Golden Sun
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (15 November, 2001)
list price: $29.99
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Editorial Review

Golden Sun is the first original role-playing game for the GameBoy Advance to appear in the U.S. And despite perhaps a too-familiar story line,Golden Sun's jaw-dropping graphics, deep magic system, and uniquemultiplayer arena mode truly show that the Game Boy Advance is capable of aserious RPG.

Game developer Camelot (which also made the legendary Shining Force series forthe Sega Genesis, and, more recently,Mario Golf andMario Tennis for theNintendo 64) designed Golden Sun from the ground up to take advantage ofthe GBA's horsepower, and it shows. Sharp, vivid landscapes, detailed towns anddungeons, and awesome weather effects--it looks like a Super Nintendo game withsome extra zing squeezed onto a handheld system. Fans of Secret of Manaor Chrono Trigger will appreciate the feel of this game.

But the game's greatest strength is its magic system. Your characters each havetheir own latent psychic abilities based on one of the four elements of alchemy(earth, water, wind, and fire). The characters will be called upon to use theirindividual forms of telepathy and telekinesis to solve various puzzles in thegame. Also, you can collect Djinn (elemental spirits) and link them to yourcharacters. Not only can these Djinn be summoned in battle, they can alsobolster or hinder your characters' latent psychic abilities, give them specialattacks, and even change your characters' class. This system is similar toFinal Fantasy VIII's guardian system, though far more intuitive and easyto master.

Golden Sun employs a basic turn-based battle system, but it has amazingspell and fighting techniques that really take advantage of the GBA'stechnology. The game achieves a nice balance between flashy attacks and thebrevity of these same attacks--a lesson the makers of other RPGs should learn.Battles are beautifully and quickly fought, and don't overtax the gamer.

The game also has an addictive arena mode in which players can fight monstersthey've already encountered in the game. Players can also link up with anotherGBA (this feature requires another Golden Sun cartridge) and fightagainst another party. While it's not true a multiplayer option, it adds a greatreplay value to the game.

Golden Sun's weakest point, however, is its standard-issue story. Inessence: boy wakes up amidst disaster, meets stalwart friends, and rises to thechallenge to save the day (all while living up to the image of his dear departedfather). The story is a little stale, but the mechanics of the game transcendthis flaw and bring the gamer into a state of handheld nirvana. --BryanKarsh

Pros:

• Vivid graphics
• Deep, intuitive magic system
• Addictive multiplayer arena mode

Cons:

• A plot straight out of "RPG Story Lines 101"

... Read more

Reviews (463)

Good...but too short
I know they're leaving room for a sequal, but I finished in about a week of real time, and I didn't play that much.Plus, since you're stuck in Lalivero after you beat the final battle, there's no replay value.Although it left me eagerly awaiting the second one, it also left me feeling a little cheated.However, overall, this is an awesome game.The storyline didn't bother me, because the number of sideplots the ever-altruistic Isaac and crew feel the need to indulge in kept things varied and fun.Overall, I highly recommend this game, but if you're getting it, buy Lost Age at the same time, or you'll be really mad when you finish.Me?I'm promising myself Lost Age as a reward after I finish Finals Week, and I'm counting the days.

Amazing game
This game is one of the best games I have ever played.

Music 4.5/5 pretty good music

Graphcs 5/5 amazing graphics the summons are awsome

GamePlay 5/5 very fun game

Overall 4.7/5

Overall

Any RPG loving GBA owner should buy this.
Created by a little know developer called Camelot (they made some Mario Golf and Mario Tennis games, as well as Shining Force before they joined Nintendo), Golden Sun is one of the GBA's more exceptional games.

Golden Sun has one major achievement it had for the GBA.It pushed the limits of the system in terms of graphics.While the visuals for wandering around seem rather easy for the system to create, the battles are a spectacular achievement.Even though the characters and enemies are shown as animated sprites.The sprites themselves are not much to write home about, but regardless they are quite convincing and suit the battle setup more than you might expect.The battle screen is sort of a "quasi-3D" setup.The background and sprites are 2D, but they are executed in such a manner that they look 3D.Not only that, battle effects, such as spells and simple attacks, add wonderfully to the setup.The only real problem I can see is that some spell effects slow down the framerates (how fast or smoothly it runs) noticably, but it's all handled so well that it doesn't even seem like a glitch, and out of sheer irony it adds to the effect of some of the spells.

