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Golden Sun.
In a word this game can be described as huge. Obviously this isn't referring to its minuscule size of 1 by 2 inches. As a matter of fact, you'll be wondering how they fit a game like this into that kind of cartridge. We had a hint of what was possible from Camelot, with the RPG tinged Mario Sports games for the GBC, but this game blows all other out of the world. The game is simply the BEST RPG on a handheld. It mocks all that come close. Breath of Fire? It looks like pong next to this masterpiece. WARNING!!! If you buy this game (which you should) prepare to say goodbye to all of your non-GS playing friends, who will take a back seat to your new best friend, your game map. Some people have even had theses maps lamified.
In a word, the control scheme perfection. The controls are easily accessible. You'll forget about the piece of plastic in your hands. But what really elevates this game is the unique sleep mode. In this made, your screen goes blank and you conserve power without actually turning off your game. Perfect for during meals, going to the bathroom ext. Trust me, you'll need all the battery life you can get.
Graphic and sound are what takes the game to a new level of the "Oh my god, how the hell did they do that on a handheld game". I rarely give out a ten on graphics, but considering the system, I simply can't deny Golden Sun. This is simply because theses graphics and sound can go toe to toe with consul games. With simply amazing graphics in games, and breathtaking graphics in battle, your jaw will be on the floor for a while. The summoning of Judgment is close to, and even better than some of the summoning in the Final Fantasy games. Keep in mind, this is on a handheld. With an original and upbeat soundtrack, unlike at least 90% of the handhelds today, you won't be reaching for your disk man. This is the GBA brought to it's full potential here, and you'll be wondering why no one tried to get there before.
As I mentioned, the graphics are able to compete with consul systems, but the thing that takes this game into legendary status is the game play. Engrossing, easy to learn, and a constant challenge, this game is, in my opinion, as good as any FF for PSX. Not only that, but it had a solid storyline, and some very innovative and challenging twists. For starters, Djinni. These odd looking creature are similar to the Guardian Forces of the Final Fantasy series. There are 28 in all. The catch? You have to find and battle most of these guys, and they're far from pushovers. When you have them, you can use them for 3 main purposes.
1. Abilities. Each one of these little guys has a special ability you can utilize in battle. These range from a hyped up attack to healing your party.
2. Summons. After you use an ability your Djinni will go to standby. When in this mode then can be used to summon various creatures, all very powerful. The more you have on standby, the more powerful your summon.
3. Character class. Your characters have various abilities and stats. These rise and fall depending on two things, your level and Djinni. The more Djinni you have set, the more your stats rise.
Also, there is what is known as Psyengergy. Theses are basically spells. These change with your class.
Wow, pretty complex for a GBA game.
As with most RPGs, once again this is huge. Your quest is fairly long, although you don't do much leveling up. Most beat the game at around level 30. There is only one side quest, but it's harder than college. Crossbone Isle, the ultimate challenge with rewards to tempt any player.
Why are you reading this? Shouldn’t you be at the store?
-- Anonym. Contributor, PGNx Media
---- Oct 24, 2002
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