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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Golden Sun
Universal acclaim
Based on 29 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 116 votes
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Game Info
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Camelot
Genre(s): Role-Playing Game
Players: 2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: November 12, 2001
Summary
An epic story of good vs. evil, brilliant graphics, a great combat system and even a multiplayer vs. mode into a stunning RPG. Golden Sun transpires in a world shared by two immense continents, Angara and Gondowan. Here 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. [Nintendo]
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
G4 TV
It's the best original (nonport) GBA RPG to date, sporting stellar graphics, above-average sound, and a worthwhile experience (at least 20 hours of gameplay) that should make that next family roadtrip that much more tolerable.
Read Full Review >GamePro
A huge, fantastic, creative, and wickedly fun RPG that doesn’t seem to care that it’s “just” on a GBA. It’s easily the best RPG available for the GBA—and may just be the best RPG for any console system this year.
Read Full Review >Nintendo Power
The beautiful quest is probably the richest, most intricate RPG ever to have hit a handheld. [Nov 2001, p.144]
Nintendophiles
With a gripping story, slick battle sequence, superior graphics, and a set of good tunes to boot, Golden Sun is a total package.
Read Full Review >IGN
The quest is amazingly long, absolutely gorgeous to look at, a joy to listen to.
Read Full Review >Nintendojo
Whether it be through design, story, or gameplay-– this solid title competes with some of the bigger titles we’ve played on some next generation systems.
Read Full Review >Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
Like a good book that you won't want to put down. Golden Sun is portable role-playing at its purest. Totally absorbing. [Advance]
Read Full Review >netjak
I ended up playing it so much that my hands would literally fall asleep. When not even physical discomfort can keep you from playing a game, you know that's a special game indeed.
Read Full Review >Gamer.tv
Dialogue isn't great, but then, when has RPG dialogue ever been great? The story is good enough to keep you playing, there's lots to see and do - it's a good 'un. If you're an RPG fan then Golden Sun will rock your elf-obsessed world.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
The best RPG on the market. Its exceptional graphics and gameplay will keep you coming back.
Read Full Review >GamePen
A highly engrossing story told by a set of very unique characters that come to life with witty and intriguing dialogue. If you’re looking for a game that doesn’t focus too much on pretty cinematics, but rather, interesting plot development and engrossing gameplay then look no further.
Read Full Review >Armchair Empire
Gorgeous graphics, dazzling audio, a charming storyline and overall appealing game play -- and it all fits neatly inside your pocket!
Read Full Review >Hot Games
It’s enjoyable, playable, and everything that fans of RPG’s could hope for.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
There is so much to Golden Sun that I can't help but fall head over heels for it. Every aspect of the game is soaked through with quality. [Jan 2002, p.233]
GMR Magazine
A deep combat engine and brilliant graphics make this the best RPG available on the GBA. [Feb 2003, p.97]
Total Video Games
Hard-core RPG fans may feel the game is too derivative, to a certain extent it is, but for the rest of us Golden Sun is both a fantastic game and a nice trip down memory lane.
Read Full Review >Thunderbolt
As one of the most critical Nintendo fans around, it’s nice to see a game come out for the GBA that’s original, pretty, fun, and doesn’t involve any one of their stupid mascots.
Read Full Review >Yahoo! Games
If you’re one of those many people who continue to pine for a Square RPG on your favourite Nintendo handheld, then rejoice because your prayers have damn near been answered with this game.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
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.
Read Full Review >Gamer's Pulse
The crowning glory of Golden Sun lies in its stunning graphics. Great environments, characters, and especially fight scenes.
Read Full Review >Pocket Games
An instant classic that raises the bar for portable RPGs. The story never comes together, but that's what the sequel's for. [Spring 2002, p.36]
GamerWeb Nintendo
Definitely worth the purchase despite a cliché plot, Golden Sun is visually and aurally impressive. A deep game that should offer a bare minimum of 30 hours of gameplay.
Read Full Review >GameCritics
Works because of the little things—a fact that makes it a refreshing gaming experience in this day and age where everyone seems bent on completely overhauling the basic tenets of what makes a good game.
Read Full Review >Game Informer
It's an honest-to-God new role-playing game, and I can safely say that Golden Sun rocks.[Jan 2002, p.96]
Play Magazine
A hand-drawn RPG incorporating exquisite detail and a blazing new look to battle sequences, it's the best thing to happen to portable role playing perhaps ever. [Feb 2002, p.65]
Gamestyle
The story, however, is an area where Golden Sun refuses to go above and beyond the clichéd characters and typical save-the-world plot.
Read Full Review >eToychest
Golden Sun has a ton of potential, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.
Read Full Review >All Game Guide
Gameplay seldom strays from long-established RPG convention, but Golden Sun incorporates some of the best elements of classics such as the Final Fantasy, Phantasy Star, and even Legend of Zelda series, in its own distinct and unified style.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.9 (out of 10) based on 116 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Keele gave it a10:
Michael, you're also an idiot. I've played such spectacular games and rpgs, such as Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, most of the Final Fantasy games and many more. Even so, Golden Sun was/is brilliant. It's graphics, for it's time of release, are exceptional (I don't know what the hell you're going on about with ''CHEEZY''). It had a great captivating storyline. Good gameplay. Fun puzzles. Awesome tunes. I'm unsure that we've both played the same game, or that you've actually played the game at all.
Andrew C gave it a10:
That Ryan kid is an idiot, he syas it is too much like pokemon, well thats like saying every RPG is like pokemon. In fact I've never seen an RPG less like pokemon. The gameplay for this game was incredible, the puzzles were challenging, the battles didn't get boring and had a great story line. The graphics were amazing for the GBA and the Djinni summons looked amazing. I am really glad there is going to be a new one on DS and I'll be one of the first to buy it. Also, this game had some of the best music ever, Final Fantasy doesn't even compare to this game.
John B gave it a10:
I feel bad that Michael D can't recognize awesomeness when he see's it. Story and gameplay for this game is better than a majority of Final Fantasy games. Also, we waste time on this garbage to see people like you recommend and mention crappier games.
secret searcher gave it a9:
It's not the absolute BEST RPG I've ever played, but it's definitely up there. The graphics are pretty impressive for a 2001 game, and the game is straightfoward, but unique enough to stay interesting from start to finish. The only reason I'm not giving it a 10 is because of the fact that sometimes the game, in my opinion, doesn't give you enough information about what to are supposed to do. I spent forever stuck in Venus Lighthouse because I hadn't found the Carry Stone yet. But still, overall, a good RPG. I will definitely be playing the sequel.
CryDay gave it a10:
The best RPG for all handhelds, including the best graphics, best story and best music
Michael D gave it a4:
OK but not great or spectacular or worthy of a 10. I feel bad for all the poor little children here who havent played spectacular games likes Chrono Trigger, or even any Final Fantasy Games. Dear people, throw that gba out the window, go buy yourself a Gamecube and a copy of Tales of Symphonia, and experience what a real rpg is like. Cheezy graphics dont make a game, especially for a system whose focus is on gameplay and storyline. Hey with all the respectable games for GBA like the strategy games Fire Emblem (not sacred stones) and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance why waste your time with this garbage? Well, at least it is better than Pokemon.
Brian M. gave it a10:
I was one of the people eagerly anticipating the initial release of this game. As luck would have it, I had no money at the time. A month and seven wal-marts later (it was that hard to find), I got the game. Since then, I have beaten it at least 6 times, each time at least as good as the last. This game deserves the 10 I give it, and I don't give 10's. At all. Ever. That's how good I think this game is.
