Hello fellow gaming friend! If you owned a Game Boy Advance back in the early 2000s, you were lucky enough to experience one of the greatest eras in handheld gaming history. As an industry expert and lifetime Nintendo fan, I‘ve played through hundreds of GBA games, but a few action-packed gems still stand out from the rest.
In this epic guide, we‘ll countdown the absolute best GBA action titles of all time. Get ready for a nostalgic trip!
Overview: Why the GBA Ruled for Action Games
First, let‘s discuss why the Game Boy Advance was so revolutionary for action-based gaming. Nintendo launched the GBA in 2001 as an upgraded successor to their monochrome Game Boy lineup.
Right away, the GBA impressed with full 32-bit color graphics and a landscape screen layout much better suited for action gameplay. The new hardware enabled sprites, animations, and set pieces not possible on older GB models.
Nintendo also pivoted their game library to include remakes of beloved SNES classics along with innovative new IP. This allowed the system to launch with an all-star lineup of action platformers, shooters, fighters and more.
In the end, over 81 million GBAs were sold worldwide during its 7 year lifespan before being replaced by the Nintendo DS. However, those 81 million fans were treated to one of the strongest handheld game libraries ever, especially for action genres.
Now, onto the games! I‘ll be counting down entries based on a combination of critical acclaim, commercial success, and influence on game design.
What Counts as an "Action" Game?
Before diving into the list, let‘s clarify what constitutes an action game. Typically, action refers to games emphasizing real-time gameplay that challenges a player‘s reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
However, "action" acts as an umbrella spanning several distinct genres:
| Genre | Description | Example GBA Entries |
|---|---|---|
| Platformers | Jump between platforms & over obstacles in 2D/3D spaces | Mario, Metroid |
| Shooters | Use projectile weapons to attack enemies | Astro Boy, Doom |
| Fighting | Face off 1v1 against AI or human opponents | Guilty Gear X, Street Fighter Alpha 3 |
| Beat ‘em Ups | Brawl against multiple enemies with melee attacks | Dragon Ball Z, Gekido Advance |
Nearly all GBA action titles feature real-time movement and combat in 2D perspectives. This provides a quick-paced, pick-up-and-play experience perfect for a handheld system.
Now let‘s see which GBA games best embodied fast-paced, reflex-dependent excitement!
#7: Metroid: Zero Mission (2004)
Kicking off our list is one of Samus Aran‘s finest adventures – Metroid: Zero Mission – a remake of the original 1986 Metroid game. Veteran developer Nintendo R&D1 handled the remake, building it from the ground up for GBA hardware.
They did an incredible job translating Metroid‘s action platforming into a vibrant, slick 2004 release. The 2D side-scrolling removes complexity for pure run ‘n gun enjoyment. Samus controls smoothly whether shooting enemies, dropping bombs, or rolling into a sweet Morph Ball.
Zero Mission also greatly expands the original Metroid with new areas to explore on the planet Zebes. Plus, it adds great quality-of-life bonuses like maps, ability to grab ledges, and forgiving checkpoint system.
| Genre | Action Platformer |
| Score | 89 Metacritic 90 Opencritic |
| Release | February 9, 2004 |
| Developer | Nintendo R&D1 |
| Sales | ~1.76 million units |
Beyond excellent gameplay and level design, Zero Mission reveals more backstory about Samus‘ origins and first encounters with the Metroids and Mother Brain. This helps flesh out the Metroid canon leading into later series entries.
Overall, Metroid: Zero Mission represented a masterclass in revamping a classic franchise into a modern, accessible action title. It stayed faithful to early Metroid‘s spirit while leveraging new hardware for fluid combat, stunning visuals, and subtle narrative expansion. No wonder it remains popular among series fans!
#6: Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (2001)
For our next pick, we turn from distant alien worlds to gothic vampire castles! Castlevania: Circle of the Moon arrived as a launch title for the Game Boy Advance itself back in 2001.
Long-running developer Konami aimed to follow-up their acclaimed Symphony of the Night with another action exploration game. Thus, Circle of the Moon adopted the so-called "Metroidvania" genre blending action platforming with RPG elements.
