The Game Boy Advance brought a revolution to the world of portable gaming, and its library of puzzle games is no exception. With a diverse range of titles, including ports of classics and innovative new releases, the GBA offers a unique blend of puzzle elements that are still remarkable to this day. In this article, we’ll take a trip back to the early 2000s and explore the 12 best GBA Puzzle Games.
Also Read: 16 Puzzle Games for PSP You Should Play
The GBA was a revolutionary handheld gaming console that brought portable gaming to a whole new level. One of the most popular genres on the GBA was puzzle games. These games challenged players’ logic, problem-solving skills, and reflexes. In this article, we will explore the world of GBA puzzle games, from the popular titles to the gameplay mechanics, and provide tips and strategies for players of all skill levels.
Table of Contents
1. Klonoa: Empire of Dreams
Released in July 2001, Klonoa: Empire of Dreams combines platforming and puzzle-solving elements to create a unique and enjoyable experience. As players navigate through each stage, they must cleverly transform enemies into stepping stones to reach hidden stars. With its quick thinking and fast-paced gameplay, this GBA puzzle game is a must-play for both puzzle and platform game enthusiasts.
2. Puyo Pop Fever
Puyo Pop Fever, released in November 2003, is a classic puzzle game that has stood the test of time. The objective is to match three or more gummies of the same color, causing them to disappear and sending garbage gummies to your opponent. With the addition of Fever mechanics, which offer devastatingly effective chains, this game provides hours of addictive gameplay.
3. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo is a fast-paced gem matching game that offers a unique experience on the Game Boy Advance. Players must strategically match and break gems, creating chain reactions for high scores. The game’s multiplayer mode allows for competitive play on the same console, making it a great choice for puzzle enthusiasts.
In an unexpected turn of events, a Street Fighter game makes it onto our list of the best GBA puzzle games. Super Puzzle Fighter II captivated both Street Fighter fans and puzzle game aficionados in the arcades, and the GBA port retains the game’s addictive qualities.
The gameplay of Super Puzzle Fighter II is centered around a simple concept: players have different-colored square gems that fall in pairs, similar to Tetris. Matching four same-colored pieces in a 2×2 square merges them into a large gem. Players can continue to expand it by piling more gems of the same color. Additionally, there are round “bomb” gems that shatter all gems of a single color in a chain, strategically dropping counter gems on the opponent’s side as an attack.
Super Puzzle Fighter II features ten main characters from Street Fighter and Darkstalkers, each with unique counter gems that add strategic depth and individual style. The game also offers various modes, including a Street Mode that challenges the AI to unlock in-game secrets. Graphically, the game is well-done with colorful sprites and backgrounds, and the sound offers nostalgic remixes of songs from Street Fighter Alpha 2 and Darkstalkers, along with familiar voice clips from the characters.
Super Puzzle Fighter II is an excellent game with fun, addictive gameplay and nostalgic sights and sounds. It offers hours of entertainment and is definitely worth a try for puzzle game enthusiasts.
4. Boulder Dash EX
One of the standout puzzle games on the GBA is Boulder Dash EX. Part of the Boulder Dash series that originated in the arcades in 1984, this game offers an engaging and challenging puzzle experience in a portable package. Released in 2002 for the GBA and Game Boy Color, Boulder Dash EX retains the core gameplay mechanics of its predecessors while introducing a story-driven campaign with cutscenes and various tools to aid players in solving mazes.
The objective of Boulder Dash EX is to collect diamonds in mazes and reach the exit while avoiding enemies and obstacles. The player has various tools at their disposal, such as axes, bombs, and speed mushrooms, to navigate through the levels. The stages start simple but become increasingly complex, providing a mix of action and puzzle challenges. With dozens of stages and additional content like trading cards and a full campaign, Boulder Dash EX offers a satisfying gaming experience.
5. Super Bust-A-Move
Super Bust-A-Move brings the beloved Bust-A-Move franchise to the Game Boy Advance. Players must use a launcher at the bottom of the screen to shoot colored bubbles and match them with others of the same color. With a wide selection of power-ups and new obstacles, this game provides a fresh and engaging experience. Classic mode offers a more basic gameplay experience, catering to players who prefer a nostalgic feel.
6. It’s Mr. Pants
It’s Mr. Pants offers a unique twist to the traditional puzzle game formula. Players must clear rectangles of various sizes using blocks shaped like Tetriminoes. The game features a puzzle mode that presents increasingly challenging configurations, putting players’ skills to the test. With its colorful atmosphere and unexpected brain-teasing challenges, It’s Mr. Pants is a standout puzzle game for the GBA.
