• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

That Video Games Show: Graphically Impressive GBA Games

IbizaPocholo

NeoGAFs Kent Brockman


Even though the GBA is over 20 years old now, some games that released for the home console are still graphically impressive to this day! Join TVGS as we take a look at some gameplay of the best looking and visually impressive Gameboy Advance games the handheld console ever received! Let me know your choice of best graphics down below.

V-rally looks impressive.
 

IbizaPocholo

NeoGAFs Kent Brockman


Even though the GBA released many years ago, some games for the console are still graphically impressive to this day! Join TVGS as I take a look at some gameplay of the best looking, visually and graphically impressive Game boy advance games that hold up weel out of many games the handheld console ever received! Let me know your choice of best looking games with the most impressive graphics down below.

Harmony of Dissonance Overview

- Harmony of Dissonance is part of a trilogy of Castlevania games for the Game Boy Advance, featuring the character Juice, who is the grandson of Simon Belmont.
- The main objective of the game is to rescue a childhood friend from Dracula's castle, echoing the themes of previous titles in the series.
- Gameplay remains largely similar to Symphony of the Night and Circle of the Moon, focusing on exploring a vast castle and defeating enemies using a whip and various weapons.
- The game introduces a fusion system that allows players to combine weapons with spell books, resulting in unique magical attacks that add depth to combat.
- Visual improvements are evident in Harmony of Dissonance, with brighter colors, larger character sprites, and smoother animations compared to its predecessor.
- The game also features 3D effects and dynamic backgrounds, enhancing the overall visual experience and making it more engaging for players.

Super Monkey Ball Jr. Overview

- Super Monkey Ball Jr. is a portable adaptation of the popular home console series, maintaining the core gameplay of guiding a monkey through various levels by tilting the stage.
- The game presents a time limit for completing each course, adding a layer of challenge as players navigate narrow platforms and avoid obstacles.
- Obstacles such as ramps, moving blocks, and freezing elements contribute to the complexity and difficulty of the game, requiring precision and strategy.
- Visually, the game mirrors its console counterparts with crisp 3D polygons, although it is dialed back in terms of graphical fidelity due to hardware limitations.
- Despite some slowdown in complex levels, Super Monkey Ball Jr. retains the charm and gameplay elements that fans have come to love, making it a standout title on the Game Boy Advance.

Four Swords Multiplayer Experience

- Four Swords is a new multiplayer mode included in the Game Boy Advance release of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, designed for cooperative play among four players.
- The gameplay emphasizes teamwork as players must collaborate to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and collect treasure, fostering a mix of cooperation and competition.
- The game features a variety of dungeons, each with unique layouts, enemies, and puzzles, ensuring a fresh experience with each playthrough.
- Graphically, Four Swords stands out with vibrant colors and animations, drawing inspiration from The Wind Waker and Minish Cap, enhancing the visual appeal for players.
- Despite not receiving as much recognition as other Zelda titles, Four Swords is notable for its engaging multiplayer mechanics and refined graphics, making it a memorable addition to the series.

Rayman 3 Gameplay and Visuals

- Rayman 3 is acclaimed as one of the best platformers on the Game Boy Advance, offering a diverse range of gameplay styles that elevate the overall experience.
- The game features standard platforming sections, along with unique moments where players can use barrels to fly or engage in 3D levels, showcasing its versatility.
- Power-ups play a significant role, providing abilities that enhance gameplay, such as increased strength or extended jumping capabilities.
- Graphically, Rayman 3 impresses with detailed sprites for characters and environments, creating a visually rich experience that complements its playful nature.
- The game also utilizes mode 7 techniques to create visually striking 3D effects, further enhancing its appeal and showcasing the capabilities of the Game Boy Advance.