The sound is a mixed bag.The music score part is excellent.Everything from the main menu music, to town themes, and the grand world map music is great both technically and melodically.If any songs do get on your nerves, they either won't last long or are done in such a way that you can tune them out while playing.Sound effects, however, are very standard.A lot of them are recycled so much that it's practically mind numbing.However, none of it seems completely out of place, and there isn't much that will hurt your ears, so that's something to be happy for.

The gameplay itself only has one real flaw in my opinion.The battles are too easy.With the exception of most of the boss battles, regular battles tend to be so easy that the thought of using the run option will never occur to you (they also go so quick that there's not really a time issue involved either).There's also an issue where, if you set all of your characters to attack one enemy and that enemy is destroyed, the characters that attack him later have their attack wasted.This really isn't too much of an issue, though, and Camelot was smart enough to make the character automatically defend if that should happen (which means damage to that character would be halved... though I think that only refers to physical damage).

The story has gotten a lot of bad press in my opinion.However, it should be noted that if you play this game, the story alone may persuade you to buy the next game, GS: The Lost Age (which is already out).While that's not particularly a bad thing, as the combination of the two stories is really awesome, just be aware of the extra expense that may cost for your wallet.Also, it should be noted that this game is a bit on the short side (roughly 20-25 hours), but that's still not much of an issue in my view (just so you know, the second game in the series is roughly 40-45 hours long, so that one is lengthier).

All in all, the game is quite fun.However, there are a few quirks that I mentioned above that may get on some people's nerves, so just know what you're getting into. ... Read more

Asin: B00005OARM
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Role Playing Games (Game, RPG, RPGs, CRPG, CRPGs)    5. Strategy (Strategic)   

Super Mario Advance
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (14 June, 2001)

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Editorial Review

The world's favorite plumber makes his first appearance (alongwith playable characters Luigi, Peach, and Toad) on the Game BoyAdvance, and, for the most part, Mario's arrival is welcome indeed.

Super Mario Advance is primarily a slightly tweaked port ofSuper Mario Bros. 2, the (still) very popular side scroller fromthe days of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). So expect plenty of running,jumping, and hurling of items at many a foe.

The game's graphics and sound have been a given a nice overhaul fromthe original game, and are clear and bright enough to please old-schooland new fans alike. While Nintendo did a good job shrinking the visualsdown to handheld size, the tiny GBA screen can get very busy at times,making accidental death due to sometimes less-than-precise controlsfrustratingly frequent--at least in the beginning. Most gamers shouldovercome such mishaps with a little patience.

Also included is the still fun, if forgettable, original MarioBros. game from many eons ago. Up to four players can engage in acoin-collecting battle mode or the classic mode. Super MarioAdvance isn't the game to show off the power of the GBA, but it isa long, fun title that will satisfy today's gamers with a taste fromthe best of Mario's past. --Mark Brooks

Pros:

• One of the best NES games is faithfully ported
• Upgraded sound and graphics
• Gameplay is easy to get into

Cons:

• Somewhat loose controls
• Neither fresh nor original for those who've played the NES version

... Read more

Features

• Side-scrolling adventure.
• Play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad.
• Collect items with which you can pummel your enemies.
• Switch characters between levels.
• Head-to-head play on up to 4 units via the separately sold communication cable.

Reviews (252)

preeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetty cool.
It's a pretty good game but I liked Super Mario Advance 2 and 3 the best but this one was pretty cool.

ONE OF THE BEST GAMES THAT EVER EXSISTED ! ! ! !
I love this game. I personaly think this is one of the best games of all nintendo platforms. I can't get tired of this game no matter what. You should buy this one aling with SUPER MARIO WORLD, the sequel to this game from the SNES platform. I suggest you buy this one immediatly. I really do. Go buy this one. Donkey Kong Country 2 is another great choice of a great SNES video game. BUY IT NOW !

The Second Mario Dream
I often have been enjoying a lot of classic video games from the 80's that have really been resurfacing over the past few years. It really is wonderful to see older games feel fresh and newly exciting again. That truly has been the case for one lucky plumber, Mario. Nintendo really has done a remarkable job of reintroducing Mario games to the Game Boy Advance audience. It has done very much wonders for a lot of people, who are now enjoying the feeling of the most groundbreaking entertainment that has ever brought games to the home. Nintendo did it originally with Super Mario Brothers, and their sequel was opposite any of the classic Mario stories that had ever been told.

Super Mario Advance: Super Mario Brothers 2, is a restored version to the classic video game from the late 80's. The game features your option of one of four characters to control, Mario or Luigi, Toad or Princess Toadstool. The game is located through seven dream world stages and 20 different levels. The gameplay focuses in on a nightmare Mario has as he and his pals stop Wart and his henchmen including Birdo, Mouser, Fryguy and many shyguys from ruining the dream world Mario is stuck in. The game doesn't feature the traditional Super Mario gameplay, where instead you dig deep to pick up items to hurl at your opponents.

