The Game Boy Color (GBC) took the gaming world by storm in 1998, delivering enhanced graphics, brighter palettes, and an array of new titles that pushed the handheld’s capabilities to the limit. It also breathed new life into Game Boy classics with vibrant color additions. Here’s a list of 25 games that you absolutely must try on the Game Boy Color, ranging from RPG epics to quirky platformers.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons
- Developer: Capcom/Nintendo
- Release Date: 2001
- Overview: These two interconnected games offer separate, yet complementary adventures. “Ages” focuses on puzzles and time travel, while “Seasons” emphasizes combat and environmental changes. By linking the games, players can unlock the true ending.
- Fun Fact: The games were initially planned as a trilogy but were reduced to two titles due to development complexities.
2. Pokémon Crystal
- Developer: Game Freak
- Release Date: 2000
- Overview: As the third installment in the second generation of Pokémon games, “Crystal” expands on “Gold” and “Silver” with new features like animated Pokémon sprites and the ability to play as a female character for the first time.
- Fun Fact: “Pokémon Crystal” was also the first Pokémon game to include a Battle Tower.
3. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe
- Developer: Nintendo
- Release Date: 1999
- Overview: A faithful port of the original “Super Mario Bros.” with extra features such as challenge modes, time trials, and the inclusion of “The Lost Levels” from Japan’s “Super Mario Bros. 2.”
- Fun Fact: “Deluxe” includes a multiplayer mode where players can race against a ghost Mario.
4. Metal Gear Solid
- Developer: Konami
- Release Date: 2000
- Overview: This portable version of “Metal Gear Solid” delivers the stealth-action gameplay fans loved, with new puzzles and challenges tailored to the GBC.
- Fun Fact: Despite being on handheld, this version of “Metal Gear Solid” has its own unique storyline and setting, differing from the PlayStation original.
5. Wario Land 3
- Developer: Nintendo
- Release Date: 2000
- Overview: Wario returns in this clever platformer, which incorporates puzzle-solving and exploration. The game’s day-night cycle and treasure-hunting mechanics give it significant replayability.
- Fun Fact: Unlike most platformers, Wario cannot die in this game, making it more about exploration and solving challenges.
6. Donkey Kong Country
- Developer: Rare/Nintendo
- Release Date: 2000
- Overview: An impressive port of the SNES classic, this game brings Donkey Kong’s platforming action and advanced graphics to the GBC. Despite the handheld’s limitations, the game retains much of the original’s charm.
- Fun Fact: The game was known for pushing the limits of the GBC’s graphical capabilities, offering 3D-like visuals.
7. Tetris DX
- Developer: Nintendo
- Release Date: 1998
- Overview: A color-enhanced version of the original “Tetris” with new modes, including a competitive versus mode and a challenging ultra mode.
- Fun Fact: “Tetris DX” introduced a battery-backed save feature, allowing players to save high scores for the first time.
8. Shantae
- Developer: WayForward
- Release Date: 2002
- Overview: “Shantae” is a cult-classic platformer that stars a half-genie who can use magical transformations to explore a vast, open world. Known for its fluid animations and expansive gameplay, it’s now considered one of the best hidden gems of the GBC.
- Fun Fact: Despite its limited initial release, “Shantae” went on to spawn a successful franchise, with multiple sequels.
9. Dragon Warrior III
- Developer: Enix
- Release Date: 2001
- Overview: This enhanced remake of the NES classic is widely considered one of the best RPGs on the Game Boy Color. It offers a deep story, an expansive world, and an advanced class system for party customization.
- Fun Fact: The GBC version added new dungeons and the ability to collect monster medals.
10. Harvest Moon 2
- Developer: Natsume
- Release Date: 2000
- Overview: The beloved farming simulation returns with “Harvest Moon 2,” offering players the chance to build and manage their own farm. From raising livestock to growing crops, this game is heartwarming and addictive.
- Fun Fact: “Harvest Moon 2” introduces the ability to customize and expand your farm as you progress.
11. Mario Tennis
- Developer: Camelot
- Release Date: 2000
- Overview: This fun and accessible sports game features Mario and his friends in fast-paced tennis matches. The GBC version also includes an RPG mode where you train a character to compete in tournaments.
- Fun Fact: Characters from the RPG mode can be transferred to the Nintendo 64 version of “Mario Tennis” using the Transfer Pak.
12. Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble
- Developer: HAL Laboratory
- Release Date: 2001
- Overview: A unique title where players control Kirby by physically tilting the GBC, thanks to its built-in motion sensor. The motion-based gameplay was a novelty at the time and made for an engaging experience.
- Fun Fact: This game was one of the few GBC titles to use a gyroscopic sensor for motion control.
