GBA Video Games
Game Boy Advance is the 6th generation portable console from Nintendo, a successor to Game Boy Color and the last device from the highly popular Game Boy family. It was released in North America and Europe in June 2001. GBA is one of the very few Nintendo’s consoles that managed to get popularity even in such ”exotic” regions of the world as Poland. It was succeeded by Nintendo Dual Screen in 2004.
Need for Speed: Underground 2 (GBA)
Racing 16 November 2004
A sequel to Need for Speed: Underground, a best-selling 2003 game from Electronic Arts, which changed the shape of one of the most popular car racing franchises. The game takes you to a virtual metropolis that thrives after dark. For the first time in the history of the franchise, the city is completely open for exploration. As you ride around its streets you can challenge the drivers you meet on the way or learn more about the favorite locations of the street racing community. The gameplay mechanics did not change much; rather, the developers focused on an even more detailed recreations of licensed cars and car parts used for tuning. The game’s graphics were noticeably improved, featuring all sorts of new visual effects. The soundtrack keeps equally high level, as usually featuring songs by famous artists across a wide spectrum of genres.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005) (GBA)
Racing 15 November 2005
The ninth installment in a legendary racing game franchise created by Electronic Arts company. After two Underground games, featuring illegal night street races, the franchise went back to its roots, combining ideas from the two most recent titles with classic elements. The player’s goal is to climb to the top of a black list of the most wanted drivers. Again you get to explore a huge virtual city, taking on different racing challenges. These include circuit, sprint, drag, elimination, time trial, speed challenge, and police pursuit. After completing enough of these you can challenge subsequent drivers from the black list. Apart from elements typical for the series, such as licensed cars and diverse soundtrack, the game features complex car customization, both in terms of appearance and performance.
The Sims 2 (GBA)
Simulation 24 October 2005
A sequel to the bestselling human life simulation game – The Sims (2000). The Sims 2 was developed by Maxis Studio (SimCity, EA Land, and others) in cooperation with the Electronic Arts company. Players again take care of virtual characters leading them through their entire lives – from early childhood till elderly age. The main goal is to achieve as high Life Score as possible, which stands for how well a sim leads his/her life. When compared with its predecessor, The Sims 2 offers much more complex character creator and a wider array of available objects. A new, more efficient game engine allowed for presenting the life of the sims in fully 3D graphics.
Spider-Man 3: The Game (GBA)
Action 04 May 2007
An action adventure game based on the third Spider-Man movie directed by Sam Raimi. The action is set in the city of New York, recreated with great attention to details. We assume the role of the eponymous superhero, who has to undertake a myriad of various quests. However, the story does not impose any specific path on us, letting us decide the mission order on our own. Spider-Man 3: The Game focuses primarily on combat, where we can perform spectacular strikes with arms and legs as well as use the spider web. Hordes of minor enemies as well as ten famous villains known from the Marvel comic books will stand in our way. An interesting novelty is the fact that in the game we control not only the classic Spider-Man, but also his dark incarnation that came to life as a result of merging with a mysterious space symbiont.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (GBA)
Action 14 November 2002
The second installment of the video game series following the adventures of Harry Potter based on the books written by J.K. Rowling. Young wizard, who is about to start his second year at Hogwarts, is bound to encounter new challenges.
Colin McRae Rally 2.0 (GBA)
Racing 16 September 2002
The second entry in the legendary racing game series that focuses on car rallies. Colin McRae Rally 2.0 was developed by Codemasters Software. The game takes the player to over ninety rally Special Stages in eight world cup qualifiers. CMR 2.0 offers thirteen cars, among them Ford Focus 2000, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, Subaru Impreza WRC and Peugeot 206 WRC. The Special Stages are located in such locations as Finland, Italy or Kenya. An interesting feature of this title is that it offers two game modes: simulation and arcade – choosing the latter will mean a simplified driving model. Apart from single player modes, Colin McRae Rally 2.0 also includes an expansive multiplayer segment, where up to eight players can compete in a game. The game also features a split-screen mode for two players. High-quality visuals complete the game, along with an advanced damage model.
Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku (GBA)
RPG 14 May 2002
A two-dimensional RPG created by Webfoot studio, based on the cult-classic manga by Akira Toriyama. The player assumes the role of Goku, an undefeated fighter, and re-lives the events seen in the animated series. We begin our journey battling Raditz, and then visit the nether world on the King Kai’s planet. The next stops include encounters with Nappa and Vegeta, and duel with Freezer on Namek. In all, we visit sixteen different locations, completing various main and side quests. These events are rewarded with experience points, which can be used to develop our hero. During combat, we make use of a wide range of attacks and combinations, including the trademark energy wave, known as “kamehameha”. Additionally, the list of available attacks is complemented by the ability to transform into so called “super fighter”. Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku can be praised for its colorful visuals, inspired by the works of the world-famous mangaka.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (GBA)
Action 15 November 2001
The first adventure game based on the best-selling novel written by J.K. Rowling about a young wizard – Harry Potter. The main protagonist is trying to develop his magical potential in Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku II (GBA)
RPG 17 June 2003
A continuation of the 2002 RPG, created based on the license of the cult-classic manga from Akira Toriyama. The studio responsible for the title is Webfoot, seasoned developer of Dragon Ball’s video game adaptations. The plot continues the story initiated in the first installment, focusing on an imminent end of the world, heralded by Trunks - a visitor from the future. At the beginning of the game, we assume the role of Goku, but the hero quickly falls ill, succumbing to a vicious disease, forcing us to take over other characters: Piccolo, Gohan, Vegeta, and Trunks. The gameplay in Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku consists of exploring a huge world, completing various main and side quests, and encounters with different adversaries. Our combat skills include a wide range of melee attacks and special abilities, amplified further by the transformation into a “Super Sayan”. Visuals are one of the strong points of the game, and are inspired by the craft of the famous mangaka. Soundtrack contains music that is well-known to every Dragon Ball enthusiast.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (GBA)
Action 08 November 2005
Another virtual adaptation based on a book belonging to the series written by J.K. Rowling. The series revolves around the adventures of Harry Potter and his two friends: Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (GBA)
RPG 05 November 2003
An action game with RPG elements – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, developed by Visceral Games in cooperation with EA Redwood Shores, is based on the license of a hit movie by the same name. The game allows the players to assume roles of over a dozen characters known from the silver screen – one can play as Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and many others. Player’s task is to destroy The Ring of Power and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron. The gameplay builds on battles against hordes of enemies. All the bloodshed takes place across twelve diverse battlefields – these include Minas Tirith, Fields of Pelennor, The Black Gate and The Path of the Dead. As the story progresses, one can develop particular characters, gaining access to more powerful combos that can be used in all the battles to come. An additional treat, featured in the PC / Windows and home consoles releases of the game, are the cutscenes taken from the third part of The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, along with the soundtrack composed by Howard Shore. The players can enjoy this experience either in a single player mode, or accompanied by one more player.
Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc (GBA)
Arcade 15 February 2003
The third installment in the series of adventures of the eponymous friendly hero. Released for PC Windows and consoles, the game is an action platformer. Rayman and his friends, Globox and Murfy, have to face the army of Hoodlums. As you play, you explore new, colorful locations, from beautiful, magical places to ruined areas inhabited by hostile creatures. Visually, the game looks better than the second installment — the textures and animations have been improved. The Game Boy Advance release, however, is a 2D platform game utilizing a side view perspective. In this edition, you need to find a cure for Globox, who accidentally swallowed the evil Dark Lum Lord. It is also worth noting that the production is among the visually best ones for Nintendo handhelds.