Throughout the second half of the 1980's, Nintendo managed to absolutely dominate the home console market with their wildly successful Nintendo Entertainment System. They also enjoyed some smaller scale success with their Game & Watch/Time-Out line of simple and relatively low-cost dedicated handheld games. Eventually, Nintendo decided to create a a portable counterpart to the NES, with which to replace the Game & Watch line.
This new device needed to feature more complex games with better graphics and, most importantly, interchangeable game cartridges. It would be designed to closely mirror the look and feel of the Nintendo Entertainment System controller, in order to attract the millions of fans that that console had already amassed. The design team would also settle on an unlit, green-tinted super-twisted nematic monochrome screen so as to help keep power consumption and costs down.
Nintendo's portable, which would ultimately be dubbed the "Game Boy", would launch in North America, on July 31st, 1989. Despite its notable lack of light and color, the little handheld that could would somehow manage to extend Nintendo's domination into the portable segment of the market (even among rival devices that were offering those very features). And dominate, the Game Boy would - - for the better part of a decade, in fact.
Enjoying one of the lengthiest runs of any Nintendo console, the Game Boy managed to grow a pretty substantial library over the course of its life. While many of these titles may have been average or even somewhat poor in quality, there were a number of pretty incredible releases as well. In honor of the 36th anniversary of the portable's North American debut, we would like to present to you our picks for the 12 greatest titles that Nintendo's Game Boy had to offer.
This new device needed to feature more complex games with better graphics and, most importantly, interchangeable game cartridges. It would be designed to closely mirror the look and feel of the Nintendo Entertainment System controller, in order to attract the millions of fans that that console had already amassed. The design team would also settle on an unlit, green-tinted super-twisted nematic monochrome screen so as to help keep power consumption and costs down.
Nintendo's portable, which would ultimately be dubbed the "Game Boy", would launch in North America, on July 31st, 1989. Despite its notable lack of light and color, the little handheld that could would somehow manage to extend Nintendo's domination into the portable segment of the market (even among rival devices that were offering those very features). And dominate, the Game Boy would - - for the better part of a decade, in fact.
Enjoying one of the lengthiest runs of any Nintendo console, the Game Boy managed to grow a pretty substantial library over the course of its life. While many of these titles may have been average or even somewhat poor in quality, there were a number of pretty incredible releases as well. In honor of the 36th anniversary of the portable's North American debut, we would like to present to you our picks for the 12 greatest titles that Nintendo's Game Boy had to offer.
Tetris (Nintendo, 1989)
Forget Super Mario World for the Super Nintendo and Super Mario 64 for the N64. With the possible exception of the NES's Super Mario Bros and the Wii's Wii Sports, Nintendo's seldom had a launch title that was more inseparable from the overall success of a new console, or more effective at launching that new system into the stratosphere, than Tetris on the Game Boy. Although the title wasn't the first version of Tetris to be released in the West, nor even Nintendo's only Tetris game to come out that year, as a pack-in title included with the North American and European Game Boy consoles, the game proved to be instrumental in making the Game Boy the must-have device of 1989. It would go on to become one of the most popular titles for Nintendo's new portable as well, ultimately selling more than 35 million copies.
Super Mario Land (Nintendo, 1989)
Whereas Tetris could arguably be considered something of a successful gamble on Nintendo's part, Super Mario Land was more or less their sure thing. As the first title to bring the wildly popular Super Mario franchise to a portable device, it was pretty much always bound for success. Which is why the game had actually been Nintendo's original choice for the Game Boy pack-in title, right up until the last minute when they decided to switch it to Tetris instead.
The hype was warranted for Super Mario Land, however, as the game was hailed as something of a masterpiece following its release. Particular praise was given to both its fun, familiar gameplay, and outstanding music. Though it never really had a chance at surpassing Tetris, as a result of the fact that that game came included with a large portion of the Game Boy systems sold at the time, Super Mario Land still managed to become the next best selling title for the console, eventually exceeding 25 million copies, all told.
