FEATURES .: THE GBA WISHLIST - Part 1
December 2001
By Jae Lurman

INTRODUCTION .: PART 1 .: PART 2

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating
To see the full description of the GLR rating system, click here.

ALADDIN
SNES
Platform
Capcom
1993

While not much was to be said about Disney's Aladdin movie, many of us will recall the gorgeous SNES adaptation with a great sense of security. Slick play mechanics, quality sound and animation coupled with gorgeous visuals make Aladdin one of the more polished platformers from the 16-bit era. The game made reappearances, such as on the Game Boy Colour by Ubi Soft, but without the same flare Capcom used with the license.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Fair
The fact that Ubi Soft, not Capcom, published the GBC remake of Aladdin may prove that the Aladdin license from Disney is safely in Ubi Soft's hands. While a welcomed remake isn't out of the question, Aladdin, if at all, is more likely to show up on the GBA in some form other than the beloved SNES version.

ALEX KIDD IN MIRACLE WORLD
Sega Master System
Platform / Action
Sega
1986

Sega's answer to Mario (besides Sonic the Hedgehog), Alex Kidd, brings back much fonder memories to me than his Nintendo rival's debut games. Miracle World became such a success that Sega included it as built-in game with the revised Sega Master System 2. Alex Kidd's monkey antics also found their way onto other hits such as Alex Kidd in High Tech World and Alex Kidd in Shinobi World. With Sega and Nintendo's warring days brought to an end, Sega could ressurrect their reluctant hero on our favourite portable with instant success.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Good
Sega's promising commitment to Nintendo gives one hope of a game such as this making its way to our much loved handheld. Sonic Advance is a good sign of that. However, Alex Kidd never showed up on any of Sega's last few consoles, so its hard to determine the fate of Alex Kidd or if it already has been determined.

ALIEN SYNDROME
Arcade
Shooter / Action
Sega
1987

Alien Syndrome could almost be dubbed as an ancestor of the popular Survival Horror genre of games which include Resident Evil, Dino Crisis and Silent Hill. On the surface, my statement falls completely. But under Alien Syndrome's now dated graphics was a very scary claustrophobic game. Inspired by the Aliens blockbuster movies, Alien Syndrome invoked a real sense of fear in the gamer as you struggled to hide, escape or blast your way past the endless alien scourge and rescue hostages from certain death. Classic.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Fair
Sega have expressed a number of times that they are working to revive some of their classic game franchises. It's hard to say if Alien Syndrome would be included or not. It certainly would look good with a make-over for the GBA. Besides, there aren't many top-down perspective games like this around anymore and there should be.

AXELAY
Platform - SNES
Shooter
Konami
1992

In the early days on the SNES there were many complaints and remarks of the system having a slow processor. Even Capcom's port of Final Fight suffered from heavy slowdown when the action on screen got crowded. This all changed however when Konami came along with Axelay. Not only one of the best SNES games of all time but high in the ranks of the legendary shooters such as Gradius / Salamander, R-Type, etc. The game took full advantage of the Super Nintendo's powerful Mode-7 graphics chip with dazzling vertical scrolling levels which incorporated a rounding effect over the horizon. Topped off with traditional horizontal styled levels and some of the best bosses this side of the universe make Axelay a remarkable experience to this day.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Good
Konami are strongly supporting the GBA and they would be crazy not to port this game. With Gradius Galaxies (by Konami) and especially Phalanx (an average SNES port by Kemco) already out on the GBA it's time for Axelay to reclaim its glory.

BRAINLORD
SNES
Action RPG
Enix
1994

Upon first glance, Brainlord seems like another uninspired action / RPG rehash. With perserverance you actually discover quite a tough yet rewarding quest. Brainlord lived upto its name with the most hair-pulling puzzles this side of a Boxxle remake, compensating for its storyline shortcommings. While its no Chrono Trigger epic, Brainlord remains an excellent rarity to this day.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Low
Enix's main priority is Dragon Quest / Warrior, and even if they had a burning desire to ressurect some of their SNES games, Brainlord probably wouldn't make the list. Still we can wish!

BUBBLE BOBBLE 2 / BUBBLE SYMPHONY
Arcade
Arcade Action
Taito

Bub and Bob now find themselves comfortably loading bubbles into Bust-a-Move's cannons, but probably yearn for the action they once had in the Bubble Bobble games. A major hit in the arcades, this game found its way onto just about every console and computer on the market. Colourful graphics, simple but addictive gameplay, and excellent two-player capabilities would make this one great Gameboy Advance title.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - High
I'd like to see ANY Bubble Bobble game on the GBA. A collection of classic BB and BB2 together in one cart would be downright amazing. Both games made it to the Gameboy so why shouldn't they be given the Advance treatment too?

