The Flash Game Boy box art

Game Boy · Action / Platformer

The Flash

SystemGame Boy
Released1991
GenreAction, Platformer
DeveloperEquilibrium
PublisherTHQ
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 2

The Flash is an action game released in 1991 for the Game Boy, developed by Equilibrium and published by THQ. It blends action and platformer elements.

It landed about 2 years into the Game Boy's life. Other notable Game Boy releases from 1991 include Metroid II: Return of Samus, Final Fantasy Adventure and Yoshi.

Equilibrium also made Bo Jackson: Two Games in One for the Game Boy.

This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.

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 Game Boy 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 The Flash 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.

The Flash gameplay screenshot on Game Boy
In-game screenshot (Game Boy)

The Flash cheats & codes

28 codes on file (Game Genie, GameShark, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:

Start With 1 Life015-9CF-E66
Start With 6 Lives065-9CF-E66
Start With 1/2 Surge Power4C5-A1F-D54
Start With 1/2 Energy245-A6F-C4B
Infinite Lives003-A8F-E69
Infinite Energy (Except Against Exploding Bombs)00A-85F-E6D

See all The Flash cheats

The Flash walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for The Flash.

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Playing Game Boy games today

Game Boy games were designed for short bursts on the go, which makes them ideal for a coffee break today. Many are available through Nintendo Switch Online, and original carts play on any later Game Boy model.

The Flash FAQ

When did The Flash come out on the Game Boy?

The Flash was released for the Game Boy in 1991.

Who made The Flash?

It was developed by Equilibrium and published by THQ.

Is The Flash multiplayer?

No. The Flash is a single-player game.

How long does The Flash take to play?

As an action game, The Flash 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.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you