The 28 best games for GBA (Game Boy Advance)

 The Game Boy Advance is one of the most beloved and popular consoles in video game history. There are endless amazing titles for every genre you can imagine. In this article, we present a selection of 28 of the best GBA games. For each one, we tell you if it has multiplayer. Find out now!

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

The Legend of Zelda is one of the most recognized sagas, and it did not go unnoticed on Game Boy Advance at all. The reissue of A Link to the Past caught us, especially for its first multiplayer proposal with Four Swords. The success of the multiplayer game led to the idea being expanded.

The Minish Cap is the result of this, an excellent game that focuses on the legend of the Sword of the Four Elements. Our objective will be to defeat the evil Vaati and rescue Princess Zelda. We'll do it with the help of Ezero, a hat that can shrink Link, and we'll meet the diminutive Minish race.

The game offers a fun resize mechanic to explore the environments and solve puzzles. The fights are also the order of the day, as well as the final bosses, something very typical in this saga.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past y Four Swords

• With multiplayer (only for Four Swords).

In addition to The Minish Cap, we of course recommend A Link to the Past! The GBA version is a port of the original SNES version, with just a few tweaks. Includes Four Swords, a game fully focused on a cooperative multiplayer experience. Thanks to this, this title became one of the most complete experiences of the saga.

A Link to the Past is the same as what we enjoyed of yesteryear: an impressive game, with dungeons and worlds designed with excellence and detail, and final bosses that are as challenging as they are varied. It challenges us to travel between two worlds, normal Hyrule and a dark world that Ganon has total influence over. It's time to swing the sword, draw the bow, wield the shield, and save Hyrule once again!

On the other hand, Four Swords is an interesting experience for 2 to 4 players, more focused on action and puzzles.

Mega Man Zero

Mega Man Zero is the continuation of the Mega Man X story, set a century later. In this game developed for the Nintendo handheld, there were some changes that were more than welcome.

In Mega Man Zero, you have all the stages combined into one map. You will have to complete missions to open the access to different areas and face the fearsome Guardians. With the help of Ciel, Zero's objective is to defeat Copy X. To do this, you will have to explore the entire map well and obtain all the weapons that Zero needs to fulfill his mission.

Mega Man Battle Network 2

The Battle Network line is a variant of the Mega Man saga that moves away from platforms, but maintains a good level of quality! Specifically, Battle Network 2 is a fun real-time tactical RPG in which you have to plan each combat well. A dangerous group threatens to attack society from the virtual world, and it's your job to foil their plans!

To fulfill this mission, we will explore both the real and virtual worlds. In the second, we will face numerous enemies who will put all their efforts to eliminate our avatar. The fights are presented on stages divided into two halves and three lines. Moving around our field is crucial to position ourselves, dodge attacks, and hit at the most opportune moment.

The truth is that, even though it is a very different variant to the main saga, it is a pleasure to play Mega Man Battle Network 2! In fact, if you like this game, in GBA you will find a total of 6 different deliveries, some with different versions.

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3

• With multiplayer.

This game is a remake of the classic Super Mario Bros 3 and includes different improvements, the most apparent change being the graphics. You will control Mario and Luigi through 8 kingdoms until you defeat Bowser and the mischievous Koopa.

The scenarios are quite varied and you will be able to jump, run and swim to overcome each stage. Of course, special powers such as the Mega Mushroom or the Fire Flower are not lacking. Show your skills by completing all the levels and avoiding being defeated by the enemies. And be careful where you step!

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

• With multiplayer.

If you like everything that has to do with Super Mario but are looking for something different, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga delves into the RPG genre. The protagonists Mario and Luigi enter the Haba Kingdom with one goal: to stop Cackletta.

You must use both characters to fight, combining attacks and movements in the best possible way. Each battle takes place in turns, so thinking well about each step is rewarded. In addition, the game has a quite comic tone, full of jokes related to the Super Mario saga.

Mario vs Donkey Kong

The plot is simple but enough: Donkey Kong stole all the Mini-Mario toys and Mario wants to get them back. He helps the famous plumber go through all the phases to get them back from the big monkey's hand. Use objects of all kinds to make your way through the three large areas of the game.

Mario vs Donkey Kong is simple in its approach but complete in its execution. The variety of stages and items is high, and if you want to play at all levels, you will need to have a good performance. It is a game that rises perfectly in difficulty, suitable for all types of players.

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire

• With multiplayer.

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were the installments that introduced the third generation of Pokémon. If you are a lover of this saga, you must play these two games! Not only does he have a new wave of Pokémon to catch and use in battles; also introduces the new Hoenn region.

The creators decided to make some changes compared to previous installments, including the objects to use. With updated and colorful graphics for the GBA, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire will give you hours of fun, especially if you want to complete it 100%!

