Mercenary Force is one of those weird little Game Boy gems that somehow mixes turn-based strategy with real-time action—and it actually works. You start by picking a squad of four mercs (samurai, ninja, mage, etc.), each with their own quirks, and then it's off to these tiny, grid-based battlefields where positioning is everything. At first, I kept getting wrecked because I treated it like a straight brawler, but once you figure out how to rotate formations mid-fight, it clicks.

The pixel art has that chunky early Game Boy charm, and the music’s got this weirdly catchy synth vibe. It’s not deep by modern standards, but there’s something satisfying about micromanaging your squad’s spacing just right to corner a boss. Also, ninjas are stupidly overpowered if you abuse their backstab.

Definitely a cult favorite for a reason—just don’t expect a sprawling epic. It’s more like chess with swords and way more attitude.