Must-have GBA games

FatCobra · Post by **FatCobra** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 5:36 pm

With the DS coming around (which is interesting but I'm not getting one right now) and the GBA getting ready to ride off into the sunset, I was curious to see what games are simply must-haves for the system.

I know the DS can play GBA, but can the DS play old Gameboy games?

benstylus · Post by **benstylus** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 6:01 pm

No it won't play the old GB and GBC games, just the GBA games, and even then only in single player.

As for must haves? I don't believe in them - everyone's got different tastes, so the idea of a must-have game that everyone and their mom will enjoy is pure fantasy.

That being said, here are a few of my favourite games for the system:

Astro Boy: The Omega Factor (action gaming at its best)
Phantasy Star Collection (PS1, 2 and 3 all in one convenient cartridge)
Sonic Pinball Party (just plain fun)

I'd recommend a Pokemon game, but without the multiplayer capability, you won't be catching 'em all.

Here are a couple games to avoid:

Jet Grind Radio (bad control layout and stupid viewpoint ruin the game)
Crazy Taxi Catch a Ride (choppy framerate and awkward controls render the game nearly unplayable)

Gydocker45 · Post by **Gydocker45** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 6:19 pm

Add Gradius Galaxies, Super Ghouls & Ghost, Final Fight One, Double Dragon, Zelda: The Minish Cap, Super Mario 3, Yoshi's Island, both Metroid Zero Mission & Fusion, Mario Golf, Final Fantasy 1 & 2, Castlevania & Aria of Sorrow, Metal Slug Advance and Breath of Fire to that list also. Btw, they all look great on the DS LCD screens.

Vexorg · Post by **Vexorg** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 6:29 pm

I just picked up a DS myself, and the screen is quite nice, especially compared to the previous Gameboy platforms. I've not had a Gameboy since the Gameboy Pocket, which was nearly 10 years ago. Now that I have one, I'll probably need to do some catching up on GBA stuff, especially since there's about three DS titles worth bothering with right now.

jp · Post by jp » Sun Apr 03, 2005 6:50 pm

Must Haves:
Super Mario Advance 1-4
Astro Boy: Omega Factor
Sonic Advance 2
Final Fantasy I and II: Dawn of Souls
Final Fantasy Tactics
Phantasy Star Collection
Iridion II (at least IMO)
Steel Empire (JP import)
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Bubble Bobble
Zelda: A Link to the Past/Four Swords
Zelda: The Minish Cap
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
Castlevania: The One After Circle of the Moon
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Klonoa
Klonoa 2
Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland
Kirby and the Amazing Mirror
Advance Wars
Advance Wars 2
Golden Sun
Golden Sun: The Lost Age
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Mario Golf Advance
Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga
Mega Man and Bass
Mega Man Zero
Mega Man Zero 2
Mega Man Zero 3
Metroid Fusion
Metroid Zero Mission

And thats all I can think of at the moment.

Super Laydock · Post by **Super Laydock** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 7:10 pm

Jp covers quite a large but portion of the MUST haves! ...but

Noone even mentioning Wario Ware

!

and other noteworthy games are:

Boktai
Super Monkeyball JR

If you are primary a shmupo before anything else I'd say get Gradius Galaxies first. Really great game. (I should add that I haven't played Steel Empire GBA yet...but this looks like it rocks too).

Recently got Astro Boy after hearing all the praise and I can do nothing else than confirm the hype! Fantastic action/shmup game!

MadSteelDarkness · Post by **MadSteelDarkness** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 7:30 pm

Lots of great ones mentioned so far except...

Ninja Five-o

captain ahar · Post by **captain ahar** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 7:35 pm

^ oy, seconded. this is an excellent game. bought it used for $15 and because i had a friend on the inside (at gamespot) i got the box and manual too! too bad i can't find the cart, i got a ds a few months back and could do with playing it again.

