25 Game Boy Games You Should Try
The Game Boy, released by Nintendo in 1989, introduced portable gaming to a generation of players and changed the landscape of gaming forever. From action-packed adventures to addictive puzzlers, this tiny handheld console boasts an incredible library of games that are still fondly remembered today. Whether you’re a seasoned retro gamer or a newcomer, here are 25 must-play titles that defined the Game Boy era.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: 1993
Overview
Often regarded as one of the most unique Zelda games, “Link’s Awakening” offers a whimsical adventure set in the mysterious world of Koholint Island. Featuring quirky characters and a captivating story, it blends traditional Zelda exploration with a surreal atmosphere.
Fun Fact
It was the first Zelda game on a handheld console and the first in the series not set in Hyrule.
2. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: 1992
Overview
In this colorful sequel, Mario’s task is to reclaim his castle from the greedy Wario. The game introduced larger, more detailed sprites and branching level designs, making it feel more in line with the console Mario games.
Fun Fact
This game marks the debut of Wario, who would go on to star in his own successful series.
3. Metroid II: Return of Samus
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: 1991
Overview
Samus returns in this atmospheric title, tasked with eradicating the Metroid species on their home planet SR388. The game expanded on the isolation and exploration themes of the original.
Fun Fact
The game laid the foundation for the lore and events leading into “Super Metroid” on the SNES.
4. Pokémon Red/Blue
Developer: Game Freak
Release Date: 1996
Overview
These games kicked off the global Pokémon phenomenon. Players could catch, train, and battle their Pokémon while traveling through the Kanto region. The turn-based battles and trading features made it a social gaming experience.
Fun Fact
The games were originally released as Red and Green in Japan, with Blue as a later enhancement that was used as the base for the international versions.
5. Donkey Kong
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: 1994
Overview
A reimagining of the arcade classic, this Game Boy version expands Donkey Kong’s gameplay with puzzle-solving elements and over 100 levels. It was a huge upgrade from the original game and paved the way for the Donkey Kong Land series.
Fun Fact
This was one of the first games to make use of the Super Game Boy, adding enhanced color and borders when played on a Super Nintendo.
6. Tetris
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: 1989
Overview
The Game Boy’s pack-in title and one of the most iconic puzzle games ever made. “Tetris” was simple but incredibly addictive, making it a must-have game for any Game Boy owner.
Fun Fact
Its inclusion with the Game Boy was key to the system’s success, broadening its appeal to players of all ages.
7. Kirby's Dream Land
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Release Date: 1992
Overview
The debut of Kirby, the adorable, pink puffball. While this first game lacked his signature copy ability, it set the stage for Kirby’s future adventures in its simple but fun platforming.
Fun Fact
Kirby’s design was intentionally kept simple to accommodate the Game Boy’s graphical limitations.
8. Castlevania: The Adventure
Developer: Konami
Release Date: 1989
Overview
This early Castlevania entry brings the series’ vampire-hunting action to the handheld. While slower-paced than its console counterparts, it still delivers a challenging experience for fans of the series.
Fun Fact
Despite its limitations, “Castlevania: The Adventure” is one of the few titles in the series exclusive to Game Boy.
9. Wario Land: Super Mario Land
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: 1994
Overview
Wario steps into the spotlight in this entertaining platformer, which introduces players to his greedy and quirky personality. The game departs from traditional Mario mechanics with Wario’s unique power-ups and treasure-hunting gameplay.
Fun Fact
It was so successful that it spawned its own series, independent from the Mario brand.
10. Final Fantasy Adventure
Developer: Square
Release Date: 1991
Overview
A spin-off of the “Final Fantasy” series, this action RPG is actually the first game in what would become the “Mana” series. Its blend of real-time combat and role-playing elements made it stand out on the Game Boy.
Fun Fact
In Japan, the game was titled “Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden.”
11. Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters
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- Developer: Nintendo
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- Release Date: 1991
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- Overview: The follow-up to the NES classic “Kid Icarus,” this game brings Pit’s platforming and shooting action to the Game Boy, featuring better controls and level design.
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- Fun Fact: This game never saw a release in Japan until the advent of the 3DS Virtual Console.
