Action-adventure platformers/Handhelds

Multiplatform

Consoles

Handhelds

Computers

Game Boy

Cover	Title	Description	Screenshot
	Metroid II: Return of Samus	Sequel to the first game. Take the fight to the Metroid and make them pay. Sets the stage for Super Metroid. There's a fan remake called Project AM2R (Another Metroid 2 Remake) using Game Maker too.

Game Boy Advance

Cover	Title	Description	Screenshot
	Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow	Often considered the best GBA Castlevania, Aria of Sorrow takes place in the near future when Japanese exchange student Soma Cruz is suddenly spirited away to Dracula's castle while witnessing an eclipse. The castle is massive, with a plethora of varied weapons, and Soma can absorb the soul of every different species of monster, with varied results. Includes multiple endings and a fucking cool secret extra mode. An engrossing Metroidvania. Dawn of Sorrow (NDS) is a direct sequel. Part of the 'Castlevania Double Pack' along with Harmony of Dissonance.
	Castlevania: Circle of the Moon	The first GBA Castlevania, Circle of the Moon is a (retconned) entry starring Nathan Graves, who has nothing to do with the Belmonts. Collect several spell cards which you can combine for dozens of different results. The small sprites and the fact that it can get hard to see (the game is quite dark) are potential issues, but it is wholly worth playing for series fans. It is possibly the most old school-feeling Metroidvania, and the toughest of the three GBA ones. The bonus modes warrant some replays, since each new one you obtain forces you to fight a bit differently due to altered stats and abilities.
	Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance	The underdog of the GBA trilogy, Harmony of Dissonance takes you through Dracula's castle with Juste Belmont and his fabulous thigh-high boots. Here you collect elemental grimoires and combine them with sub-weapons to cast spells. The bosses are rather underwhelming (mostly large versions of regular enemies), but aesthetically it may be the moodiest of the three; the soundtrack helps, too. Oh and you can do some interior decorating! There's also a decent bonus mode featuring Maxim Kischine. Part of the 'Castlevania Double Pack' along with Aria of Sorrow.
	Metroid: Zero Mission	Whether or not you think Metroid Fusion is too linear, it's harder to argue against Zero Mission; a remake of the original Metroid with new content.