CHRONO TRIGGER
SNES
RPG
Square
1995

Chrono Trigger, one of the most hailed RPG's to ever be created, still stands up as a cornerstone of the modern gaming world. Leaving all its clones in the wake, Chrono Trigger's immersive storyline, mini-games, characters, graphics and explorative nature give the game endless appeal. Many of us lived through sleepless days and nights hooked on this quest. With the possible exception of Final Fantasy III, this is the RPG of the 16-bit days.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Unknown
Chrono Trigger on the GBA...sounds a little too good to be true. We may have to get used to the idea of Square never gracing a Nintendo game console again. Square showed interest in GBA development but it seems to have fallen through. Nintendo can be so stubborn sometimes! Still we live in hope (or buy WonderSwan Color systems instead).

UPDATE
April 28 2002 - Lookout for the GBA Wishlist - Part 3, which will be a special feature regarding the rekindled alliance between Square and Nintendo. Things are changing, and we could very well see this and other Square games on our favourite portable system.

COTTON 100% - MARCHEN ADVENTURE
SNES (Super Famicom)
Shooter
Datam

Anyone remember Parodius? Konami's cute parody of the classic Gradius shooter. Cotton 100% takes a similar path by fusing drop-dead cuteness with intense shoot 'em up action. You control a cute anime styled witch-girl flying your broomstick through the horizontal and vertical scrolling levels defeating all kinds of immaginative enemies. Using fairy imps as doubles and plenty of power-ups along the way ofcourse.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Average
Believe it or not, the Cotton series appeared not only on the Japanese Super Famicom, but also the Sega Megadrive, Saturn, Dreamcast and NeoGeo Pocket machines. Could this signal a possible release on the Gameboy Advance? Keep your fingers crossed.

CYBERNATOR / ASSAULT SUITS VALKEN
SNES
Shooter / Action
Konami
1993

Recent convertee's to the ways of gaming know Konami for their big new names like Silent Hill and Metal Gear Solid. Some may have never touched a SNES before. These people clearly missed out on some greats Konami was consistently responsible for, Cybernator being one of them. This hit had more depth than just blowing away everything in sight. Instead Cybernator dealt you missions to complete, with healthy amounts of 'blowing everything away' still intact.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Good
I'm giving Cybernator a Good Likelihood Rating (the same as Axelay) because both games feel like a complete set together. I honestly trust Konami wouldn't bring one game to the GBA without the other soon to follow.

DONKEY KONG COUNTRY
SNES
Platform
Rare / Nintendo
1994

Nintendo's classic DK was given a new life by Rare for Donkey Kong Country. The game boasted Silicon Computer Graphic rendering never seen before on a home console, coupled with brilliant tunes and nearly flawless gameplay. DKC still remains one of the more impressive platformers ever created, cementing DK's status among Nintendo's elite for generations to come.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Extremely high
The Kong family lived on in many games since DKC and show no signs of stopping. Actually the DKC series was rehashed on the Gameboy a few years ago. Already there are 2 GBA DK games on the way (Diddy Kong Pilot and Donkey Kong - Coconut Crackers) so you can bet your bananas a SNES DKC game will appear on the GBA. Possibly remakes of the 3 SNES installments or a brand new adventure.

EARTHBOUND / MOTHER 2
SNES
RPG
Nintendo
1995

Curiously, I wonder if I was the only one to think "This reminds me of Earthbound" when first playing Pokemon Red / Blue for the Gameboy. The scenarios, characters / monsters, humurous quirks (eg. the SNES in your characters bedroom) seemed all too cute and familiar. Earthbound's charm was as deep as the game's exploration, if not deeper. Underneath the simple cuteness was a game so vast and uniquely immmersive our social lives suffered as a result of the addiction.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - High
Years after its release Eartbound lives on as one of the best RPG's around. Nintendo haven't forgotten about it either and rumour has it the cancelled N64 title is being updated to the Gamecube. Perhaps its just a matter of time before it finds its way to our GBAs too (with inter-connectivity ofcourse!).

GARGOYLE'S QUEST II
NES
Platform / RPG
Capcom
1992

One of the first true genre cross-overs, Gargoyle's Quest for the Gameboy mixed side scrolling platform action with top-down RPG town crawling. The game's success was followed up with this fantastic NES sequel and Demon's Crest on the SNES (also worthy of mention here). Interesting to note is the fact that the game is set in the Ghosts 'n Goblins world from which the gargoyle himself was merely an enemy character. Not a deep and involving quest as such, but still a solid platformer and mix of styles.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Low
Theres enough classics up Capcom's sleeve to keep them busy for a long time. We'd more likely see a Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts remake for the GBA first before we could even consider a return Gargoyle's Quest. The possibility can not be ruled out though.

