Golden Sun Review

Whilst the SNES was home to a large selection of quality RPG’s, you’d have expected to see a number of these and similar games developed for the technically similar GameBoy Advance. Unfortunately this hasn’t been the case, so whilst we’re waiting for the next Zelda title, we’ll while away the hours quite happily on Golden Sun. <br /> <br /> Coming from the creators of Mario Tennis and Everybody’s Golf, Golden Sun shows that Camelot know a thing or two about quality games. <br /> <br /> Golden Sun is an RPG very akin to Zelda, but shares many elements from several other RPG’s to create a truly remarkable nostalgic game that reminds you of the fun you used to have back in the days of the SNES. <br /> <br /> There’s nothing new or original about the story or the way the game is played, it’s the usual epic struggle of good versus evil, as you take on the role of a young squire named Isaac. Living in a magical world where alchemy rules and rare individuals called Adepts have mastered Psynergy, or the ability to telekinetically move items and attack. As the game begins, two villainous mages hatch a diabolical plot to use four Elemental Stones to wreak unspeakable horror on Angara. And so Isaac and his fellow Adepts embark on a perilous journey to reach the stones first and save the world. <br /> <br /> Of course the age-old saying of “two heads are better then one” applies to every RPG, so you can count on a number of friends to join your party and help out in your adventure. Those pining for a Square game on a Nintendo will love Golden Sun, the look and feel is very reminiscent of Secret of Mana, with crisp and colourful visuals that show a remarkable level of detail yet still have that immersive charm that brings you into the game. <br /> <br /> The actual game is a wonderful experience that will keep RPG fans hooked for many hours, the first 20 minutes play-out the opening prologue set three years before the actual game begins. <br /> <br /> RPG fans will immediately recognise the game mechanics at work, battles are random turn-based affairs that wonderfully show-off the games visuals. The camera pins around from the usual top view thanks to some superb Mode-7 scaling, as the characters come to life, slashing swords and using a variety of impressive magical spells that makes every fight a joy to watch and participate in. <br /> <br /> I’m not usually a fan of random battles, however Camelot has kept them to a minimum ensuring that each one generates the excitement that it should. <br /> <br /> Special mention should go to the games sound, the songs are fantastic and sound good on the GBA’s tiny speaker. It’s a testimony to the soundtrack that I would rather listen to this type of videogame music, over the licensed trash that features in many of the next-gen games… <br /> <br /> A new element added to the game is the introduction of Djinni, these creatures can be collected along the course of your adventure and used in battle, complete with a variety of impressive special effects. There are four types of Djinni based on the four different elements, you can train them along the way which increases your characters stats and attributes. This element alone makes the combat system more diverse then most other RPG’s, and adds a great sense of tactics to the whole affair. <br /> <br /> There are a few problems with Golden Sun, you’ll frequently have to answer yes or no when speaking to other characters. Whilst this has been designed to draw you into the character, they ultimately become obtrusive and frustrating, as conversation rarely has any bearing on your actual quest resulting in the hammering of the A button to get it over with. <br /> <br /> Also Golden Sun feels like it’s taken the best bits from numerous RPG’s, it does all come together but you can’t help feeling that it is slightly derivative.