We already published the list of best GBA games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GBA action RPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GBA definitely has a great library of action RPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GBA and action RPGs, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. CIMA: The Enemy
- Release Data: Neverland/Natsume, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
There are about sixteen dungeons in all, each one taking a little more than an hour to complete, which puts the game in at a healthy fifteen to twenty hours.
It may not attract top-tier attention, but CIMA: The Enemy is an engaging title that’s worth checking out for fans of puzzle, RPG, or adventure games.
#24. Sigma Star Saga
- Release Data: WayForward/Namco, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Sigma Star Saga deserves a ton of credit for its outstanding concept, and at first, it seems to do an excellent job pulling its disparate elements together into just the sort of game that most any longtime video game player would love.
#23. Mega Man Battle Network 5: Team Protoman
- Release Data: Capcom, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Longtime fans probably won’t mind very much that the stale graphics, because this new game finally brings together and fleshes out all the features that Capcom has been adding to the series with each successive release.
Newcomers should also be able to tolerate the bland presentation in light of what’s otherwise a solid role-playing game with an action-packed combat interface.
#22. Classic NES Series: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Zelda II, like the original Legend of Zelda, has been available on the GameCube through the Zelda Collection disk, but the Classic NES Series version is the only official way to get this adventure in portable form.
It’s a recommended, and playable adventure even today, but don’t expect the same gameplay from the truly classic Zelda titles.
#21. Mega Man Battle Network 4: Blue Moon
- Release Data: Capcom, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
While not everyone may agree that it was for the best, Mega Man Battle Network 4 did make some fairly significant changes to the series.
Regardless, virus busting is as engaging as ever and exploring the charming worlds both inside and outside of computers provides a fun and unique experience.
#20. Sword of Mana
- Release Data: Brownie Brown/Square Enix, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
If you’re looking for a good action adventure game to take on the road, Sword of Mana is a pretty good option.
There’s a ton to do, and it lasts for a respectable number of hours.
Additionally, the game can be played through with both characters so you can get two reasonably different experiences.
#19. Mega Man Battle Network 4: Red Sun
- Release Data: Capcom, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Feature for feature, Mega Man Battle Network 4 sounds just as good as Mega Man Battle Network 3 was.
Barring a few tweaks the core experience is still the same that made many fans fall in love with this series, and that makes this an easy recommendation.
#18. Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance
- Release Data: Magic Pockets/Destination Software, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Don’t write off Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance just because it doesn’t last very long or just because it takes a few shortcuts when compared to the console versions.
If you’re looking for a hack-and-slash game on the go, this is the one to get.
#17. Tales of Phantasia
- Release Data: Namco, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Despite its dated gameplay style and way-too-numerous battles, Tales of Phantasia is an enjoyable role-playing game fans of the genre will certainly enjoy.
With beautiful graphics, a deep story and a number of likeable characters, this is a great game to have if you are looking for a worthy portable RPG.
#16. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
- Release Data: Griptonite Games/Electronic Arts, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers doesn’t outdo games like Golden Sun or The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past when it comes to overall depth or polish, but it is a fine example of how a motion picture can be transformed into a video game and still turn out enjoyable.
#15. Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku II
- Release Data: Webfoot Technologies/Infogrames, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Even if you have just a passing interest in the Dragon Ball Z phenomenon, you’ll probably enjoy what Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku II has to offer.
The game’s primary goal is to distill roughly 38 hours of TV episodes into 15 or 20 hours of hands-on gameplay, and it succeeds at doing so.
#14. Shaman King: Master of Spirits 2
- Release Data: KCEJ/Konami, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Anyone can enjoy Shaman King: Master of Spirits 2 because of its great presentation, controls, music, and extremely fun gameplay mechanics.
If you like action games and have been looking for a portable one, don’t hesitate to pick up this fun, addicting, well-rounded game.
#13. Mega Man Battle Network 3: Blue Version
- Release Data: Capcom, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Mega Man Battle Network 3 continues the story line of the series and offers more of the same great gameplay.