GOLDEN AXE
Arcade
Beat 'em Up
Sega
1989

If you've never heard of Golden Axe then shame on you! Sega's seminal entrant into the scrolling beat 'em up genre was well received and largely successful. Unlike the urban street brawls found in Double Dragon and Final Fight, Golden Axe takes places in a medievil fantasy realm where skeletons walk the earth and dragons claim the skies. This game is early evidence of Sega's remarkable game developing expertise.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - High
Sega confirmed at E3 rumours that they were developing a "Smash Pack" type collection for the GBA. While they haven't named the component games that will make up this collection, Golden Axe has featured in previous Smash Packs for other systems. So it's bound to make a star appearance on the GBA.

GUNSTAR HEROES
Sega Genesis / Megadrive
Platform / Shooter
Sega
1993

Like a cross between Mega Man and Contra, Gunstar Heroes quickly became Sega's great answer to the run / jump / shoot genre. With enough power-ups, mechanized bosses and arcade styled 2 player co-ops (including being able to use each other as throwable weapons!) to keep most trigger happy gamers pleased.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Good
Once Sega have settle Sonic into the GBA family and the company has made the priority transition from hardware to software, they would do no harm in rehashing this for Nintendo's handheld.

UPDATE
December 16 2001 - The January 2002 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine has reported that several publishers have approached Sega about obtaining publishing rights to a GBA port of Gunstar Heroes. It goes on to say that nothing is happening yet, but hopefully eventually something will be announced.

ILLUSION OF GAIA
SNES
Action RPG
Enix
1994

If you remember Illusion of Gaia the way I do, then you will remember falling in love with this game right from the start. The game had enough adventuring and puzzle solving to satisfy even strict RPGers, yet it was delivered in a very accessible action styled way. The game was easy to get into and hard to stay away from. The beautiful graphics, cute characters (remember princess Kara and her pet pig Hamlet?) and great storyline made Illusion of Gaia truely memorable.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Fair
It's doubtful this classic will grace the GBA, but who really knows? Surprise us Enix!

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA III - A LINK TO THE PAST
SNES
Action RPG
Nintendo
1992

This game is a given, considered by many to be not only one of the best games for SNES but one of the best games ever, period. The timeless Legend of Zelda III would be right at home (or in public) on Nintendo's Gameboy Advance, with a plethora of extra features and options. Listen to us Nintendo, we WANT this game on the GBA. While the younger generation of gamers, many of whom first played the series on N64 and GBC, could become aquainted with this historically important game, us old-timers could relive the SNES classic. Nintendo would have to be crazy to overlook this gem.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - High
There is no doubt about it Nintendo will bring Zelda to the GBA, but will A Link to the Past be included? It's likely it will because Nintendo are interested in porting classics (Mario Brothers 2, F-Zero, Super Mario Kart) and A Link to the Past is right up there with the best.

KID ICARUS
NES
Platform
Nintendo
1986

Mario, Zelda, Metroid and a host of other Nintendo franchises evolved safely from the 8-bit NES to the 16-bit SNES console during the 90's. But where was Kid Icarus? Although a hit for its time, Kid Icarus is extremely outdated with its undesirable graphics and simple play mechanics, but the basis was there for a potentially awesome series. Nintendo have apparently included Kid Icarus' Pitt as a secret character in Super Smash Brothers Melee for the Gamecube. So hopefully this could spark a resurgence of the wonderful cupid-like character worthy of a second chance.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Good
I believe Nintendo haven't given up on Kid Icarus just yet and there definitely is a possibility of its return to the spotlight.

MACROSS - SCRAMBLED VALKYRIE
SNES (Super Famicom)
Shooter
Zamuse
1993

Macross - SV was a game based in the popular anime world of Robotech. While there are too many R-Type / Gradius clones out there to count, Macross went steps ahead with its patented Veritech fighters (piloted mech robots with 3 transformations). The slick visuals and pleasing sounds helped to make it one of the better shoot 'em ups of its time.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Extremely low
While the Robotech / Macross anime franchise is quite successful, even outside of Japan, it's unlikely we'll see a remake of this particular game. But it is likely we will see Macross games in some shape or form for the GBA at least in Japan (probably by Bandai for example). Zamuse, the company who published this game are no where to be found these days. But game developers Big West made 2 other Macross games for other systems, most recently Macross Digital Mission VF-X for the Japanese Sony Playstation market in 1998. No sign of Big West on the GBA front though.

