Manic Miner GBA box art

Game Boy Advance · Action

Manic Miner

SystemGame Boy Advance
Released2002
GenreAction
DeveloperJester Interactive
PublisherJester Interactive
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyDeep cut

Developed by Jester Interactive, Manic Miner arrived on the Game Boy Advance in 2002 as an action game.

It came out in the GBA's second year on the market. Other notable GBA releases from 2002 include Sonic Advance 2, Metroid Fusion and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords.

Jester Interactive also made Pocket Music for the GBA.

Manic Miner is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you've played the GBA hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Manic Miner is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

Manic Miner gameplay screenshot on GBA
In-game screenshot (GBA)

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Playing GBA games today

The GBA is one of the best-value retro libraries around, with deep RPGs and tactics games that suit portable play. A growing selection is on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, and Rec0m88 supports GBA if you own the games.

Manic Miner FAQ

When did Manic Miner come out on the GBA?

Manic Miner was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2002.

Who made Manic Miner?

It was developed by Jester Interactive.

Is Manic Miner multiplayer?

No. Manic Miner is a single-player game.

How long does Manic Miner take to play?

As an action game, Manic Miner typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

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