fantasy 5 Advance,” they decreased the party size compared to “Final Fantasy 4.” Instead of having a larger group, you only control a team of four characters. However, to keep things interesting, the creators incorporated a Job system where players could learn new professions like mages, ninjas, and warriors from crystals scattered throughout the world.

Final Fantasy 5 made its way to North America through the PlayStation 1 compilation, “Final Fantasy Anthology.” However, a more effective introduction was provided by the remake, Final Fantasy 5 Advance, which offers numerous enhancements and is generally considered the best way to experience the game.

4. Final Fantasy 4 Advance

A Dramatic Step Up In Story

Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Nintendo
Released: December 12, 2005 (NA GBA Version)
Platform: GBA

Experiencing the original SNES classic, Final Fantasy 4, through its Advance version isn’t considered the optimal choice because a full remake was developed for the DS following this release. However, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) version remains a strong representation within one of Japan’s more acclaimed entries in the popular Final Fantasy series.

The initial game introduced a narrative that evolved throughout play and provided numerous opportunities for new characters to join or depart based on the game’s progression. Notable moments include Cecil’s transformation from darkness to light, as well as Rydia’s sudden growth into an older form. Additionally, it showcased a five-member party setup, a rarity in the series.

3. Sword Of Mana

The Original Mana Game Remade

The revamped version, titled Sword of Mana, is essentially an updated edition of the initial game in the series known as Final Fantasy Adventure. This new rendition addresses numerous concerns from the original, such as streamlining the transition between physical combat and spellcasting. While it does offer additional narrative elements, they are carefully balanced so as not to hinder the enjoyable exploration dynamics.

In this version of the game, players were given an exclusive feature: the ability to select two distinct characters. This option isn’t found in any other versions of the game. It’s unfortunate that remakes like this are restricted and not widely available because it’s only been playable on the GBA. This exclusivity is likely why it’s highly regarded, as it offers a unique gaming experience.

2. Kingdom Hearts: Chain Of Memories

It’s In The Disney Cards

The remake of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories for the PS2 was well-received, and its subsequent remaster continued to impress. Yet, the original’s pixel art remains unmatched. The characters Sora, Donald, Goofy, and the entire cast have never appeared more stunning in any other version.

Initially, fans were divided due to the sequel revisiting familiar themes, which could be likened to a remake of the original game’s style. The card combat system might have initially puzzled fans, but as time passed, this installment began to gain more recognition. The compelling storyline of Riku, the stunning pixel art, and the introduction of Organization 13 are the primary reasons behind its growing respect.

1. Final Fantasy 6 Advance

An Ambitious End To The SNES Era

Regardless of where Final Fantasy 6 eventually appears, it’s bound to be highly rated. It served as the crowning achievement of the SNES era for Final Fantasy, enhancing its story, characters, world, music, combat system, and more. Squaresoft spared no effort to create an unforgettable experience, and the enhanced version, Final Fantasy 6 Advance, only magnifies what was already exceptional.

This update addressed some minor problems, such as script errors, and also included previously omitted content, like the Kaiser Dragon boss fight. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone eager to start the series, although locating this specific version might prove challenging.

2025-01-05 07:06