The Nintendo Game Boy was a revolutionary handheld system when it launched in 1989. Its compact size, affordable price and library of hit games made it an iconic piece of video game history still beloved by retro gamers today.
When it comes to action-packed Game Boy titles that hold up years later, a few truly exceptional games stand out from the rest. Let‘s countdown the absolute best action games ever released on the classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color.
What Makes a Great Game Boy Action Game
The Game Boy hardware imposed certain limitations on game design compared to home consoles of the era. The green-tinged monochrome display and simple sound capabilities shaped the style of Game Boy action titles.
Great Game Boy action games overcame these limitations with brilliantly designed visuals and audio. The most iconic titles feature crisp sprites and environments layered through parallax scrolling effects. Memorable chiptune soundtracks add to the adrenaline rush.
Most importantly, the very best Game Boy action games introduced innovative and downright fun gameplay concepts tailored perfectly to the portable format. Their tight controls and clever level designs still influence mobile game experiences to this day.
#7 – Gargoyle‘s Quest
Gargoyle‘s Quest – Image via MobyGames
This Capcom-developed action-adventure game was first released in Japan in 1990 before coming to North America later that year. You play as Firebrand, a gargoyle-like demon hero who can cling to walls and hover across large gaps.
Gargoyle‘s Quest impressed with its RPG-inspired progression system and item upgrades adding depth beyond typical side-scrolling action. Reviewers praised the graphics for pushing the Game Boy‘s capabilities with rather large sprites, multi-layered parallax backgrounds and diverse gothic environments.
#6 – Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 – Image via MobyGames
The third entry in Nintendo‘s Super Mario Land series moved the spotlight to Mario‘s rival Wario in one of the best Game Boy platformers ever made. Released in 1994, Wario Land shook up standard 2D side-scrolling with an emphasis on exploration and finding hidden treasures.
Wario controls like a tank compared to Mario which lends well to plowing through enemies and busting down walls. Unique power-ups like the Bull and Dragon hats transform Wario into new forms with expanded abilities. The colorful, detailed sprites stand out against the Game Boy‘s limited backdrop.
Over 2.5 million sales cemented Wario Land’s reputation at the time. It spawned several acclaimed sequels on future Nintendo handhelds.
#5 – Drill Dozer
Drill Dozer – Image via MobyGames
This underrated Game Boy Advance gem challenges the notion that Game Boy games lacked originality. Released in 2005, Drill Dozer puts players in control of Jill, an adventure girl whose trusty drill mech suit helps her seek revenge against the Skullkers gang.
The full name “Drill Dozer” fits perfectly thanks to the uniquely enjoyable gameplay centered around drilling. You can drill into floors, walls and ceilings to locate hidden items and new paths. Attacking enemies by drilling through them never gets old.
Critics praised Drill Dozer’s inventiveness along with the vibrant pixel art and animation. It ranks among the most innovative action-platformers found on Game Boy Advance.
#4 – Gunstar Super Heroes
Gunstar Super Heroes – Image via MobyGames
Treasure Co. Ltd has developed several beloved run and gun shooters over the years. 2005’s Gunstar Super Heroes remains one of their finest by perfecting intense side-scrolling shooter action on GBA.
You alternate playing as the heroic Gunstars Red and Blue across seven stages packed with inventive set pieces. Gunstar Heroes shines through its smooth character control, balanced weapon upgrades and spectacular bosses. The anime-inspired visuals popped on the Game Boy Advance screen.
Critics applauded Gunstar Super Heroes as a technical and artistic achievement that pushed GBA visuals and gameplay to their peak. It stands tall as one of the system’s best run and gun shooters.
#3 – Metroid: Zero Mission
Metroid: Zero Mission – Image via MobyGames
Nintendo hit a home run updating the beloved sci-fi adventure series for GBA with 2004’s Metroid: Zero Mission. The game retells the story of bounty hunter Samus Aran’s first mission on Planet Zebes with completely redesigned areas and new power-ups.