You play as vampire hunter Nathan Graves exploring Dracula’s castle to defeat its resurrected lord. Gameplay involves jumping past traps, climbing cliffs, discovering secrets, and battling creepy monsters.
Nathan can whip, dive kick, and uppercut enemies while gaining XP to boost stats. Defeating bosses grants new powers to access additional areas. The fun lies in exploring every nook of the labyrinthine castle between fights.
| Genre | Metroidvania (Action/RPG Platformer) |
| Score | 91 Metacritic 89 Opencritic |
| Release | June 8, 2001 |
| Developer | Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo |
| Sales | ~1.35 million units |
CotM shines thanks to responsive combat controls, moody gothic pixel art, and one of the GBA‘s strongest soundtracks. It nails the alchemy making Metroidvania so addictive – steady power growth, backtracking with new skills, and uncovering secrets.
20 years later, Castlevania: Circle of the Moon deserves credit for translating the formula so well to a handheld format. It helped prove Metroidvania as a gameplay structure transcending hardware limitations.
#5: Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (2003)
Apparently killing Dracula twice wasn’t enough for Konami, as they released a third excellent Castlevania on GBA – Aria of Sorrow. While directly continuing CotM’s canon would’ve made sense, AoS instead heads in an intriguing new direction.
It fast forwards the timeline to 2035 with a futuristic science fiction premise. You play as teenager Soma Cruz who suddenly receives “Power of Dominance” enabling him to absorb enemies‘ souls.
Soon Dracula’s castle manifests during a solar eclipse, and Soma heads inside to discover the source of his strange new power. Cue another excellent Metroidvania with SotN‘s direct sequel formula.
However, AoS spices things up through the Tactical Souls system. Absorbing enemy spirits grants new weapons and abilities themed after that creature. With 100+ souls available, this creates fun customization atop the usual whips and magic.
| Genre | Metroidvania (Action/RPG Platformer) |
| Score | 91 Metacritic 90 Opencritic |
| Release | May 6, 2003 |
| Developer | Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo |
| Sales | ~1.36 million units |
Add in slick anime character designs, creative future tech weapons, and another catchy soundtrack, and Aria of Sorrow carves its own identity despite familiar foundations.
Once again, Konami proved masterful at iterating on winning formulas without losing richness. AoS remains a must-play Metroidvania perfect for long handheld sessions.
#4: Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 (2002)
Thus far we’ve focused on dark, broody games, so let’s shift gears to Mario’s bright, cheery dinosaur buddy! Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 brought the classic SNES platformer to GBA with new features.
The colorful, crayon-sketched aesthetic looks gorgeous on portable screens as Yoshi runs, flutters, and egg-tosses across 48 cartoonish stages. Core platforming gameplay couldn’t be simpler – move Yoshi left or right avoiding pits and enemies.
But nuance gets layered in through power-ups granting vehicle transformations, collectible treasures, enemy-eating mechanics, and the need to protect Baby Mario on your back!
Let‘s overview the game‘s key vitals:
| Genre | Platformer |
| Score | 91 Metacritic 87 Opencritic |
| Release | July 25, 2002 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Sales | ~2.8 million units |
For the GBA port, Nintendo added Mario Bros. classic as an unlockable multiplayer mode. They also introduced new vehicle power-ups expanding Yoshi’s transportation options. These supplements enhance an already exceptional handheld package.
The end result? An irresistibly charming, content-rich platformer radiating typical Nintendo polish. Yoshi‘s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 deserves attention among Mario’s very best outings.
#3: Metroid Fusion (2002)
We can’t discuss legendary GBA games without the other top-tier Metroid entry – Metroid Fusion! Launching just a month after Yoshi’s Island, Fusion continued 2002’s one-two punch of premium Nintendo action.
Chronologically, Fusion comes last in the series timeline (until Dread at least). The story picks up with galactic bounty hunter Samus Aran investigating a secret Biologic Space Laboratories research station.