Pokemon LeafGreen and FireRed

• With multiplayer.

FireRed and LeafGreen editions are other Pokémon games that we recommend playing on GBA. They are remakes of the Red and Blue editions that had been released for the Game Boy, thus receiving improvements in graphics and sound, apart from other additions.

In these games, we return to Kanto and set out to defeat the top four trainers in the region. Apart from the audiovisual improvements, these versions also add new areas to explore and missions to complete. They also incorporate playable novelties that round off the experience. They're not the most impressive games in the franchise, but they're worth a look if you're a Pokémon fan!

Golden Sun

• With multiplayer.

Golden Sun is a game highly appreciated by fans of JRPGs and GBA in general. With excellent graphics and an unforgettable soundtrack, the plot has one of the best-developed stories for the Nintendo console.

The story is about a group that seeks to stop those who want to light the four elemental beacons of the world of Weyard. This would allow the return of Alchemy to the world, a power that in the past almost destroyed the world. You will accompany this group of charismatic characters around the world, helped by Psynergy and by creatures as curious as they are powerful: the Djinns.

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance was not the first time that tactical strategy was used in the saga, but it was around game in all aspects. The game takes you to the magical world of Ivalice, a fictional world in which Marche and company find themselves trapped.

In the search for a way to return to the real world, you will venture into different scenarios. You will fight in turns, as usual in the saga, but with the change of being able to move in the combat scenario. With the field divided into square slots, the game requires good use of attacks, skills, and positioning to emerge victoriously.

Final Fantasy VI Advance

Although it is not the most popular Final Fantasy, VI is one of the most complete and charismatic of the entire saga. You will play mainly with Terra, a woman who ends up accompanying Los Replicantes, a resistance that wants to face the evil Empire.

In a plot full of varied situations, at times funny and at times very hard, you will help Terra to advance in her new calling to resolve the conflict. The game integrates a powerful system to customize and improve your characters. There is a plethora of magic, attacks, and abilities to deal with the Empire. We encourage you to play this game, every second you breathe good Final Fantasy!

Mario Kart: Super Circuit

• With multiplayer.

Mario Kart: Super Circuit was the first time that the Mario Kart saga landed on a portable console. As usual in this variant of the franchise, you will compete against 7 other opponents in countless circuits. It also has a good number of characters to control and, of course, in each race, you can get powers to rise to victory.

Also, not everything is running for the sake of running, because Mario Kart: Super Circuit has different game modes. Among them are the Time Trial, in which you will try to beat the time record over and over again. There is also the fun Battle, in which you will seek to blow up opponents' balloons using objects. In any case, in this game, you will have to watch your back well!

Mario Tennis: Power Tour

• With multiplayer.

In sports games for GBA, Mario Tennis: Power Tour is one of the best options. It takes over from the first Mario Tennis to be released on the Game Boy Color, polishing the formula and giving us a highly entertaining title. In double or individual games, you will have at your disposal a series of moves to use to beat the opponents. It is a more arcade court game, and very addictive!

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

If you love games with a 2D, platform, and fighting approach, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is the perfect combination of these elements. It currently remains one of the benchmarks of the genre, due to its playable richness.

You will control Soma Cruz, a young woman who is soon finishing her teenage years. She ventures into Dracula's castle and soon realizes that she is part of a prophecy that Dracula will find himself reincarnated. Armed with a good arsenal of weapons, Soma will have to fight against many enemies until he reaches the end and discovers the truth.

Wario Land 4

Wario Land 4 is the fourth installment of some excellent platform games, but this one, in particular, is the icing on the cake. Wario marches on a very specific and far from the simple mission: to rescue Princess Shokora from the crazy Golden Diva.

To do this, you must explore the pyramid and the places around it. You will have to explore a lot and prove your ability to overcome stages and unlock your access to the interior of the pyramid. Wario Land 4 is a lot of fun, in which we will see the protagonist change his appearance, each one funnier than the previous one. What one must do to rescue princesses and get treasures!

WarioWare: Twisted!

In GBA we got to enjoy two super fun WarioWare games. We focused on the second, Twisted!, for a simple reason: the motion sensor. This game challenges us to turn the Game Boy Advance to overcome mini-games that barely last 5 seconds. In such a short time, all our attention must be directed to the corresponding activity. There is no room to get confused!

Metroid Fusion

Metroid Fusion is an excellent game within the Metroid saga. It has some differences from the rest of the franchise, as it takes place in a more linear approach than usual. Metroid Fusion focuses a lot on telling a story, which takes place at the end of the entire timeline of the saga.

