The Gameboy Advance was a portable game system created by Nintendo whose life was cut tragically short. Due to the impending release of the Sony PSP, Nintendo, feeling some slight pressure to put out a new portable along side the Gameboy Advance released the Nintendo DS (Dual Screen). Nintendo claimed that the DS would be a "third pillar" whose life would never impact the Gameboy line and the Gameboy Advance specifically. Well, the Nintendo DS took off like a rocket leaving the Gameboy Advance only 4 years by itself on the Nintendo Portable shelf rack.
The Gameboy Advance amassed a spectacular library of games some of which are classics to this day. Its easier than ever to play Gameboy advance games. Whether you own the system, use the DS's backwards compatibility or even use the gamecube attachment to play the games on the TV now is the time to jump in.
The following games are what I personally think are the best of the best.. I am sure this showcase will not make everyone happy. I will likely miss many games you feel should be included. Let me apologize in "advance". Oh stealth you cad.
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Although this is the third Castlevania game on the GBA, I personally think its the best one due it being the closest to the legendary Symphony of the Night. The castle structure, the addictive soul system, creative bosses, amazing characters (here's lookin at you Mr. Gendo) this game is not to be missed.
Fire Emblem
The only reason why this game was named "Fire Emblem" and not its proper title of "Fire Emblem: The Sword of Flame" in the Western markets was because this was the first Fire Emblem title ever brought to the west. Piggybacking off the popularity of Super Smash Bros. Melee, Nintendo found it wise to capitalize on this new found popularity, and take a chance. The series has never looked back. While a sequel to this game also appeared on the GBA a year later, I feel like its this title that gives newcomers a better chance at appreciating the series sprite based roots.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
The story is lame, the characters are shallow, and the learning curve is extreme. So why would I recommend this title? Quite simply its strategy rpg gameplay is out of this world, the customization options are deep, and the missions are varied/challenging. I cannot recommend this title enough if you want something worth the money. You can get up to 100 hours of playtime just out of the main missions alone.
Advance Wars
I like to describe the game as anime x chess x war. Its a game with limitless potential. A game any child could play but also any adult. Its a game that requires strategic thinking, which is what I like most about it. Although this game and its gba sequel weren't the first "wars" games made, they were the first localized.
Golden Sun
This game was one of the first new rpg IP for the system. Reuniting Camelot (of Shining Force fame) and the RPG genre led to this game having a huge amount of hype pre launch. It not only met those expectations, it exceeded them. The game was a beast. Not only was it a 40-60 hours from start to finish, but it had enough depth and secrets that it never got stale. This was the first portable RPG ever in which I thought to myself "This could make console players jealous" .
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
The only brand new portable Zelda on the GBA and the last one made by the team which made the Oracles Dualogy. What I liked about this Zelda is it never felt like it was taking itself too seriously. Maybe some of that was the Tingle family, maybe some of that was the fact that you had a talking hat on your head, or maybe it was the fact that one of the side quests involved collecting stones. Whatever it was though, its not a game to be missed.
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
This game crowning achievement is introducing the world to the greatest villainous linguist to ever grace a video game. I think this game did a brilliant job of looking at what Super Mario RPG/Paper Mario did, and went in a completely new more humorous direction. Humor in video games is very challenging, most of the time it comes off as corny. But when I played this game I could count 4 or 5 times I laughed until I cried.
Astro Boy: The Omega Factor
One of the most shocking games I have ever played in my entire life. Not only was this good when I expected it to be bad ( sorry for doubting you Treasure) but it featured a supremely dark story that I never expected.
Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis
Many people ignored this title completely when it came out. It's a shame because where Final Fantasy Tactics Advance lacked story and character depth, this game had that in spades. Part of the legendary Ogre series, this game is a "gaiden" or"Spinoff". What amazed me about this game is how it never felt like a spinoff. It felt like a main line entry, and powerful one at that.
Enhanced Ports
The GBA was known for its enhanced ports. An enhanced port is a game that was originally on another system but is brought to another with extra content. These are the top 10 enhanced ports on the GBA ( in no particular order they should all be owned)
Breath of Fire 1-2
Donkey Kong Country 1-3
Final Fantasy 1+2 Dawn of souls
Final Fantasy V Advance
Final Fantasy VI Advance
Megaman & Bass
Pokemon Fire Red/Leaf Green
Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World
Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Honorable Mentions
These are the 10 games/series that one should play only after completing all of the other titles on this list. Its not that they are bad or any less good. Just less essential.
Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation 1-2
Megaman Battle Network 1-6
Megaman Zero 1-4
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand 1-3
Wario Land 4
Metroid Fusion
Drill Dozer
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Sonic Advance 1-3