Slingshot24 - Golden Sun (GBA) Review. (Article)

Welcome Article Writer, Slingshot24.
He Brings you one of his favorite GBA Titles and truly a classic,
"Golden Sun" for the Gameboy Advance.


Ahh, Golden Sun. So much to say...


Golden Sun was an RPG created for the Game Boy Advance by Camelot (also responsible for mario golf:TT and mario tennis) and Nintendo, that brought together a compelling story, a colorful cast of characters, amazing powers, and a whole world to explore.

First let's talk about the story. You start off as a young boy (defaultly named Isaac) being awoken by your mother in a hurried manner, as you have to evacuate your house as a result of the horrible storm ravaging your village, Vale. Your mother leaves you to go assist the villagers and you are given control of your character. Upon your journey to catch up with your mom, you come across your friend Garrett who after a brief talk, joins your party. after some walking, you get to a scene where your father and a few others are trying to rescue a boy named Felix, your neighbor, who is stuck in the middle of the river, hanging on for dear life to a stick. soon a cutscene ensues and a boulder crashes down washing away felix and killing all who were trying to save him- your father included. after walking some more you are attacked by two mysterious people who basically obliterate you in a single turn.

After all this, you arrive at the real game, which takes place in the future, a few years later. upon meeting up with your party, you venture into a temple, guided by Kraden the scholar. After getting through, you meet the fiends who defeated you all those years ago, and they attempt to light all elemental lighthouses that provide the world with psynergy- a psychic energy possessed only by a few called adepts, such as your main characters. The main goal of the game is to catch the villains and reclaim the stones they steal to prevent the lighting of the light houses, as well as to rescue your friends whom they abducted during the meet up in the temple. With many towns and cities to visit, and numerous dungeons to explore along the way, you will not be disappointed.

Though there is much dialogue to sit through, it is usually entertaining enough so as you wont really mind it. You even get to make a few yes or no calls while it runs!
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Gameplay-
This game was for me a perfect combination of adventure, puzzle, and battle. You are given a world map to explore, and can travel anywhere provided it is not blocked by water or mountain ranges. You visit places like cities, towns, dungeons, temples, and caves.

The battle system is a random battle stlye, but does not overpower the gamer with excessive fights, as they are not too frequent. You battle with an array of options- from attacking with strength, to using your psynergy to battle for you, casting spells and healing your allies, and can even use acquired companions called Djinni's to do battle based on their abilities. With the increasing difficulty of enemies, you really will need all the help you can get.

Since it plays such a big role, i will list the general uses for psynergy-
-puzzle solving
-Battle
-Healing
-mind reading
With these aspects of the game, you feel the power is truly at your hands.

The puzzle aspect of the game is quite strong as you must solve puzzles using your mind and your abilities. The forementioned Psynergy is used frequently to do things like moving objects, revealing invisible items, and even reading minds. This combination of adventure and puzzle is somewhat similar to that of a Zelda game, but not too much so that you feel they are the same. Basically, This game will make you think, but will not likely cause you to be stuck for too long.

Though there is much dialogue to sit through, it is usually entertaining enough so as you wont really mind it. You even get to make a few yes or no calls while it runs!
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Sound-

Ahh, the sound. First, let's talk about the background music. This game has scores that fit the mood of the area perfectly. Be you trading with a merchant, or trekking through a desert, you will feel the music is right at place, and even somewhat catchy. You can even hear the Battle BGM played in Smash Bros Brawl!

The sound effects are great as well, as they emulate the meaning or definition of what just happened. Heck, there is even one comparable to the sound effect in Zelda when you discover a secret.
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Graphics-
Well, it's a GBA game. The sprites are pretty well drawn and unique for each character. The gameplay outside of battle is almost 3D, but is just 2D in battle. Regardless, the Battle Visual effects are incredible to look at. God knows howmany times I did a move just to see the cool animation that went with it.
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UPDATE****
BONUS CONTENT

I neglected to mention that there was a bit of bonus content.

From the main screen, you could select the additional game, battle mode, where you could load your file and battle monsters with your characters, or with a link cable, battle your friends in head to head combat to see who had the greatest strategy and abilities.

Also upon beating the game, from the main menu, by pressing to the right and tapping the R shoulder button, you revealed an extra "Send" setting, in which you could transfer your file and its contents to the game's sequel, Golden Sun: The Lost Age.
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In conclusion, I never had a complaint about this game. I can't possibly imagine me complaining about it other then maybe me getting my ass kicked a few times by a boss. Of course, I would just reload the game and try again.

With many memorable moments, and a few jokes here and there, I can honestly say that Golden Sun is worthy of the title "Gaming Gold"