The adventure genre has often been subject to misclassification in the realm of video games. One such example is The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX on the Game Boy Color, which is often mistakenly labeled as an adventure game. While the game features Link’s exciting adventure (now in technicolor), it primarily falls under the action genre. Simply having a protagonist on an adventure does not automatically make a game an adventure game, as that would encompass almost every game. Below are the seven Game Boy Color games that fit the adventure genre so well.
Best game boy color adventure games
7. Scooby-Doo! Classic Creep Capers
Based on the very popular cartoons of the 90s, the game Scooby-Doo! Classic Creep Capers follows the events of the episode “Nowhere to Hyde”. The story begins with the Mystery Machine breaking down near the Jekyll mansion while the gang is pursuing the Ghost Thief. Seeking help, they head to the mansion, setting the stage for the mystery to unfold.
The game features great graphics and the art style is consistent with the show. The music is excellent, adding to the overall quality of the game. However, despite being based on an episode, new content was added to extend the game’s length.
The puzzles in the game are generally good, but one specific puzzle involving a random combination is frustrating and can hinder progress. The game offers the ability to play as different characters, providing options when stuck, and spans six levels.
This game received non-glowing reviews back in the day. It does not deserve any of it since Classic Creep Capers is a game aimed at kids. The low difficulty of the game must not be a slight against the game’s quality. This is for the children’s entertainment, not rocket science.
6. Love Hina Pocket
This one is a spicy game, admittedly not everyone will like it due to it being a dating simulation. Not all adventure game enthusiasts are into this subgenre. Yet, Love Hina Pocket might be compelling for those who want to venture into the otaku world.
Love Hina Pocket is a Japan-only visual novel where players assume the role of Keitaro Urashima. He must engage in conversations with every potential partner for six days, and each interaction is scored. On the seventh day, he will emerge as either a victor if he chooses a girl with a high level of enthusiasm towards him, or a loser if he chooses unwisely.
The game also includes mini-games for each girl to further increase their willingness to reward Keitaro on the seventh day with a photo of the girl in a swimsuit. For a game on a Nintendo console, this sultry incentive may be bordering X-rated. This might not be Bible Black, but for fans of this genre, that picture brings them satisfaction.
5. Cardcaptor Sakura: Itsumo Sakura-chan to Issho!
Cardcaptor Sakura: Itsumo Sakura-chan to Issho! is a game that allows fans of popular anime and manga series. While only available in Japanese, players can still enjoy the gameplay and experience it offers as there are fan translations of this game given its rabid fanbase.
Taking on the role of Sakura Kinomoto, players embark on a real-time quest to collect the Clow Cards. The game’s unique feature is its real-time system, requiring players to synchronize their gameplay with the current time to find and capture the cards. Navigating Sakura’s house and utilizing the cards’ powers adds depth to the gameplay.
The game faithfully follows anime’s narrative in the show, to the point that screenshots of the anime are used as cutscenes. Fans of the series will appreciate the familiar storyline and the portrayal of beloved characters.
With challenging gameplay and the need to locate all the cards, the game offers a lengthy playtime. However, replayability may be limited once the game is completed. Despite the language barrier, Cardcaptor Sakura: Itsumo Sakura-chan to Issho! is a surprisingly great game that provides an enjoyable experience not just for fans of the series and those who are into adventure games regardless of the source material.
4. Meitantei Conan: Karakuri Jiin Satsujin Jiken
Here is another adventure game based on an anime. Meitantei Conan: Karakuri Jiin Satsujin Jiken, released exclusively for the Game Boy Color in the year 2000, is an adventure game based on the popular manga/anime series Detective Conan. The game follows the story of Conan Edogawa, a young detective named Shinichi Kudo who transformed into a child after consuming an experimental poison.
In the game, Conan and his friend Ran Mouri investigate the disappearance of a waitress’s sister, leading them to an old family temple and a mysterious murder case. The gameplay consists of two modes: an exploration mode resembling top-down action RPGs and a visual novel mode for dialogue-heavy scenes. The game features a swap mechanic, where players can control different characters, and a comprehensive pause/menu screen for managing information and saving progress.
The game’s graphics offer a mix of standard visuals during exploration and detailed pixel art backgrounds with expressive character portraits in visual novel scenes. The music is fitting, but not particularly memorable. The writing is impeccable, incorporating elements of absurdity and humor. The game’s self-contained plot and the intricate questionnaire system provide a sense of mystery and challenge.
3. Hamtaro: Ham-Hams Unite!
Yet another licensed adventure game based on an anime, but no one really is complaining since the games on this list are amazing. In Ham-Hams Unite!, players control Hamtaro as they explore different areas, interact with hamsters, and complete objectives. The charming dialogue and lively world make the game enjoyable, with each hamster having a distinct identity.
The gameplay consists of adventure elements and point-and-click mechanics, where players use Ham-Chat to interact with NPCs and objects. Collecting sunflower seeds acts as the in-game currency, and players can purchase clothes and accessories for Hamtaro. The graphics are impressive for a Game Boy Color game, with vibrant locations and expressive animations.
2. Deja Vu I & II: The Casebooks of Ace Harding
Deja’Vu, a classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) game, has made its way to the Game Boy Color, offering a two-in-one package with the addition of Deja’Vu 2. While the original game may have gone under the radar, this release provides an opportunity for both new and familiar players to experience the detective-themed point-and-click adventure.
Given the transition from the NES to the Game Boy Color, expectations for the graphics should be tempered. As a text-based point-and-click RPG, the visuals consist mostly of still pictures resembling a cartoon. This is an adventure game to begin with so this is exactly what adventurers are looking for.
With two stories to explore, Deja’Vu offers intriguing narratives. In the classic Deja’Vu, players assume the role of Ace Harding, a detective in the 1940s gangster era, suffering from amnesia and framed for murder. The objective is to regain memory and unravel the mystery. In Deja’Vu 2, set in Las Vegas, Ace Harding, now a private eye, is tasked with finding hidden money under the threat of dire consequences. Both stories provide engaging experiences.
Solving the mystery involves combining items, reading documents, and taking notes. While players familiar with this genre may navigate the game easily, newcomers might face some challenges. The game encourages exploration, offering enjoyable activities beyond the main objective, such as exploring the city of Chicago or Las Vegas and trying your luck at the slot machines. Money plays a crucial role, requiring players to manage their funds throughout the game.
1. Shadowgate Classic
Shadowgate Classics, the Game Boy Color version of the classic NES game, brings the beloved adventure to a portable console. While the game remains largely unchanged from its NES counterpart, it now offers language selection as a new feature.
The story of Shadowgate Classics follows the standard formula of a brave warrior, Lord Jair, on a mission to defeat the evil magician, Warlock. Although not exceptional, the story provides a solid backdrop for the challenges and obstacles that players encounter in Warlock’s castle. The atmospheric setting and moments of mystery and suspense add to the overall experience. While not outstanding, the story serves its purpose adequately.
Playing Shadowgate Classics is relatively easy, with simple controls. The gameplay involves navigating through various rooms and selecting actions from menus. The game excels in providing a substantial challenge and high difficulty level, making it appealing to players seeking a test of their skills. The puzzles and obstacles require independent problem-solving, fostering a desire to overcome them unaided. Relying on a guide can diminish the enjoyment and make the game feel monotonous.