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 9:23 pm

I'd recommend the Saturn PS Collection instead with PSIV, extras, and far more authentic better ports.

For the GBA, I'm a fan of:

Final Fantasy: The Dawn of Souls
Oriental Blue
ZOE: Fist of Mars

Doesn't seem like there's any RPG fans here...

SheSaidDutch · Post by **SheSaidDutch** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 10:31 pm

Ganelon wrote:I'd recommend the Saturn PS Collection instead with PSIV, extras, and far more authentic better ports.

For the GBA, I'm a fan of:

Final Fantasy: The Dawn of Souls
Oriental Blue
ZOE: Fist of Mars

Doesn't seem like there's any RPG fans here...

The Golden Sun Series

I'm not a console RPG fan but I have number 1, and to my surprize I actually
got pretty fair and enjoyed It somewhat.

So If your a console RPG fan you need to pick the GS Series

also that Shining Force spin off or something?

Andi · Post by **Andi** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 10:49 pm

Shining Soul 1 and 2 were both astounding (Diablo-esque action RPG's). Althought, once you have the sequel, there isn't a need to own the original.

SheSaidDutch · Post by **SheSaidDutch** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 11:32 pm

Andi wrote:Shining Soul 1 and 2 were both astounding (Diablo-esque action RPG's). Althought, once you have the sequel, there isn't a need to own the original.

Ah yes Shining Soul thats the name.

Also If you want something like FF Tactics, you might what to check out onimusha tactics.

BrianC · Post by **BrianC** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 12:38 am

No mention of Fire Emblem US (aka Fire Emblem 7) or Advance Wars 1 & 2? Those are both must haves for GBA IMO. Here a list of my GBA must haves:

Kirby and the Amazing Mirror
Metroid Fusion
Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts (port with some cool additions like an arranged mode with remakes of classics levels from previous games in the series)
Final Fight One
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (has a cool exclusive trial mode and a nifty exclusive level)
Metal Slug Advance
Wario Land 4
Wario Ware
Double Dragon Advance
Street Fighter Alpha 3
Tactics Ogre
King of Fighters EX2
Metroid Zero Mission
Castlevania Circle of the Moon
Castlevania Aria of Sorrow
Kurukuru Kururin (import)
Fire Emblem
Phantasy Star Collection (the ports are great and very close to the originals. Ganelon, I'm a bit confused by your post. The games are every bit as difficult as the originals, the battle system and items work as they should, and the graphics look just like the originals too. There is a saving glitch in Phantasy Star one, but I found it to be minor since saving can be done everywhere. It's not as rare as Saturn collection either.)
Advance Wars
Advance Wars 2
Astro Boy
Super Mario World (yes a port, but a darn good one)
Super Mario Bros 3 (though the cancellation of the e-reader support was disappointing)
Classic NES Zelda
Gradius Galaxies
Konami Arcade Advance
Mario and Luigi
F-Zero Maximum Velocity
Mario Kart Super Circuit
Virtua Tennis
SEGA Arcade Gallery (Not arcade perfect, but still great ports)
Super Bust a Move
Puyo Pop
Chu Chu Rocket (no online, but it's every bit as good as the DC one with a better edit mode)
Megaman Battle Network 2
Megaman Zero

I'm planning to get Racing Gears Advance eventually. From what I heard about it, I have a feeling that I might be adding it to the list of must haves.

BTW, I actually like the GBA Jet Grind Radio quite a bit. The control isn't bad at all. The only problem with the control is that it's different from the DC version. If you take the time to get used to the control layout (which isn't bad at all), it's an excellent port of the DC game. The AI of the cops is messed up, though. It doesn't ruin the game, but you can run right past the cops without getting hit. I think the fun of the controls, trying to get points, and spraying makes up for it, but I left it off the must have list on purpose. I do find it to be a great game, though. If you like the GBA Tony Hawks (which will help you get used to the control scheme) and the DC Jet Grind Radio, I recommend at least giving the port a try, especially since it was been re-released recently for cheap.