Yet, with all the goodsides, there really are a few downsides to this game. The graphics do seem a little bit out of tune, unlike their original NES gameplay, or even the remastered gameplay from the 1993 Super Mario All-Stars compilation for the Super Nintendo. Another problem is the controls. They sometimes can make it very difficult for you to hurl bombs and vegetables when need ed at your foes. Sadly, that does bring unfortunate problems in gameplay at times.

All in all, Super Mario Advance: Super Mario 2 is a great exciting twist to the original Super Mario Brothers saga. For anybody who hasn't tried this Mario game, it really just is worth it for the Game Boy Advance. It really is a surprise that just is a delight.

Graphics: C+

Sound: C+

Control: B-

Gameplay: B+

Overall: B- ... Read more

Asin: B00005B8FZ
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Action    5. Adventure    6. Classic    7. Retro Arcade   

Dragon Ball Z: Legacy of Goku
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (17 May, 2002)
list price: $29.99 -- our price: $24.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku takes you on an incredible journey to protect the universe from the evil Frieza once and for all. You'll use combat strategies to help fulfill the legacy of Goku, the greatest warrior the universe has ever known. The kidnapping of Goku's son Gohan threatens the safety of the universe. The future depends on your ability to use your powers to help Goku defeat his enemies.

You play as Goku through the Saiyan, Namek, and Frieza sagas, interact with more than 75 characters while exploring a huge universe, and complete quests to build up your level of Ki, experience, and inventory. You must use Melee and Ki combat to defeat your enemies, plus you must master different energy attacks: Ki blasts, solar flare, and Kamehameha. ... Read more

Reviews (298)

Good but not great
This is probably one of the best DBZ games... not! I'm a DBZ fan and even I did not think this was all that great. For one it's too easy and you don't even get to face the Sayain thingys (green dudes that are planted in the ground). I give this a 4.15 out of 5 and a 8.30 out of 10.

LAME GAME!
LEGACY OF GOKU IS A DRY AND DULL ACTION RPG FOR THE GBA AND THE SPRITES ARE CHEESY LOOKING TOO! PLUS THERE'S STUPID SIDE QUESTS THAT WEREN'T ORIGINALLY THERE IN THE TV SHOW AND IT WOULD SEEM LIKE A WASTE OF TIME FOR GOKU TO GO FINDING A STUPID KID'S TOY BOAT WHILE HIS SON GOHAN HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED BY RADITZ! I GUESS GOKU IS JUST A PLAIN IDIOT WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT!

too easy! a kids review
This game is kinda fun but too easy! Once i fought jeice and beat him in 2 hits! Vegeta and nappa are both even harder then freiza! Even raditz is harder than freiza! And its stupid because king kai teaches him the kamehameha move when it was master roshi that taught him that. And you have to do stupid side quests like save a little boys cruddy toy boat and find some crappy flowers. And you face your biggest challenge ever: a wolf! If you get too close to them youget your butt kicked! ... Read more

Asin: B0000631WO
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Role Playing Games (Game, RPG, RPGs, CRPG, CRPGs)    5. Strategy (Strategic)    6. Action    7. Adventure   

Sonic Advance
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (07 February, 2002)
list price: $39.99
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Editorial Review

Although the game will seem very familiar to Sonic fans, SonicAdvance is an entirely new creation that's been built from the ground up.The gameplay, graphics, and sound borrow from the classic Sonic games on theGenesis and are successfully translated to the Game Boy Advance. The game'ssingle-player modes are relatively short 2-D platform rounds--each run takes twoto three hours--but replay value is added through the game's various characters.Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy each have different abilities that make gettingthrough the game a unique experience.

The real star here is the game's link capabilities. The Chao Garden allows youto raise your little critters and upload them to the GameCube via the link cable andSonic Adventure 2:Battle. Having one cartridge lets up to four GBA players compete in oneminigame. Gamers can play two additional minigames if each player owns acartridge. Although the single-player game is quite good, the link options givethe title tremendous value.

