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Top 10 Game Boy games we want to play on the 3DS Virtual Console

Retro gaming 3DSWare-bound

Top 10 Game Boy games we want to play on the 3DS Virtual Console
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3DS

With the 3DSWare shop landing on our shiny new Nintendo portables next month, we're already gearing ourselves up for some great downloadable gaming.

In particular, we'll be casting an eye over the Virtual Console section, which will include original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games.

We already know that The Legend Of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX and Super Mario Land are set to be featured, but what else are we hoping will pop up in the online store?

Take a trip with us now as we recall ten GB and GBC titles we'd love to play on Nintendo 3DS.

Harvest Moon 2

The Harvest Moon games haven't really evolved that much over the years, with the main concepts of farming, exploring, collecting, and girl-getting all still very much a big part of the most recent releases.

Harvest Moon 2 on the Game Boy Color remains one of our favourites to this day, taking the original release and ironing out the creases. There were more secrets to find, more items to collect, and plenty more farming disciplines to master.

It was also possible to trade crops and animals with all Harvest Moon 2 players, making for a great way to share the experience with a friend.

Micro Machines 1 & 2 Twin Turbo

Why wish for a single game when we can opt for two in one? Micro Machines 1 & 2 Twin Turbo harked back to the glory days of the series, proving both titles in one cartridge.

The Micro Machines franchise may have stumbled over the last decade, but it used to be a force to be reckoned with. This top-down multiplayer racer featured bizarre tracks that had you bombing around kitchen tabletops and garden patios.

Both games looked gorgeous in motion, although most of the time you'd be concentrating on watching the road ahead rather than taking in the sights. We'd love to get some classic Micro Machines action going again for our 3DS.

Pokemon Gold/Silver

There was heated debate at Pocket Gamer Towers about which Pokemon duo should make this list. Should Red and Blue take the reins due to their originality, or are the beefy Gold and Silver the top dogs?

Taking into account the fact that Gold and Silver pretty much contain the entire Red and Blue world - albeit with the original storyline - it could only have been the shiny sequels.

If you're a Pokemon fan, you'll most likely want to play these gems all over again. If you've never played Pokemon in your life, this is a fantastic place to start.

Wario Land II

The last Nintendo-developed title to be released on the Game Boy, Wario Land II was great fun thanks to the innovation that shone throughout.

You played as Wario, chasing down his nemesis the treasure thief. Along the way you could find secret exits and levels, and there were six different endings to be found.

Wario couldn't die. Instead his progress would be impeded by failure - another break from the norm for platformers at the time. The Wario Land series was great throughout, but in particular we'd love to give this one another go.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages

Another pair of games to go with our Pokemon picks, Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are perhaps the Zelda games that most fans missed out on, due to them being released so late in the Game Boy Color's life.

This is a shame, too, as both were brilliant Zelda adventures. Each had its own separate storyline, levels, and layouts. Not only that, but if you completed both and then linked them up via a Game Link Cable, a final boss would be unlocked.

Given that so many people missed out on these titles the first time around, it would be criminal if we weren't given the opportunity to play them via the Virtual Console.

Metroid II: Return of Samus

A sequel to the original NES release, Metroid II: Return of Samus continued the story, and supplied the link between Metroid and the SNES instalment Super Metroid.

Gameplay-wise, it was very much a mix of the two games, with Samus setting out to once against defeat the evil Metroid aliens and stop the Space Pirates from utilising their power. It was also the first outing of Samus's Varia Suit, which is now her default look.

Given that the original Metroid has already appeared on the Virtual Console in the past, we're hoping that this sequel will finally receive the porting treatment that it so rightly deserves.

Mario Tennis

The Nintendo 64 version of Mario Tennis may have been the big hitter, but a Game Boy Color version was also released at roughly the same time that was just as entertaining.

What was so surprising about this GBC title was how deep it eventually got, with more than 20 Nintendo characters to choose from, each with their own style of play, and multiple game modes.

Throw in an RPG mode where you created your own character and rose up the ranks, along with two-player matches via link cable, and this was a release worthy of your time. A 3DSWare outing would make us very happy indeed.

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

We're being a little greedy with this pick, given that the original Super Mario Land has already been confirmed for the Virtual Console. However, that doesn't stop us wanting the brilliant sequel.

Over six different worlds, Mario needed to collect special golden coins, which would eventually come together to unlock the final boss - Mario's nemesis Wario. However, if Wario managed to squish you, all the coins would return to their original spots and you'd need to go a-wandering all over again.

With plenty of secret levels to be found and some great boss battles, this is still one of the best Game Boy Mario releases to date. Make it happen, Nintendo.

Pokemon Trading Card Game

This may seem like an odd choice, especially given that we've already got a Pokemon title on this list - but hear us out. The Pokemon Trading Card Game video game shrunk the card game down and plonked it handily into your Game Boy Color, with no table space required.

This allowed those of us who didn't have the time and energy to gather huge decks of cards to experience the card game, and enjoy it thoroughly. The action played out like the regular Pokemon games, with gyms to visit and leaders to battle.

Tons of customisation was available as you collected cards, traded them and built your own decks - and you could link up with other players and do battle to see who had the best deck-building skills. This is another one we want to see landing in the 3DSWare store.

Kirby’s Dream Land 2

This list wouldn't be complete without a little Kirby loving. Kirby’s Dream Land 2 followed the story of our pink blob as he battled the Dark Matter and tried to restore peace to the Dream Land.

It's classic platforming through and through, with running, jumping, swimming, flying, and bouncing sections accompanying the inhaling of enemies. Of course, Kirby can also steal certain enemies' abilities by eating them - a trait we always found a little creepy, but in a satifying way.

Along with Kirby's friends Rick the Hamster, Coo the Owl, and Kine the Ocean Sunfish, we're hoping for a return for this platforming gem.

Mike Rose
Mike Rose
An expert in the indie games scene, Mike comes to Pocket Gamer as our handheld gaming correspondent. He is the author of 250 Indie Games You Must Play.