Top 10 Hardest GBA Games Ever Made

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Regardless of whether you examine the initial years of the NES featuring challenging games such as Silver Surfer and Battletoads, or glance at today’s well-liked games like Elden Ring and Lies of P, it has been common throughout each generation to find games that were perceived as difficult for the average gamer.

Talking about various gaming eras, it’s essential to highlight the iconic handheld device, the Game Boy Advance. This was a 32-bit system that not only housed many cherished games like Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire and The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap, but also some remarkably tough ones, such as the Mega Man Zero series.

Remarkably, even with its own collection, the Game Boy Advance managed to secure several adaptations of some of the toughest SNES games, such as Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts. Therefore, regardless if the game was a remake or something newly developed, here’s a list of the 10 hardest GBA games ever made.

10.
Metroid Fusion

A New Kind Of Challenge For Samus

Kick off our list with a surprising choice: Metroid Fusion. Contrary to popular belief, most Metroid games aren’t tough, and this one follows suit.

Fusion stands out as an excellent choice on this list due to its unique approach, even though it leans more towards a linear structure. The game ramps up difficulty by incorporating platforming elements. Moreover, the enemy placement is intriguing; if you don’t promptly absorb them after defeating them, they regenerate, compelling you to engage in another battle.

As a dedicated fan, let me share my perspective: It might seem straightforward, but when I’m already low on health, even common enemies can turn into a real hassle. And if we compare it to other games in the series, there are some truly formidable bosses here – Serris X, Gedo X, Nightmare X, Neo Ridley, and more. They certainly test my skills!

As a dedicated gamer, I must say that when playing Metroid Fusion, I’m always thrilled to grab my trusty upgrades like the Morph Ball, Charge Beam, and Super Missile. However, what sets this game apart is the exclusive Diffusion Missile – a powerful tool that adds an extra layer of excitement to my journey through the game!

9.
Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

Ally Died? Time To Reload Your Save

In games with a permanent death (permadeath) feature, when your characters perish during a mission, they do not revive throughout the entire gameplay experience; instead, their demise is irreversible.

In contrast to the Fire Emblem games on Game Boy Advance where both Sacred Stones and Blazing Blade share a similar feature, it’s worth noting that Sacred Stones offers an immediate challenge by allowing you to select Hard mode right off the bat, which sets it apart from Blazing Blade.

This particular entry stands out because once you’ve advanced to level 10, unlike the earlier titles, it offers various paths for character evolution. For instance, you could decide whether to elevate your Mercenary to a Hero or a Ranger.

As a gamer, I can’t help but share my excitement about Sacred Stones! After finishing the main story, there are still hidden treasures waiting for those who dare to venture into the post-game dungeons. So, if you’re like me and never want your gaming adventure to truly end, this game has got you covered!

Ultimately, it’s the captivating narrative of this game that sets it apart from Blazing Blade, along with the opportunity to battle a diverse array of foes such as Revenants, Cyclops, Gargoyles and many others. This variety in enemy types makes for an exciting combat experience.

8.
Ninja Five-O

This Is My Ninja Way

If you’re a fan of action-packed platformer games, then Ninja Five-O is a title you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on. In the past, Konami was known for producing such challenging games, and this is just another testament to their skill, offering countless hours of captivating gameplay.

In this adventure, we trail Ninja Joe Osugi, assigned to thwart the terrorist group manipulated by the Mad Masks. Your mission involves rescuing hostages scattered throughout three distinct levels, culminating in a showdown with the boss.

A convenient aspect of this game is that it offers a ‘beginner’s mode’, though it’s not entirely simple, it serves as a helpful introduction to the game’s control system and teaches you strategies for combating various adversaries.

Step back, Spider-Man, this game delivers some exceptional web-slinging fun! Not only can you swing through the city, but you’ll also be able to slide along the ground too. The game grants your character three different power levels. At level 2, you’ll fire off explosive firebombs, and at level 3, you’ll release a powerful beam that usually takes out typical enemies with a single blast.

Instead of dying, it means starting over from scratch, as there aren’t any save points. This means you need to free all the hostages and find a key for each door right from the start.

In case of death, you have to restart the game entirely because there are no checkpoints. This requires rescuing all the captives and finding keys for every door from the very beginning.

It’s best to finish each level in optimal condition and with additional items (power-ups), since these advantages are transferred to the following level.