The only notable problem stems from the series itself: There are still entirelytoo many cheap deaths resulting from the title's high-speed gameplay. You'llfind yourself zipping along a level only to be hit by an obstacle you had littlechance of seeing, let alone avoiding. Ultimately, the only way to get past thesehazards is to memorize where they are. This minor flaw doesn't detract from thegame's excellent value, though. Sonic Advance offers a very goodsingle-player game and some of the best link options of any GBA title.--Raymond M. Padilla

Pros:

• Classic Sonic gameplay
• Outstanding link options
• Four characters add to replay value

Cons:

• Classic Sonic cheap deaths
• Single-player runs are short

... Read more

Reviews (158)

What's the big deal?
What's the big deal with this game? It's not fun at all. It's way too fast. I mean, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle was fast, but not like this. In this game, you can't even see where you're going. And there's no explanation for anything. I was expecting a cool action/platformer with a few story segments. Instead, I was dropped straight into the first level with no explanation, and there was no break-up between levels, boss battles, and worlds. I was just so confused. It moved so fast that my eyes hurt, and I didn't understand it. It was a big fat waste of money.

Sonic Advance rocks!!!
Sonic advance is a great Game. If you Like action Games or The Classic NES series Gameboy Advance Games, you should get this Game. I've played Sonic Advance 3, but the original Game is alot better. You can choose from Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose. I also own Pokemon Leafgreen And Classic NES series Pacman. Sonic Advance rocks!!!

i got it!
remember me?im taht perky girl who made that review that i got it on ebay and such and such.well now i have it!tails and knux are my favoorite.its also pretty chalenging,so fun is at the top of its rate.its educational cause u get 2 raise a chao and thats like raising a kid.(u can buy it a tv)its durable cause when u keep it in your gba it doesnt break.o yeah in the final zone its real easy.play online at www.arcadepod.com and get practice.at the last dude,stay far back.when he moves,jump.light,duck.ball,stay calm,then dodge.hand,when it moves jump,run and attack him.the end is cute.hope u like it! ... Read more

Asin: B00005MO5G
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Action    5. Adventure   

Super Mario World
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (14 February, 2002)
list price: $34.99
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Editorial Review

Super Mario World for the Super Nintendo sits at or near the topof most "best video games" lists for a reason. At the time of its release, itwas a dramatic evolution of the side-scrolling Mario series of action-adventuregames, incorporating every gameplay element that worked in the older titleswhile adding a seemingly endless supply of new tricks. This new feature-completeversion of Super Mario World for the Game Boy Advance proves just howtimeless designer Shigeru Miyamoto's 1991 classic really is.

In true Miyamoto fashion, the game starts with simple running and jumping andgradually gets more complex. Soon, you're swimming, flying, tossing fireballs,and riding one of several Yoshis--cute little dinosaurs--that appear throughoutthe game. The overall level design has yet to be exceeded in a 2-D platformer,with each colorful level packed with enough secrets to keep players busy forweeks. A lot of precision jumping is required, but the controls are so tightthat directing Mario (or even Luigi, who wasn't playable in the original)becomes as natural as breathing within a few minutes of playing.

As if packing the entire original game onto the tiny cartridge wasn't enough,Nintendo also put two multiplayer versions of the original Mario Brothersin there, which are playable solo or with up to three other people usingGame Link cables to connect all your Game Boy Advance systems. Both variants are a blast, but thesingle-player adventure is what kept us coming back for more. If you missed it10 years ago when Super Mario World appeared on the Super Nintendo, don'tmake the same mistake twice. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• The game is very replayable thanks to multiple level exits
• Surgically precise controls
• Outstanding level designs that never get old

Cons:

• Speech effects that were added for Mario and Luigi get old fast

... Read more

Features

• rld. When riding Yoshi, Mario or Luigi can make their dino pal slurpup enemies, regurgitate fireballs and carry special items.
• Like any Mario game, Super Mario World is crawling with secrets. In addition to hidden blocks and vines within the levels, many levels feature hidden exits which take a lot of exploration to discover. Finding these hidden exits is the only way to explore all 96 levels in the game.

Reviews (251)

Polishing a classic
There's pretty much a debate on the best Super Mario game: Super Mario 3, Super Mario World or Yoshi's Island(but you control Yoshi instead). Some might say Mario 64 but the lack of gameplay moves doesn't hold a candle to the many gameplay mechanics each one of the 3 provide. So we delve into one of them: Super Mario World.

Story: What little story there is. As usual, Princess Peach gets kidnapped(I swear that b**** needs bodyguards or take up karate or something). So it's up to Mario to save the day as he traverses worlds in caves, the chocolate level, underwater and in the air.

Graphics: This is Super Nintendo graphics so granted these aren't stunning anymore. But it does have a nice vibrancy to it and the variety of the levels adds some nice changes to the scenery without being too repetitive.

