Pokémon Ruby on the GBA is one of those games that just sticks with you. You start off in Littleroot Town, picking between Torchic, Mudkip, or Treecko—I always go for Mudkip because that little guy evolves into an absolute tank. The Hoenn region feels huge, with routes that twist through forests, dive spots underwater, and even a volcano you gotta trek across.

What I love is how alive the world feels. You’ll run into Team Magas causing trouble, secret bases you can decorate, and contests where your Pokémon show off their style instead of just battling. And the music? Still slaps. That trumpet-heavy battle theme gets me pumped every time.

It’s got that classic Pokémon grind, but with enough new stuff to keep it interesting—like berries you actually have to water or the double battles that force you to think differently. Just don’t get me started on trying to catch Feebas.