7.
Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX

Contra III Meets Hard Corps

This particular game bears a strong resemblance to Contra III in many aspects, but instead of sticking mostly to its original content, it swaps out two of its stages and bosses for those taken from Contra Hard Corps.

In this Game Boy Advance version of Contra, you can expect the traditional gameplay, but since it’s a port, some significant aspects have been omitted. For instance, the feature allowing you to hold two power-ups and bombs simultaneously is absent due to the absence of X and Y buttons. Additionally, unlike in Contra Hard Corps, you won’t be able to perform the slide kick, making battles against certain bosses more challenging.

However, one significant drawback in this game is the minuscule timeframe during which your character is invulnerable upon respawning. If you’re not cautious, you can easily perish moments after being revived from falling into a pit or getting attacked by an enemy.

All things considered, this game isn’t poor quality and serves as a great alternative for those who didn’t experience Contra 3 or Hard Corps in their original form. Yet, if the opportunity arises, it’s highly recommended to try out the original versions.

6.
Mega Man & Bass

A Port Not For The Faint Of Heart

Few games are as aggravating in the realm of action-platforming as Mega Man. Originally created for the SNES, its Game Boy Advance version adds extra hurdles because of some limitations, earning it a spot on this challenging list.

If you defeated the initial boss, the Green Devil, you might find yourself underestimating the game’s difficulty, as it seems less demanding compared to the challenges posed by the formidable Yellow Devil.

Once you advance to the next stage, the challenge significantly increases. However, there’s a silver lining: the paths diverge, giving you the freedom to select the type of hardship you prefer to face.

No matter if you decide to confront Cold Man, Astro Man, or Ground Man, know that each one is brimming with hazards such as vanishing platforms, sudden enemy appearances, deep pits filled with quicksand, and other challenges waiting for you.

There seems to be a divide among many individuals regarding the music in the Game Boy Advance (GBA) adaptation of the game. Generally, they opt for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) version due to its additional control button, making dashing easier, and the ability to see more of the surroundings, which provides a better gaming experience overall compared to the GBA port.

5.
Metal Slug Advance

No More Countdown

Back in the day, I found myself utterly captivated by one timeless classic – Metal Slug, a run-and-gun game that’s been around for ages! This game boasts a roster of iconic characters such as Marco, Eri, Tarma, Fio, and many others who left an indelible mark on my gaming memories.

In the world of Metal Slug Advance on the Game Boy Advance, I find myself taking on the roles of Walter Ryan and Tyra Elson – two fresh heroes to join the fray! At first glance, it appears to be just another survival training exercise. However, things quickly escalate as our recruits are tasked with a mission of utmost importance: Preventing General Morden and his forces from establishing yet another base. The stakes have never been higher!

In this game, two fresh modifications have been added to the sequence. Initially, a life system has been introduced, which means that when you receive a strike, instead of instantly perishing, you now possess a health meter that diminishes at different speeds based on the kind of assault that strikes you.

A significant shift occurred with the arrival of a novel card mechanism. Now, you’ll get distinct cards either from the hostages or the game environment.

In contrast to earlier versions, if you perish in this game, there’s a timer before you resume play, allowing you to start right where you died. Instead of resuming at a checkpoint, you begin anew from your previous position.

Initially, the game might appear quite simple, but once you find yourself repeatedly falling to the initial boss, you’ll soon discover that an easy stroll isn’t what awaits you.

4.
Mega Man Zero

Wait, This Isn’t The Mr. X That I Know

Without a doubt, the challenge presented in Mega Man games is well-known, and that includes Mega Man Zero. It begins with a high-intensity scene where the resistance is pursued by Neo-Arcadian forces. However, their efforts don’t cease as Dr. Ciel and his companions urgently require the aid of the legendary Reploid, Zero.

With assistance from Passy, Dr. Ciel successfully revives Zero. Together, they flee and conclude their battle when Zero annihilates the Golem. Upon returning to their base, Ciel asks Zero for aid in battling his old friend X, who was once saved by Zero 100 years ago along with the rest of the world.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but rave about Mega Man Zero! Just like its counterparts in the series, it boasts some truly engaging levels. Yet, what truly sets it apart is its exceptional roster of distinctive bosses.

A significant number of them are derived from historical figures across different mythologies. Not only do they possess intriguing abilities, but also certain levels align exceptionally with specific bosses. For instance, the battle against Anubis Necromancer, set in a desert, is a great illustration of this harmony.

