GBA Games That Deserve Re-Releases After Ninja Five-O

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As a gaming enthusiast, I find it intriguing that amidst the industry-wide turbulence of layoffs and financial mismanagement, Konami has managed to carve out a niche for themselves as games preservation specialists. With the unfortunate news that Warner Bros. won’t be releasing that anticipated Wonder Woman game, it’s refreshing to see Konami step up and re-release Ninja Five-O, an underrated gem from the GBA era. Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time Konami has done something like this, as they’ve previously created fantastic Castlevania collections for the GBA and DS platforms.

Due to Konami’s initiative in remastering their Game Boy Advance games for the Switch, it seems appropriate for other companies to follow suit and release their GBA titles on this platform as well. Although Konami has had its share of controversies throughout the years, the act of preserving classic games is commendable. Given Nintendo’s extensive library of beloved handheld games, there are numerous options available for remasters.

For now, here are five titles that we think are worthy of this privilege:

Astro Boy: Omega Factor

In numerous Game Boy Advance (GBA) game recommendations, you’ll come across this side-scrolling brawler, and for a valid reason – it’s an outstanding choice. Created by the underestimated Treasure studio, players navigate Astro character, battling countless robots that unfold a condensed version of his narrative. Throughout the game, iconic anime characters engage with Astro during his robot-bashing missions.

The Omega Factor is carried by its exceptional combat, which remains fresh even after repeated playthroughs and makes clever use of the Game Boy Advance’s limited control setup. From punchy melee attacks to his laser fingers, it’s incredibly rewarding to pull off Astro’s moves in this game. The graphics still hold up well today, making us hopeful for a re-release of this classic Treasure title.

Metal Slug Advance

As a die-hard Metal Slug fan, I must admit that with so many games of this series now available on modern platforms, it’s easy to wonder why we should give the GBA release a second look. But let me tell you, this game has its unique charm that sets it apart from others in the pack, earning it a special place in my gaming collection.

Unlike other installments where you could be easily wiped out by a single enemy bullet, this one gives your character a life bar. This small addition makes all the difference, adding an extra layer of strategy and excitement to every battle!

In contrast to the health meter, this version of the shooter game is equally intense as its predecessors. You may endure more shots, but the frequent reappearance of enemies will minimize that advantage. Fortunately, you’ll still find all your beloved weapons and vehicles from the SNK series, making this edition a highly recommended addition to your collection.

Gunstar Super Heroes

It’s no surprise that we have another game from Treasure available: it’s fantastic! However, it’s puzzling that SEGA hasn’t given Super the same level of attention as they did to its predecessor, Gunstar Heroes. In truth, this game matches up with the classic Genesis title and even surpasses it in certain aspects.

For enthusiasts familiar with Gunstar’s fierce battles, this game delivers a familiar experience – an unyielding onslaught of enemies coupled with an abundance of ammunition from numerous firearms at your disposal. To top it off, the stunning pixel aesthetics continue to leave us amazed that this title hasn’t seen more re-releases.

Sword of Mana

This exceptional revamp of Final Fantasy Adventure/Adventure of Mana boasts some of the Game Boy Advance’s most stunning graphics, leaving us astounded that it hasn’t been re-released more often. Although we’ve seen a different remake of Adventure of Mana for mobile devices and PS Vita, this GBA version remains superior in certain aspects. Primarily, its captivating 2D visuals and simplified narrative make it stand out.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but revisit the enchanting world of Square Enix’s Mana series, even though the Visions of Mana studio has ceased operations. Although these games may not offer the intricate depth of contemporary RPGs, they certainly deliver a satisfying dose of old-school hack-and-slash gameplay that remains enjoyable to this day.

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

If you find the grim narrative of the original Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy XVI a bit heavy, then the cheerful tone of Tactics Advance might be more appealing to you. Focusing on children and a magical book, this tactical RPG offers a brighter atmosphere while still providing strategic battles that fans enjoy.

Since the game incorporates a magical storybook, its victory conditions may shift unexpectedly. This introduces an exciting level of diversity to the strategic RPG genre, leaving seasoned players puzzled about the best way to emerge victorious. Such an intriguing twist makes this game a must-play for tactical RPG enthusiasts.

In essence, the following GBA games seem ripe for a re-launch post Ninja Five-O. Although Pokemon could have been included, we opted for something more subtle. If these games don’t see a re-release, there are alternative methods to enjoy these timeless classics.

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2025-02-26 18:12