Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Sep 16, 2003
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
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  1. GamePro
    100
    Boktai couldn't have been done on any other system; it is uniquely Game Boy Advance, yet not at all like any of its other titles. A paradox, a conundrum, and creativity incarnate.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Sorry, shining a flashlight is about as effective as garlic against Dracula. [17 Oct 2003, p.L2T 20]
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  3. Game Chronicles
    93
    An exciting and challenging game that will bring a whole new generation of gamers out into something they might not have seen in a long time, the sunlight.
  5. GameNow
    91
    If you like your games with a crazy twist, then you'll totally get into this one. [Oct 2003, p.52]
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  6. GBA Central
    90
    The levels are well designed, and the placement of enemies and their movement paths add to the difficulty, and unless you live in a sunny location, Boktai will prove to be more challenging than other adventure games.
  7. NintendoWorldReport
    90
    Contrary to some expectations, Boktai is a complete and satisfying game that could hardly be called a gimmick. The sun sensor is actually very cleverly integrated into many aspects of the gameplay, and it ends up adding more to the experience than it takes away.
  8. Pocket Games
    90
    Everything controls well, the graphics are of the highest GBA quality, and the story is engaging. [Fall 2003, p.39]
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  9. Cheat Code Central
    90
    You won't be disappointed with a purchase of this game unless you live underground or in a perpetually overcast environment like England or Vancouver in the winter.
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  10. eToychest
    90
    It is true that it isn't the longest, or most difficult game in the world, but for the few hours it takes to complete Boktai, players will have in their hands not only the sun, but pure enjoyment as well.
  11. Nintendo Power
    88
    The most impressive thing is the quality of the sound. The voice-overs are clear and rich, and the music leaps out of the speaker. [Oct 2003, p.139]
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  12. GamingTrend
    87
    One of those gimmicky games that actually innovates rather than rely on it's gimmick alone.
  13. Game Over Online
    86
    My pick for most original GBA game of 2003. The built-in light sensor coupled with a world full of dynamic environments that actually change depending on the amount of sunlight the game pak detects ensures that the game's most interesting bullet-point feature is more than just a gimmick.
  14. IGN
    85
    A very special and unique Game Boy Advance adventure with interesting and successful gameplay elements, and the only thing holding this game back is its time-restrictive gameplay and its use of unoriginal and redundant level challenges throughout the adventure.
  15. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    85
    A surprisingly captivating little adventure. Its main selling point - the sun sensor - is one of the most original ideas to come along in years, although it's not always practical. [Oct 2003, p.164]
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  16. GamingWorld X
    85
    Thoroughly enjoyable on its own, but there is something very satisfying about finding a warm spot outdoors and annihilating vampires with the power of the sun.
  17. GameSpot
    83
    At its core, this is a first-rate action adventure game that features a good story, challenging puzzles, memorable battles, and some of the finest graphics and sound, to date, on the Game Boy Advance.
  18. Play Magazine
    83
    Playing a game outside isn't something I feel an affinity for, or even enjoy, but it's something I will do again, because Boktai is a game worth replaying. [Oct 2003, p.66]
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  19. Edge Magazine
    80
    Boktai re-invigorates almost every aspect of the tired dungeon-and-items formula. The light-sensor technology works flawlessly and opens up a host of possibilities for future games. A beautiful game in almost every respect. [Oct 2003, p.92]
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  20. GMR Magazine
    80
    Boktai finely fuses the action with the role-playing, so it's well suited to fans in either camp. [Oct 2003, p.78]
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  21. games(TM)
    80
    We can't help but be wary of the fact that the game requires direct sunlight in certain situations, as it restricts when and where you can play. However, a skilful player can negotiate much of the game without the need for sunlight so we can't be too negative. [Nov 2003, p.115]
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  22. Thunderbolt
    80
    For all of you Castlevania followers out there, be prepared for yet another intriguing story of vampires, the undead, and the supernatural.
  23. Deeko
    80
    While the controls and game mechanics are completely sound and the overall game itself is pretty fun, the act of having to sit outside on a hot day with a GBA and a thermos of water is not my personal idea of fun.
  24. GameSpy
    75
    While Boktai is a solid game in its own right, the game itself has been done before and whole sun thing (read: "The Point") undermines the game experience more than it enhances it.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
26
#26 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
18
#18 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 4 out of 25
  1. Yojimbo2015
    May 6, 2023
    8
    Beautifully presented isometric arcade adventure that is rather unique in its use of a solar sensor that is intrinsic to the game. The obviousBeautifully presented isometric arcade adventure that is rather unique in its use of a solar sensor that is intrinsic to the game. The obvious drawback of this is the fact that at certain points if the sun isn't shining, you can't actually play it...… Full Review »
  2. PabloEnver
    Dec 10, 2022
    9
    Una interesante propuesta, original como pocos. La música está bastante bien, sin grandes melodías salvo contadas excepciones, pero ambientaUna interesante propuesta, original como pocos. La música está bastante bien, sin grandes melodías salvo contadas excepciones, pero ambienta muy bien. Gráficamente no es algo increible pero es tremendamente fluido y el diseño artístico es una gozada. Gran uso de la paleta de colores, en especial cómo cambian algunos escenarios según la hora del dia. Los puzzles son bastante sencillos excepto algunos al final. Si eres fan de la saga Metal Gear es probable que te mantenga enganchado a tu GBA. Salvando las distancias, claro, pero tiene similitudes, con un gameplay basado en el sigilo. Lo peor es que a estas alturas es casi imposible conseguir un cartucho original y mucho menos juntarte con alguien que tambien lo tenga para intercambiar emblemas, de manera que ahora mismo es casi imposible conseguir el 100% del juego. Demasiado centrado en la rejugabilidad para mi gusto, algunas partes de la pistola solo se consiguen pasandote el juego varias veces.… Full Review »
  3. anlaQi
    Apr 3, 2021
    0
    BOKTAI aslında iyi bir oyun fakat BOK AQ BU AMKIKOUASDHhello hi hi nbr nbr helal bokt
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