The hype was warranted for Super Mario Land, however, as the game was hailed as something of a masterpiece following its release. Particular praise was given to both its fun, familiar gameplay, and outstanding music. Though it never really had a chance at surpassing Tetris, as a result of the fact that that game came included with a large portion of the Game Boy systems sold at the time, Super Mario Land still managed to become the next best selling title for the console, eventually exceeding 25 million copies, all told.
Gargoyle's Quest (Capcom, 1990)
While Nintendo, themselves, were responsible for a pretty decent number of the Game Boy's hits, few console libraries can be considered respectable without a fair amount of third party support. Luckily, the Game Boy had this too. One of the best such early examples was Gargoyle's Quest, from Capcom.
A spin-off of their hit Ghosts 'N Goblins arcade series, Gargoyle's Quest was a satisfyingly challenging gothic-styled action-platformer starring the somewhat popular (former) enemy character, Firebrand. The game was well-received, with its excellent graphics and music being especially commended, along with the fresh new gameplay mechanics it brought to the series. The game also marked the start of its own series which would continue on with two further solid installments, for the NES and Super Nintendo.
A spin-off of their hit Ghosts 'N Goblins arcade series, Gargoyle's Quest was a satisfyingly challenging gothic-styled action-platformer starring the somewhat popular (former) enemy character, Firebrand. The game was well-received, with its excellent graphics and music being especially commended, along with the fresh new gameplay mechanics it brought to the series. The game also marked the start of its own series which would continue on with two further solid installments, for the NES and Super Nintendo.
Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge (Konami, 1991)
Following its widespread success on the Nintendo Entertainment System, it was only natural that Konami would decide to bring their incredibly popular Castlevania series to the Game Boy as well. Their 1989 first attempt, Castlevania: The Adventure, was decent enough, performed well, and received glowing praise, particularly for its soundtrack. Its 1991 follow-up, however, was truly something fantastic. Titled Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge (and not to be confused with the 1988 NES sequel, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest), the Game Boy follow-up featured four castles, selectable stages, improved graphics and additional weapons and items. Again, Konami had a Game Boy Castlevania title that was a hit with fans and critics alike. While they would eventually release a third Game Boy entry as well, many critics still consider Belmont's Revenge to be the best Castlevania game to appear on the portable.
Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters (Nintendo, 1991)
The 1987 NES title Kid Icarus is kind of an oddity. Despite its simplistic graphics, repetitive (though catchy, to be fair) music, mildy sadistic difficulty, and middling critical reception, the game still somehow managed to resonate enough with early adopters to find its way into most console owner's homes at the time. It's little surprise then that a sequel would eventually follow.
Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters was the 1991 Game Boy exclusive follow-up to the original. Despite the gameplay and environments being largely similar to the NES game's, Of Myths and Monsters offered some new (albeit still repetitive) tunes and mechanics, more detailed backgrounds, and a more merciful level of difficulty. Somewhat ironically, OMaM would ultimately enjoy a better critical reception, but was never able to sell as well as the original. Though a third game in the series would eventually follow, with the 3DS installment, Kid Icarus: Uprising, it would not arrive until 2012. Over two decades later!
Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters was the 1991 Game Boy exclusive follow-up to the original. Despite the gameplay and environments being largely similar to the NES game's, Of Myths and Monsters offered some new (albeit still repetitive) tunes and mechanics, more detailed backgrounds, and a more merciful level of difficulty. Somewhat ironically, OMaM would ultimately enjoy a better critical reception, but was never able to sell as well as the original. Though a third game in the series would eventually follow, with the 3DS installment, Kid Icarus: Uprising, it would not arrive until 2012. Over two decades later!
Metroid II: Return of Samus (Nintendo, 1991)
Metroid II: Return of Samus was the first sequel to the hit 1987 NES original game - - on the Game Boy or anywhere else. As such, the title served as yet another compelling reason for fans of Nintendo's wildly popular TV console to jump on board the Game Boy train. While the Game Boy installment did divide fans a bit more than the original, the game was still well-received and was particularly praised for the new abilities it introduced to the series, as well as the way it carried the adventures of protagonist, Samus Aran, forward. Metroid II sold well enough to become a Nintendo Player's Choice title, and would also eventually receive an excellent 2017 remake on the 3DS, simply titled Metroid: Samus Returns.
