I’m looking for a GBA RPG with satisfying leveling and a lot of room to build up characters, preferably with fun combat. Pokémon is close, but I’d like something with more progression. Romhacks are welcome too.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is probably the best fit if you like tactical combat. There are lots of jobs to unlock and abilities to learn, so building a team gives you plenty to work on. It does have limits, though, so it’s more about experimenting with combinations than pushing levels forever.
For a more direct level-and-loot loop, try Shining Soul II. It’s an action RPG with character classes, gear drops, and plenty of enemies to fight while you build up. It isn’t as deep as Disgaea, but it’s a good option if you want steady progress and combat rather than a huge story.
For a Pokémon-style game, Pokémon Unbound is worth a look. It has a lot more content and team-building options than the official GBA games. Just check the difficulty and level-cap settings first, since some modes limit grinding and lean more on planning your team.
That distinction matters. A bigger adventure and more team options don’t necessarily mean you can endlessly out-level tough fights.
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Worth noting that the job system is the main draw here. If you specifically want an uncapped-feeling grind, it may not scratch that itch as much.