Sound/Music: I often call Nintendo good support music. Besides the Mario theme, nothing is really hummable yet it doesn't feel out of place. They added some voices for Mario and Luigi which as usual get annoying.

Gameplay: I remember playing this on the SNES and I was so happy I cleared all 96 stages, got the Star Road finished, the secret areas and everything. Now I have to do it again, ugh. All the levels are here with some minor tweaks.

It was this one I believe they introduced one of Mario's famous sidekicks: Yoshi, the green dinosaur who likes to eat anything and s**t it out and makes eggs that he can fling at people(only in Yoshi's Island and maybe some others). He also turned into a different colored Yoshi depending on what he ate. So red turtles gave him abilities to shoot fireballs while one enabled him to fly and another gave a slight earthquake quality when he bounced.

Mario 3 wins in turns of transforming Mario. In 3, he had the tanooki suit(that raccoon), the frog suit, that shoe, not to mention the fire flower and the leaf, capable of making him fly. With this one he gets the fire flower and the feather, giving him a yellow Superman cape where he can fly. It's different than the leaf cause that just made him soar straight up while here you can fly across. He can glide down by just holding the button while in 3 you had to repeatedly hit it.

The Mario Advance ports are great for us old school gamers who remembers playing Chrono Trigger, Uniracers and Final Fantasy III(officially VI but that's another story). Don't forget about Mario 3 and Yoshi's Island too.

This is an old classic, but it cannot overshadow Mario Bro 3
The game is good and then some. There is so much to do, you may never do it all.
The story is that Peach is not in the witness protection program and gets kidnapped once again. You and Luigi must save her.
On the map you can alternate between Luigi and Mario just by a press of a button. All in all, it does not matter. The game is no harder or easier. Luigi has a better jump but is slower than Mario.
In the levels your goal is to get to the end without dying. The twist in this game is that any red dot on the map means there is more than one exit. And many of them are hard to find. Upon finding them, you are able to gain access to a different path on the map.
This is a must. You will see dotted lines everywhere in a certain color. What you must do is find a certain special exit and you get to go to a block palace. They will fill in the lines with blocks that match the colors. Now these blocks give you access to new places and sometimes save your life.
Running around in the levels, you get four different powerups and they vary from mushroom to stars. If you had Mario before, you know what they do. The new addition is Yoshi. He can add an extra hit to your life and eat enemies and more! Plus, by special exits, you can go to star world. Beating a level there the right way will give you access to a new yoshi. Some will turn enemies eaten into fire while others can fly when they have any enemy in their mouth. They appear at random
The bosses can be brutal. Each boss either has three or four hits. You must find the special way to beat them. This will be easy, but causes you to keep readjusting throughout the game.
You may never do everything.
You need help to do everything. So buy a strategy guide.

Best Game EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
For a gamer like me, that is, someone who likes basic yet chalenging games, this is a must.Its fun never wears away, because there's always something new to do.Play either as Mario, who is fast but a bad jumper, or Luigi who jumps far and high.I love this game!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00005UK88
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Action    5. Adventure    6. Strategy (Strategic)   

NBA Jam 2002
Average Customer Review:
Video Game

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (15)

Wow this is craptacularly awful...
If there's one thing I loathe it's not getting bang for my buck.I have to say I feel completely ripped off having purchased this game.I'm a big fan of NBA Jam and NBA Hangtime and I thought it would be cool to have this on my GameBoy Advance SP.The first time I fired it up I thought "This is awful."I put it away in disgust.I've since tried to play (and like) the game 2 more times but I am in awe at how gawd-awful the graphics and more important the gameplay is.And like another reviewer mentioned I bought this game because of the positive reviews posted here on Amazon.com.Methinks there're people with a wicked sense of humor who enjoy the company of misery or it's one of the marketing folks from the makers of this putrid NBA Jam 2002 "port" or whatever you want to call it.I would'nt even give this crapfest 1 star but I can't post this review unless I select a rating.I give it a " -1 star".You have been warned.

Not fair!
Hey, I appreciate the effort of making an NBA game but it's not enough, there has to be more than one basketball game on GBA. I think that they should make NBA Showtime or NBA Street or NBA Live on GBA. These are some of the best basketball games on different systems. On N64, I loved NBA Showtime, I'm sure that there are many other people that want to see this game on GBA. On PS2, NBA Live and NBA Street are the best basketball game on the system. If I had the chance to make video games, I would make all of these game for GBA. If you think that I am right and want more basketball games on GBA, write reviews to tell them this!

