We already published the list of best Game Boy games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Game Boy action games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Game Boy definitely has a great library of action games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Game Boy and action games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#10. Kirby’s Pinball Land
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 1993
- Genre: Action » Pinball
Kirby’s Pinball Land doesn’t manage to assert itself as either a Kirby game or a pinball game, and because of that it feels more than a little aimless.
It’s an experiment that didn’t quite come together properly, and so it’s a minor departure for an otherwise reliable Nintendo mascot.
#9. Kirby’s Block Ball
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 1996
- Genre: Action » Arcade
A first play lasts three hours and there’s replay value to be found in score-making.
The classic gameplay of Breakout and the delights of Kirby’s presentation, music and unique power-ups come together well, even if there can be a tad too much waiting and hoping in later worlds.
#8. Super Mario Land
- Release Data: Nintendo, 1989
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
If you haven’t played Super Mario Land before, you owe it to yourself to at least give the game a try.
The quest might be fairly short, but it’s still worth playing through at least once, if only to see where Mario’s portable adventures began.
#7. Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters
- Release Data: TOSE/Nintendo, 1991
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
If you’re a fan of the original Kid Icarus you owe it to yourself to pick up the sequel.
Not only does it capture the same magic found in the NES release, but it also builds on many of the great gameplay ideas featured in the original.
#6. Donkey Kong Land 2
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 1996
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
With more levels to play through and extra items to collect Donkey Kong Land 2 is certainly a bigger game than its predecessor, however it’s not quite as impressive due to being a bit too similar to Diddy’s SNES outing.
Luckily the varied bunch of levels and enemies ensure that the game is still fun to play through.
#5. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
- Release Data: Nintendo, 1992
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The difficulty is perhaps a bit on the easy side, but it’s still one of the best Game Boy titles ever released and a testament to just how capable a game system the Game Boy truly was.
If you’re a Mario fan, you need to own this game; if you’re not, this release is enough to make you one.
#4. Bionic Commando
- Release Data: Minakuchi Engineering/Capcom, 1992
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Because of its complete break away from genre convention by emphasizing swinging over jumping, Bionic Commando is one of those games that you either love or hate.
Nothing else plays quite like it, and this portable adaptation is a surprisingly robust and polished entry in the series.
#3. Super Mario Land 3: Wario Land
- Release Data: Nintendo, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
With Wario Land, Nintendo completely reinvented its portable platformer and gave its greedy new character his own game, instead of merely plopping him down into the middle of another standard Super Mario Land presentation.
If you want to experience some of the best platforming the Game Boy system has to offer, you don’t look any further than this release.
#2. Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge
- Release Data: Konami, 1991
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Like so many games of the era, the gameplay is pure, unhindered by modern concerns such as plots, 3D visuals and other fripperies.
With superb level design, tight controls, engaging gameplay and a great soundtrack, Belmont’s Revenge ranks as one of the utterly essential Game Boy games and is as enjoyable today as it was many years ago.
#1. Donkey Kong
- Release Data: Pax Softonica/Nintendo, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
With 101 stages, Donkey Kong for the Game Boy is far more than just a simple sequel to the arcade game.
It may not be part of the ‘main’ Mario series, but this is easily one of the best Mario games ever made.
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See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best SNES Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Game Boy action game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