I'm surprised by the lack of mention of Fire Emblem 7/US. It's one of the best GBA SRPGs IMO. Lots of likable characters, a cool conversation system, good music, a fantasy style setting, weapons that can break, some nice bells and whistles, and excellent gameplay.

steveovig · Post by **steveovig** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:29 am

Isn't there a Elevator Action JP release out there? How about trying Car Battler Joe? It's reminiscant of Final Lap Twin, cars and RPG elements. It's essentially a car destruction game (similar to Twisted Metal) in which you buy parts, fight rivals, and earn EXP for your car shop. It does get redundant after a while but still a great concept. Here's some other good ones...

Pocky and Rocky Meets Becky
Fire Pro Wrestling 1 or 2
Super Ghouls and Ghosts
River City Ransom (I've heard good things)

LoneSage · Post by **LoneSage** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 2:28 am

Ganelon wrote: Doesn't seem like there's any RPG fans here...

I am, just not for the GBA.

Best GBA games evar:

Astro Boy (one of my fave games of all time, too...simply amazing in every aspect; gameplay, graphics and a story that rivals some big-name console game plots as well)
River City Ransom EX (awesome update to the original)
Mega Man & Bass (best MM game...ever?)

Other awesome games:
Double Dragon Advance
Advance Guardian Heroes
Wario Land 4 (don't like it as much as 2, tho)
Iridion 2
Wario Ware (anyone buy Twisted yet?)
Super Duper Sumos (I'm kidding..but I did get it for $5

)

Don't buy into the underground hype:
Gekido Advance

OmegaFlareX · Post by **OmegaFlareX** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 3:51 am

I'm the opposite - my favorite type of handheld games are RPG/Strategy/Adventure. The problem with handheld action-y games are the blurriness of the LCD screen and button mashing - if you need to fire rapidly, the whole screen shakes along with it.

I'm playing FFTA right now, and it's superb. Already I've put 40-some hours in, and I'm nowhere near tired of it yet. I swear, this game makes the time go by so unbelievably fast. It's a godsend for trips to the laundromat.

The only gripe I have about it so far is that it's really really easy. The enemy AI is wicked fucking dumb, and I seem to be waaay stronger than everything, even though the enemies level up with you.

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 4:10 am

When I meant RPG fans, I meant people who enjoyed RPGs as much as they did shmups...

Golden Sun? Great for new RPG players, a bore to everyone else.

Shining Soul? Simple pleasures...nothing amazing.

Fire Emblem (Fuuin, Rekka, and Seima): worst games in the FE series since Gaiden...

As for PS collection, the resolution is lower, simply awful mono (WTF?) sound and no YM2413 music in PSI, there's that PSI save glitch, text you can barely read on the GBA, and no PSIV, and crappy cover art. OK if you don't have a Genesis I guess.

The Saturn version can be found for $30-60 nowadays and includes artwork, authentic ports (albeit PSI is slightly bordered), and faster walking speed in PSII and III. The only problem of course is that it's in Japanese, which is probably a huge detriment to many here.

BrianC · Post by **BrianC** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 5:39 am

Ganelon wrote:When I meant RPG fans, I meant people who enjoyed RPGs as much as they did shmups...

Golden Sun? Great for new RPG players, a bore to everyone else.

Shining Soul? Simple pleasures...nothing amazing.

Fire Emblem (Fuuin, Rekka, and Seima): worst games in the FE series since Gaiden...

As for PS collection, the resolution is lower, simply awful mono (WTF?) sound and no YM2413 music in PSI, there's that PSI save glitch, text you can barely read on the GBA, and no PSIV, and crappy cover art. OK if you don't have a Genesis I guess.

The Saturn version can be found for $30-60 nowadays and includes artwork, authentic ports (albeit PSI is slightly bordered), and faster walking speed in PSII and III. The only problem of course is that it's in Japanese, which is probably a huge detriment to many here.

