The Highest Rated Game Boy Advance Games: A Definitive Critical Ranking

The Highest Rated Game Boy Advance Games at a Glance

According to aggregated review scores from Metacritic and GameRankings, the highest rated Game Boy Advance games are The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past / Four Swords (95), Metroid Fusion (92), Metroid: Zero Mission (89), Advance Wars (92), Mario Kart: Super Circuit (91), and Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (91). These titles dominate critical rankings of the 2001–2008 platform.

The Game Boy Advance launched on March 21, 2001 in Japan and sold over 81.5 million units worldwide before being officially discontinued in 2010. Across its lifespan it received more than 1,000 retail releases, but only a small cluster of titles consistently scored 90+ across major outlets. The list below uses Metacritic as the primary anchor, supplemented by GameRankings averages, IGN, GameSpot, Edge, and Nintendo Power retrospectives.

Top 15 GBA Games Ranked by Metacritic Score

The table below compiles the highest aggregate scores from Metacritic, the most cited critical database. Ties are broken by GameRankings averages and number of reviews counted.

EMUverse for iOS

Reading on a phone? Why not playing on it?

EMUverse turns your iPhone into a powerful GBA console with HD video, save states, and custom skins.

Install Now — Free

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past / Four Swords (95)

This 2002 port is the single highest rated GBA title on Metacritic with a score of 95 from 23 critics. It bundles a near-perfect port of the 1991 SNES classic with the original Four Swords multiplayer mode, the first multiplayer Zelda ever released.

IGN gave it 9.7, GameSpot 9.5, and Edge a rare 9/10. The port preserved Hyrule’s overworld, Dark World mechanics, and 12 dungeons while adding GBA-specific touches: a voiced Link, a Palace of the Four Sword post-game dungeon, and link-cable cooperative play for up to four players. Its visual fidelity actually exceeded the SNES original on the GBA’s 240×160 screen because the pixel density made the 16-bit sprites appear sharper. The game shipped 1.84 million copies in its first year.

Metroid Fusion and Zero Mission: Yoshio Sakamoto’s Twin Peaks (92, 89)

Metroid Fusion (November 2002) and Metroid: Zero Mission (February 2004) are widely considered the artistic apex of 2D Metroid. Fusion scored 92 on Metacritic and Zero Mission 89, with both praised for tight level design, atmospheric storytelling, and refined Samus controls.

Fusion introduced the SA-X antagonist and a more linear, narrative-driven structure that polarized purists but earned a Game of the Year nomination from GameSpot. Zero Mission, a complete reimagining of the 1986 NES original, restored the open exploration formula while adding a stealth-based Zero Suit Samus epilogue. Both games run on the same engine derived from Super Metroid’s design philosophy, with Yoshio Sakamoto producing.

Why Critics Rated Them So Highly

• Pixel-perfect collision detection and a 60 fps frame rate
• Map systems that became the template for later Metroidvanias
• Soundtracks by Minako Hamano and Kenji Yamamoto using GBA’s PSG channels effectively
• Approximately 8–10 hours of completion time with 100% item collection adding 4–6 more

Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: The Strategy Benchmarks (92, 90)

Advance Wars (September 2001 in North America) was Intelligent Systems’ breakthrough Western strategy hit, scoring 92 on Metacritic. Its sequel, Black Hole Rising (2003), refined the formula and earned 90. Both popularized turn-based tactics on handhelds.

The first Advance Wars was famously delayed in Japan due to its September 10, 2001 U.S. release coinciding with 9/11, and didn’t see Japanese release until 2004 as part of a compilation. Critically, the game’s strength lay in its 21 CO commanders with asymmetric abilities, 100+ maps, hot-seat multiplayer via a single cartridge, and a campaign that doubled as an extended tutorial. Edge magazine called it “the best game on the system” in late 2001.

Castlevania’s GBA Trilogy: Aria of Sorrow Leads

Konami released three Castlevania titles on GBA: Circle of the Moon (2001, score 90), Harmony of Dissonance (2002, score 83), and Aria of Sorrow (2003, score 91). Aria is the critical favorite due to its Soul system and tighter pacing.

Designed by Koji Igarashi after he took full directorial control of the series, Aria of Sorrow introduced protagonist Soma Cruz and a soul-collection mechanic offering 110 unique abilities harvested from defeated enemies. The game runs at a solid 60 fps with parallax-rich castle environments. It directly inspired Dawn of Sorrow on the Nintendo DS and is frequently ranked alongside Symphony of the Night in fan polls. Aria’s 8–12 hour main campaign and multiple endings made it the most replayable of the trilogy.

Mario’s GBA Library: Kart, RPG, and Platformer Highs

Three Mario-branded GBA games scored 90 or higher: Mario Kart: Super Circuit (91), Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (90), and the often-overlooked Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (94 on GameRankings). Each represents a distinct genre peak.