7. Dr. Mario / Puzzle League
Dr. Mario and Puzzle League are two classic puzzle games paired together in a single package on the GBA. Dr. Mario, originally released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990, features colorful viruses and capsules that players must match to eliminate the viruses. The gameplay involves strategic placement of capsules to create matches and clear the playing field. The Vs. CPU mode adds a sense of urgency, as players race against another player to clear viruses.
Puzzle League, also known as Panel de Pon or Pokemon Puzzle Challenge, is a block-swapping game where players must prevent the blocks from reaching the top by creating chains and combos. Each mode in Puzzle League offers a unique challenge and different ways to play the game. The AI difficulty can be adjusted to provide an appropriate level of challenge.
Both Dr. Mario and Puzzle League offer addictive gameplay, providing hours of entertainment. Having them both in a single package on the GBA is a great deal for puzzle game enthusiasts.
8. Kuru Kuru Kururin
Kuru Kuru Kururin presents players with the challenge of navigating through colorful courses using a spinning blade vehicle called Helirin. The game features intricate level designs that require precise positioning to avoid hitting walls and receiving time penalties. With its deceivingly simple appearance and increasingly difficult stages, this puzzler offers a truly engaging experience.
9. The Lost Vikings
The Lost Vikings brings the classic puzzle platform game to the Game Boy Advance. Players must guide three Vikings, each with unique abilities, through a series of puzzles to help them find their way back home. With 37 stages and clever level design, this game offers an incredibly engaging experience that has stood the test of time.
10. ChuChu Rocket!
ChuChu Rocket! is a puzzle game for the GBA that offers a unique and manic gameplay experience. In the Battle mode, players aim to collect as many mice as possible in their rockets by strategically placing directional arrows on a grid. The mice blindly follow the arrows’ paths, avoiding dangerous orange cats along the way.
The GBA version of ChuChu Rocket! introduces new events like Kitten Mania and Night Time, enhancing the multiplayer experience for up to 4 players with only one cartridge. The Puzzle mode is akin to the classic game Lemmings, where players must guide mice into rockets while avoiding cats. With an impressive 2500 puzzles to solve, this mode promises hours of engaging gameplay.
ChuChu Rocket! features vibrant, cartoony graphics that are well-suited for the GBA’s capabilities. The sound includes memorable music, creating a delightful auditory experience. With its addictive gameplay, smooth controls, and plethora of content, including various modes, challenges, and level editing features, ChuChu Rocket! provides a long-lasting and dashing puzzling experience.
11. WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$ is a collection of short and fast-paced challenges inspired by classic Nintendo games. Players must complete simple tasks within seconds, making for a fun and frantic experience. With its stylish design and a wide variety of challenges, this game is a must-play for puzzle enthusiasts and Mario fans alike.
12. Mario Vs. Donkey Kong
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong puts a new spin on the classic Donkey Kong experience. Players must help Mario rescue his Mini-Mario toys, which have been stolen by Donkey Kong. The game features three types of stages, each requiring different skills, including platforming, puzzle-solving, and boss fights. With its impeccable level design and engaging gameplay, this game is a must-have for any GBA puzzle game collection.
13. Denki Blocks
Denki Blocks is a challenging puzzle game that may not be for the faint of heart. Despite its cute art style, this game offers a truly rewarding challenge for seasoned puzzle enthusiasts. The gameplay involves controlling colored blocks in a square arena and matching them up. As the game progresses, players face increasingly difficult challenges with up to three colors to match.
The real depth of Denki Blocks comes from puzzles that require players to create shapes shown on the screen’s side for bonus points and stars. While completing the game is achievable, getting all the stars is a tough endeavor even for avid puzzle gamers, making it a truly rewarding challenge.
14. Mr. Driller 2
Join Susumu, aka Mr. Driller, in his adventure to tackle an outbreak of puzzle blocks threatening the Earth’s core in Mr. Driller 2. Released for the GBA, this game follows the classic Japanese brand of puzzle madness, featuring bold, colorful graphics and fluid animations presented through stylized cartoons.
The gameplay of Mr. Driller 2 is simple to grasp but offers deep challenges. Players must drill down to the bottom of levels, collecting oxygen tanks while managing the depleting oxygen supply. As the levels progress, various block types and oxygen challenges are introduced, adding complexity to the gameplay. Players will encounter blocks with special properties that can aid or hinder their progress.
With multiple modes and characters to play, Mr. Driller 2 offers a satisfying and addictive puzzle experience. The game’s humorous Japanese voice acting adds to the overall charm and entertainment value.
