Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Advance Guardian Heroes refines the classic side-scrolling beat-em-up formula with tight controls and strategic depth. From the moment you select one of the three starting heroes, you’ll notice responsive attack combos, aerial juggling, and guard breaks that make every encounter feel dynamic. Whether you’re brawling through hordes of skeletons or facing off against a towering boss, the core combat loop remains consistently engaging.

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One of the game’s standout features is its dual-mode structure. Story mode lets you team up with a friend by linking two Game Boy Advances, creating a cooperative experience that mirrors the camaraderie of the original SEGA Saturn release. Alternatively, VS. mode supports up to four players in competitive battles, turning familiar stages into free-for-all arenas where special moves and environmental hazards keep the action unpredictable.

Progression in Story mode goes beyond simply powering through levels. Defeated enemies drop crystals that act as currency for upgrades; you can boost your hero’s HP, MP, attack strength, and other attributes at the end of each stage. Moreover, donating crystals to the on-board Laboratory unlocks a roster of up to 20 characters for VS. mode, providing long-term replay value and rewarding completionists who want to experiment with different playstyles.

Graphics

On the Game Boy Advance hardware, Advance Guardian Heroes delivers surprisingly detailed sprite work that captures the spirit of the original Guardian Heroes. Characters move with fluid animation, and attack effects—such as slash trails and elemental bursts—pop against the lush, multi-layered backgrounds. The game’s art direction leans into high-contrast colors, ensuring each foe and hazard remains clearly visible during frantic battles.

Stage design is another highlight, with environments ranging from haunted burial grounds to fiery caverns. Parallax scrolling layers add depth to the two-dimensional planes, and occasional set pieces—like collapsing platforms or rising lava—lend a cinematic flair to key encounters. While the GBA’s screen can feel cramped when four players enter VS. mode, clever camera zoom techniques help maintain situational awareness.

Even cutscenes and story illustrations make the most of the GBA’s capabilities, featuring expressive character portraits and stylized backgrounds. Though you won’t find high-resolution textures or 3D models here, the artistic consistency and vibrant color palette ensure the world feels alive and cohesive from start to finish.

Story

The narrative premise of Advance Guardian Heroes branches off from the original by introducing a legendary Soul Hero whose grave conceals the powerful Soul Sword. You are tasked with retrieving this weapon and preventing it from falling into the hands of nefarious conquering forces. It’s a straightforward tale of magic, heroism, and world salvation that provides just enough context to justify the nonstop action.

Each of the three playable protagonists brings a unique perspective to the adventure, and brief interludes between stages flesh out their personalities. While the plot doesn’t dive into overly complex territory, it strikes a balance between delivering motivation for your quest and keeping the momentum moving. Side objectives—like rescuing villagers or exploring hidden corridors—add small narrative rewards that encourage exploration.

The Laboratory subplot, where you donate crystals to unlock additional fighters, subtly weaves into the main storyline by suggesting a secret research facility dedicated to Soul Hero technology. This connective tissue gives context to the unlockable roster and hints at a broader world beyond your current journey. Though it remains light on lore, the story framework effectively supports both cooperative adventuring and competitive skirmishes.

Overall Experience

Advance Guardian Heroes succeeds in bringing a beloved Saturn classic to a handheld format without sacrificing depth or excitement. The blend of visceral combat, cooperative thrills, and competitive chaos ensures that every play session feels fresh. Whether you’re powering through the story solo or sharing the screen (via link cable) with a friend, the pacing remains brisk and the challenges rewarding.

Replayability is built into the game’s DNA. Between upgrading your main heroes, unlocking a diverse cast of warriors for VS. mode, and experimenting with different crystal allocations, there’s always a new build or strategy to explore. The unlockable characters range from nimble spellcasters to hulking brutes, each offering a distinct combat experience that enhances longevity.

Ultimately, Advance Guardian Heroes stands out as one of the GBA’s most polished action titles. Its accessibility makes it a great entry point for newcomers to the beat-em-up genre, while its deeper mechanics and multiplayer options will satisfy series veterans. If you’re seeking a portable brawler with both cooperative camaraderie and competitive edge, this handheld iteration of Guardian Heroes is well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10