Luke’s Top 5 Standby Game Boy Games
March 14, 2009 - 1:17 am - Posted by Luke C.
Game Boy games hold a special place in my heart thanks to many nights spent playing them when I didn’t feel like reading but parents or other annoying roommates had already taken over the TV. I’ve had a lot of Game Boy and GBA games over my life, but I always come back to this handful of them.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening:
What can I say? This game may not be perfect, and may not even be the definitive version of itself, but it is a well-made, fun, and humorous entry into the Zelda series.
Revenge of the ‘Gator:
It’s pinball in a convenient handheld size. Even just as pinball, there’s nothing very outstanding about it beyond the (admittedly amusing) alligator motif. Still, it often saved my sanity as a kid being dragged around town – sitting in the car or a waiting room for half an hour is so much easier with this game.
Final Fantasy Adventure:
I can’t count how many times I played through this game. Every time I played I could try a different character build and practice with a different weapon and after a couple of playthroughs I could make the game different every time I played. Ignore the awful tedium that is Sword of Mana, FFA’s remake; Final Fantasy Adventure is pretty much as quick to get to the action as any action-RPG can be. Plus, it has moogles and chocobos with prosthetics (what I like to call a rochocobo), which just makes it cooler.
Metroid: Zero Mission:
This GBA remake of the original Metroid not only updates the graphics and storytelling, but adds the map system of Super Metroid, the ability to grab onto ledges from Metroid Fusion, a brand-new stealth sequence at the end of the game, and other little (and not-so-little) changes. What these changes really do is make it so that I and players like me can finally beat Metroid. Some of us just need those modern conveniences like not drawing our own maps, alright?
Pokemon:
I have an idea that all people who really get into Pokemon have either some minor OCD or a secret wish to use an army of loyal minions to take over the world. I’m the latter, and the idea of amassing a freakish-but-loyal army of monsters which can eventually defeat any and all comers has appealed to me since eighth grade. Sadly I don’t really have the patience to be a master trainer these days, but it’s still fun to level up a couple times or capture a new soldier for my army of darkness while watching the latest sitcom.
@Luke: Nice list of games. The only one on your list that doesn’t interest me is Pokemon. I have never really been a fan, however I do have an interest in taking over the world
You did forget to mention that “Revenge of the ‘Gator” has a slot machine. I also find the three gator heads opening and closing their mouths at the bottom quite amusing.
Metroid: Zero Mission is one of my favorite Game Boy Advance games. I also enjoy pinball, so Revenge of the ‘Gator sounds like a pretty fun game.
Nice list Luke. Out of your Top 5, I really enjoy The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Revenge of the ‘Gator.
I have these games for my Game Boy but it’s been years since I’ve played them. I guess it’s time to blow the dust off these games now. Thanks for the kick in the pants.