MEGA MAN X
SNES
Platform / Shooter
Capcom
1993

Mega Man needs no introduction. His X series of games on the SNES are arguably among his finer moments in his long history. Mega Man Legends left a bitter aftertaste in many a gamer's mouth. This kid's better suited to his 2D roots anyway.

GLR - (MEGA MAN X) Average
GLR - (A 2D MEGA MAN BLASTER) Extremely high

There is going to be MM on hte GBA. But it makes more sense for Capcom to progress the franchise (like Mega Man Xtreme for the GBC andEXE for the GBA) rather than redo an oldie like the SNES MMX series.

METAL MARINES
SNES
Strategy
Namco
1993

Before Advance Wars had us all plotting to build and destroy armies in slick anime style, came this largely unknown game. Well ahead of its time, Metal Marines toned down the complex PC-like strategy of war games past, adding some action to the battlefield with great results. Infused with colourful graphics and ass-kicking mech robots, Metal Marines was fun and addictive. With the recent commercial success of Advance Wars, Namco should dig up this rarity.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Extremely low
I think Namco have too must weighing on their bigger name franchises like Ridge Racer and Tekken to "risk" a remake of Metal Marines, the long forgotten SNES game with definite potential.

MICKEY'S MAGICAL QUEST
SNES
Platform
Capcom
1992

Once upon a time Disney characters actually featured in some brilliant games. Sega got the great Mickey Mouse - Castle of Illusion for their systems (also worthy of mention here), while Nintendo received this masterpiece from Capcom. Mickey's Magical Quest had gorgeous written all over it. The simplistic gameplay antics were well hidden beneath the prettiest visuals seen in any platformer of its time.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Average
Capcom are making a Mickey title for the Gamecube and have started to show some interest in re-releasing classics for the GBA (eg. Final Fight). Yet I see no reason why Capcom would remake this specific game. Still, the immortal Mickey and friends will no doubt make cameo appearances in a number of GBA games in future.

UPDATES
December 12 2001 - Various online news sources have included Mickey's Magical Quest to their GBA release lists. It looks like a March 25th 2002 date has been set for an American release by Capcom with no word yet on a Japanese release. This is great news!

THE NEW ZEALAND STORY
Arcade (Sega Master System pictured)
Platform
Taito
1988

Most of today's well known games have histories that span nearly 2 decades. Their names survived untarnished through the "bit" generation leaps. NZ Story however, never had a real sequel. It remains a classic which could make an entertaining return, especially to the 2D revived GBA.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Fair
NZ Story had a great character line-up with alot of potential for future sequels. I have read about a New Zealand Story Extra game being released but haven't seen hide nor ehar of it. My research also discovered that Tiki from NZS features as a playable character in Taito's Pop 'n Pop arcade puzzler AND in a level of Space Invaders DX. It would be nice to see this license picked up and the original game's potential fully realised. The kiwi named Tiki deserves another chance!

PHANTASY STAR
Sega Master System
RPG
Sega
1987

Unlike many gamers, my first obsession with the console RPG genre arose from Sega Master System titles like Miracle Warriors and more importantly, the great Phantasy Star. Yeah, back in the day, Nintendo had their Dragon Warrior's and Final Fantasy's but Sega's Phantasy Star made them seem primitive. The mish-mash of medievial / futurisms, unique 3D dungeon exploring and classic narative gave Phantasy Star a charm all of it's own. Just like us, Sega hasn't forgotten this gem and there are rumours of a GBA Phantasy Star collection / remake in the works.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - Extremely high
Sega know they have some great games up their sleeve and theres a high chance of Phantasy Star being ported to the GBA. Sega are rumoured to be working on development right now.

PILOTWINGS
SNES
Action / Flight Simulation
Nintendo
1991

Nintendo entered the 16-bit era with a few new franchises, most notably F-Zero and Pilotwings. Both games showed off the graphical capabilities of the new system with dazzling Mode 7 scaling and rotating. While F-Zero was a straight forward futuristic racer, Pilotwings really stood out with its unique and zany game style. After becoming an instant classic and was revived on the N64 as the excellent Pilotwings 64. While the GBA couldnt handle the 3D polygons of Pilotwings 64, A SNES remix with extra features and secrets to unlock would go down extremely well on the handheld.

Gameboyee Likelyhood Rating - High
Nintendo introduced the GBA system with an F-Zero remake but theres no announcements for a Pilotwings game. While Pilotwings wasnt as popular as F-Zero it would still be a diverse and worthy addition to the growing GBA (and Gamecube!) game library. Im sure Nintendo knows that so the chances are good.

Onwards to Part 2!

Most screenshots were taken from the Video Game Museum or EdgeGamez. Support these deserving websites!