One game that comes to mind is 'Monster Rancher Advance'. In Swordcraft Story, you manage your character's growth and development, and in Monster Rancher Advance, you do the same for your monsters. You have to train them, feed them, and make them stronger. 'Lufia: The Legend Returns' is another. It has a turn - based battle system which is not too different from Swordcraft Story. Also, the way you progress through the story by completing quests and exploring the world is alike. 'Final Fantasy Tactics Advance' is also similar. You deal with character classes, skills, and strategic battles which are key elements in Swordcraft Story as well.
Well, 'Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2' is an obvious choice as it's from the same series and has very similar gameplay. It has the same type of combat where you use different weapons and skills. 'Riviera: The Promised Land' also has similarities. You move around in a world, interact with characters, and engage in battles in a somewhat similar way. And 'Golden Sun' has a comparable gameplay style in terms of exploration and combat. You explore dungeons, fight enemies, and use magic or abilities, much like in Swordcraft Story.
For games like Swordcraft Story on GBA, 'Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis' is a great example. The gameplay focuses on strategic battles, just like in Swordcraft Story. You need to think about your unit's positioning, skills, and abilities. 'Fire Emblem' series, such as 'Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade' also has a similar gameplay feel. You have to manage your army, make decisions in battles, and follow a story. 'Shining Soul II' is also a good match. It has dungeon - crawling and combat where you can level up your character, which is similar to how you progress in Swordcraft Story.
One game similar to Swordcraft Story is 'Monster Rancher Advance'. In this game, you raise and train monsters, much like how you manage your character's growth in Swordcraft Story. Another one is 'Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2', which is actually in the same series as Swordcraft Story, so it has a lot of similar elements such as the combat system and the world - building. Also, 'Golden Sun' can be considered. It has an engaging story, strategic battles, and a world full of mysteries to explore, just like Swordcraft Story.
Granblue Fantasy is a good one too. It has a deep and complex story, just like 'Summon Night Swordcraft Story'. The game also has a gacha system for obtaining new characters and items, and the battles are turn - based, which requires careful planning and use of skills.
A game like it is 'Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout'. It has a crafting system which is a big part of the gameplay, and the story and characters are quite engaging. 'Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch' is another. The beautiful art style, along with the creature - taming and turn - based combat, makes it a great choice. 'Fire Emblem: Awakening' also has similarities. The permadeath feature (if you choose to use it) and strategic turn - based battles are key aspects.
Tropico series has some similarities. In Tropico, you are the leader of an island nation. You have to build infrastructure, manage resources, and take care of the well - being of your citizens, which is somewhat related to the building and management aspects in Castle Story.
One of the GBA games with a great story is 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past'. It takes you on an epic adventure through the land of Hyrule. Link has to rescue the seven maidens and defeat Ganon. The story is filled with mystery, exploration, and heroic deeds. You get to discover hidden dungeons, meet interesting characters, and the overall plot keeps you engaged from start to finish.
One of the best GBA games with a great story is 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past'. It follows Link's adventure to save Hyrule from the evil Ganon. The story is filled with mystery, exploration, and memorable characters. Another is 'Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade'. It has a complex story of war, politics, and personal relationships among its many characters. 'Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire' also have engaging stories. You travel through the Hoenn region, battle gym leaders, and face off against the villainous teams while trying to become the Pokémon champion.
One game like Swordcraft Story is Rune Factory. It combines farming and dungeon - exploring elements. You can grow crops, raise animals, and also engage in combat in dungeons, much like the adventure and diverse gameplay aspects in Swordcraft Story.
Another great one is 'Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones'. It has a complex story of war, loyalty, and sacrifice. You follow different characters' stories as they fight for their kingdoms. The story has many twists and turns that keep you hooked throughout the game.
The Legend of Zelda series has some similarities. In games like Breath of the Wild, you explore a vast open world, solve puzzles, and engage in combat, which are elements also present in Swordcraft Story.
Another option could be 'Final Fantasy Brave Exvius'. It features a rich fantasy world, turn - based combat like 'Summon Night Swordcraft Story', and a wide variety of characters to collect and upgrade. There are also regular events that keep the gameplay fresh.