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While both Game Boy generations managed to produce some fantastic games, the jump in technology between the original and “advance” consoles were like night and day. Despite lacking a much needed backlight, being able to play games in colour on the go as a ten year old was very exciting, and given the extra capabilities on the cartridge offered the first viable step in terms of complex portable games that have become prevalent with both Nintendo and Sony’s offerings nowadays.
But with the GB and GBA generations now passed, many of the games for both are now impossible to find on consoles. While I am left surprised that they haven’t dedicated more time towards getting Game Boy Advance titles out on the Nintendo 3DS given the smaller screen size, Nintendo have today confirmed that they will be releasing a handful of GBA games on the Wii U starting next week.
Designed to be played on the living room television and Wii U Gamepad, a small selection of the GBA library will be available at launch, hopefully with more to be published at a later date. These include:
April 4th, 2014
Advance Wars (AU$9.10 – NZ$11.90) is a critically acclaimed turn-based strategy game, in which you must lead your Commanding Officers to victory. Take control of ground, air and naval forces and face enemies across more than 100 battlefields, tackling a range of terrains and weather conditions.
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (AU$9.10 – NZ$11.90), the first game in the Mario & Luigi series is a zany, action-filled role-playing game, which lets you control both of these stars simultaneously and take part in turn-based battles. Mario and Luigi must work together to explore the vast lands of the Beanbean Kingdom and defeat the evil witch who has stolen Princess Peach’s voice.
Metroid Fusion (AU$9.10 – NZ$11.90) offers classic bounty hunter, gun-toting action but with an added twist: hero Samus Aran has been attacked by a deadly parasite! Cured by Metroid DNA, Samus is bestowed with unique new powers, and sets out on a quest to hunt down and face the mysterious ‘SA-X’. Metroid Fusion combines an engaging original story with intense platform action in classic Metroid series style.
11th April 2014
In Kirby & The Amazing Mirror (AU$9.10 – NZ$11.90), there is not just one Kirby but four, with the powerful pink hero splitting into different coloured copies of himself! Together they must restore harmony to Dream Land, sucking up foes big and small along the way. Seek out the hidden collectibles in-game which can alter the appearance of Kirby – all part of this wacky, fun-packed adventure!
Before he branched out his business to more recent systems, Wario first set up shop on Game Boy Advance in Wario Ware Inc.: Minigame Mania (AU$9.10 – NZ$11.90). Join Wario and experience a dizzying whirlwind of over 200 minigames, each one simple but played at lightning fast speed.
18th April 2014
F-Zero: Maximum Velocity (AU$9.10 – NZ$11.90) launched on Game Boy Advance with supersonic force, where descendants of famous stars from F-Zero put their driving skills to the test in 10 brand new, high-speed hovercraft, and 20 different courses and four difficulty levels to master. From lowly rookie to F-Zero champion, face deadly tight turns, gravity-defying jumps and stomach-churning speed boosts on the road to success.
In the epic role-playing adventure Golden Sun (AU$9.10 – NZ$11.90), evil is slowly covering the world, with the forces of darkness pursuing the lost art of Alchemy. Alongside trusty companions, use weaponry, magic and a host of elemental creatures to return peace to this mystical world.
25th April 2014
In Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 (AU$9.10 – NZ$11.90) the evil Kamek attempts to kidnap the baby Mario brothers, leading to the heroic Yoshi stepping in to save the day. With Baby Mario on your back, traverse a beautiful crayon-illustrated world filled with fiendishly designed levels to defeat Kamek and his master, Baby Bowser!
