Nintendo played a crucial role in shaping handheld gaming, and the Game Boy Color marked a significant leap forward in the evolution of portable consoles. With improved ergonomics and a more robust library of games, the GBC expanded on the original Game Boy’s catalog, offering both first-party and third-party titles that made it a must-have device.
Among third-party games, Metal Gear Solid found one of its most underrated hits, while Pokémon saw its franchise reach new heights. The Legend of Zelda series also continued its legacy, living up to its revered status with memorable titles on the GBC.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX
The Game Boy Color featured an enhanced version of an earlier classic. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX was a remastered port of the original game, continuing Link’s journey to escape Koholint Island.
This refreshed version was critically acclaimed for its vibrant sprite-based art and the addition of a new dungeon, which made full use of the Game Boy Color’s technical capabilities. This fresh take on the original made Link’s Awakening DX one of the most beloved titles on the GBC.
2. Pokémon Gold & Silver
While the remakes on the Nintendo DS are some of the best Pokémon games ever made, the original Pokémon Gold and Silver games were groundbreaking in their own right. Players journeyed to the Johto region to discover new Pokémon species, battle new gym leaders, and even revisit the Kanto region from Red/Blue.
Gold and Silver significantly improved on the original games, offering more refined mechanics, stunning 2D sprite work, and an expanded world. Pokémon Crystal also deserves a mention for its additional content, including the Battle Tower.
3. Metal Gear Solid
Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid series is one of the most influential in the gaming world. The Game Boy Color’s Metal Gear Solid (also known as Metal Gear: Ghost Babel) is an underrated entry in this landmark stealth-action series.
Set in its own alternate canon as a sequel to the original Metal Gear, Ghost Babel was lauded for its fresh interpretation of the franchise. It blended gameplay from both the original Metal Gear games and the acclaimed Metal Gear Solid for the PlayStation, earning praise for its innovation.
4. Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation
Dragon Quest III received a full remake for the Game Boy Color, bringing the epic quest of a hero destined to defeat a world-threatening archfiend to a portable format.
The remake, Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation, was one of the most ambitious RPGs for the GBC, offering new character classes, dungeons, and mini-games in addition to the content of the original NES version. It was one of the finest RPG experiences available on the system.
5. Wario Land II
![Wario Land II (GBC) [Part 4: In Town] (No Commentary) - YouTube](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aBeK8pF9DdE/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&rs=AOn4CLB0kKOiRJdQ71lZwLVP_ARlFOoWEw)
Wario, Mario’s mischievous counterpart, starred in his own series with Wario Land II. The game introduced a fresh take on the platforming genre, with more focus on puzzle-solving and overcoming physical obstacles rather than simply running and jumping.
Wario Land II stood out for its unique art style and gameplay loop, encouraging backtracking and exploration to progress through the levels. This innovation made it an exciting and creative platformer of its time.
6. Dragon Quest Monsters 2: Cobi & Tara’s Adventure
Aside from the iconic Final Fantasy series, Square Enix’s Dragon Quest is another staple of the JRPG genre. One of the more underrated entries in the franchise is Dragon Quest Monsters 2, a game that combines classic series elements with a monster-collecting feature similar to Pokémon.
Released in two versions—Cobi’s Adventure and Tara’s Adventure—the game introduced players to an intriguing mix of JRPG mechanics. Dragon Quest Monsters 2 offered more than just a Pokémon imitation, with gameplay that drew inspiration from titles like Monster Rancher.
7. Donkey Kong Country
The Game Boy Color featured several excellent ports from the Nintendo 64, and one of the best was Donkey Kong Country. Players navigated through imaginative levels filled with challenging platforming gameplay.
It showcased Nintendo’s versatility in the platforming genre beyond Mario. The GBC version closely captured what made the original Donkey Kong Country so great, with the addition of mini-games enhancing the experience.
8.Mario Tennis
Mario has been the star of various spin off sports games, and Mario Tennis is one of the early successes in this category. The Game Boy Color version of the game was a port of the Nintendo 64 original, yet it did not compromise the gameplay.
Critics praised Mario Tennis for its mechanical depth, physics, and surprisingly intuitive controls on the portable system. The game offered plenty of content, making it a standout on the handheld.
9. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe
As the face of the Nintendo brand, Super Mario Bros. has been celebrated for its excellence in both 2D and 3D platformers. The Game Boy Color version carried this legacy forward with an enhanced port of the original game.
Super Mario Bros. Deluxe is the most refined version of the classic game, featuring all 32 levels plus The Lost Levels, providing additional platforming challenges. It also includes fun challenge modes and mini-games, which added fresh content and made the handheld version worth revisiting.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
![r/zelda - [OC] Oracle des saisons dans le style Minish Cap](https://preview.redd.it/ipqmyhhzjuz81.png?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=ba5811baa19e9e94656d906bdbe1a9512033d53d)
While the high-profile Legend of Zelda titles on the Nintendo 64 gained much attention, the Game Boy Color’s offerings were equally impressive. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons sees Link on a quest to rescue the Oracle of Seasons and prevent the world’s seasons from causing chaos.
Alongside Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons featured complementary stories and shared gameplay mechanics, allowing players to use the Rod of Seasons to manipulate the environment and solve puzzles. The game captured the spirit of the original Zelda, with engaging combat and exploration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Game Boy Color stands as one of the most influential handheld consoles of its time, offering an incredible variety of games that continue to be celebrated by gamers today. From classic franchises like The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon to unique experiences like Metal Gear Solid and Wario Land II, the GBC provided a rich library that pushed the boundaries of portable gaming. These top 10 games showcase the innovation and creativity that made the Game Boy Color a beloved device, and they remain essential parts of gaming history. Whether through enhanced remakes or groundbreaking original titles, the GBC proved that handheld gaming could offer deep, immersive experiences for players on the go.
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