In this scenario, the manager employs sand to construct shifting pillars, and as a necromancer, he calls upon his minions to distract you while he can strike you with his staff. This is merely one instance among many: Mega Man Zero offers numerous other exciting battles ahead.

3.
Astro Boy: Omega Factor

Don’t Let Its Cute Art Style Fool You

Astro Boy: Omega Factor stands out as one of the top brawling games for the Game Boy Advance. The narrative starts off with a tragic car crash that claims young Toby’s life. However, unwilling to let go of his child, Dr. Tenma miraculously rebuilds him as a robot.

In an engaging and enthusiastic tone, I, as a devoted fan, would say: Dr. O’Shay guides me through the essential controls and enlightens me about my diverse powers. Astro isn’t just about delivering punches or kicks; this character also possesses unique abilities, such as harnessing rocket power to soar through the skies and wielding finger lasers for combat situations!

Additionally, you’ll have access to unique abilities such as a focused laser blast for precision strikes against individual foes, and a scattershot that blankets the entire screen with fire, dealing with multiple enemies simultaneously.

The game motivates you to interact with additional individuals to boost various attributes such as vitality, power, perception, among others, by leveling them up.

Similar to many other Game Boy Advance titles, you have the option to play this game on an easier setting. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to put your abilities to the test, the harder difficulty level is designed to provide a more engaging experience for you.

2.
Yggdra Union

A Tactical RPG Unlike The Others

The Game Boy Advance hosted numerous strategic role-playing games, such as Final Fantasy, Advance Wars, Super Robot Wars, among others. Yet, only a handful of games can match the intricate gameplay system found in Yggdra Union.

To begin with, it’s important to note that unlike most other games, cards in this game are significantly influential. Unlike traditional games where characters in your group have independent movement, the number of spaces your party can move in Yggdra Union collectively depends on the card you choose for a given turn, as each card determines the shared movement range for all members.

As if things weren’t already exciting, you’ve got an extra challenge: ensuring that the weapon of the Ace, your party’s main character, aligns with their primary weapon. If they do, they’ll be able to unleash a unique special move!

When playing, remember to consider additional minor aspects to maximize the potential of your cards. For those seeking a tougher gameplay experience, merely satisfying the victory criteria is insufficient; additionally, you must finish the battle using the specified number of moves, all while preserving the integrity of your team.

Yggdra Union stands out with its captivating and sophisticated narrative, even amidst its intricate game mechanics. A quality often associated with Game Boy Advance titles. If you’re a fan of Tactical Role-Playing Games, Yggdra Union is definitely worth giving a try!

1.
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

Not A Belmont Family Feud For A Change

If you’re seeking a challenging Castlevania experience on the Game Boy Advance, then Castlevania: Circle of the Moon might be the perfect choice for you, as it offers a balance between fairness and difficulty that sets it apart from other games in the series like Aria of Sorrow.

As a devoted fan, I must say that when Circle of the Moon hit the scene as the initial entry among the trio, there were certain aspects that required refinement. One such issue, which has left many players feeling frustrated, is the apparent scarcity of shops. Frankly, this complaint holds water.

In this captivating tale, I find myself immersed as a devoted fan, as it unfolds with Camilla reanimating the infamous Dracula. However, unlike his usual powerful self, our antagonist is incomplete, harboring an insidious plan to regain his full might by tapping into the life essence of Morris Baldwin, a formidable adversary. Tragically, I, as Nathan, am torn away from my master during our descent into the castle’s darkest depths, leaving me to navigate the perilous labyrinth on my own.

If you’re accustomed to playing classic Castlevania titles such as Dracula X and Bloodlines, this game offers a significantly distinct experience. Instead of following a straight path, it adopts a design similar to Symphony of the Night, which is more open-ended and exploratory in nature.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the tunes in this game are really hitting the spot for me. Plus, it’s got a progression system that lets you level up as you take down more baddies. The more enemies I conquer, the mightier Nathan becomes!

Following the style of classic Metroidvania games, expect frequent exploration and revisiting previously conquered locations as you conquer more bosses to gain new abilities. The swift-run feature, while adding excitement to certain zones, can unintentionally heighten the challenge in platforming sections. However, what sets this game apart is the steep increase in difficulty as you approach the final stages.

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2025-05-01 16:11