So basically, you're just being nitpicky. BTW, it's the general opinion that all three GBA Fire Emblems are better than Gaiden. If you want to avoid pissing people off I suggest avoiding comments like the ones you made for Golden Sun and Shining Soul.

The ports of the GBA Phantasy Stars are still great ports and all of the stuff you complained about is minor. Did you really have to mention that saving thing again after I mentioned it and said why it's minor? Mono sound? The sound is still of decent quality for GBA and certainly much better than the sound in the DC Sega Smash Pack (please don't go into what's wrong with the Smash Pack). The graphics may be of lower resloution, but it's not noticable on a real GBA. I had no problem with reading the text (which actually seems easier to read than the text in Golden Sun for me) either. The games are very accurate ports and portable, something that the Saturn collection isn't. That "OK if you don't have a real Genesis" comment was uncalled for too.

BTW, I usually see that Saturn collection for around 65-70 dollars or more. I have never seen it as low as 30.

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 6:26 am

I'm simply as picky with RPGs as I am with shmups, perhaps moreso because RPG is my fave genre.

Golden Sun and Shining Soul are introductory RPGs with simple stories and very basic gameplay. Few hardcore RPG fans on the net find them very interesting and I'm not one of them. Has anybody I've met gotten upset with my opinions on these mediocre series? No. However, if you're one of them, tell me what you like from the games and I'll name you 3 RPGs that excel better than these series.

The GBA FE's are notably uninteresting. Yes, Gaiden was definitely worse but Monshou was about similar in quality but longer, Seisen was amazing, and Thracia had far more innovative battles.

You say the problems I mentioned are minor. Well, have you heard how the originals sounded like? The GBA version doesn't sound quite the same, in a bad way. I'm not sure if it's the GBA's poor audio capabilities or not enough space on the cart but the music in general is poor with a muffled sound as if it was covered by a box or something.

The lower resolution is noticeable when you open up multiple menus since they block each others' text.

If you want it as a portable or you've never played/can't play any original PS game, by all means go for it. Yes, it at least offers consistently mediocre music as opposed to the Smash Pack. The games themselves are still among the best ever. However, if you're a collector and looking for the best version of PS, forget the GBA version.

As for the Saturn collection, I've seen it for slightly over $30. In fact, I BOUGHT my near mint copy of PS Collection for a little under $40 dollars shipped.

BrianC · Post by **BrianC** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 6:34 am

Ganelon wrote:I'm simply as picky with RPGs as I am with shmups, perhaps moreso because RPG is my fave genre.

Golden Sun and Shining Soul are introductory RPGs with simple stories and very basic gameplay. Few hardcore RPG fans on the net find them very interesting and I'm not one of them. Has anybody I've met gotten upset with my opinions on these mediocre series? No. However, if you're one of them, tell me what you like from the games and I'll name you 3 RPGs that excel better than these series.

The GBA FE's are notably uninteresting. Yes, Gaiden was definitely worse but Monshou was about similar in quality but longer, Seisen was amazing, and Thracia had far more innovative battles.

You say the problems I mentioned are minor. Well, have you heard how the originals sounded like? The GBA version doesn't sound quite the same, in a bad way. I'm not sure if it's the GBA's poor audio capabilities or not enough space on the cart but the music in general is poor with a muffled sound as if it was covered by a box or something.

The lower resolution is noticeable when you open up multiple menus since they block each others' text.

If you want it as a portable or you've never played/can't play any original PS game, by all means go for it. Yes, it at least offers consistently mediocre music as opposed to the Smash Pack. The games themselves are still among the best ever. However, if you're a collector and looking for the best version of PS, forget the GBA version.

As for the Saturn collection, I've seen it for slightly over $30. In fact, I BOUGHT my near mint copy of PS Collection for a little under $40 dollars shipped.

