Game Boy Color was the first handheld console with a color display. It had several popular titles that brought out the best of the handheld console, including Pokemon, Super Mario, and Mega Man.
Although the survival gaming genre was less popular then, some titles were also released on this console. Survival games typically involve in-game crafting, exploration, and combat with other players.
Here are some of the best survival games released on the Game Boy Color.
What is a Survival Game?
A survival game is a video game genre that emphasizes the survival of the player character. Survival games typically involve in-game crafting, exploration, and combat with other players.
Survival games are often open-world or sandbox, meaning they do not feature linear gameplay. The main goal of survival games is to survive against all odds and overcome the challenges faced by the player.
A Brief History of the Game Boy Color Console
When it was released in 1998, the Game Boy Color (GBC) was the first color handheld console ever created by Nintendo. It was designed to be a portable gaming device that could be used to play games with color and sound. The Game Boy Color had many great features that made it better than the original Game Boy.
The GBC also had twice as much RAM as its predecessor and could play games at double speed when played on an updated version of its parent console, the Game Boy. This meant that players could enjoy faster action and smoother graphics.
The GBC’s battery life was also extended from 8 to 10 hours so players could enjoy their favorite games for more extended periods without recharging or replacing batteries in their devices. Several new accessories were also released for this console, including protective cases.
The Game Boy Color was first released in Japan on October 21, 1998, on November 18, 1998, in North America, and on April 11, 1999. The Game Boy Color has sold over 118 million units worldwide.
7 Best Game Boy Color Survival Games of All Time
There are plenty of great Game Boy Color titles today, but here are some of the best survival games you can find based on user ratings from Nintendo Life.
#7. emTomb Raider/em
The first Tomb Raider game was released in 1996 and was a massive success for the Game Boy Color. The series has gone on to have several sequels, spinoffs, and reboots, but it all started here.
emTomb Raider/em is an action-adventure game that puts you in control of Lara. The story follows Lara Croft, an adventurer stranded on an island of danger and treasure. She must use her wits and her athleticism to survive.
During exploration mode, you’ll be able to explore ancient ruins and search for hidden treasures. There are also puzzles to be solved, including figuring out how to unlock doors or open secret passageways.
Check it out on Amazon here.
| Publisher | THQ |
| Developer | Core Designs |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Adventure, Survival |
| Release Date | June 8, 2000 |
#6. Survival Kids
Survival Kids is a video game for the Game Boy Color handheld console, published by Konami in 2000. It is a role-playing video game with survival game elements.
The player takes control of a group of children on an expedition searching for treasure. The game takes place in an area with many different environments to explore, including forests and caves. The player can talk to other characters in the game and complete the quests given by them.
The game’s main objective is to find all seven treasure chests throughout the island while avoiding monsters that inhabit them.
| Publisher | Konami |
| Developer | Konami |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Strategy, Survival |
| Release Date | June 17, 1999 |
#5. emBionic Commando: Elite Forces/em
- Released in 2000
- The sequel to the Game Boy version of Bionic Commando
- Features a new story and new moves for the main characters
- Includes boss battles
- Stages include side-scrolling platformers, top-down shooters, and auto-scrolling sections
emBionic Commando: Elite Forces/em is a spin-off of the popular Bionic Commando game.
It was released in 2002 for the Game Boy Color and was developed by Capcom. The game takes place after the events of Bionic Commando, and the main character is Nathan Spencer, who must fight against enemies using his bionic arm and grapple hook.
The game’s graphics are very similar to other games in the series, and they look excellent on the Game Boy Color’s small screen. The gameplay is fun and challenging due to the many enemies you have to defeat throughout each level. Some puzzles require you to use your bionic arm often throughout the game.
Check it out on Amazon here.
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Action, Survival |
| Release Date | January 21, 2000 |
#4. emDonkey Kong Country/em
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
Released in 1998, emDonkey Kong Country/em is a GBC video game developed by Rareware and published by Nintendo. The game features two characters named Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, who must save their banana hoard from King K Rool and his minions.
The player starts with four lives and can earn extra by collecting coins or bananas, giving them a different life. The player can also collect various items during gameplay that will help them defeat enemies or access new areas. The game has six worlds with three levels each; each has its theme and settings like jungles, swamps, mountains, and coastal regions.
This game has been praised for its colorful graphics, sound effects, level design, and gameplay mechanics. Due to its challenging levels and immersive environments, many critics have called it one of the best games ever made for handheld consoles.
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| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Developer | Rare |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Adventure, Survival |
| Release Date | November 20, 2000 |
#3. Dragon Warrior Monsters 2
The first Dragon Warrior Monsters was a huge success for the Game Boy Color, so it was natural that Enix would release a sequel. Dragon Warrior Monsters 2 is much like the original game, with some added features and more monsters to collect. The game also has more dungeons to explore and new classes of monsters to breed.
Dragon Warrior Monsters 2 also includes more weapons, armor, and accessories than its predecessor had. If you have never played the game before, Dragon Warrior Monsters 2 is worth checking out if you’re a survival/RPG game.
| Publisher | Square Enix |
| Developer | Enix |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Action, Survival |
| Release Date | March 9, 2001 |
#2. emMetal Gear Solid/em
- Over 175 Missions with Multiple Paths
- Variety of Weapons and Items
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence
- Two-Player Simultaneous Gameplay
First released in 1998, emMetal Gear Solid/em is the first in the Metal Gear series to be released on a Nintendo console. It was later remade for the PlayStation, but the Game Boy Color version had some extra features that made it stand out from other games of its time.
Unlike most other games, emMetal Gear Solid/em featured voice acting from real actors. This helped set it apart from other games and lent more realism to the characters. Another feature that set it apart was its use of cinematic cut scenes to tell parts of the story. These cut scenes were often used as a reward for completing specific tasks or missions in the game.
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| Publisher | Konami |
| Developer | Konami |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Action, Survival |
| Release Date | April 27, 2000 |
#1. emThe Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX/em
emThe Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX/em is a classic Game Boy Color game considered one of the best games in the series. The game was released on the original Game Boy console in 1993 but has since been remade and re-released several times.
emThe Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX/em is an enhanced version of the original game released on the Game Boy in 1993. The remake featured new dungeons and bosses, improved graphics, and a few other tweaks that made it worth playing again.
If you’re looking for an action-adventure game with a deep story and plenty of dungeons to explore, this is one of your best bets on the system.
You can find it on Amazon here.
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Developer | Intelligent Systems |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Action, Survival |
| Release Date | June 6, 1993 |
Wrapping Up
The Game Boy Color was released in the late ’90s and was the first handheld to feature a color screen. It was also one of the most popular handhelds, selling over 118 million units worldwide. It introduced the world to many great games, including Pokémon, Tomb Raider, and The Legend of Zelda.
The Game Boy Color also has survival games, which were great for their time and still fun to play to this date. Here are some of our favorites.
Up Next:
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The image featured at the top of this post is ©Lenscap Photography/Shutterstock.com.
