The GBA offered a compelling selection of anime-based games that catered to fans of the genre.
One of the standout anime franchises with a significant presence on the Game Boy Advance was undoubtedly Pokémon. While the series originally debuted as an RPG on the Game Boy, many fans now associate Pokémon with its anime adaptation. Thanks to improved pixel art, the character sprites bore a striking resemblance to the animated series, strengthening this connection further.
Furthermore, there were Game Boy Advance cartridges designed to play episodes of the Pokémon anime, even if they appeared somewhat grainy. Alongside Pokémon, the platform also hosted other anime cartridges like Yu-Gi-Oh!, as well as games inspired by Western cartoons such as SpongeBob SquarePants. Beyond Pokémon-related content, let’s explore some of the most exceptional anime games on the system that remain enjoyable even today.
7 Best GBA Anime Games
Astro Boy: Omega Factor
Astro Boy holds a special place in anime and manga history as it laid the foundation for the entire medium. Today, Astro Boy: Omega Factor stands as one of the most exceptional game adaptations of this iconic franchise. The game was crafted by Treasure, renowned for developing challenging games during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Gunstar Heroes and Ikaruga are prime examples of their work, and Astro Boy: Omega Factor seamlessly blends elements from these two titles. Players could engage in combat as the titular hero, employing brawler-style mechanics, while certain levels allowed for soaring through the skies in classic shoot ’em-up fashion. With its robust gameplay and remarkable graphics, this game remains a standout title for the portable gaming platform.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Stray Rondo
Fullmetal Alchemist: Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Meisou no Rondo might have a lengthy title, but it translates roughly to Fullmetal Alchemist: Stray Rondo. This game draws its inspiration from the Fullmetal Alchemist anime, which revolves around the journey of Ed and Al Elric. Their pursuit of reviving their deceased mother through alchemy backfires, causing harm to their own bodies. The central storyline follows the brothers during their teenage years as they strive to reclaim their original forms. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including confronting the embodiments of the Seven Deadly Sins.
This game, which saw an exclusive release in Japan, adopts a turn-based RPG format that cleverly integrates alchemy into combat mechanics, akin to spells in other RPGs. Regrettably, an official English version never materialized, but dedicated fans have undertaken limited efforts to make it accessible to English-speaking players.
Mega Man Battle Network
Mega Man Battle Network originally began as a game, with the anime adaptation following a year later. However, it’s worth noting that both the game and the anime were in development concurrently. At that time, the anime marked the franchise’s most substantial foray into the world of anime, surpassing even Mega Man Legends.
In this fresh iteration, Mega Man took on the role of a digital companion capable of battling digital viruses to maintain the cleanliness of cyberspace. The gameplay incorporated elements from both grid-based RPGs and action RPGs. During random encounters, players navigated a small grid, moving Mega Man strategically and utilizing a deck of cards to unleash attacks.
One Piece
When One Piece debuted in 2005, its title closely mirrored that of the anime it was adapted from. While the name lacked creativity, the game more than compensated for it with its engaging action-platformer gameplay, featuring the series’ protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. Luffy’s unique ability to stretch into various forms added depth to the gameplay, and players could summon other characters like Zoro to assist them.
The developer, Dimps, although not as renowned as Capcom or Konami, had a commendable track record on the GBA and other platforms. They undertook several licensed-based projects and also collaborated on major titles such as Kirby & The Amazing Mirror and Sonic Advance.
Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure
Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure, another action platformer developed by Dimps, actually predates One Piece’s release, but it initially hit the Japanese market in 2004. Western audiences had to wait until 2006 to get their hands on this game, which was well into the era of the Nintendo DS. The delayed release was somewhat expected given that the original Dragon Ball anime didn’t enjoy the same level of popularity as its more action-packed sequel series, Dragon Ball Z.
Thus, Western fans should consider themselves fortunate that the game eventually made its way overseas. In terms of gameplay, Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure loosely traced Goku’s adventures as he faced off against the Red Ribbon Army and culminated in his epic showdown with King Piccolo.
Sonic Advance
The Sonic the Hedgehog games for the Sega Genesis are hailed as some of the finest platformers of their generation. It’s disheartening to witness Sega’s ongoing challenges in managing the franchise, especially in translating the iconic 2D gameplay into a successful 3D Sonic experience. The Sonic series has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but there’s a ray of hope in the form of the Sonic Advance trilogy for the Game Boy Advance, which effectively revisits the series’ classic roots and evokes the gameplay style of the original titles. While all three Sonic Advance games deliver enjoyable experiences, the first installment stands out due to its simplicity and elegance.
Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, And Emerald
Nintendo struck gold with the Pokémon franchise to the extent that each new installment in the series had the potential to single-handedly define a particular Game Boy generation, solidifying the handheld’s success. While the Game Boy and Game Boy Color Pokémon titles are notable in their own right, it’s the third-generation Pokémon games on the Game Boy Advance – Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald – that truly shine. These games marked the point where the series found its groove, balancing depth without overwhelming complexity, which remains a key reason why fans continue to revisit the Game Boy Advance Pokémon titles.
Conclusion
The Game Boy Advance (GBA) brought a treasure trove of anime games that continue to hold a special place in the hearts of gamers and anime enthusiasts. In this article, we’ve explored the best GBA anime games of all time, each offering unique adventures, beloved characters, and captivating storytelling. These games have left a lasting legacy in the gaming world, and their charm and entertainment value remain undiminished.
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