Whatever. You can't seem to respect others' opinions. You even keep on with the same stupid generaliations. I heard the sound in the original games, BTW. I have a Genesis too. So basically, you don't like the GBA Fire Emblems since you didn't care much for the older ones in the first place? If that's the case, there is even less of a point to that Gaiden comparison. Please stop with the disrespectful comments and let someone bring this back on topic.

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 7:09 am

Yeah, here's how the posts just went:

1. You were curious why I didn't think PSC was good
2. I responded with my complaints
3. You felt the points were minor
4. I responded that for collectors, no, casual RPG players, yes
5. You insulted me

Right, complain about me being disrespectful yet you state that I make stupid generalizations. Real respectful of you there.

I also don't see how I've been any more general than you have. If you want to specify a certain point, I'd be glad to specify further on that point as well. No, I like the FE series, esp. Thracia and Seisen. I even liked it enough to buy TearRing Saga, which is an FE double. The GBA ones had either a poor or short story and/or a lack of characters compared to the SFC versions.

The only person that seems to be upset so far is you, probably because you were offended that I criticized the GBA RPGs that you enjoyed. And if you really cared about getting back on topic, you wouldn't have made that negative last reply which did nothing to further either the topic question.

I will however apologize to FatCobra for derailing the topic. However, the cream of the GBA crop has already been mentioned above.

BrianC · Post by **BrianC** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 7:17 am

Ganelon wrote:Yeah, here's how the posts just went:

1. You were curious why I didn't think PSC was good
2. I responded with my complaints
3. You felt the points were minor
4. I responded that for collectors, no, casual RPG players, yes
5. You insulted me

Right, complain about me being disrespectful yet you state that I make stupid generalizations. Real respectful of you there. I also don't see how I've been any more general than you have. If you want to specify a certain point, I'd be glad to specify further on that point as well. No, I like the FE series, esp. Thracia and Seisen. I even liked it enough to buy TearRing Saga, which is an FE double. The GBA ones had either a poor or short story or a lack of characters compared to the SFC versions.

The only person that seems to be upset so far is you, probably because you were offended that I criticized the GBA RPGs that you enjoyed. And if you really cared about getting back on topic, you wouldn't have made that negative last reply which did nothing to further either the topic question or the discussion at hand.

I will however apologize to FatCobra for derailing the topic. However, the cream of the GBA crop has already been mentioned above.

I'm not trying to be disrespectful, I'm just stating how I feel. I didn't mean disrespect in the "stupid generalizations" comment, but I just meant to state my comments in honestly. Also, I think the reason I'm the only one replying is becuase most people ignore your disrespectful comments and I take them to heart and try to put a stop to them once and for all.

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 7:19 am

OK, then why not tell me how I was being disrespectful, by bashing a few games? I certainly didn't take the direct insult method. If you mean that I'm very frank, well, yes I am.

BrianC · Post by **BrianC** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 7:22 am

Ganelon wrote:OK, then why not tell me how I was being disrespectful, by bashing a few games? I certainly didn't take the direct insult method. If you mean that I'm very frank, well, yes I am.

No, not by bashing the games, by saying the games are only for a certain audience.

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 7:27 am

OK, I'll keep that in mind then. For a certain audience...? Sounds fair enough. Thanks for the tip.

BrianC · Post by **BrianC** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 7:41 am

I'm sorry about my posts. I do understand what you are getting at. Golden Sun isn't the best ever and probably not even close, but I found it to be an enjoyable RPG, despite how easy it is. I like FF7, but I feel it's overrated too. I haven't played the second, but I did hear it's harder. It is a bit overhyped, but I enjoy the first Golden Sun for what it is, not what it isn't. But I sure do want to get Lufia II SNES.

