We already published the list of best GBA games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GBA RPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GBA definitely has a great library of RPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GBA and 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. Pokemon Emerald Version
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
Pokemon Emerald proves that a good game design is timeless.
The game is challenging enough that you need to think your tactic through to win in a gym, while catching a legendary pokemon has its own sense of pride and accomplishment.
#24. 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.
#23. Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
- Release Data: Jupiter Corporation/Square Enix, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Once you get past the slight learning curve, this game is a walk in the park and let you enjoy the story.
Chain of Memories delivers a compelling narrative, supported by its eye-pleasing graphic and original soundtrack from the first game.
This game actually has its replay value, a game that successfully executed its unorthodox gameplay.
#22. Mega Man Battle Network 3: White Version
- Release Data: Capcom, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Extensive customization, with Navi customizer, you could spend countless hours creating your interpretation of the perfect Megaman.
The boss fight is decently challenging that will keep you at the back of your seat every time.
For those of you who like to stray from the main quest, Mega Man Battle Network 3 provides you with a numerous side quests varied in difficulty.
#21. Hamtaro: Rainbow Rescue
- Release Data: Graphic Research/Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Following the TV show’s footsteps, this game has a decent sense of humor.
It’s about clueless innocent hamsters trying to figure out what’s happening.
This game fully maximizes the GBA potential, and delivered a pleasing colorful graphic.
But don’t expect the puzzle to be a walk in the park, because you’ll need to pour your thought into the puzzle.
#20. Lunar Legend
- Release Data: Game Arts/Media Rings, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The characters and story are memorable, and some plot points will make you bawl in tears.
The gameplay is intuitive, even for someone who isn’t familiar with the RPG genre.
With a lengthy gameplay, you’ll feel the emptiness when you finished, just like when you finished your favorite TV shows.
#19. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
- Release Data: Griptonite Games/Electronic Arts, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The diverse playable characters with their own paths and stories are adding replayability to this action RPG.
Also, the multiplayer feature is perfectly done where you and your buddy can carry your own characters and slash your way through middle earth.
#18. Shining Soul II
- Release Data: Nex Entertainment/THQ, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
A myriad of playable characters, multiplayer & colosseum mode, and extra quests make this game worth every penny based on replayability alone.
Slashing monster has never been this addictive, and it’s great for killing time during commute.
Sadly, the in-game graphics and audio are lackluster, undermining the great artwork this game has.
#17. Mega Man Battle Network
- Release Data: Capcom, 2001
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
While not as solid as Castlevania series in terms of graphic, this game sure still hold on to its own.
The mix between traditional RPG and standard Mega Man element really pays off in the end, making this a great game to start the series with.
#16. Riviera: The Promised Land
- Release Data: Sting, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » General
If you enjoy role-playing games, you really can’t go wrong with Riviera.
It doesn’t necessarily bring anything new to the genre, but it presents a lot of the old concepts in unique ways, which is rather refreshing.
It’s also quite a spectacle to digest, thanks to the hefty narrative, gorgeous artwork, and masterful audio.
#15. 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.
It’s easy enough that anyone can get into it, although it might lack the depth to appeal to hardcore RPG fanatics.
#14. Pokemon LeafGreen Version
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
Pokemon LeafGreen and FireRed comes with the classic pokemon we all know and love.
Playing as dozens of imaginative characters with their own evolution is really fun.
Train your pokemon and bring it for battle against your friend is where the fun begins, and don’t forget the trading feature to complete your pokemon collection.
#13. 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.
While the game could be likened to a collection RPG because of its card-battle-like mechanics, it features much more plot detail and direction than such games normally provide.
#12. Pokemon FireRed Version
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
Though Pokémon could probably use a few new twists after all these years, FireRed and LeafGreen are great role-playing games on their own merits, filled with lots more content and more challenges than the previous year’s Ruby and Sapphire, and offering up plenty of addictive gameplay that can be a lot of fun for players of all ages.
#11. Final Fantasy V Advance
- Release Data: TOSE/Square Enix, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The story is probably the weakest from the series trio, but in terms of general RPG, the story itself still holds itself to a high standard.
Nonetheless, you still got to meet a lot of interesting and memorable characters as the story progresses.
#10. Final Fantasy IV Advance
- Release Data: TOSE/Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
This is the game that made Square Enix known as one of the best game publisher in creating captivating and memorable stories that stick within its player long after they finish the game.
Certain boss fights and encounters force you to really think out of the box, but that’s what keeps this game interesting and memorable.
#9. Pokemon Sapphire Version
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
A Pokemon game on GBA will always be timeless classic and will provides you dozens hour of fun adventures.
The sheer number of stuff to do itself is enough to throne this game as a GBA classic.
In the end, there are 7 legendaries scattered through Hoenn region waiting to be tamed.
#8. Pokemon Ruby Version
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire aren’t a big departure from their predecessors, but they look better and have lots of new Pokémon to catch, so Pokémon fans will be in for exactly what they want.
Meanwhile, any GBA owner who’s never played a Pokémon game before now has the opportunity to see what this unusual and likeable series is all about.
#7. Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
It’s almost a no-brainer to learn that a 2D Castlevania ends up being one of the best games on the system, but it has to be said: Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance is really great.
The gameplay techniques, the graphics, the length of the quest, all top-notch.
#6. Golden Sun: The Lost Age
- Release Data: Camelot Software Planning/Nintendo, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
This game provides a little recap in the prologue covering the entire backstory from the first series so the player doesn’t feel left out.
Overall, The Lost Age sticks to the basic RPG games and it works spectacularly, and there’s something in the gameplay that keeps us hooked for another round of exploration.
#5. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
This is the best game to start with if you’re new to Castlevania series since the game itself ease newer player to the core mechanic and Castlevania‘s lore.
No part of the vast castle feels wasted, everything has its purposes and perfectly placed.
Autosaving, checking the map, and managing your inventory has never been easier.
#4. 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 one of the best portable adventures ever created.
Anyone craving an amazing 2D action RPG would be absolutely foolish to pass on this one.
#3. Golden Sun
- Release Data: Camelot Software Planning/Nintendo, 2001
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The story starts slowly, once you passed the first or introductory layer you’re in for one hell of a ride.
Each graphic is rendered in extravagant detail, the magic and spell special effect is majestic and beautiful, and get more exponentially beautiful as the story goes.
#2. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
- Release Data: Alphadream Corporation/Nintendo, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
This is an enjoyable RPG game with a complexity that gives you alternatives to traditional RPGs.
The story is not your classic ‘Princess Peach is kidnapped, please save her’ kind of story, instead, Superstar Saga lays out interesting twists and turns throughout the game.
#1. Final Fantasy VI Advance
- Release Data: TOSE/Square Enix, 2007
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Final Fantasy VI Advance is a great addition to the extensive library of Game Boy Advance role-playing games.
Whether you’ve played it before or are just curious about how the series has evolved, Final Fantasy VI is a classic game that shouldn’t be missed.
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See also: Best GBC Games & Best GameCube Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which GBA RPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!