If you haven’t played a Battle Network title yet, this could be a great starting point and would make a great addition to any RPG or action fan’s library.
#12. Summon Night: Swordcraft Story
- Release Data: Flight-Plan/Banpresto, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Summon Night: Swordcraft Story is not a game that you’ll remember fondly for years or even months to come, but it’s an enjoyable experience while it lasts.
So if you’re looking for a quick role-playing fix and don’t want to get bogged down in a dense story or complex character development, you should definitely give Summon Night a try.
#11. Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django
- Release Data: KCEJ/Konami, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Boktai 2 is the Pokemon: GO on its time, this game was the first game that utilizes solar sensor, making it an integral part of this game.
Your gun is powered by solar energy, thus going outside in sunlight is your way to charge your weapon, and several locations also needed sunlight to be accessible.
#10. Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
- Release Data: Jupiter Corporation/Square Enix, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
This game undeniably caters to existing fans of the series, and those people will get the most out of Chain of Memories.
For everyone else, it’s worth checking out if you enjoy Disney, Final Fantasy, or a basically good adventure game with a unique world and premise.
#9. Mega Man Battle Network 3: White Version
- Release Data: Capcom, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The gameplay systems and presentation are on point and it meshes together to form a very satisfying and unified whole.
There are occasional issues with random encounters and corny dialogue, but it doesn’t detract from the overall experience in a major way.
When it comes to RPG-lite, virus busting Mega Man action, it doesn’t get any better than this.
#8. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
- Release Data: Griptonite Games/Electronic Arts, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King for the Game Boy Advance allows you to relive the story of the film from the perspective of eight major characters, but the game’s overall worth comes from aspects that have nothing to do whatsoever with the book or the film.
#7. Shining Soul II
- Release Data: Nex Entertainment/THQ, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Between the available selection of characters, items, and equipment, in addition to the 16 huge dungeons filled with more than 50 different monster types and the approximately 40 different side quests you can embark upon, Shining Soul II is the kind of game that can keep you occupied for a long, long time.
#6. Mega Man Battle Network
- Release Data: Capcom, 2001
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Largely due to the battle system, the game is quite engaging and is in many ways unique among RPGs.
If there’s something that might hold you back from enjoying the game, it’s the lighthearted and somewhat goofy story.
However, the game doesn’t take itself too seriously, so neither should you.
#5. Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2
- Release Data: Flight-Plan/Banpresto, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2 is that rare example of taking an already enjoyable game and directly addressing almost every issue with it.
The game is prettier, funnier and easier to control than the first game.
All things considered this is one of the best RPGs, and one of the best games, ever released on the Game Boy Advance.
#4. Mega Man Battle Network 2
- Release Data: Capcom, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Mega Man Battle Network 2 retains the spirit of the Mega Man series and polishes the innovative gem that was the previous game even further.
For fans of the first title or those looking for an RPG with a great battle system, Battle Network 2 is a worthy choice.
#3. Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
It’ll take you 10 hours or so to whip through Dracula’s castle, find most of its secrets, and reach one of several different endings.
Overall, this latest Castlevania is a great side-scroller on its own merits, and it won’t disappoint the series’ discriminating fans, who rightfully have come to except nothing less.
#2. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Though it may have room for improvement and innovation, the Castlevania series is nevertheless in great form with Aria of Sorrow.
This is just a really great action game in the same vein as classics like Symphony of the Night, and it stands tall among the GBA’s best games, including Circle of the Moon and Metroid Fusion.
#1. Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
- Release Data: KCEK/Konami, 2001
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
When all is said and done, Circle of the Moon is a game that really picks up where Symphony of the Night left off and stands out as the best GBA action RPG ever created.
Anyone craving an amazing 2D adventure—not just Symphony of the Night fans—would be absolutely foolish to pass on this one.
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See also: Best GBC Games & Best GameCube Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which GBA action RPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
