Golden Sun (Game Boy Advance)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 8.6 (4.0 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Ricardo Torres
• Reviewed on: 11/12/2001
• Updated on: 03/16/2003
• Released on: 11/11/2001
• Originally published on GameSpot: Golden Sun (Game Boy Advance) Review

Looking back, the Super Nintendo has to be regarded as one of the best showcases for the RPG genre and 2D graphics. Back in the day, the system was home to some of the best games in the genre. You may well be in for a very pleasant sense of déjà vu when you fire up Nintendo's latest RPG offering on the Game Boy Advance, Golden Sun. Featuring some of the best graphics seen on the system, a rich quest, and classic RPG gameplay, Golden Sun is a throwback to some of the SNES' best.

The game's story puts you in the role of a young man named Isaac from a remote village called Vale. The elders of the village have been caretakers of an ancient mountain temple, Sol Sanctum, which guards a seal on the science of alchemy. When the seal is broken and a group of strangers, who have kidnapped two of Isaac's friends, attempt to release the powers of alchemy on the world, Isaac must venture out into the world and set things right.

Like its story, Golden Sun's gameplay includes tried-and-true features as well. Developed by Camelot Software Planning, the game should offer Shining Force fans some welcome flashbacks. Golden Sun reflects Camelot's roots, offering a mixture of little touches that harken back to classic RPGs and some new twists on combat and magic. The game plays like most RPGs: You'll travel the world on foot, venturing from town to town and talking with people. Along the way you'll solve puzzles and help those in need who cross your path in your quest to rescue your friends and save the world. While it all sounds fairly standard for an RPG, the game comes together nicely. RPG vets should be satisfied with the game's rich quest, which, while a bit short, compares favorably to those from the 16-bit era--offering optional side quests to supplement the main action.

One of Golden Sun's biggest strengths lies in its combat engine. Taking a page almost directly from a Shining Force game, Golden Sun features turn-based combat with an icon-based menu system. Characters will have access to physical attacks, a power called psyenergy that basically works like magic, and elemental creatures called djinn, which can be used to attack enemies or summon spirits in battle. The pace of combat is usually quick and is sometimes challenging as you try to find the best combination of physical and psyenergy attacks to take out enemies in your way. The only blemish on the sterling setup is the inability of members in your party to target another enemy if their intended target has been killed before their turn to attack comes up.

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