Gradius: The Interstellar Assault (Konami, 1992)
The Interstellar Assault wasn't the first Gradius/Nemesis title to be released by Konami for the Game Boy. Their 1990 first entry, however, fell somewhare between lackluster port and watered down remake of their popular 1985 arcade original. Hence, it was their second Game Boy title that was the more original and interesting of the two.
The Interstellar Assault was released in 1992, and featured just about everything fans could want or expect from a Gradius title. The game was near universally praised by critics and has since become considered by many to be one of, if not the best shooter ever released for the Game Boy. While no other Gradius titles would follow for the Game Boy or Game Boy Color, Konami would finally release one more in 2001, with the pretty fantastic Game Boy Advance title, Gradius Galaxies.
The Interstellar Assault was released in 1992, and featured just about everything fans could want or expect from a Gradius title. The game was near universally praised by critics and has since become considered by many to be one of, if not the best shooter ever released for the Game Boy. While no other Gradius titles would follow for the Game Boy or Game Boy Color, Konami would finally release one more in 2001, with the pretty fantastic Game Boy Advance title, Gradius Galaxies.
Wave Race (Nintendo, 1992)
While the Game Boy was home to a number of good racing titles from a variety of companies over its lifetime, few were as unique or as finely polished as Nintendo's own Wave Race. As one of the first watercraft games ever made, Wave Race was a truly original offering for the portable that boasted some surprisingly satisfying physics and gameplay, in addition to excellent graphics and multiple play options, including linked play for up to 4 people. Not only would Wave Race sell well enough on the Game Boy to become a Player's Choice title, but it would also eventually give rise to the two equally impressive sequels, Wave Race 64 and Wave Race: Blue Storm, on the Nintendo 64 and GameCube home consoles, respectively.
Kirby's Dream Land (Nintendo, 1992)
While the vast majority of great Game Boy titles were all spin-offs and/or sequels to already established properties, the system was also home to a few outstanding original new titles as well. Of these, few were bigger, or more impactful, than 1992's Kirby's Dream Land. Though the game didn't include Kirby's iconic copy ability, nor his familiar pink hue (two trademark characteristics that wouldn't be established until his 1993 NES follow-up, Kirby's Adventure), nearly all the other features that fans have since come to love and expect in a Kirby title were present. The food-based power-ups, which have since been replaced by the aforementioned copy ability, were also pretty creative and memorable.
For a debut Game Boy release, Kirby's Dream Land was remarkably charming, polished, and fun; and the soundtrack is still a fan favorite over 30 year later. The game was a massive hit, ultimately becoming one of the Game Boy's best sellers. It would also end up spawning a number of fantastic sequel and spin-off titles (and even remakes), itself, several of which would also come to the Game Boy.
For a debut Game Boy release, Kirby's Dream Land was remarkably charming, polished, and fun; and the soundtrack is still a fan favorite over 30 year later. The game was a massive hit, ultimately becoming one of the Game Boy's best sellers. It would also end up spawning a number of fantastic sequel and spin-off titles (and even remakes), itself, several of which would also come to the Game Boy.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Nintendo, 1993)
Seeing as the bigger NES hits like Super Mario, Castlevania, Metroid, and Kid Icarus were all represented on Nintendo's Game Boy, it would have been fairly easy to predict that The Legend of Zelda would eventually join them as well. Like the above series' debut Game Boy installments, Link's Awakening also marked Link's first adventure on a portable system. Being developed immediately following Nintendo's 1992 release of their outstanding sole Super Nintendo entry, Link to the Past, Link's Awakening borrowed many of that title's assets and mechanics.
