Last week we covered the top five JRPGs for the Game Boy Advance according to Metacritic. This week we wanted to expand upon that list with the bottom 5 of the top 10 JRPGs for the Game Boy Advance. Keep in mind that there are two more Final Fantasy ports on this list. While they are ports, they still made the cut for the list since they were ported for the Game Boy Advance. Let’s take a look at a few more critic favorites for the Game Boy Advance system.
Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones – Metascore 85
At number six we have Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones. It was released on October 7, 2004 in Japan and then was later localized and released in 2005 in North America. It is the eighth game in the Fire Emblem Series as well as the third game for the Game Boy Advance.
The mechanics of the game are similar to that of previous titles, however the setting of the game is different. This time, the story takes place on a continent called Magvel and focuses on royal twins, Princess Eirika and Prince Ephraim. During the story, the twins look into why monsters have been showing up all over Magvel. Reception of The Sacred Stones was mostly positive. The game did well in both Japan and North America, becoming one of the most successful Game Boy Advance titles in 2005.
Final Fantasy IV Advance – Metascore 85
Yet another Final Fantasy port, Final Fantasy IV Advance made it to number seven on this list. The game was released December 2005. This port saw to improved graphics as well as a few minor changes to the game’s music.
Final Fantasy IV on its own was an amazing game as well, and this port allows players to take that adventure with them on the go. Relive the classic, or discover it for the first time. These are the kinds of ports that current consoles are missing. I would love to relive the classic Final Fantasy games on currently consoles.
As far as Game Boy Advance ports go, Final Fantasy IV Advance is one of the more well-executed ones. The translation of the game’s script is much more accurate. This helps bring out each individual character more and allows the player to better connect with them. This port also added a new cave at Mt. Ordeals which contains powerful armor and stronger weapons for five additional characters. One could argue that this is the best way to play this title if you don’t have an SNES.
Final Fantasy V Advance – Metascore 83
Coming in at number eight, is another Final Fantasy port. Final Fantasy V Advance is much like the other Final Fantasy ports on this list. Originally released on the Super Famicom, Final Fantasy V can be a bit of tricky game to get a hold of and experience. This port certainly bridges that gap and allows for a wider audience of the game to enjoy the title.
Final Fantasy V Advance was released in 2006 and the port was handed by Tose. Tose handled all of the Final Fantasy Game Boy Advance ports. This port also features updated graphics, however they are a bit more subtle than the other ports. Four new jobs were added to this port as well. Those jobs were Gladiator, Cannoneer, Necromancer and Oracle. A new dungeon called, “The Sealed Temple” was also added to this port.
If you need a way to play Final Fantasy V, this is a solid choice. The port is handled very well, and still holds up to this day. It is also much easier to come across Game Boy Advance games than it is to come across Super Famicom games.
Pokémon Ruby Version – Metascore 82
Number nine is Pokémon Ruby Version. The standard Pokémon formula applies here. Make your way through a brand new region, discover new Pokemon and earn gym badges to eventually take on the Elite Four.
The Hoenn Region is one that is beloved by many Pokémon fans, and for very good reasons. Hoenn was based on the Japanese island of Kyushu and like Kyushu, Hoenn features smaller islands along its borders. This gave a lot of opportunity for more water type Pokémon to show up and for the player to explore along the water.
You can choose between Treecko, Torchic, or Mudkip to be your starting Pokémon. From there, you’ll discover new Generation 3 Pokémon, as well as returning Pokémon. The biggest change to this Generation was the introduction to double battles. Also introduced in this Generation were Pokémon abilities and natures. This added more depth into the games and these features are still within the franchise to this day.
Pokemon FireRed Version – Metascore 81
FireRed and LeafGreen versions are remakes of the original 1996 Pokémon games. These remakes mark the first of many future remakes of previous Pokémon games. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen lets players relive the Kanto region in Game Boy Advance graphics. Because these versions are considered to be Generation 3 games, trading between Ruby and Sapphire is possible.
Reception for the remakes were fairly positive, and the games are still widely considered to be great games to this day. The changes applied in Ruby and Sapphire were applied in these remakes as well, giving Pokémon natures and abilities. There are also double battles present within these remakes, making them feel new and fresh.
A lot of nostalgia is attached to these remakes as well, and the same can be said about the future Pokémon remakes as well. The music remains the same with slight changes, bringing Kanto back to life. These remakes are the perfect way to explore Kanto at its finest.
Conclusion Of The Top 10 JRPGs for the Game Boy Advance
That concludes our top ten JRPGs for the Game Boy Advance according to Metacritic. This list focuses primarily on the tradition turn-based JRPG titles found on the GBA system, so some titles might have been skipped. However, what’s featured here are fantastic JRPGs or ports of previously released JRPGs. Any chance some of your favorites made the cut?
Agree with the author? Couldn’t disagree more and are frothing at the mouth to tell him? Leave a comment here, on Facebook or send an email and make sure to follow Never Ending Realm on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!