Zero Mission excels at open exploration across Zebes’ caverns and industrial zones enhanced by Samus’ iconic blaster and morph ball alt-form. Discovering hidden areas off the main path provides big rewards for skilled gamers. Boss encounters put the new Grapple Beam and Power Grip upgrades to intense tests.
Critics hailed Metroid: Zero Mission as superior to the NES original in every way. It remains a prime example of reinventing a classic franchise to masterful effect.
#2 – The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link‘s Awakening – Image via MobyGames
The Legend of Zelda series transitioned beautifully into portable gaming with this 1993 Game Boy title. Link’s Awakening ambitiously brought the action-adventure and puzzle-solving gameplay Zelda fans loved into an expansive world for Game Boy.
Hyrule makes way for the mysterious Koholint Island which Link explores from an angled top-down view. Side quest trading sequences and special heart pieces packed each region with secrets for diligent players. Serene villages and mangrove forests contrasted dark dungeons housing giant bosses.
Link’s Awakening amazed gamers by fitting a console-quality Zelda onto Game Boy. It is remembered as an all-time classic for the series and portable games in general.
#1 – Astro Boy: Omega Factor
Astro Boy: Omega Factor – Image via MobyGames
Treasure Co’sswipe masterpiece ranks as the greatest Game Boy Advance action title of all. Released in 2004, Omega Factor adapted legendary anime hero Astro Boy across futuristic levels infused with Treasure’s signature approach to action gameplay innovation.
You take control of Astro Boy and make use of his full suite of laser canon blasts, rocket punches, hovering and more across vast stages. The intuitive control scheme and smooth movement brings Astro Boy‘s speedy abilities to life perfectly on GBA.
Omega Factor also doubles as an RPG through its Omega Factor system that bolsters Astro Boy’s stats and unlocks epic abilities the more you play. Gorgeous 3D graphics pushed GBA visuals further than ever before. Everything comes together in this love letter to Japanese anime and action gaming history.
For fans of frenetic beat ‘em up gameplay and gorgeous pixel art visuals, there is no finer choice on Game Boy Advance. Astro Boy: Omega Factor is simply "omega"-level amazing.
Conclusion
The classic Game Boy systems may not have matched console gaming in raw power, but several brilliant developers managed to create engrossing action experiences that have stood the test of time. From rapid-fire shooters and precision platformers to RPG-influenced adventures, Game Boy owners were never left wanting for great action in the palm of their hands.
These seven games represent the pinnacle of action gaming innovation balanced with sheer fun across multiple genres. Anyone who still owns a Game Boy will find these definitive games provide countless hours of high-octane entertainment today. Their pioneering designs still influence the world of portable gaming all these years later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an action game great?
Great action games test and reward skillful reflexes through intensely-paced gameplay. Easy-to-grasp yet challenging controls also allow players to pull off flashy moves taking full advantage of the game mechanics and level designs. When done right, action games strike an addictive balance between difficulty and player empowerment.
What are some tips for playing action games?
Start on lower difficulties to grasp the controls before ramping up the intensity. Pay close attention to enemies’ movements while being ready to react quickly to threats. Take your time learning the levels to find momentary safe spots as well as useful power-ups. Avoid frustration by taking breaks when needed before tackling tricky sections fresh. Most importantly, jump right back into the action after a Game Over!
How do I play a Game Boy game?
To play Game Boy cartridges, insert the cartridge into the cartridge slot on the back of the Game Boy system. Make sure the cartridge label is facing up and the connectors are aligned properly. Power on the Game Boy using the switch, and the game should automatically launch on screen.
What is the difference between the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color?
The original Game Boy featured a black-and-green monochrome display, while the Game Boy Color boasted a color screen capable of displaying up to 56 simultaneous colors. Additionally, Game Boy Color cartridges would not fit into earlier Game Boy systems.
What are some of the most popular games for Game Boy?
Tetris, Pokémon Red/Blue, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins and Kirby’s Dream Land rank among the most popular and best-selling Game Boy games ever released.
What was the best-selling game for Game Boy?
Tetris remains the single best-selling Game Boy game with over 35 million physical copies sold. The addictive puzzle game proved an ideal pack-in title that sold systems and enthralled gamers through the years.