13. Wario Land II
- Developer: Nintendo
- Release Date: 1998
- Overview: The GBC version of “Wario Land II” brings color to Wario’s treasure-hunting adventure. Like “Wario Land 3,” it focuses on puzzle-solving, and Wario is again invincible, turning the challenge toward exploration.
- Fun Fact: The original “Wario Land II” was released on the original Game Boy, but the GBC version added full color support.
14. Pokémon Pinball
- Developer: Jupiter/Game Freak
- Release Date: 1999
- Overview: Combining Pokémon with pinball, this quirky game lets players capture and evolve Pokémon by hitting targets on two pinball tables based on “Red” and “Blue.” The game also features a rumble feature built into the cartridge.
- Fun Fact: It was the first Pokémon game to include a physical rumble feature, giving it a tactile edge.
15. Magical Tetris Challenge
- Developer: Capcom
- Release Date: 1999
- Overview: A unique spin on the “Tetris” formula, this game adds a Disney twist, featuring characters like Mickey Mouse and Goofy. The magic blocks and special attacks add complexity to the traditional “Tetris” gameplay.
- Fun Fact: The game was part of a cross-promotional effort between Nintendo and Disney, featuring various characters from the “Mickey & Friends” universe.
16. Bionic Commando: Elite Forces
- Developer: Nintendo Software Technology
- Release Date: 1999
- Overview: A reboot of the classic “Bionic Commando” series, “Elite Forces” adds new features like character customization and a sniper mode. The swinging mechanic from the original is still a key part of the game’s platforming action.
- Fun Fact: It was developed by Nintendo’s North American division, marking a shift toward westernized titles for the GBC.
17. Crystalis
- Developer: SNK
- Release Date: 2000
- Overview: An RPG originally released on the NES, this GBC version offers an enhanced version of the post-apocalyptic action-adventure game, with better graphics and expanded story elements.
- Fun Fact: The original NES version is often considered one of the best action RPGs of its time.
18. Ghosts ‘n Goblins
- Developer: Capcom
- Release Date: 2000
- Overview: This GBC port brings the notoriously difficult “Ghosts ‘n Goblins” to handhelds, with improved graphics and sound.
- Fun Fact: The game remains infamous for its brutal difficulty, but it’s a fan favorite among those who enjoy a challenge.
19. Rayman
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Release Date: 2000
- Overview: This port of the original “Rayman” delivers vibrant graphics and fluid platforming to the Game Boy Color. Despite being a condensed version, it retains much of the charm and creativity of the console version.
- Fun Fact: “Rayman” on GBC is often praised for its beautiful sprites and impressive animations for a handheld game.
20. Bomberman Quest
- Developer: Hudson Soft
- Release Date: 1998
- Overview: This RPG-style “Bomberman” game mixes the series’ classic bomb-placing mechanics with exploration and puzzle-solving in an open world.
- Fun Fact: “Bomberman Quest” is considered one of the more unique entries in the “Bomberman” series due to its focus on exploration and story.
21. Mario Golf
- Developer: Camelot
- Release Date: 1999
- Overview: Like “Mario Tennis,” this game blends sports action with RPG elements. Players can level up their characters and customize their golf stats while competing in tournaments.
- Fun Fact: Characters created in this game can also be transferred to the Nintendo 64 version using the Transfer Pak.
22. Megaman Xtreme
- Developer: Capcom
- Release Date: 2000
- Overview: A side story set in the “Mega Man X” universe, “Xtreme” features familiar characters and stages from the console series but offers unique gameplay challenges for handheld fans.
- Fun Fact: The game mixes levels from “Mega Man X” and “Mega Man X2,” remade specifically for the GBC.
23. R-Type DX
- Developer: Irem
- Release Date: 1999
- Overview: A compilation of the first two “R-Type” games, this GBC version brings the classic side-scrolling shooter to a new audience, with updated graphics and sound.
- Fun Fact: Players can choose between the original black-and-white versions of “R-Type” or the newly colorized GBC versions.
24. Legend of the River King
- Developer: Natsume
- Release Date: 1999
- Overview: “Legend of the River King” blends RPG mechanics with a fishing simulator. Players embark on a quest to catch a mystical fish that can save their ailing sister. Along the way, you’ll fish in various locations, battle wild creatures, and interact with local villagers.
- Fun Fact: The game has a unique mix of fishing and role-playing elements, which earned it a cult following. It was part of a series that continued on the Game Boy Advance.
25. Survival Kids
- Developer: Konami
- Release Date: 1999
- Overview: A survival adventure game where players must gather resources and make life-or-death decisions to survive on a deserted island. The game’s open-ended nature and multiple endings give it replay value.
- Fun Fact: “Survival Kids” was the precursor to what would later become known as the “Lost in Blue” series.
These 25 Game Boy Color titles represent the system’s impressive library, which spanned genres from RPGs to platformers to action-packed shooters. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or playing them for the first time, they showcase the innovative spirit of the Game Boy Color.
