2 New Game Boy Advance Games Arriving On Nintendo Switch & Switch 2
64If you are a fan of the Nintendo Switch, Switch Light, or Switch 2, we have some new games for you, especially if you are a subscriber to the Nintendo Switch Online Service or the Nintendo Classics. Let's go into the Game Boy Advance Nintendo classics because we got some new stuff to check out. That's right, 2 New Game Boy Advance Games are Arriving On Nintendo Switch & Switch 2.
Mr. Driller 2 for the Game Boy Advance is a vibrant, frantic puzzle-action game that distills the arcade excitement of Namco’s digging series into a pocket-sized experience. Taking on the role of Susumu Hori, or his rival Anna Hottenmeyer, players must rapidly drill through multicolored blocks to reach a goal depth, often thousands of feet below ground. The core mechanic is simple to grasp: drill a block to destroy it, but manage your air supply and avoid being crushed by falling blocks, a constant and increasing threat.
The strategy emerges from the Tetris-esque block physics. Blocks of the same color merge into single units when falling; if four or more blocks of the same color are linked together, they vanish, often triggering massive, satisfying chain reactions that clear huge sections of the screen. Mastering these cascading combos is essential for high scores and for surviving the deeper, more complex stages.
The GBA version features several modes, including the story-driven Mission Driller across locations like India, America, and Egypt, which pits the drillers against a mysterious, colorful block infestation. The relentless Endless Driller challenges players to dig as deep as possible with limited lives, while Time Attack Driller offers focused, quick-paced scenarios. Though some critics noted the GBA port's aesthetics felt dated upon its later Western release and found the gameplay shallow compared to later series entries, the fundamental loop remains challenging and highly addictive. It’s a bright, fast-paced puzzle adventure that perfectly suits the pick-up-and-play nature of the GBA, offering a simple yet intense test of reflexes and spatial reasoning. The game also includes a two-player versus mode, requiring a Link Cable and two copies of the game for a subterranean head-to-head battle.
Klonoa: Empire of Dreams is an excellent 2D puzzle-platformer that marked the debut of Namco's floppy-eared hero on the Game Boy Advance. Set in the Empire of Jillius, the story begins when the sleepless Emperor Jillius, who has outlawed dreaming, arrests Klonoa for the "crime" of dreaming. To earn his freedom, Klonoa must defeat four great monsters plaguing the land.
The game translates the core mechanics of the console series—Klonoa's "Wind Bullet"—into a clever side-scrolling format. Klonoa can shoot his Wind Ring to grab and inflate most enemies, which he can then use in one of two ways: either throwing them as a projectile to hit switches or other foes, or utilizing them to perform a signature double-jump and reach higher ledges.
Across 5 worlds and over 40 distinct stages, Empire of Dreams focuses heavily on intricate level design and light puzzling. Players must manipulate enemies, blocks, and environmental elements like wind currents and springs to proceed, often requiring creative use of Klonoa's jump and throw abilities to collect the three stars needed to unlock the exit, as well as optional blue gems. The game breaks up the puzzle-platforming with fast-paced segments, including auto-scrolling and hoverboarding levels, adding welcome variety.
Visually, the game is a GBA showcase, featuring vibrant, charming sprites and backgrounds that utilize the system's hardware scaling and rotation for impressive effects in boss battles and certain sequences. It's a challenging, rewarding adventure that masterfully blends action with thoughtful puzzles, making it a standout title for the handheld system.
Are you a fan of either of these games? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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