Junk!!!
Didn't have in stock, yet advertized for it ... Read more

Asin: B00005QDPW
Sales Rank: 7144
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Sports (Sport)    5. Outdoors (Out Doors)    6. Sports    7. Outdoors   

Mega Man Battle Network
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (18 October, 2001)
list price: $39.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Mega Man: Battle Network is not the side-scrolling game that fanshave grown up with, but rather an isometric, role-playing adventure game. Forthose cringing at this evolution, don't despair--with an amazing real-timebattle system, this game should appease even die-hard platform-shooter fans.

In the near future, the Net is connected to virtually everything--from computersto office water coolers. An evil group is bent on dominating the world bycorrupting the Net with viruses. You play as Lan, a young hacker, who must stopthis threat with the help of his virus-busting program (and best friend) MegaMan.exe.

Lan can walk up to just about any object and either use it or get someinteresting (and often funny) information about it. In fact, this kind ofexploration is necessary, because there are Net jacks in the strangestplaces--even a doghouse. And while Mega Man.exe is deployed fighting viruses on the Net,you often have to go out and collect clues in the real world. This teamwork addssome refreshing complexity to the game.

Fans of Pokémon will like the battle chip system. Finding chips andupgrading Mega Man.exe is the name of the game, enabling the program to unleashmore powerful attacks. Battle chips can be sold, traded, and combined intorarer, more powerful chips. In addition, you can link up with a friend and tradechips, or battle for them.

The game's best element, however, is its battle system. Battles occur in realtime, with fast arcade action. Mega Man.exe can lob bombs, shoot his hallmarkcannon, summon other virus-busting programs to his aid, and more--depending onwhich of the 175 battle chips you find and deploy in battle.

Mega Man: Battle Network is a solid performer, but its story is geared toa younger crowd. Still, there's plenty here to satisfy fans of the series.--Bryan Karsh

Pros:

• Amazing real-time battle system
• Trade chips via link cable, or fight for them against a friend's copy of thegame
• Interactive world in which almost every object has a purpose

Cons:

• Story line might be too childish for older players

... Read more

Reviews (53)

Fun
Mega Man Battlew Network for the GBA is a nice game that is unlike most Mega Man games. In this Mega Man game, you fight on a grid with you on one side and the enemy on another side. On this grid, you can fire as many shots as you want and can choose a special card from a group to use. This is quite fun and most people should enjoy it. When not in battle, you can move around freely and talk to people. You can fight some of the PETs of these people. The plot is pretty basic though there is a small twist. When hooked to the net, you can get into random battles and earn money. There is also a small RPG element present. You can earn upgrades to Mega Man and improve his health, attack, etc. The only problem is that the game can become frustrating if you cannot find out where to go next.

megaman rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In my opinion, megaman battle network 1 is one of the better games in the series (of course i didn't get to the end of the game but i got pretty darn far). there's many places to jack in, such as lan,s security system (shaped like a doghouse). Many tough bosses such as stoneman. any way you flip the pancake this game is awesome so might i be the first to say jack in!
Megaman,Excecute!

Megaman's first rpg is......a complete success!!
The blue bomber is back in a whole new adventure on the game boy advance but this time he has broken out of his signuture side scrolling action platformer format and has taken on the card battling rpg format???? Well before you megaman fans start yelling listen and read this review to find that this is one of the blue bombers greatest adventures yet.

Gameplay 10/10
Alright the gameplay is quite strange for Megaman so listin up you switch between Lan (a human kid in the real world) and Megaman EXE (Megaman's newest form a netnavi who goes through cyber space kicking (...)) now in the real world you as Lan go through a normal life in his futuristic world where everything is run by computers but this means viruses are much more in number and can be deadly so it's up to Lan to take Megaman to the electronic device that needs viruses cleared out of it or hostile netnavis as Megaman you use battle chips (microchips that give him weapons and abilities) you can get these through a turn based system a meter fills up and when it does you pick which chip out of five that you randomly pulled (kinda like your hand in a card game) but you are not limited to pulling just one chip per turn you can also make combos by pulling more than one of the same kind of chip of by pulling two chips of the same code. A code is put on the bottom of each chip two chips that have a H code can be played in the same turn even if they aren't the same kind of chip and chips that are the same can be played together even if they are not of identical code by the way new chips (which there are 175) can be obtain from detroying viruses for example if you detroy a dash virus you may get his chip depending on what kind of busting level you get busting level is a rank system which goes from 1-10 and S and you have a better chance of getting a chip if you get a 10 rank rather than a 5 now after you have selected your chips you can fight the viruses in a 3D battle arena which is split up into 18 panels 9 blue panels and 9 red panels you stand on the blue and cannot cross on to the red and and the same applies for you foes on the red you move about dogding attacks while launching your own its strange for Megaman but it works very well aside from battling in cyberspace you will also explore and solve puzzles many of which require you to be both Lan and Megaman to solve them example in cyberspace there is alocked door but it has a passnumber it is based on how many chairs are in Lans classroom in the real world therefore you must become Lan to solve the puzzle. A way this is a rpg is that Megaman can level up but not through exp points he levels up by finding upgrade items such as HPmemories which raises your overall HP (you start with 100) and Powerups which raise your power rapid and charge up powers of your buster these upgrades can be found in various areas of cyberspace or the real world or by buying them from merchants speaking of exploring that is another great thing about this game you can explore areas of cyberspace in just about anything electronic such as vending machines, game systems, tvs, and the most expansive area the internet but you can still explore the real world and interact with the people in the various towns particapate in netbattles where Megaman fights their netnavi and trade battle chips noy to mention while exploring you can try to get all the battle chips in the game. Also old fans will reconize old bosses reborn in this game such as Bombman Iceman Elecman and Protoman.