Once there, she discovers the facility overrun by shape-shifting parasite X infecting hosts and mimicking abilities. Samus gets infected herself with the X parasite but survives thanks to a vaccine altering her suit.
This vaccine becomes the premise for Fusion’s core hook: the SA-X antagonist. This doppelganger chases you wielding all your traditional Metroid gear against you.
| Genre | Action Platformer |
| Score | 92 Metacritic 87 Opencritic |
| Release | November 17, 2002 |
| Developer | Nintendo R&D1 |
| Sales | ~1.6 million units |
Losing iconic armor abilities forces you to adapt and utilize new weapons and techniques. It shakes up standard Metroid progression in a cool, threatening way. Combine tense SA-X evasion with slick controls and environmental puzzles, and Fusion stands toe-to-toe with the franchise’s peaks.
To this day, fans clamor for a proper Fusion sequel following its tantalizing, unresolved ending. Until then, we‘ll cherish this top-notch GBA entry expanding Metroid lore.
#2: Super Mario Advance 4: SMB3 (2003)
We’re nearing the end with two iconic Mario remakes rounding out our list. First up is Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 – an enhanced GBA version of the legendary NES/SNES platformer.
As a late generation release, Advance 4 had time to refine deep Mario mechanics into a pristine portable package. Core platforming gameplay is perfect thanks to the simplistic two-button run/jump control scheme.
Yet SMB3 adds layers of depth through branching level paths, timed block smashes, power-up suits with unique abilities, and fun auto-scrolling shooter levels breaking up side-scrolling.
Let‘s glance at Mario‘s ever-impressive benchmark scores:
| Genre | Platformer |
| Score | 94 Metacritic 92 Opencritic |
| Release | July 11, 2003 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Sales | ~5.4 million units |
Visually, the game sporting charming cartoon fairy tale locales like Grass Land and Giant Land. These locales burst with vibrant colors on GBA screens.
Audio also delights thanks to memorable tracks like the invincibility star fanfare and that iconic clothing transformation jingle. It‘s the little touches bringing so much personality preventing the game from aging.
Overall, Advance 4 represents near platforming perfection – the pinnacle of straightforward, pick-up-and-play 2D action gaming. It deserves every accolade as one of Mario’s finest.
#1: Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 (2001)
Claiming our top spot, Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 launched alongside GBA itself to become one of the handheld’s most beloved titles. Nintendo EAD ported over SNES launch title Super Mario World enhancing 16-bit visuals and sound into a flawless portable package.
SMA2 perfected Mario’s core side-scrolling formula with buttery smooth controls, diverse environments, hidden secrets everywhere, and just sheer fun oozing through every pore thanks to intricate level design.
Riding Yoshis, bopping foes headbonk-style, tossing turtle shells at enemies – it’s pure childlike gameplay bliss!
Let‘s look at the numerical report card:
| Genre | Platformer |
| Score | 92 Metacritic 90 Opencritic |
| Release | June 11, 2001 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Sales | ~5.6 million units |
While the original SMW boasts stronger legacy credentials, I prefer the GBA version‘s portable-friendly compactness. Saving whenever, smaller scope, and quicker bursts of 2D platforming fit so well for gaming on the go.
In the end, Advance 2 sets the gold standard for Nintendo 2D level design and responsive control. It captures Mario magic within a tiny cartridge to entertain for hundreds of hours. When debating the greatest GBA games ever, Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 sits on the shortlist.
That wraps up our epic quest through GBA top action titles! which game did you enjoy most back in the day? For me, Fusion and Yoshi‘s Island sucked up most of my middle school hours. And it‘s amazing they remain just as fun when replayed on nostalgic trips down memory lane.
The Game Boy Advance library contains so many more outstanding picks like the cult classic Astro Boy: Omega Factor or iconic fighters like Guilty Gear X. But I‘d say our top 7 list paints an accurate picture of the cream of the crop showcasing Nintendo‘s mascots at their handheld best.
Thanks for reading this monster guide! I aimed to provide a content bounty capturing my own geeky passion for GBA gaming. Did any fun anecdotes or analysis grab your interest? What topics should I cover in future posts? Let me know in the comments below!
