For quite some time, you could justify owning a Game Boy simply to play this version ofTetris.
Such was the power ofTetris.
To be fair, theSuper Mario Landfranchise would only get better from here.
However, the words Super Mario Landfranchise conveniently convey this games significance.
That concept would pave the way for some of the best and most important Game Boy games ever.
F1 Race (1990)
F1 Racegenerally deserves more love than it tends to get.
However, the real reason thatF1 Racedeserves a spot on this list is because of its 4-player multiplayer functionality.
Yes,F1 Raceutilized the Game Boy Four Player Adapter to offer handheld multiplayer action way back in 1990.
This titles commercial success set a powerful precedent for the appeal and potential of peripheral-based Game Boy titles.
It was more of an ARPG in the style of theLegend of Zeldaseries.
It was a flawed but fascinating experiment that would later be spun off into Squares incredibleManaseries.
It was inferior to the consoleCastlevaniagames in nearly every respect and felt like the result of lowered expectations.
The result is one of the Game Boys finest action titles.
After all,Metroidwasan incredibly advanced gameby NES standards.
How would the Game Boy possibly support a proper sequel?
Yes, the famous pink puff was born on a platform that couldnt even render him in full color.
Monochrome puff just doesnt have the same ring to it.
Aside from kicking off theKirbyseries,Dream Landdeserves a lot of love for its accessibility.
For that matter, its one of thebest overall gamesinTheLegend of Zeldafranchise.
Think about that for a second.
Not just for handheld games, mind you, but for the entirety of the already legendary franchise.
As you continue to play, though,Donkey Kongs gameplay evolves and becomes closer to aSuper Marioadventure.
Eventually, it grows into something else entirely.
I often think ofDonkey Kongas the precursor of the modern video game remake.
Donkey Kong Landis one of the most fascinating examples of Nintendos commitment to the Game Boy hardware.
Marioand attempt a more logic-based puzzle experience.
Unfortunately for them,Marios Picrosswas a bust in the West despite performing quite well in Japan.
It wasnt until the 2007 release ofPicross DSthat this series would start to earn a wider global audience.
Today, its easy enough to imagine something likePicrossfinding success as a surfing app or mobile title.
So why are we talking about this Game Boy port?
Its Pokemon, yall.
IfTetrisisnt the definitive Game Boy experience, Pokemon most certainly is.
These games changed the world.
Instead, I want to highlight those release years you see above.
1996 and, for those in North America, 1998.
