Game Boy Advance (GBA) was one of the most popular handheld gaming consoles in the early 2000s. It housed a lot of classic games that still hold up today. One of the most popular genres on the GBA was role-playing games (RPGs). In this article, we will be discussing the best GBA role-playing games of all time.
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire is one of the most iconic games on the GBA. It was released in 2002 and was the first Pokemon game to introduce the Hoenn region. The game had a compelling storyline, and players could catch and train over 150 new Pokemon. The game also introduced double battles, where players could use two Pokemon at a time. Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire is a must-play for any RPG fan.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is a tactical RPG that was released in 2003. The game was a sequel to the original Final Fantasy Tactics on the PlayStation. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance had a deep storyline that revolved around a young boy named Marche, who gets sucked into a magical book. Players could customize their characters and create their own unique party. The game had a lot of replay value and was a staple in any RPG fan's collection.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap was released in 2004 and was the last Zelda game to be released on the GBA. The game had a unique storyline where Link shrinks down to the size of the Minish people. The game had a lot of puzzle-solving, and players could collect Kinstones to unlock new areas. The game had a lot of charm and was a must-play for any Zelda fan.
Golden Sun
Golden Sun was released in 2001 and was one of the first RPGs to be released on the GBA. The game had a deep storyline that revolved around four main characters who could use magic called Psynergy. The game had a unique combat system where players could use Djinn to unleash powerful attacks. Golden Sun was a fan favorite and spawned two sequels.
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga was released in 2003 and was the first RPG to feature Mario and Luigi as the main characters. The game had a lot of humor and had a unique battle system where players could control both Mario and Luigi at the same time. The game had a lot of mini-games and had a lot of replay value.
Fire Emblem
Fire Emblem was released in 2003 and was the first Fire Emblem game to be released outside of Japan. The game had a deep storyline and had permadeath, which meant that if a character died in battle, they were gone for good. The game had a lot of strategy elements and was a must-play for any strategy RPG fan.
Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town
Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town was released in 2003 and was a farming simulation RPG. The game had a lot of charm, and players could plant and harvest crops, raise animals, and get married. The game had a lot of replay value and was a staple in any RPG fan's collection.
Metroid Fusion
Metroid Fusion was released in 2002 and was the last Metroid game to be released on the GBA. The game had a compelling storyline and had a lot of action elements. The game had a lot of exploration, and players could unlock new abilities as they progressed through the game. Metroid Fusion was a must-play for any Metroid fan.
Conclusion
The GBA had a lot of classic RPGs that still hold up today. Whether you are a fan of Pokemon, Final Fantasy, or Zelda, there is something for everyone on the GBA. These games have stood the test of time and are still enjoyable to play today.