15. ZooCube
ZooCube is another compelling puzzle game on the GBA that offers an enveloping experience. The concept is simple yet genius: match shapes to their likeness as they drift through the air toward a cube suspended in the sky. Players can rotate the cube using directional buttons to place the shapes correctly. The game starts with one shape at a time and gradually increases in difficulty as more shapes and challenges are introduced.
Despite its simplicity, ZooCube’s gameplay is challenging, requiring players to have excellent three-dimensional vision and quick reflexes. The game also features a “KO Mode,” where players aim to clear the cube of pre-existing shapes in each level. The controls are responsive, and the distinct, brightly colored shapes prevent confusion. While the graphics and music may not be groundbreaking, ZooCube’s addictive and challenging gameplay compensates for any shortcomings.
ZooCube offers a high degree of replay value, making it highly recommended for puzzle game addicts who crave the pursuit of higher scores.
Gameplay Mechanics in GBA Puzzle Games
GBA puzzle games offered a wide range of gameplay mechanics to keep players engaged. Some puzzle games, like “Puyo Pop” and “Columns Crown,” focused on matching colored objects to clear the screen. These games tested players’ reflexes and ability to think quickly under pressure. “Puyo Pop” featured cute characters called Puyos that players had to match and clear, while “Columns Crown” required players to align jewels vertically or horizontally.
Other puzzle games, such as “Bomberman Tournament” and “WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!,” incorporated action elements into the gameplay. In “Bomberman Tournament,” players had to strategically place bombs to defeat enemies and navigate through mazes. “WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!” challenged players to complete a series of microgames with simple tasks within a short time limit.
Tips and Strategies for GBA Puzzle Games
To excel in GBA puzzle games, it’s important to develop strategies and techniques. In games like “Tetris” and “Dr. Mario,” it’s essential to create combos by clearing multiple lines or viruses at once. This not only earns more points but also puts pressure on opponents in multiplayer modes. Planning ahead and anticipating the next piece or capsule can give players an advantage.
In strategy-based puzzle games like “Advance Wars” and “Fire Emblem,” understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different units is crucial. Developing a balanced army and utilizing terrain features can turn the tide of battles. Additionally, studying the AI patterns and observing opponents’ moves can help players devise effective strategies.
GBA Puzzle Games for Kids
The GBA had a wide selection of puzzle games suitable for kids. “Pokémon Puzzle Challenge” combined the addictive gameplay of “Tetris” with cute Pokémon characters. Kids could match falling blocks to clear lines and complete puzzles. “Disney’s Magical Quest Starring Mickey & Minnie” offered a fun and colorful adventure where kids could solve puzzles and defeat enemies using various costumes and abilities.
Another popular game for kids was “Mario vs. Donkey Kong.” In this game, players had to guide miniature robotic Marios through challenging levels, avoiding obstacles and solving puzzles. The game’s charming visuals and simple gameplay mechanics made it accessible and enjoyable for young players.
Emulators and ROMs for GBA Puzzle Games
Although the GBA is no longer in production, players can still enjoy GBA puzzle games through emulators and ROMs. Emulators allow players to run GBA games on their computers or mobile devices, providing a nostalgic gaming experience. ROMs, which are digital copies of GBA games, can be downloaded and played on emulators.
Popular GBA emulators include VisualBoyAdvance (VBA) for computers and My Boy! for Android devices. These emulators provide smooth gameplay and customizable settings. ROMs for GBA puzzle games can be found on various websites, but it’s important to ensure that you are using legal and authorized sources.
Conclusion: GBA puzzle games
GBA puzzle games continue to captivate players of all ages with their addictive gameplay and challenging puzzles. Whether you are a casual gamer looking for a quick puzzle fix or an avid player seeking a strategic challenge, the GBA offers a diverse selection of puzzle games to satisfy your gaming needs.
With their engaging gameplay mechanics, tips and strategies, and options for different skill levels, GBA puzzle games provide endless hours of entertainment.
So dust off your GBA or fire up an emulator, and get ready to embark on a puzzle-solving adventure that will test your wits and reflexes. Discover the timeless appeal of GBA puzzle games and experience the joy of solving puzzles wherever you go.
The Game Boy Advance may not have a vast selection of puzzle games, but the ones available are certainly worth playing. From engaging mazes in Boulder Dash EX to the addictive gameplay of ZooCube, Mr. Driller 2, ChuChu Rocket!, Dr. Mario / Puzzle League, Denki Blocks, and Super Puzzle Fighter II, puzzle game enthusiasts can find hours of entertainment on the portable console. So grab your GBA, get ready to solve some puzzles, and enjoy the delightful collection of GBA puzzle games.