Gallery: Amazing Game Boy Games We'd Like to See on 3DS
01nintendo-superstars
The Nintendo 3DS might be a technological marvel, but some of its best games will be in black and white. Nintendo plans to [launch its eShop service for 3DS](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/gamelife/2011/05/3ds-browser-eshop-launch/) on June 6. In addition to cutting-edge games specifically designed for the glasses-free 3-D handheld, the digital store will stock a backlog of 20 years' worth of gaming on the go. Classic titles from the Game Boy and Game Boy Color libraries will be available to play using the [3DS Virtual Console](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_3DS#Virtual_Console_service). In selecting games for the eShop, Nintendo will be spoiled for choice: Well over a thousand games were released for the two machines during the '90s. Because the company has adopted a quality-over-quantity approach for its digital store, we don't expect to see them all. However, Jason Schreier, Daniel Feit and I have compiled this list of classics that we don't think the 3DS Virtual Console can do without. If your tastes run to the other 95 percent of the Game Boy library, drop us a line in the comments to let us know what you're hoping to see in the Nintendo eShop. __Above:__ Nintendo Superstars ------------------- __[Super Mario Land](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario_Land) series:__ These quirky takes on the *Mario* series were an experimental playground for ideas that were never used in other games, like bouncing projectiles and shoot'em-up stages. Exploiting the first game's bugs is half the fun. *—Chris Kohler* __[Kirby's Dream Land](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirby's_Dream_Land) series:__ Nintendo's pink puffball got his start right here in black-and-white. Adorable graphics and awesome music are second to the fact that you can ride on a hamster in the sequel. *—Chris Kohler* __[Wario Land](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wario_(series)#Wario_Land) series:__ Mario collected coins as a hobby, but his evil twin (cousin? weird uncle?) Wario turned it into an obsession. The ultimate goal of these action games is to collect as much treasure as possible in order to build a massive castle and make Mario jealous. Further series installments played around with new mechanics — Wario became unkillable, and the gameplay took on a much more puzzle-y tone. *—Jason Schreier* *Images: [The Video Game Museum](http://www.vgmuseum.com/)*
02role-playing-power
Role-Playing Power ------------------ __[Final Fantasy Legend](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Final_Fantasy_Legend) series:__ Though they were given the name of a more popular franchise in the West, these three games are actually the first installments in [Square Enix’s SaGa series](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SaGa_(series)). They're filled with the strange, highly experimental role-playing game mechanics that have carried on to later games like SaGa Frontier. *—Jason Schreier* __[Final Fantasy Adventure](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_Adventure):__ The first game in the Mana series, this is a fun, somewhat glitchy action RPG with a lot of interesting weapons and boss fights. Though Square Enix gave it a complete makeover for the Game Boy Advance under the name [Sword of Mana](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_of_Mana), the original is a far better game. *—Jason Schreier* __[Crystalis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystalis):__ This action RPG was a departure for maker SNK, best known for its arcade fighting games. A fondly remembered NES classic that was updated for Game Boy Color in 2000. *—Chris Kohler* *Images: [The Video Game Museum](http://www.vgmuseum.com/)*
038-bit-classics
8-Bit Classics -------------- __[Contra](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_(series)) series:__ The scaled-down versions of Konami's classic run-and-gun arcade game are surprisingly fun on the Game Boy. I got addicted to playing Operation C and The Alien Wars last Christmas. *—Chris Kohler* __[Mega Man](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mega_Man) series:__ These handheld rehashes of the NES Mega Man games aren't as memorable (or as colorful) as their console counterparts, but a shuffling of classic Robot Masters (plus the occasional new boss) is enough to tempt us into revisiting the series. The games also mark the first appearance of the [Mirror Buster](http://megaman.wikia.com/wiki/Mirror_Buster). *—Daniel Feit* __[Castlevania: The Adventure](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlevania:_The_Adventure) series:__ The first game is a bit of a dud, as main character Christopher Belmont's slow march and pathetic jumping make the experience far more difficult than it should be. But the music is as good as any other Castlevania game, and things pick up when Chris seeks his revenge in Part 2. *—Daniel Feit* *Images: [The Video Game Museum](http://www.vgmuseum.com/)*
04grand-adventure
Grand Adventure --------------- __[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening](http://www.zeldawiki.org/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Link's_Awakening)__: One of the best Zelda games ever, this black-and-white classic ditched a lot of the series' tropes — not only is there no Hyrule and no Triforce, but Zelda isn't even mentioned. Even so, it delighted Game Boy owners with a surprisingly poignant story and puzzle-heavy dungeons. *—Daniel Feit* __[Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Oracle_of_Seasons_and_Oracle_of_Ages):__ Capcom’s two-game take on the Zelda series was a resounding success, blending the graphical style of Link’s Awakening with a handful of innovative gimmicks, like shifting seasons and time travel. Although the two games were released simultaneously, Ages and Seasons are entirely different. Want to see the true ending? You’ll have to beat them both. *—Jason Schreier* __[Metroid II: Return of Samus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroid_II:_Return_of_Samus):__ The oft-overlooked middle chapter of the sci-fi adventure series, Return of Samus expanded the biological variants of the titular enemy characters while expanding Samus Aran's powers substantially. The groundwork for the spectacular __[*Super Metroid*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Metroid)__ was laid here. *— DF* *Images: [The Video Game Museum](http://www.vgmuseum.com/)*
05ball-play
