The Most Underrated Game Boy Advance Games Of All Time

Offering deep tactical gameplay and rich storytelling, Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis stands tall among other titles in the strategy RPG genre. Set in the same dark and complex world as its siblings on the SNES and PlayStation, the game follows the journey of Alphonse, a young knight thrust into the midst of high-stakes political intrigue. Every decision made in both battle and story impact the course of events, with branching paths and multiple endings ensuring replayability. Featuring a wealth of character classes to utilize, beautifully crafted pixel art, and an expertly-paced difficulty curve, this game truly showcases the best qualities of the genre and should not be overlooked by any GBA owner.

In a world of high-octane action and flashy graphics, Advance Wars stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of strategic turn-based warfare. The game follows the story of a young officer named Andy, who must help his allies fend off invading forces across a series of challenging tactical battles. What sets Advance Wars apart from other strategy games is its charming art style, intuitive interface, and the sheer depth of its strategic options: players are given control over a wide array of unit types and must manage resources carefully to secure victory. While at first glance it might appear as a simple strategy game, Advance Wars boasts an incredible amount of depth and replayability, with varied missions, endless customization options through its map editor, and an engaging multiplayer mode.

A captivating blend of action RPG and life simulation, Summon Night: Swordcraft Story puts you in the shoes of a young apprentice blacksmith on a quest to become the greatest Craftknight in the kingdom. As you delve into the game's intricate and highly addictive weapon crafting system, you'll find yourself forging bonds with other characters, as well as summoning creatures to aid you in battle. One of the most standout features of this title is its branching storyline that changes based on your chosen guardian beast and offers multiple endings, making for an incredibly immersive experience. The engaging combat mechanics, coupled with the satisfying gameplay loop of forging weapons and upgrading your workshop, make this underappreciated gem an absolute must-play for any GBA enthusiast.

A strategy RPG featuring gorgeously hand-drawn visuals and deep tactical gameplay, Yggdra Union: We'll Never Fight Alone tells the story of Princess Yggdra, who must rally her forces and reclaim her lost kingdom from a tyrannical emperor. The title is noted for its innovative "card-based" battle system, which utilizes collectible cards to dictate unit actions and grant powerful abilities. With a compelling narrative, memorable characters, and intense tactical battles, Yggdra Union showcases the potential of the GBA as a platform for immersive, strategic gaming experiences. This captivating title should not be overlooked by fans of the genre or anyone seeking a truly rewarding handheld gaming adventure.

Featuring a lovable protagonist and inventive mechanics, Drill Dozer is a delightful platformer that puts players in control of Jill, a young girl who must pilot her mechanical Drill Dozer to recover stolen gems and restore her family's name. The game revolves around the titular drill, which players use to navigate the colorful environments, solve puzzles, and engage in unique boss battles. One standout feature of Drill Dozer is its rumble functionality, which is built directly into the game cartridge and enhances the sensation of drilling through obstacles. With its charming art style, inventive gameplay mechanics, and challenging levels, Drill Dozer is a hidden treasure that no GBA fan should miss.

Harnessing the power of the sun itself, Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django is a groundbreaking and innovative action-adventure game that makes use of an actual solar sensor built into the cartridge. As Django, a "solar boy" who wields the might of sunlight against the undead, players must venture forth into a richly detailed world filled with puzzles, challenges, and fierce battles. What sets Boktai 2 apart from other entries in the genre is its reliance on the game's unique solar mechanic, which forces players to physically expose their GBA to sunlight in order to charge Django's various weapons and equipment. Despite some minor flaws, this ambitious title is a shining example of the creative potential of handheld gaming and is well worth seeking out by fans of the genre and those looking for an innovative and unique experience.