In fact, Link's Awakening was actually originally intended to be a portable version of Link to the Past, before thankfully evolving into its own unique adventure. Though the game wasn't set in Hyrule, and didn't feature many of the standard Legend of Zelda elements, such as the main series villain, Ganon, the iconic Triforce, or even the titular princess, herself, Link's Awakening was nevertheless a highly polished, incredibly satsifying Zelda-style romp boasting some fresh new faces and the brand new setting of Koholint Island.
Link's Awakening was a massive hit upon release, and managed to sell so well that it helped boost Nintendo to one of it's most profitable years yet recorded at the time. The title garnered rave reviews and even managed to win multiple game of the year awards as well. Link's Awakening would also go on to be re-released an incredible three times by Nintendo - - first, as a Player's Choice title, then as the slightly upgraded (and colorized) 1998 DX version for the Game Boy Color, and finally as a High Definition Switch remake in 2019.
In fact, Link's Awakening was actually originally intended to be a portable version of Link to the Past, before thankfully evolving into its own unique adventure. Though the game wasn't set in Hyrule, and didn't feature many of the standard Legend of Zelda elements, such as the main series villain, Ganon, the iconic Triforce, or even the titular princess, herself, Link's Awakening was nevertheless a highly polished, incredibly satsifying Zelda-style romp boasting some fresh new faces and the brand new setting of Koholint Island.
Link's Awakening was a massive hit upon release, and managed to sell so well that it helped boost Nintendo to one of it's most profitable years yet recorded at the time. The title garnered rave reviews and even managed to win multiple game of the year awards as well. Link's Awakening would also go on to be re-released an incredible three times by Nintendo - - first, as a Player's Choice title, then as the slightly upgraded (and colorized) 1998 DX version for the Game Boy Color, and finally as a High Definition Switch remake in 2019.
Kirby's Block Ball (Nintendo, 1996)
As mentioned above, over the many years following the success of Kirby's Dream Land, there have been a whole host of fantastic Kirby sequels and spin-offs. One such outstanding example of the latter was the Breakout/Arkanoid-inspired block breaker Game Boy title, Kirby's Block Ball. Though the Game Boy had already featured the block breaker launch title, Alleyway, that game, while fairly excellent overall, was just a bit too run-of-the-mill to really stand apart from the crowd.
Kirby's Block Ball, however, was anything but ordinary. Instead of the typical single paddle at the bottom of the screen, Block Ball frequently featured 4 - - one running along each edge of the screen! Furthermore, the game also made great use of the Kirby franchise by thoughtfully incorporating many of the fantastic enemies, abilities, and features that the Kirby series was, by then, already becoming famous for.
Kirby's Block Ball, however, was anything but ordinary. Instead of the typical single paddle at the bottom of the screen, Block Ball frequently featured 4 - - one running along each edge of the screen! Furthermore, the game also made great use of the Kirby franchise by thoughtfully incorporating many of the fantastic enemies, abilities, and features that the Kirby series was, by then, already becoming famous for.
Pokémon - Red/Blue (Nintendo, 1998)
Finally, we come to Pokémon - - the game(s) that sold a thousand systems (and then some). Pokémon developer Game Freak actually started out as a gaming magazine in the early 1980's, before pivoting to video game development later that same decade. After impressing Nintendo with their debut NES release, Mendel Palace, Game Freak began to partner with the big N on various projects, starting with the 1992 NES and Game Boy puzzle title, Yoshi.
Although initially skeptical when pitched the idea for Pokémon, Nintendo staff was convinced to go ahead with development at the insistence of legendary game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto. In order to better promote the unique trading function featured in the game, Pokémon would originally be released simultaneously, in two slightly differing versions - - Red and Blue (Red and Green, in Japan) - - with an additional Yellow version following a year later. This trend of multiple version releases has continued to this day, for the vast majority of Pokémon titles.
Following the release of the game(s), Pokémon quickly became an unprecedented worldwide success, which managed to considerably revitalize the (then) waning popularity of the Game Boy. The titles would also spark the beginning of a multimedia empire which would go on to include an equally successful trading card game, a wildly popular anime series, movies, all manner of toys and collectibles, and a vast number of sequels and spin-off games. In fact, so successful was the brand and related merchandising business, that the Pokémon Company was formed by Nintendo and Game Freak in order to manage it all.
