FEATURE | GBA's Best Kept Secrets: 10 Games That Deserve More Attention
IN ADDITION to playing Game Boy and Game Boy Advance (GBA) games on the Nintendo Switch Online service, with many of the most popular titles coming along, there are a number of GBA games that have fallen through the cracks and been forgotten by many. These are just some of our personal picks of games that deserve a second chance to be played and appreciated by a new generation of gamers.
DRILL DOZER
WADE HIXTON’S COUNTER PUNCH
Wade Hixton's Counter Punch, while it may look like a Punch-Out knock-off, offers exciting and challenging gameplay that fills the void left by the lack of new entries in the Punch-Out franchise. Players take on the role of Wade Hixton, a boxer, as he fights his way to the top of the boxing world by using a variety of moves and combos to master, as well as a unique "courage meter" that players must manage to ensure that Wade doesn't tire out during a match. In addition, the game also features a variety of unlockable characters and locations to add replayability. The game's colourful and detailed graphics, as well as its fun and challenging gameplay, make it a must-play title for fans of boxing games.
UBISOFT’S TMNT
Among all the TMNT games developed for the GBA, Ubisoft’s TMNT is as close as you can get to getting the old-school arcade beat 'em’ up feel. The gameplay in TMNT is fast-paced and action-packed, with players controlling one of the turtles as they battle their way through waves of enemies. Each turtle has their unique weapon and special moves to use in battle. The game also features a variety of levels and environments for players to explore, each with its own set of enemies and bosses.
MEDAL OF HONOR: INFILTRATOR
Medal of Honor: Infiltrator is a top-down shooter game developed by EA Games and published by Electronic Arts. The game puts players in the role of a special operative named Cpt. John Mullins, who must complete various missions behind enemy lines, such as sabotage, intelligence gathering and assassination. The gameplay is designed to be tactical, requiring players to plan their actions and make use of the environments, weapons and gadgets at their disposal. The game features a variety of levels, each with different objectives and enemies, as well as an array of weapons, including pistols, shotguns, rifles and grenades. The game's intense action and challenging gameplay make it a standout title in the GBA library and a must-play for fans of military-themed shooters.
CRASH BANDICOOT: THE HUGE ADVENTURE
Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure is a portable adventure game that offers a sprinkling of 3D gameplay. Players control Crash as he travels through various levels, collects items, and defeats enemies. The game's simple controls and colourful visuals make it easy to pick up and play, making it a great option for both casual and hardcore gamers alike. Overall, Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure is a fun, action-packed and nostalgic game that offers a great experience to platformer fans.
THE LEGEND OF SPYRO: THE ETERNAL NIGHT
The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night is considered one of the best Spyro games on the GBA that offers players an exciting and challenging experience. The game features a side-scrolling Metroidvania style of gameplay and offers a combo system and an awesome playthrough that players will enjoy. The visuals of the game are colourful and vibrant, creating an immersive world that players will enjoy exploring. The game's unique mechanics, challenging gameplay and the immersive world make it a standout title for fans of action-adventure games.
DISNEY’S LILO & STITCH
Disney's Lilo & Stitch is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up based on the Disney property. The game features Stitch as the playable character and offers a variety of weapons and power-ups for players to use. The game's simple gameplay and colourful visuals make it a fun and enjoyable experience for players of all ages.
MAX PAYNE
Max Payne for the Game Boy Advance is a top-down action shooter game based on the popular console game of the same name. The gameplay is fast-paced and intense, with players using a variety of weapons to take out enemies, and also using bullet-time, a slow-motion mechanic that allows players to take out multiple enemies at once. The game also features a variety of levels and environments for players to explore. The graphics are well-done, with detailed character models and environments and a gritty and noir-inspired art style.
RACING GEARS ADVANCE
Racing Gears Advance offers players a fun and challenging experience that features a variety of cars, tracks, and game modes for players to choose from. The gameplay is fast-paced and intense, with players having to navigate tight corners and avoid obstacles while trying to beat the competition. The story of Racing Gears Advance is focused on players competing in a series of races to become the best driver in the world. Players can compete in various events such as circuits, rallies and drag races.
ONE PIECE
One Piece is a 2D side-scrolling beat 'em-up game for the Game Boy Advance that is based on the popular anime and manga series of the same name. The gameplay in One Piece is fast-paced and action-packed, with players controlling one of the characters from the series as they battle their way through waves of enemies. Each character has its own unique set of moves and abilities to use in battle. Players can also collect power-ups and bonuses that will help them in their quest.
DRAGON BALL ADVANCED ADVENTURE
Dragon Ball Advanced Adventure is a 2D side-scrolling action game for the Game Boy Advance based on the popular Dragon Ball anime and manga series. The gameplay in Dragon Ball Advanced Adventure is fast-paced and action-packed, with players controlling Goku as they battle their way through waves of enemies and powerful bosses. The game features a variety of moves and abilities for Goku to use, such as the Kamehameha, and players can also collect power-ups and bonuses that will help them in their quest.
These games are some of the forgotten gems of the GBA library that have been overlooked by many. They offer a variety of gameplay experiences that are worth checking out. — Geeks Republika
