Hey retro gamers! Dive deep into nostalgia with us as we take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about those pixelated adventures and epic journeys that kept us glued to our screens. From mystical lands to treacherous dungeons, the Gameboy & Gameboy Color gave us some of the most iconic RPGs ever.
Ready to see which ones made the cut? Let’s gear up and explore the best Gameboy RPGs of all time!
Pokémon Red and Blue (GB)
Pokémon Red and Blue are the games that kickstarted the Pokémon franchise, captivating players with their unique gameplay and endearing creatures. As a Pokémon trainer, your goal is to catch, train, and battle these creatures in your quest to become a Pokémon Master. With an engaging storyline and a vast world to explore, Pokémon Red and Blue continue to be fan favorites to this day.
The world of Pokémon Red and Blue is populated by memorable characters that add depth and personality to your journey. From your friendly rival, who constantly challenges you to improve your skills, to the enigmatic Gym Leaders who guard the eight badges you must collect, each interaction brings the game’s narrative to life.
Building relationships with these characters and understanding their motivations adds an emotional layer to your quest to become a Pokémon Master.
With its simple yet addictive gameplay mechanics, Pokémon Red and Blue introduced players to a world of adventure and discovery. The games’ success led to a franchise that has since expanded into various media, including an animated television series, trading card games, and countless sequels.
However, the original Pokémon Red and Blue games remain iconic, forever etched in the hearts of fans as the games that started it all.
Legend of the River King 2 (GBC)
For those seeking a unique and enchanting RPG experience, Legend of the River King 2 is a hidden gem worth exploring. In this game, you play as a young fisherman on a quest to catch the fabled Guardian Fish, which has the power to cure your sister’s illness.
The gameplay revolves around fishing in various rivers, lakes, and ponds to catch different fish species. Each fishing location is meticulously designed, with stunning visuals that immerse you in a vibrant and picturesque world.
As you cast your line into the crystal-clear waters, you can feel the gentle breeze and hear the soothing sounds of nature. The attention to detail in the environmental design adds a layer of realism to the game, making it feel like you are truly exploring the great outdoors.
Legend of the River King 2 rewards patience and strategy, offering a tranquil and captivating RPG experience unlike any other. The combination of immersive visuals, resource management, fish breeding, and fishing competitions ensures that there is always something new and exciting to discover.
Whether you are a fishing enthusiast or simply looking for a unique RPG adventure, Legend of the River King 2 is a game that deserves your attention.
Final Fantasy Legend II (GB)
Final Fantasy Legend II builds upon the success of the first installment, delivering an epic RPG adventure filled with memorable characters and a captivating storyline. As the player, you are on a quest to save the world from the malevolent God Emperor who wishes to plunge it into darkness.
The game features a unique party system, allowing you to recruit and customize your group with various races, including humans and monsters.
Each character has their strengths and weaknesses, making team composition a crucial aspect of the gameplay.
With its sprawling world, intricate dungeons, and challenging battles, Final Fantasy Legend II is a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
Dragon Warrior Monsters (GBC)
Dragon Warrior Monsters takes the traditional RPG formula and adds a captivating monster taming element into the mix. As the protagonist, you find yourself in the Kingdom of GreatTree, where you aim to become the world’s greatest monster trainer.
In this game, you venture into monster-infested worlds, battling and recruiting monsters to join your team. The key aspect lies in breeding and raising monsters, combining their traits and abilities to create powerful allies.
With its addictive monster recruitment system and challenging gameplay, Dragon Warrior Monsters provides a unique twist on the RPG genre.
Crystalis (GBC)
Crystalis is a post-apocalyptic action RPG that takes place in a world devastated by a nuclear war. As one of the few surviving humans, you must wield the power of four elemental swords to defeat the evil Draygonia Empire and restore peace to the land.