Although initially skeptical when pitched the idea for Pokémon, Nintendo staff was convinced to go ahead with development at the insistence of legendary game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto. In order to better promote the unique trading function featured in the game, Pokémon would originally be released simultaneously, in two slightly differing versions - - Red and Blue (Red and Green, in Japan) - - with an additional Yellow version following a year later. This trend of multiple version releases has continued to this day, for the vast majority of Pokémon titles.
Following the release of the game(s), Pokémon quickly became an unprecedented worldwide success, which managed to considerably revitalize the (then) waning popularity of the Game Boy. The titles would also spark the beginning of a multimedia empire which would go on to include an equally successful trading card game, a wildly popular anime series, movies, all manner of toys and collectibles, and a vast number of sequels and spin-off games. In fact, so successful was the brand and related merchandising business, that the Pokémon Company was formed by Nintendo and Game Freak in order to manage it all.
Despite the system's almost stunningly underwhelming specs, the Game Boy was able to quite impressively take on, and outlast, all competitors in the portable space. NEC, Atari, and Sega all brought vastly superior hardware to the fight and, though Sega definitely presented the most formidable challenge, even they were eventually forced to bow out of the race. In the end, it all seemingly came down to battery life - - the one area where Nintendo's portable could run circles around the competition.
In 1996, Nintendo would introduce the Game Boy Pocket as the sole hardware revision to their handheld line, offering a more compact form factor with a slightly larger and higher quality (but still unlit), true grayscale display - - as opposed to the "greenscale" display of the original. Yet, the one area where the Game Boy was always criticized the most was its unfortunate lack of a color screen, which this revision still failed to address. This was even more pronounced as it followed in the wake of Nintendo's failed Virtual Boy console, one year prior; a system that could conceivably have served as an earlier Game Boy replacement, had it's even more questionable eye-strain inducing "redscale" monochromatic display not been virtually unbearable to look at for any extended period of time.
But the Game Boy's sporadic string of fantastic titles helped the handheld stay relevant long enough for Nintendo to come up with something else, which they finally did in late 1998, with the release of the simply-named (and still unlit) Game Boy Color. Somewhat embarrassingly though, the Game Boy Color would also prove to be too inadequate of a replacement for the (by this point) practically ancient internal specs of the long-running Game Boy console family. In June of 2001, however - - not even 3 years after the release of the Game Boy Color - - Nintendo would release the Game Boy Advance, a portable that finally possessed both the colors and specs to impress (though quite incredibly, still no lit screen in the first iteration).
In 1996, Nintendo would introduce the Game Boy Pocket as the sole hardware revision to their handheld line, offering a more compact form factor with a slightly larger and higher quality (but still unlit), true grayscale display - - as opposed to the "greenscale" display of the original. Yet, the one area where the Game Boy was always criticized the most was its unfortunate lack of a color screen, which this revision still failed to address. This was even more pronounced as it followed in the wake of Nintendo's failed Virtual Boy console, one year prior; a system that could conceivably have served as an earlier Game Boy replacement, had it's even more questionable eye-strain inducing "redscale" monochromatic display not been virtually unbearable to look at for any extended period of time.
But the Game Boy's sporadic string of fantastic titles helped the handheld stay relevant long enough for Nintendo to come up with something else, which they finally did in late 1998, with the release of the simply-named (and still unlit) Game Boy Color. Somewhat embarrassingly though, the Game Boy Color would also prove to be too inadequate of a replacement for the (by this point) practically ancient internal specs of the long-running Game Boy console family. In June of 2001, however - - not even 3 years after the release of the Game Boy Color - - Nintendo would release the Game Boy Advance, a portable that finally possessed both the colors and specs to impress (though quite incredibly, still no lit screen in the first iteration).
[Images: Nintendo, Capcom, Konami]
 | [AJ Amideo] |