Pinball and Brick-Blasting -------------------------- __[Alleyway](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alleyway):__ One of the first Game Boy titles released, this was a standard take on the blockbusting Breakout formula. It's still fun today — has there ever been something so satisfying as bouncing the ball up through the sides of the screen and having it take out the whole top row of bricks? *—Chris Kohler* __[Revenge of the 'Gator](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenge_of_the_'Gator):__ Kirby creator HAL Labs knocked out a seriously addictive pinball simulator in the Game Boy's early days, this one featuring a very large cast of alligators. *—Chris Kohler* __[Kirby's Pinball Land](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirby's_Pinball_Land):__ Eventually, HAL added its hit mascot character into its pinball engine, giving us an even deeper pinball game with multiple tables and boss fights. *—Chris Kohler* *Images: [The Video Game Museum](http://www.vgmuseum.com/)*
06puzzles-and-pirates
Puzzles and Pirates ------------------- __[Tetris](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetris_(Game_Boy)):__ Much like every other game system, the 3DS will undoubtedly have its own version of Tetris sooner or later. But this game, packed in with the Game Boy, is the one everybody remembers. I wouldn't be surprised if more people end up playing this than the proper 3-D version. *—Chris Kohler* __[Yoshi](http://www.mariowiki.com/Yoshi_(series)) series:__ The first game in this puzzle series played kind of like a mix between [Dr. Mario](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Mario_(video_game)) and Tetris, presenting you with a never-ending stream of monsters that could be destroyed either by matching them or trapping them in one of Yoshi’s eggs. Then, [Yoshi's Cookie](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshi's_Cookie) put Mario and Yoshi into a bakery, matching up trays of delicious desserts. *—Jason Schreier* __[Shantae](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shantae):__ This cult-classic platform game, which pits half-genie heroine Shantae against pirate Risky Boots, recently had a sequel released in the DSiWare download store. But finding the original Game Boy Color version is next to impossible nowadays, so this is a pretty strong candidate for a re-release on Virtual Console. *—Chris Kohler* *Images: [The Video Game Museum](http://www.vgmuseum.com/) and Wired.com*
07classical-creatures
Classical Creatures ------------------- __[Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_Icarus:_Of_Myths_and_Monsters):__ Until the announcement of the 3DS version, this was the only sequel to the classic NES game based on Greek mythology. A fun, challenging game of flying and shooting. *—Chris Kohler* __[Kid Dracula](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_Dracula):__ This Castlevania spinoff is one of the toughest Game Boy titles to track down. Charming graphics and music, plus tight gameplay, make this better than the main Castlevania games on this platform. *—Chris Kohler* __[Gargoyle's Quest](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gargoyle's_Quest):__ The little red demon from [Ghosts 'N Goblins](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_%27n_Goblins_(series)) gets a starring role. Light role-playing game elements make this more than your standard shooter. *—Chris Kohler* *Images: Wired.com*
08ekans-is-snake-spelled-backwards
Ekans Is Snake Spelled Backwards -------------------------------- __[Pokémon Red and Blue](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Red_and_Blue):__ Kids today think that Pokémon games were always in color! Let's show them what's what by re-releasing the original 1996 black-and-white versions from before they were born. *—Chris Kohler* __[Pokémon Gold and Silver](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Gold_and_Silver):__ Who are we kidding — of course Nintendo will re-release these classic bundles of portable obsession. It'll need something to keep the Pokémaniacs happy during the interminable wait for the 3-D version. *—Chris Kohler* __[Metal Gear Solid](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid_(Game_Boy)):__ Even if you're a huge fan of Konami's cinematic stealth adventures, you may not have played this wholly original Game Boy Color entry. It's considered one of the best games on the platform. *—Chris Kohler* *Images: [The Video Game Museum](http://www.vgmuseum.com/)*
09awesome-in-obscurity
Awesome in Obscurity -------------------- __[Donkey Kong](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong_(Game_Boy)):__ Known to aficionados as Donkey Kong '94, this is a re-imagining of the classic arcade game with new puzzle elements. Climbing up to Donkey Kong's perch isn't as easy as jumping over oil barrels in this game. The concept was later revisited in the [Mario vs. Donkey Kong](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_vs._Donkey_Kong) series, but the original remains the best. *—Chris Kohler* __[Kirby's Tilt 'n' Tumble](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirby_Tilt_'n'_Tumble):__ This novel game, in which you roll Kirby around using a motion sensor built into the Game Boy Color cartridge, would be perfect for 3DS, because the new machine boasts a built-in motion sensor. Make it so. *—Chris Kohler* __[Balloon Kid](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balloon_Kid):__ You might love [Balloon Fight](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balloon_Fight) on the NES, but did you know it had a Game Boy sequel? This game is less about jousting and more about not dying as you float your balloons through a series of scrolling, hazardous courses. *—Chris Kohler* *Images: [The Video Game Museum](http://www.vgmuseum.com/)*
10imported-delights
Imported Delights ----------------- __[X](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_(1992_video_game)):__ This Japan-only Game Boy shooter was the first fruit of the collaboration between Nintendo and Argonaut Software, which would eventually produce [Star Fox](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Fox_(series)). Quite technologically advanced, this predecessor to DSi game [X-Scape](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-Scape) uses 3-D wireframe graphics. *—Chris Kohler* __[Magical Chase](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magical_Chase):__ A colorful shooter with hilarious, inventive enemies, this game got its start on the TurboGrafx. The original, now almost impossible to find, would be a good Virtual Console release, but the Japan-only Game Boy Color version is also quite good. *—Chris Kohler* __[Trip World](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trip_World):__ Highly reminiscent of Sunsoft's [Gimmick!](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimmick!), this adorable action game features stunning graphics and remarkably good gameplay. This was only released in Japan and Europe, so Virtual Console would be a perfect place to introduce it to the rest of us. *—Chris Kohler* *Images: Wired.com*
