Golden Sun - GBA

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Viewed: 2D Top-down, Multi-way scrolling Genre:
Adventure: Role Playing
Arcade origin:No
Developer: Camelot Soft. Co.: Camelot
Publishers: Nintendo (GB/US)
Released: 22 Feb 2002 (GB)
Unknown (US)
Ratings: 3+, ESRB Everyone
Connectivity: Link Cable

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Summary

Okay, it’s the era of the new handheld, Game Boy Advance, and there’s not a Zelda title in sight. We all know there’s probably a Zelda game in development for Game Boy Advance, but Nintendo is remaining traditionally tight-lipped. But in the mean time, we can at least indulge ourselves in Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance RPG tempter, Golden Sun.

Role-playing fans familiar with the PlayStation Alundra series will instantly spot the similarities of the Psygnosis classics in Golden Sun. The old-top down perspective has returned for the GBA instalment and boasts some sexy-looking environments and fluid character animation. From an artistic perspective, Golden Sun is sheer brilliance.

But even better, the game’s design and technical qualities are equally well executed. Although Golden Sun primarily serves the handheld community and a bloomin’ good RPG, it also possess several elements of the platform and strategy genres. Puzzles are ever present in the land of magic, as are hordes of nasty goblins and dragons looking for a meal. Best of all, the mechanics behind the prosthetics are balanced and the pace of the game is steady. Golden offers both newcomers and veterans a challenge, but doesn’t overly frustrate its players.

There’s the usual ‘fire, earth, wind and water’ thing going on, plenty of magic, lots of mystery and a compelling story. And with a four-player mode (almost unheard of with console RPGs) available, you can share your experiences with your closest friends. Aww, ain’t that nice?

Bottom line though – Zelda Advance had better be good to top this one!