The game tests your skill in platform games, measuring steps accurately. Dangers lurk around every corner, threatening to take you out and prevent you from discovering everything behind Parasite X.

Metroid: Zero Mission

Metroid: Zero Mission is a remake of the first Metroid of all. It takes advantage not only of the power of the GBA to implement audiovisual improvements, but also takes playable elements from other Metroids that came out until then. It is, therefore, a refined version of the original, respecting the freedom of movement and challenging bosses, but with new items, areas, and changes in the history of Samus's past.

Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising

• With multiplayer.

For fans of turn-based strategy, you will find in Advance Wars 2 a game rich in content and playable details. You will be in command of armies that seek to repel the attack of Black Hole, an enemy that seeks to invade and conquer four nations.

You will control various types of units that will be led by Chief Officers, who can launch special attacks to defeat the opponent. It is important to think carefully about the strategy to follow because the challenge becomes more complicated as you progress through the plot.

Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku II

After a somewhat disastrous first installment in different aspects of the game, the second part of the saga improved in everything. With missions in greater quantity and quality, plus renewed combat, Legacy of Goku II stands as one of the most beloved GBA games.

In this active role, you will play with characters like Son Goku, Trunks, or Vegeta, in an adventure full of combat. You will face the evil androids of Dr. Gero and, for this, you must level up and develop the characters. If you are passionate about everything that has to do with Dragon Ball, do not miss this excellent opportunity!

F-Zero Maximum Velocity

• with multiplayer

If Mario Kart isn't enough for you or you prefer a more frenetic game, F-Zero Maximum Velocity is the other titan in racing games for Game Boy Advance. It doesn't have as much variety as its counterpart, but the races will keep you glued to the screen.

The focus of this game is not just to get there first, but to destroy, push, and take out the rest of the race. Each circuit is five laps, which is five opportunities to be disqualified. Don't hesitate to play aggressively, or you'll be left behind! As you progress through the tournaments and game modes, you will be able to unlock extra vehicles.

Fire Emblem

Fire Emblem is a tactical RPG saga, where it is important to keep the characters alive in each battle. The reason for this is that once they die, they can't come back! For this reason, in this game, you must think carefully about the strategy in all the phases to avoid being defeated.

The story recounts the journey of Lyn, Eliwood, and Hector in search of Eliwood's father. They will soon discover that there are people plotting and threatening the continent of Elibe. Meet numerous characters throughout the story, recruit them and develop them until they become true heroes.

Kirby & the Amazing Mirror

• With multiplayer.

Although Kirby is quite famous among more experienced gamers, he did not get such a good representation on the Game Boy Advance. Even so, this game is quite interesting for both platform fans and fans of this franchise.

In this game, Kirby is divided into four versions with different colors, because of Dark Mind. You will need to collect all eight Broken Mirror Shards to restore the connection between the Mirror World and the normal world. Through many platforming phases, puzzles, and a few fights, you will fight your way until Dark Mind's plans are disrupted.

Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town

Who said working on a farm isn't fun? With Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town, you'll accompany a young man on a mission to restore the splendor of Mineral Town. To do this, you will need to plant, and take care of animals and fish, among other activities.

The social aspect is also important in this game since it is essential to talk with other people in the town. You'll even have the option to marry one of the girls! With effort and patience, you will make Mineral Town once again a dream place, full of life and color.

Sonic Advance 3

• With multiplayer.

Sonic Advance 3 is one of the best GBA games, not only in the Sonic franchise but in multiplayer games. Two players can adventure together through 7 zones to defeat Eggman. Sonic and Tails are the only characters available from the start, but as you rescue the other 3 characters, you'll have more options!

The levels, all in 2D, are phases of pure speed and adrenaline, with plenty of enemies to defeat along the way. There is no lack of jumps, loose platforms, and the famous loopings of the saga. Each act is full of dangers and obstacles, so you must collect as many rings as you can!

Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis

Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis is the latest tactical game that we want to introduce to you among the best GBA games. It is a deep RPG in both the plot and the gameplay, a title in which you will feel the heat of the battle hour after hour.

It is necessary to know the allied and enemy units well since each class and race has well-marked strengths and weaknesses. Good positioning is vital, as the scenarios are large, with variations in altitude. Being in one place or another gives you certain advantages and disadvantages that you must take advantage of or exploit to achieve victory. You will need quite a few hours to see the end credits!

Ninja Cop / Ninja Five-0

You will be in the shoes of Joe Osugi, a ninja who has been hired to stop a terrorist group. This game also focuses on platforms and combat, but with a clear objective: to rescue hostages in each phase.

Ninja Cop is a challenging game where you will need to try levels over and over again until you beat them perfectly. Mistakes are unforgiving, so it is necessary to bring out all your ninja skills. That the terrorists do not roam freely!