Top Gear Rally Overview

- Top Gear Rally is recognized for its impressive graphics and gameplay, offering players a variety of racing modes including Championship, Time Attack, and Quick Race.
- The Championship mode challenges players to compete across over 30 different courses, with points awarded based on finishing positions.
- Controls are designed to reflect the dynamics of rally racing, requiring players to adapt to the realistic handling of cars on various terrains.
- Graphically, the game excels with detailed car models and textured surfaces that enhance the racing experience, showcasing the technical achievements of the Game Boy Advance.
- Despite some shortcuts taken in AI and other areas, Top Gear Rally remains a standout racing title on the platform, delivering a thrilling experience for players.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 Adaptation

- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 on the Game Boy Advance brings the beloved skateboarding franchise to handheld devices, closely resembling its console counterparts in gameplay and style.
- Players select professional skaters to complete various objectives in diverse environments, utilizing a combination of buttons to perform tricks and stunts.
- The game challenges players to string together tricks for high scores while also exploring levels for hidden items and environmental interactions.
- Graphically, the game features simple polygon representations of skaters, allowing for smooth animations, while the backgrounds are designed with 2D render techniques for depth.
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 effectively captures the essence of skateboarding culture, delivering a fast-paced and visually appealing experience on the Game Boy Advance.

Sirus Overview

- Sirus is a first-person shooter that adapts well to the Game Boy Advance, offering a series of levels where players eliminate enemies using various weapons.
- The game includes standard weaponry such as pistols and rocket launchers, along with unique options like a chainsaw, enhancing combat variety.
- Controls require practice, as movement and aiming are managed through the d-pad and shoulder buttons, making precision essential for gameplay.
- Visually, Sirus utilizes raycasting technology to create 3D environments, featuring fully textured levels that stand out despite the limitations of the hardware.
- While the frame rate may suffer during intense action, Sirus demonstrates the Game Boy Advance's capability to handle first-person shooter mechanics effectively.

F-Zero Climax Features

- F-Zero Climax is a racing game exclusive to Japan that offers extensive content and gameplay modes, including a Grand Prix mode with various difficulty levels.
- Players can choose from different classes, affecting the difficulty and track designs they encounter, providing a tailored racing experience.
- The game features numerous unlockables, including characters, vehicles, and a robust track editor that enhances replayability.
- Graphically, Climax improves upon its predecessor with detailed track designs and smooth gameplay, utilizing mode 7 techniques to simulate 3D racing environments.
- F-Zero Climax combines high-speed racing with deep customization options, making it one of the standout titles on the Game Boy Advance.

Tomb Raider: Open Lara Overview

- Open Lara is a remarkable adaptation of the original Tomb Raider for the Game Boy Advance, showcasing impressive engineering that captures the essence of the classic game.
- The game retains the low-poly aesthetic of the original while offering fully polygonal environments and character models, albeit with simplified textures and lighting.
- Gameplay remains true to the original, allowing for precise jumps and interactions within levels, though some modifications were made to accommodate hardware limitations.
- Combat is functional, featuring Lara's trademark auto-aim, although AI and animations are less advanced compared to the original game.
- Open Lara serves as a technical marvel for fans of the franchise, providing a nostalgic yet impressive experience on the handheld console.

Golden Sun: The Lost Age Overview

- Golden Sun: The Lost Age is the sequel to one of the best RPGs on the Game Boy Advance, building upon the narrative and gameplay mechanics established in the first game.
- The story continues to follow a group of adepts who can harness psychic energy, with a focus on spells that play a crucial role in the turn-based combat system.
- The game introduces elemental spirits called JY that can alter characters' classes and provide new strategies for battling enemies.
- Visually, The Lost Age showcases impressive graphics, with a top-down view during exploration and pseudo-3D effects in battles that enhance the overall experience.
- Golden Sun: The Lost Age is a worthy sequel that offers engaging gameplay and rich visuals, making it a must-play for fans of the RPG genre on the GBA.
 
spiderman was impressive, looked like ps1 graphics and even sharper since it was on a smaller screen.

Mysterio%27s_Menace.jpg
 
Last edited:

Banjo64

cumsessed
A lot of GBA games are absolutely oozing in charm and character which makes them very easy on the eye even today.

I could play a game like Pokemon Emerald or Minish Cap and never get tired of the art style.
 
Top Bottom