The game features real-time combat, where you can equip different swords and use special abilities to defeat enemies. Along your journey, you’ll collect items and improve your character’s abilities, enhancing your chances of survival. Crystalis stands out for its engrossing storyline, unique gameplay mechanics, and challenging boss battles.
Lufia: The Legend Returns (GBC)
Lufia: The Legend Returns is a classic turn-based RPG that continues the story of the previous Lufia games. As a descendant of the legendary hero Maxim, you must gather a group of adventurers to prevent the resurrection of the Sinistrals, a group of powerful beings threatening to plunge the world into chaos.
The game offers a deep and engaging story, with multiple party members to recruit and strategize with. Together, you’ll explore dungeons, solve puzzles, and engage in challenging battles against formidable foes. Lufia: The Legend Returns combines traditional RPG elements with a captivating storyline, making it an enjoyable experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
Final Fantasy Legend III (GB)
Final Fantasy Legend III concludes the trilogy with an epic time-traveling adventure. As the player, you embark on a quest through different time periods, battling enemies and recruiting characters from various eras to save the world from imminent destruction.
The game features a dynamic class system, allowing you to transform your characters into different forms, each with unique abilities. With its non-linear gameplay, branching storylines, and multiple endings, Final Fantasy Legend III offers a rich and immersive RPG experience.
The Sword of Hope II (GB)
Final Fantasy Legend III concludes the trilogy with an epic time-traveling adventure. As the player, you embark on a quest through different time periods, battling enemies and recruiting characters from various eras to save the world from imminent destruction.
The game features a dynamic class system, allowing you to transform your characters into different forms, each with unique abilities. With its non-linear gameplay, branching storylines, and multiple endings, Final Fantasy Legend III offers a rich and immersive RPG experience.
Dragon Warrior Monsters 2: Tara’s Adventure & Cobi’s Journey (GBC)
One of the standout RPGs on the Game Boy Color is Dragon Warrior Monsters 2, which consists of two versions: Tara’s Adventure and Cobi’s Journey. In these games, players become monster trainers and journey through a variety of islands in order to become the ultimate monster master. With its deep monster breeding system and engaging gameplay, Dragon Warrior Monsters 2 offers hours of entertainment.
Embark on an epic adventure in Dragon Warrior Monsters 2 as you step into the shoes of a young monster trainer. In Tara’s Adventure, you’ll follow the story of a brave heroine named Tara as she sets out to rescue her brother, who has been kidnapped by an evil sorcerer. On the other hand, Cobi’s Journey puts you in control of a young hero named Cobi, who must uncover the truth behind a mysterious curse that has befallen his homeland.
As you explore the various islands in Dragon Warrior Monsters 2, you’ll encounter a wide variety of environments, each teeming with different types of monsters. From lush forests to treacherous mountains, each location offers its own set of challenges and rewards. Along your journey, you’ll also come across other trainers who are eager to test their skills against yours. Engage in thrilling battles and prove yourself as the ultimate monster master.
With its addictive gameplay, expansive monster roster, and captivating storyline, Dragon Warrior Monsters 2 is a must-play for fans of the RPG genre. Whether you choose Tara’s Adventure or Cobi’s Journey, you’re in for an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, strategy, and the thrill of becoming the ultimate monster master.
Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition (GB)
No list of Game Boy RPGs would be complete without mentioning Pokémon. Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition is a classic RPG that captured the hearts of millions of players around the world. In this game, players assume the role of a young Pokémon trainer and set out on a quest to become the Pokémon Champion.
What sets Pokémon Yellow apart from the other Pokémon games is the inclusion of Pikachu as the player’s starter Pokémon. Pikachu follows the player around and reacts to their actions, adding a unique level of immersion. With its memorable characters, addictive gameplay, and the opportunity to catch them all, Pokémon Yellow remains a fan-favorite even today.
Dragon Warrior I & II (GBC)
Dragon Warrior I & II is a compilation of two classic RPGs originally released on the NES. These Game Boy Color remakes offer updated graphics and additional content, making them the definitive versions of these timeless classics. In these games, players embark on a quest to defeat the evil Dragonlord and save the kingdom.