Story 10/10
The story begins as you are put into the role of Lan a 5th grader kid who is off to school in his futuristic world that is run completly by computers because of this viruses are larger in numbers and more deadly so much so that destroying them with your netnavi example Megaman is a big course in school on the way to school Lan walks with his freind Mayl who begins to tell him of a hacking net crime organization the world 3 or WWW that is becoming more know throughout the story Lan and Megaman Battle the WWW to stop their evil plans but unlike old Megaman games you don't just pick a boss stage and go there you fight WWW as events unfold in the game.

Bottom Line 10/10
It will take you at long time to master this game trying to find all the battle chips reaching level 100 and battling WWW will keep you busy for quite awhile. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NCCY
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Action    5. Adventure    6. Role Playing Games (Game, RPG, RPGs, CRPG, CRPGs)    7. Strategy (Strategic)   

Monster Rancher Advance
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (03 December, 2001)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (23)

BANG BANG BANG I WWWIIINNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This game isdecent.But when you get to battle there is nothing
better.

This game is cool
This game is really fun. You can make monsters, go to battles, and buy stuff. You can also put your monsters into hybernation if you don't want to use them anymore. You can only use one monster at a time. I would really buy this game and it's worth the 40 dollars. There are lots of levels and if you get an invitation for a match to get a dragon, go to the match. A code name for a dragon is lemon. :)

Monster rancher is a good game
I'm a monster rancher fan and i have played most of the monster rancher games and his is not queit the best one. This version of monster rancher has some monsters taken out like the wheel or plants and dogs but this game is really great its replay value is great I SUGGEST to not beat this game early and dont cheat it will ruin the funness and but even if you beat the game early its replay value will kick in thats why i give this game a 10/10

GAME CONTENT
Generate and raise monsters from words
Train and battle
Earn money and gain in rank and get permission to raise special monsters ... Read more

Asin: B00005RCR2
Sales Rank: 8219
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Role Playing Games (Game, RPG, RPGs, CRPG, CRPGs)   

Tactics Ogre
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (14 May, 2002)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Based on the popular Ogre Battle games, Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis marks the first installment of the series on a portable platform. As Alphonse, a knight of Galicia, you're sent to investigate the intentions of the suspect governing body of the Holy Lodis Empire and solve the mystery of Ovis. Players will encounter many battles to test their wit and strength, and their experiences will determine the true nature of their characters, as well as game's possible endings. The game offers more than 40 hours of gameplay, as well as a head-to-head battle mode via the separately sold Game Boy Advance link cable. ... Read more

Reviews (73)

Tactics Ogre the knight of Lodis
This is the best GBA game ever! Better than Final Fantasy Tactics advance! This game is worth every penny! Tons of Gameplay!