Mario Kart: Super Circuit

The third entry in the series and first handheld Mario Kart shipped with 20 new tracks plus all 20 SNES Super Mario Kart tracks unlockable—40 total, more than any prior entry. It supported up to four players with a single cartridge using “Single-Pak” download play, a remarkable feat for 2001.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

AlphaDream’s debut Mario RPG introduced the dual-character action-command battle system. Its humor, written by Tomoko Maruki and localized by Nate Bihldorff at Treehouse, set the comedic tone for the entire series. The game runs roughly 25 hours and sold 2.16 million copies.

Pokémon on GBA: Lower Aggregate Scores, Massive Cultural Impact

Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire (82), FireRed/LeafGreen (81), and Emerald (76) scored lower critically than other GBA tentpoles but were the system’s best-sellers by a wide margin, with Ruby/Sapphire moving 16.22 million units worldwide—making it the second best-selling GBA game ever.

Critics docked the Generation III games for slow text speed, perceived linearity, and the loss of day/night cycles present in Gold/Silver. However, they introduced Pokémon abilities, natures, double battles, the IV/EV stat system in its modern form, and the Hoenn region’s 135 new species. FireRed/LeafGreen (Kanto remakes) added the Sevii Islands and wireless adapter support. Competitive Pokémon as it exists today—VGC formats, abilities, held items—was largely codified on GBA.

Fire Emblem’s Western Debut

Fire Emblem (2003, the seventh entry but the first localized for the West) scored 88 on Metacritic. Its sequel Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones (2005) scored 85. Together they introduced Western audiences to Intelligent Systems’ tactical RPG franchise.

The 2003 GBA title benefited from the post-Smash Bros. Melee popularity of Marth and Roy, who appeared as playable characters in that 2001 fighter. The game’s permadeath mechanic, weapon triangle, and support conversations between units became series staples. Its 30+ chapter campaign with three protagonists (Eliwood, Hector, Lyn) offered 40–60 hours of content. Sacred Stones added a branching class promotion system and an explorable world map.

Hidden Gems with 90+ Scores

Beyond the obvious Nintendo first-party hits, several third-party GBA titles achieved exceptional review scores but lower commercial visibility. These are essential entries in any critical ranking.

• Astro Boy: Omega Factor (88) — Treasure’s 2004 beat ’em up adapting Osamu Tezuka’s manga, praised for its dense fan service and tight combat.
• Drill Dozer (80) — Game Freak’s 2005 platformer using a rumble cartridge, a cult favorite.
• Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand (86) — Hideo Kojima’s stealth-action title with a solar sensor in the cart, requiring real sunlight to charge weapons.
• Klonoa: Empire of Dreams (84) — Namco’s puzzle-platformer reimagining of the PS1 series.
• Mega Man Zero series (averaging 84–86) — Inti Creates’ four-game action saga with razor-sharp difficulty.
• Wario Land 4 (87) — A genre-bending platformer with timing-puzzle stages.
• Golden Sun and Golden Sun: The Lost Age (both 91) — Camelot’s elemental RPG duology with Djinn-based class shifting.

Final Fantasy VI Advance and the Square Enix Ports

Square Enix released a celebrated run of Final Fantasy ports on GBA between 2004 and 2007. Final Fantasy VI Advance scored 92, Final Fantasy IV Advance 84, and Final Fantasy V Advance 84. All three added new content beyond the original SNES versions.

FF VI Advance added the Dragons’ Den superdungeon, the Soul Shrine, three new espers (Leviathan, Cactuar, Gilgamesh), and four additional playable character abilities. Despite slightly muffled audio compared to the SNES original due to the GBA’s reduced sound channels, the localization by Tom Slattery was an upgrade over Ted Woolsey’s 1994 work, restoring dialogue cut for space constraints. These ports are frequently cited as the definitive way to experience the 16-bit Final Fantasy games before the Pixel Remasters.

How Critics Scored GBA Games: Methodology Behind the Rankings

Metacritic’s GBA scores draw from roughly 30–50 outlets active between 2001 and 2008, including IGN, GameSpot, Edge, Game Informer, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Nintendo Power, and Eurogamer. Scores are normalized to a 0–100 scale and weighted by outlet reputation.

Some 2001–2002 titles have fewer than 15 reviews tracked, which can inflate or deflate their aggregate. GameRankings (now defunct, archived) used a simple averaging method and often differs by 1–3 points. Edge’s notoriously stingy scoring (a 9 from Edge in 2002 was extraordinary) carries disproportionate critical weight in retrospectives. For modern retrospective rankings, sources like Nintendo Life’s 2021 “Best GBA Games” list, IGN’s anniversary features, and Polygon’s handheld retrospectives generally align with these aggregate scores but elevate certain auteur titles (Boktai, Drill Dozer, WarioWare Twisted!) above their original review averages.

Common Misconceptions About GBA’s Highest Rated Games

Several popular assumptions about GBA’s best games don’t survive scrutiny against actual critical aggregates. Understanding these clarifies what “highest rated” really means.