Dragon Warrior I & II are known for their challenging gameplay and immersive world. Players must explore dungeons, battle monsters, and solve puzzles to progress through the story. With its engaging narrative and strategic combat system, Dragon Warrior I & II are must-play titles for any RPG enthusiast.
Rolan’s Curse 2 (GB)
Rolan’s Curse 2 is a lesser-known RPG that deserves a spot on this list. In this game, players control a hero on a mission to defeat an ancient evil and rescue a princess. As players progress, they will acquire weapons, magic spells, and companions to aid them in their quest.
Rolan’s Curse 2 stands out for its non-linear gameplay and multiple endings, offering players a sense of freedom and choice. The game features challenging dungeons, memorable boss battles, and a rich fantasy world that will keep players hooked from start to finish.
Pokémon Gold And Silver (GBC)
Following the massive success of Pokémon Red and Blue, Game Freak released the much-anticipated sequel: Pokémon Gold and Silver. These games introduced 100 new Pokémon, a day and night cycle, and various gameplay improvements that solidified Pokémon as a cultural phenomenon.
In Pokémon Gold and Silver, players explore the Johto region in their quest to become the Pokémon Champion. With its expanded roster of Pokémon, new features such as breeding and held items, and a captivating story, these games are considered some of the best RPG experiences on the Game Boy Color.
Metal Walker (GBC)
Metal Walker is a unique RPG that combines elements of strategy and action. In this game, players control a Metal Walker, a robot that can capture and battle other Metal Walkers. The game features a rock-paper-scissors combat system, requiring players to strategically choose their attacks based on the enemy’s type.
What sets Metal Walker apart is its innovative use of the Game Boy Color’s infrared port. Players can link up their Game Boy Color systems and battle against each other’s Metal Walkers in multiplayer mode. With its engaging gameplay and multiplayer features, Metal Walker offers a fresh and exciting RPG experience.
Ultima: Runes of Virtue II (GB)
Ultima: Runes of Virtue II is an action RPG that takes place in the Ultima universe. In this game, players control a party of adventurers as they battle monsters, solve puzzles, and rescue their kidnapped companions. With its top-down perspective and real-time combat, Ultima: Runes of Virtue II offers a different gameplay experience compared to traditional turn-based RPGs.
What makes Ultima: Runes of Virtue II stand out is its emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving. Players must navigate challenging dungeons, decipher cryptic clues, and overcome obstacles to progress. With its immersive world and unique gameplay mechanics, Ultima: Runes of Virtue II is a must-play for fans of the Ultima series.
Azure Dreams (GBC)
Azure Dreams, released for the Game Boy Color, is an underrated gem that deserves recognition. Developed by Konami, this unique RPG combines dungeon crawling, monster taming, and town management into a compelling package.
In Azure Dreams, players assume the role of a young monster hunter named Koh, who explores the mysterious Monster Tower. The game features a charming art style, strategic combat, and an engaging story that keeps players hooked until the very end.
The art style in Azure Dreams is vibrant and colorful, perfectly capturing the whimsical nature of the game. The character designs are charming, and the environments are beautifully rendered, immersing players in the fantastical world of Monsbaiya. The soundtrack is equally enchanting, with catchy tunes that enhance the overall experience and evoke a sense of adventure and mystery.
Azure Dreams offers a rich and immersive RPG experience on the Game Boy Color. Its unique blend of dungeon crawling, monster taming, and town management sets it apart from other games in the genre.
With its captivating story, strategic combat, and charming art style, Azure Dreams is a hidden gem that should not be overlooked by fans of RPGs.
Final Fantasy Adventure (GB)
Final Fantasy Adventure, also known as Mystic Quest in Europe, marked the beginning of the Mana series. Developed by Squaresoft, this action RPG took full advantage of the Game Boy’s capabilities to deliver an epic adventure.