And, FE4 and 5 probably are better than the GBA FEs. The GBAs aren't the best or the hardest in the series and are probably lacking in originality, but I like 7 becuase I find it fun to play. Actually, I'm willing to give Gaiden a try, because it actually sounds pretty interesting to me. However, I put Fire Emblem on the list anyway becuase I do like the game quite a bit and good enough for it to be a GBA must have IMO, even if it isn't the best in the series. I don't think the other games will change that, but I do think I'll probably like 4 and 5 better. It's too bad they aren't in English, but there is emulation for that.

The Saturn Phantasy Star Collection does sound like the much better one, but for what Digital Eclipse had to work with on the GBA and who they worked with, I think they did a good job. The lower resloution is pretty much a given on GBA anyway. The Saturn version also benefits from the port of Phantasy Star IV.

BTW, just becuase I put a game as a must have, doesn't mean I think it's the best around. It's just a game I recommend becuase I found it to be very good.

Other must haves for GBA:
Silent Scope (I find it to be very impressive for GBA and the new content is sweet)
Hardcore Pinball (amazing physics and well designed tables)
Pinball of the Dead (not as good as Devil's Crush, but a very fun video pinball game, especiall for HoD fans)
Sonic Advance 3 (not as good as the Genesis ones, but a ton of fun to play. I love the partner system)

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 8:07 am

Yeah, fair enough. I apologize too if I sounded harsh and intimidating; sometimes, I'm not too sure how I sound myself. If I offended, I must say it wasn't deliberate. And after all, Golden Sun didn't become a best seller by not being liked. It's a fairly simply game and probably caters well to a youthful audience. Yeah, the second one is a bit tougher. As for Lufia II, I thought it was a decent game albeit with some tricky puzzles and an IP meter that encourages extra time spent before boss battles to prepare the IP to best take on the boss. Given that I'm not a big fan of puzzles and what feel like gimmicky systems, I actually preferred the first Lufia, which was straightforward yet epic.

As for PSC, I do suppose that's the best Digital Eclipse could've done given the GBA and cart limitations. If only that minor PSI save bug had been sorted out, I'd wholeheartedly recommend it.

I actually like FFVII (despite not personally enjoying any other FF after FFV) and don't really find it overrated. Story and characters? Certainly. But I still remember when I first played the game and found it fun, long, and atmospheric, not to mention the most gorgeous looking RPG at the time (back when I thought 3D graphics were an interesting novelty).

You're right, despite perhaps not being the best of FEs, the GBA FEs are still very capable SRPGs. Gaiden is alright but it doesn't play like any of the other FEs, quite similar to Shining Force I in fact. It just so happens that despite owning all the Shining games (as an RPG collector), I've yet to really enjoy any of them (both dungeon crawlers, all 3/5 SRPGs, all 4 ARPGs). Perhaps the cutesy character designs present in every Shining game released thus far affect my judgment (yes, my tastes are quite shallow at times).

Anyway, for other GBA games I've enjoyed:

Legend of Dynamic Goushouden - a traditional RPG with a plethora of classic anime superheroes and villains

Gundam Seed Battle Assault/Gundam Seed Destiny - fighter, unbalanced but the juggle system is actually very accurate and rewarding (the 2nd game is a sequel to the first and is better in every way for those who import GBA carts)

Magical Vacation - a traditional RPG with beautiful graphics and very easy gameplay; would've been the perfect RPG for children or girls since its themed around them, had it not been for the fact that nobody released it for the US...

BrianC · Post by **BrianC** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 8:29 am

Ganelon wrote:Yeah, fair enough. I apologize too if I sounded harsh and intimidating; sometimes, I'm not too sure how I sound myself. If I offended, I must say it wasn't deliberate. And after all, Golden Sun didn't become a best seller by not being liked. It's a fairly simply game and probably caters well to a youthful audience. Yeah, the second one is a bit tougher. As for Lufia II, I thought it was a decent game albeit with some tricky puzzles and an IP meter that encourages extra time spent before boss battles to prepare the IP to best take on the boss. Given that I'm not a big fan of puzzles and what feel like gimmicky systems, I actually preferred the first Lufia, which was straightforward yet epic.