1. Pokémon is not the highest rated — Despite being the best-selling GBA franchise, Pokémon games scored in the low 80s, well below Zelda, Metroid, and Advance Wars.
2. Golden Sun ties for top RPG — Both Golden Sun titles scored 91, matching Aria of Sorrow and surpassing every Final Fantasy port except FF VI Advance.
3. Sonic Advance is not in the top tier — Sonic Advance scored 87 and its sequels declined; the highest rated Sonic GBA title is Sonic Advance (2001).
4. Super Mario Advance ports vary widely — Super Mario Advance 4 (SMB3 port) scored 92–94 depending on source, while Super Mario Advance (SMB2 port) scored only 81.
5. WarioWare invented a genre on GBA — The original 2003 release scored 89 and spawned an entire subgenre of microgame compilations.

The Legacy of GBA’s Top-Rated Titles

The highest rated GBA games disproportionately shaped 21st-century handheld design. Advance Wars established turn-based tactics as a viable handheld genre, leading to Fire Emblem’s global success and inspiring indie titles like Wargroove. Metroid Fusion’s structure influenced Hollow Knight and Axiom Verge. Aria of Sorrow’s soul system became the template for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.

Nintendo’s recognition of this legacy is reflected in Nintendo Switch Online’s GBA library, launched in February 2023, which prioritized exactly these titles: Metroid Fusion, Zero Mission, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Advance Wars 1+2 (re-released as a Re-Boot Camp remake in 2023), WarioWare Inc., and the Mario & Luigi series. The critical consensus from 2001–2008 has proven remarkably durable two decades later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the single highest rated Game Boy Advance game?

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past / Four Swords holds the highest Metacritic score for the GBA at 95, based on 23 critic reviews. It combines a port of the 1991 SNES classic with the first-ever multiplayer Zelda mode. IGN scored it 9.7, GameSpot 9.5, and Edge 9/10. No other GBA title has reached a 95 aggregate, though Final Fantasy VI Advance and Metroid Fusion both achieved 92.

Are Pokémon games considered the best on GBA?

Commercially yes, but critically no. Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire scored 82 on Metacritic and FireRed/LeafGreen scored 81—respectable but well below Zelda, Metroid, Advance Wars, and Castlevania. However, Ruby/Sapphire sold 16.22 million copies, making it the second best-selling GBA game ever. The disconnect reflects critics docking the games for slow pacing and removed features like day/night cycles, while players valued the expanded mechanics.

Which GBA RPG is the highest rated?

Final Fantasy VI Advance and both Golden Sun titles tie at 91–92 on Metacritic, with Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga close behind at 90. FF VI Advance is the highest at 92, benefiting from added content like the Dragons’ Den dungeon and a superior localization. Among original (non-port) GBA RPGs, Golden Sun and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga are the critical leaders.

Did any third-party GBA games outscore Nintendo’s first-party titles?

A few came close. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (Konami) scored 91, matching Mario Kart: Super Circuit and beating most first-party releases. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (Activision/Vicarious Visions) scored 90. Final Fantasy VI Advance (Square Enix) scored 92, tying Metroid Fusion and Advance Wars. Generally, however, Nintendo and Intelligent Systems titles dominate the top 10.

How do GBA’s top scores compare to other handhelds?

The GBA’s ceiling of 95 is matched or exceeded only by select Nintendo DS titles (Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars at 93, Chrono Trigger DS at 92, New Super Mario Bros. at 89). The original Game Boy never had a Metacritic-era release, but Tetris and Pokémon Red/Blue are retrospectively considered all-time classics. PSP’s highest is God of War: Chains of Olympus at 91. By Metacritic standards, GBA has more 90+ titles than PSP or original DS.

Are remakes and ports counted in highest rated rankings?

Yes, Metacritic counts ports and remakes as distinct releases. This is why A Link to the Past / Four Swords (a port plus new content) sits at #1, and Final Fantasy VI Advance, Super Mario Advance 4, and Metroid: Zero Mission (a remake of the NES original) all rank highly. Pure ports without significant additions tend to score 2–5 points lower than originals, but enhanced ports often match or exceed source material scores.

Which underrated GBA games deserve attention despite lower aggregate scores?

Several auteur-driven titles scored in the 80–86 range but are celebrated in retrospectives: Boktai (Hideo Kojima’s solar-sensor stealth game), Drill Dozer (Game Freak’s only non-Pokémon GBA title), Klonoa: Empire of Dreams, Mr. Driller 2, and Gunstar Super Heroes from Treasure. The Mega Man Zero series (averaging 84) is also widely considered a high point of 2D action design. These titles often appear higher on modern retrospective lists than their original Metacritic scores suggest.

What was the last highly rated GBA game released?

Final Fantasy VI Advance (2007, score 92) is generally considered the last 90+ GBA release. Drill Dozer (2005 JP, 2006 NA, score 80) and Mother 3 (2006 Japan-only, never officially scored in English) are notable late releases. The GBA was effectively superseded by the Nintendo DS after late 2004, and major publishers shifted focus, with only a handful of releases continuing into 2007–2008 before Nintendo officially discontinued the platform in 2010.