The story of Final Fantasy Adventure revolves around a young hero who embarks on a quest to save the world from an ancient evil. The hero, armed with a powerful sword, must navigate through treacherous dungeons, solve challenging puzzles, and battle formidable enemies to fulfill their destiny. Along the way, they will encounter a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and motivations.
Final Fantasy Adventure received critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay. It set the foundation for future entries in the Mana series, establishing it as a beloved franchise in the world of RPGs.
Whether you are a fan of the Final Fantasy series or a newcomer to the genre, Final Fantasy Adventure is a must-play game that will captivate you with its rich storytelling, immersive world, and addictive gameplay. So grab your sword, embark on an epic journey, and become a hero in this timeless classic.
Magi Nation (GBC)
Magi Nation, based on the popular trading card game of the same name, offered a unique RPG experience on the Game Boy Color. Developed by Interactive Imagination, this game allowed players to immerse themselves in the world of the Moonlands, where they could capture and battle magical creatures known as Magi.
With its vast world to explore, deep gameplay mechanics, and an engaging storyline, Magi Nation provided countless hours of adventure and strategic gameplay.
Revelations the Demon Slayer (GBC)
Revelations the Demon Slayer, developed by Atlus, is a compelling RPG that was released towards the end of the Game Boy Color’s lifespan.
With its dark and atmospheric setting, the game follows the journey of a teenage girl named Faye who must prevent the resurrection of an ancient demon.
Packed with challenging battles, intriguing puzzles, and memorable characters, Revelations the Demon Slayer is a must-play for any RPG enthusiast.
Dragon Quest III (GBC)
Dragon Quest III, originally released for the NES in 1988, received a Game Boy Color remake that introduced new features and improved visuals.
Developed by Chunsoft, this classic RPG tells the story of the legendary hero who must save the world from an evil fiend.
With its immersive world, deep character customization, and addictive turn-based battles, Dragon Quest III ranks among the best RPGs on the Game Boy Color.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (GB)
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is a handheld masterpiece that captured the essence of the legendary franchise.
Developed by Nintendo, this game takes Link on a surreal adventure as he tries to awaken the Wind Fish on the mysterious Koholint Island.
With its clever dungeons, memorable characters, and a captivating storyline, Link’s Awakening showcases the Game Boy Color’s capabilities to deliver a truly unforgettable Zelda experience.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons/Oracle of Ages (GBC)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages are a duo of interconnected games that pushed the limits of what the Game Boy Color could achieve.
Developed by Capcom in collaboration with Nintendo, these titles provided players with two unique adventures filled with puzzles, exploration, and intense battles.
With the ability to link the games, players could unlock additional content and experience the true depth of these remarkable RPGs.
Pokémon Crystal (GBC)
Pokémon Crystal, the enhanced version of Pokémon Gold and Silver, solidified its place as one of the best Game Boy Color RPGs.
Developed by Game Freak, this iconic Pokémon adventure allowed players to explore the Johto region in full-color glory.
With enhanced graphics, animated sprites, and additional features such as the Battle Tower, Pokémon Crystal offered an improved and more immersive experience for trainers of all ages.
Harvest Moon (GB)
Harvest Moon GB, developed by Victor Interactive Software, is a delightful farming simulation RPG.
In this game, players assume the role of a young farmer tasked with turning a neglected farm into a prosperous and thriving business.
With its charming graphics, addictive gameplay loop, and a wide variety of activities to engage in, Harvest Moon GB provides a relaxing and enjoyable experience for virtual farmers everywhere.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A blast from the past with the finest RPGs that Gameboy & Gameboy Color ever graced us with. These titles not only defined a generation but also laid the groundwork for future RPGs on other platforms.
Whether you’re looking to relive childhood memories or discover these classics for the first time, these games are sure to offer countless hours of immersion and enjoyment. So, which one are you booting up next?
