"Looks, power, games. What more could you ask for?"

EVOLUTION
Remember how some people thought, ''how could such a bulky system with grimy green graphics compete against something like the Game Gear?'' only to find out that the Game Boy has become the undefeated sole survivor in the world of handhelds up to this day? Looks like our 10-year-old Game Boy has taken another step and has become the great Game Boy Advance and it's definitely going to be a hot one in the markets!

OH GLORIOUS POWER!
After trying out four different games for the GBA, I can tell you for a fact that the system is amazing. Its 32-bit processor delivers Super Nintendo gameplay and so much more. For example, Final Fight on the SNES originally allowed for up to at most three or four enemies onscreen at once. The GBA version has a Superhard mode that allows up to six or seven. Very impressive!

SIZE DOESN'T MATTER
Surprisingly, for all the power that the GBA has to offer, it still retains an amazingly small size. The system itself is about the same size as the GBC so it fits right in your pocket without a hassle. As for the games, the cartridges are only a fraction of the size of the standard GB cartridge yet it can hold up to 256 Megs worth of game data, which is larger than the average Nintendo 64 cartridge. If a game developer can't do with that much space, then I don't know what'll make that type of guy happy.

IMPROVED MULTIPLAYER
The old multiplayer system with the Link Cable is nothing compared to the new system. Data is now transferred quickly between games, allowing for improved interactions with other players. Plus the new plug allows you to play with up to three friends for a four-way frenzy (try F-Zero)! But if not everyone is able to get a Cable, then you could try one of the instant four-way plugs but I've tried third-party Link Cables before and believe me, you don't want them. Data often gets mutated going back and forth and there have been times when people's Game Boys don't detect it at all.

CONTROL CRAMPS
There is only one flaw with the GBA that isn't really a flaw but it's there. The top two L and R shoulder buttons are a big plus to the traditional 2-button layout of the controls but when they did this, the layout of the B and A buttons were changed for the worse. It seems that pressing both buttons seem a little more difficult to do and my hand seemed to cramp up when I played long enough. Though it's probably there as a good thing, maybe as a way to tell you that you've been playing too long.

GRAPHICS 10/10
The graphics system of the GBA is just stunning. Graphics resemble the SNES graphics but much clearer and more vivid, especially with an enhanced color system. Believe me, if you thought the colors from a GBC were impressive, you'll enjoy the massive possibilities that a GBA can deliver. To add to the fun, there is plenty of RAM for 2-D games (which can require quite a bit of RAM) and you have a widescreen view of the games! As for older games, you may choose to play them in their original square form or play them stretched to widescreen with the touch of a shoulder button.
The only thing that I don't like about the graphics is the fact that some games tend to be dark. If you want a good idea on the situation, try playing F-Zero and then switching over to Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, both in a normal light source. You'll notice the difference in brightness. Of course, that doesn't stop the system from receiving a full 10/10. You can easily fix the problem with the ever-so-lovable worm light! Now it even comes with a built-in socket should you wish to play multiplayer.

SOUNDS 10/10
We know how cheap and simple are the sounds from a Game Boy stereo but the GBA's stereo is excellent. The sound capabilities are more enhanced and with it comes better sound effects and music from your favorite games. Plus I've heard that voices and high-quality music are a big possibility on the system. Clearly, I don't see nor hear a problem with the stereo. And even if you don't like the stereo, there's always the headphones and believe me, you won't get the tinny 8-bit NES sound effects that the old GB gave you.

CONTROLS 9/10
The controls are okay and are very simple. Plus the addition of the two shoulder buttons adds more flexibility in the way games can be played. Between the four games I've tried, three had necessary use of the L and R buttons while the last one (Advance GTA) doesn't make too much use of them. Just as mentioned earlier, though, the new layout of the buttons seem to cramp hands and fingers after playing for a while but many video game companies tell you not to play too long anyway. Still, some games call for some long periods of time so sometimes you're going to have to ignore their advice. And with the cramping problem, it can be a major pain in the hands (no pun intended).

GAMEPLAY 10/10
This doesn't really count since this is a game system but looking at the future of the GBA, I'd say that it's going to have a bright future up ahead for itself. Because it's the king of the handheld world, it's got all of the developers on its side so new competitors are going to have a tough time against the GBA. Also, more developers means more games and you already have a huge load of games currently in development. To add to the fun, many SNES classics will come back. Not bad!
Oh and for those concerned with batteries, it still uses 2 AAs but I've noticed that they suck up more battery life but not too much more. For a good bargain, many people recommend Rayovac. They provide a decent number of hours (about 15 hrs, 20 min) and are at a decent price so go for those.

BUY OR RENT
Certainly, it's a buy. With a lot of games and power in such a small system, it's worth the $100 price tag. Plus it has a lot of potential to do well in the future.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/07/01, Updated 07/07/01