The Best 6 GameBoy Advance JRPGs in English

The GameBoy Advance is home to a plethora of games ranging from fighting games to 2D side scrollers. Where this handheld shines is the selection of JRPGs the device has. With franchises like Pokemon and Final Fantasy on this device, it is hard to say what the best JRPGs are on the GameBoy Advance. Many did not get a release in English, however. Below is a list of some of the best JRPGs on the Gameboy Advance in English.

Golden Sun

Golden Sun is one of the best JRPGs for the GameBoy Advance due to the gameplay. Unlike some of the JRPGs released in the early 2000s for the GameBoy Advance, Golden Sun features puzzle solving outside of battles. The puzzle solving involves using magic abilities called Psynergy. The main character, Issac, can use these abilities to move platforms or dispose of foliage. Along with the great gameplay, the story of Golden Sun makes it an easy pick for the best GameBoy Advance JRPG.

Breath of Fire

Originally released on the Super Nintendo, Breath of Fire is a JRPG that follows the story Ryu. After his village burns, he embarks on a journey to save his kidnapped sister, Sara. He meets many beings from different clans with animal-like features and abilities. The Gameboy Advance version of Breath of Fire has less enemy encounters than the Super Nintendo version. This version also has a slightly different color palette in comparison. However, Breath of Fire on Gameboy Advance still has the content present in the Super Nintendo, making it a great way to play.

Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is sequel to Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade and Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade that builds on gameplay mechanics present on those titles. The game also features a separate cast and story, making it easier for players to invest in.

Pokemon Emerald

Pokemon has been a global phenomenon since the 90s. With Pokemon Emerald, it shows how this franchise became a huge hit. Pokemon Emerald is derived from the Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire. The story revolves around defeating the eight gym leaders to earn their Gym Badges. Pokemon Emerald adds a mode called Battle Frontier in which players earn Battle Points to purchase prizes.

Tales of Phantasia

Tales of Phantasia was released exclusively in Japan for the Super Famicom in 1995. It was later ported to the PlayStation in 1998. However, the game was re-released for the GameBoy Advance for the first time in English. This Tales of entry features a Linear Motion Battle System; a system in which the player battles on a 2D plane that scrolls. The player also only controls the main character, Cress Albane, actively unlike the turn-based system of most JRPGs.

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is a turn-based tactical game with 34 jobs the player can assign characters. The game also features a Law system that changes the dynamic of gameplay. Laws change the flow of battle by forbidding items or spells the player can use in battle. This system allows Final Fantasy Tactics Advance to stand out from other JRPGs not only on the GameBoy Advance.

There are many more JRPGs released on the GameBoy Advance in English. However, these stand out from the rest for interesting gameplay or an amazing story. Feel free to let us know what your favorite GameBoy Advance tiles are in the comments!

You can play some of these titles, like Golden Sun, through the Nintendo Switch Online service.