As for PSC, I do suppose that's the best Digital Eclipse could've done given the GBA and cart limitations. If only that minor PSI save bug had been sorted out, I'd wholeheartedly recommend it.

I actually like FFVII (despite not personally enjoying any other FF after FFV) and don't really find it overrated. Story and characters? Certainly. But I still remember when I first played the game and found it fun, long, and atmospheric, not to mention the most gorgeous looking RPG at the time (back when I thought 3D graphics were an interesting novelty).

You're right, despite perhaps not being the best of FEs, the GBA FEs are still very capable SRPGs. Gaiden is alright but it doesn't play like any of the other FEs, quite similar to Shining Force I in fact. It just so happens that despite owning all the Shining games (as an RPG collector), I've yet to really enjoy any of them (both dungeon crawlers, all 3/5 SRPGs, all 4 ARPGs). Perhaps the cutesy character designs present in every Shining game released thus far affect my judgment (yes, my tastes are quite shallow at times).

Anyway, for other GBA games I've enjoyed:

Legend of Dynamic Goushouden - a traditional RPG with a plethora of classic anime superheroes and villains

Gundam Seed Battle Assault/Gundam Seed Destiny - fighter, unbalanced but the juggle system is actually very accurate and rewarding (the 2nd game is a sequel to the first and is better in every way for those who import GBA carts)

Magical Vacation - a traditional RPG with beautiful graphics and very easy gameplay; would've been the perfect RPG for children or girls since its themed around them, had it not been for the fact that nobody released it for the US...

I tend to sometimes be a bit harsh when I'm not relaizing it. I try to be polite, but sometimes I don't know when I'm being harsh or not. Which is why I often make a lot of corrections to my posts. I admit I get irritated a bit too easily too. I need to work on it.

I do have the Genesis Shining Force and I like it a lot. How is the GBA remake of it? Is it a must have?

I play all sorts of games and I often I have a hard time of choosing what to get next. I tend to be happy with a lot of games, though there are certainly more than a few games I was disappointed with.

As for other recommended GBA games, I recommend Mario vs. Donkey Kong. I found this game to be a blast to play, though not quite as good as the original game it takes from. Still, the added Mario elements like the lava, shyguys, bob-oms, and more do add to to the game and keep it from feeling too much like Donkey Kong '94. The expert levels are a nice touch too. I really wish I could recommend GB/GBC games. There are some really good ones like Nemesis, the Zeldas, Super Mario Land, Cannon Fodder, Toki Tori, Wario Land II, Wario Land 3, Pokemon Puzzle Challenge, Dragon Warrior III, Parasol Stars, the Puyo Puyo games (except for the first GB Puyo Puyo. That one is slooooow!), and some others that I highly recommend.

Vexorg · Post by **Vexorg** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 9:24 am

Speaking of Lufia, I seem to recall that there was a GBA release in that series as well (Lufia: The Ruins of Lore.) Having enjoyed the first two (finished Lufia 1, didn't get too far into Lufia 2), would that one be worthwhile to get? Has anyone even played it here?

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 9:39 am

Well, the GBA remake looks much better and starts off really easy but has a New Game + that keeps pumping up enemy difficulty (at least for 2 more games). Overall, definitely a better game (and no more Disney-esque visuals). Finding cards is actually very easy and the concept fits in fine. It's still incredibly linear as in the Genesis original but I liked the remake a lot more (given I thought the original was quite boring). Yeah, I'd actually recommend this game.

No clue on the 2 handheld Lufias though.

Heh, I often edit my posts too just to get a certain phrase right or realize that I misspelled something right after posting.

Unfortunately, by now, my tastes have all been settled. Never played a game in recent years that I didn't feel what I already expected to feel. The occasional "out-of-sync" game I get only results in my boredom. Sorta sad, really; nothing really stands out like they used to, back when any RPG fascinated me. Guess I've been desensitized from too many games...