12. Mega Man II
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- Developer: Capcom
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- Release Date: 1991
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- Overview: “Mega Man II” combines elements from the NES games, letting players battle iconic Robot Masters with the Blue Bomber’s signature run-and-gun gameplay.
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- Fun Fact: The Game Boy Mega Man games were considered some of the hardest entries in the series.
13. Gargoyle’s Quest
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- Developer: Capcom
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- Release Date: 1990
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- Overview: A spin-off from the “Ghosts ‘n Goblins” series, this game features Firebrand, a gargoyle who embarks on a platforming adventure mixed with RPG elements.
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- Fun Fact: Its sequel, “Demon’s Crest,” on SNES, is regarded as one of the hidden gems of the 16-bit era.
14. Alleyway
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- Developer: Nintendo
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- Release Date: 1989
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- Overview: A simple but addictive “Breakout”-style game where players must bounce a ball to break all the blocks on screen.
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- Fun Fact: The game features Mario as the paddle pilot, a small but amusing Easter egg.
15. Dr. Mario
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- Developer: Nintendo
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- Release Date: 1990
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- Overview: A puzzle game where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. It became one of the best puzzle games on the Game Boy due to its simple, but challenging mechanics.
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- Fun Fact: “Dr. Mario” was one of the few puzzle games to rival “Tetris” in popularity.
16. Balloon Kid
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- Developer: Nintendo
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- Release Date: 1990
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- Overview: A charming platformer where the player controls Alice as she floats through levels by holding onto balloons.
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- Fun Fact: This game was the sequel to the NES title “Balloon Fight.”
17. Bionic Commando
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- Developer: Capcom
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- Release Date: 1992
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- Overview: This action-platformer allows players to swing through levels using a bionic arm, offering a unique gameplay mechanic that was ahead of its time.
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- Fun Fact: It’s based on the NES version but has new levels designed specifically for the Game Boy.
18. SolarStriker
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- Developer: Nintendo
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- Release Date: 1990
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- Overview: One of the few shoot-em-up games on the Game Boy, “SolarStriker” offers fast-paced vertical scrolling action.
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- Fun Fact: It was developed by a team at Nintendo led by the director of “Super Mario Land.”
19. Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge
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- Developer: Konami
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- Release Date: 1991
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- Overview: The second Castlevania game on Game Boy, it improves on its predecessor in every way, offering better graphics, smoother controls, and more challenging levels.
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- Fun Fact: The music in this game is often praised as some of the best on the Game Boy.
20. Nemesis (Gradius)
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- Developer: Konami
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- Release Date: 1990
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- Overview: A solid port of the classic “Gradius” series, “Nemesis” brings the intense side-scrolling space shooter action to the Game Boy.
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- Fun Fact: The Konami Code can be used in this version of the game as well
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21. Trip World
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- Developer: Sunsoft
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- Release Date: 1992
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- Overview: A beautiful, short but sweet platformer, “Trip World” is known for its cute art style and innovative transformations for the main character, Yakopoo.
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- Fun Fact: It’s one of the rarest Game Boy games, especially in Western markets.
22. Qix
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- Developer: Taito
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- Release Date: 1990
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- Overview: A fast-paced puzzle game where players control a marker that needs to enclose areas of the screen while avoiding enemies.
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- Fun Fact: “Qix” was a successful arcade game before being ported to various home systems, including the Game Boy.
23. Golf
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- Developer: Nintendo
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- Release Date: 1989
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- Overview: One of the early sports titles on the Game Boy, offering a simple and accessible golfing experience.
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- Fun Fact: The player character is often considered an early version of Mario.
24. Motocross Maniacs
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- Developer: Konami
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- Release Date: 1989
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- Overview: A fast-paced motorcycle racing game where players perform stunts and race against time.
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- Fun Fact: It features a nitro boost mechanic that adds an extra level of strategy to the races.
25. Operation C
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- Developer: Konami
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- Release Date: 1991
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- Overview: The first “Contra” game for the Game Boy, offering fast-paced run-and-gun action similar to its NES counterpart.
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- Fun Fact: This game introduced the auto-fire power-up, making it easier to tackle waves of enemies.
Whether you’re reliving these classics or discovering them for the first time, these 25 Game Boy games showcase the incredible diversity of gameplay that the system offered. From iconic adventures to puzzlers that defined a generation, the Game Boy continues to capture the hearts of gamers today.
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