Puts your GBA to a good use
I dont know if this is really the kind of game for everyone. I am very personal with my games and with every great game I play I find myself deeply attached to certain aspects that could even be overlooked by a casual gamer. Chances are if you play this game you will miss out on parts of the experience i had with it. I enjoyed this game because of the great characters, thoughtful dialog, sweet music, and the atmosphere. Each little person you meet seems to have a heart.There are people that make you glad, people you feel sorry for, and people you will get angry at. I felt bad about certain enemies you're forced to kill. Alphonse, the main character, is an admirable guy and I love the girl who rescues him from the sea, Eleanor. Her theme song is one of the best in the game. There are people that make you glad, people you feel sorry for, and people you will get angry at. I felt bad about certain enemies you're forced to kill. And although he's kind of evil, the final boss is awesome. I felt respect for just about every character. The music is sometimes a little simple, but it always matches the scene is which it is place. And its not all giddy and giggly like some games music that gets on my nerves, like harvest moon. Some of the better tunes are the opening movie, eleanor's theme, cybil's theme, the final boss, and the credits. The battles are long man. Train your party members and level them up in random battles whenever you have nothing better to do, then when youve got more time enjoy the key parts of the story. There are all sorts of details in this game, in the menus and in the graphics as well. I love details. Poke around with the help feature and find out things that make the world feel more complete. This review really rambles i guess i just wanted to honor the game rather than convince people to buy it... but if you like some of these other games I've enjoyed maybe you'll like Tactics Ogre: Both Golden Suns, Dragon Warrior 1 thru 3, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. This is an excellent Game Boy title that doesnt feel quite like the other games you play on this system. I loved it!

This game rocks!!!!
This game rules!! There are new classes and what used to be male only classes are now female also and vice-versa.New missions new people new wepons what more could you ask for?If you like The ogre battle series buy it!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B000060NQ1
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Role Playing Games (Game, RPG, RPGs, CRPG, CRPGs)    5. Strategy (Strategic)   

Spyro: Season of Ice
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (23 November, 2001)
list price: $39.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Over 30 levels including: Autumn Falls, Honey Marsh, Space Age Speedway and more more.
• Revolutionary gameplay with 3 different engine technologies.
• Cool Minigames like Hockey and Thief Chases.
• Speedway Races and Speedway Time Trial modes.

Reviews (97)

This game is awful! Absolutly, positively DON'T buy it.
I own the first three Spyro games and when this one came out I coudn't wait to get it. However, I made a serios mistake. Spyro can't move very well, and you die the second you come near water, which I think is terrible seeing as this game is supposed to take place AFTER he learned to swim. This game has bad graphics, annoying speedways and Sparx levels, and can't show elevation. As a general rule, everything looks completly flat so when you go to make a glide, you find out the place you're gliding to is too high. Furthermore, enemies with missles and fireworks take about two seconds aiming at you then they just blow you up. In conclusion NEVER, EVER buy this game!

Annoying!
I have all the Spyro games for PS1 & PS2, and I LOVE them, so when I got my GBA I bought Season Of Ice right away....and was very annoyed.At first I thought it would be cool, because there are fairies and mermaids, but the controls are much more difficult on the GBA than the Playstations.I have trouble getting Spyro to go the direction I want him to, especially on diagonals.I think it's because you're using directional buttons instead of a joystick.I don't think it can be the fault of the button on my individual GBA, because I bought it brand new and this is one of the first games I've played on it.Anyway, I have trouble crossing bridges and just moving around in general; it makes it incredibly obnoxious, because every time you fall in water you die.I say, if you have a Game Cube and a Game Boy Player (so you can use a joystick) this could be a great game, but if you just have a GBA, don't bother, it's more frustrating than it's worth.

A frustrating let-down
OK, first of all, I have the 3 original Spyro games for Playstation, and I love them, so when I got my GBA, I immediately bought this Spyro game and the second one, Season of Fire. I haven't played the second one yet, but I'm almost afraid to, because this one was so disappointing. The graphics are great, I'll give you that, but that's about where it ends. The gameplay is horrible, like others have said. The controls seem to be opposite of what I would expect, and charging always makes my arm ache from trying to control him in tight turns. Also, the fact that you die if you put your toe in a puddle is really annoying, especially since the storyline shows that it's supposed to be after Spyro learned to swim. The most frustrating level so far for me is the hummingbird port, where you have to glide to different platforms, most of which you can't see without moving the camera to search for them, and all of them are impossible to tell which are above and which are below you. I've found that a basic rule is that if it looks higher, it's below you, and if it looks lower, then it's above you. I gave up on that level when I couldn't find any more sections to go to, and just kept going in circles. I do like the speedways, and also Sparx's worlds, but that's not quite enough to off-set the frustration from the other levels. It probably wouldn't seem so bad if I hadn't already gotten so good at the playstation versions, so if you are just looking for something to pass the time on the road or something, go ahead and buy it. But if you are looking for a Gameboy version of the original Spyro games, don't bother. Though, I'll try Season of Fire, and maybe Spyro Orange, which my stepmom owns, before giving up on GBA Spyro.
As a side-note, when are we going to get to play Bentley the Yeti? He was my favorite. I'd buy the game if he were in it. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NCCA
Sales Rank: 1978
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Action    5. Adventure    6. Strategy (Strategic)