Golden Sun: The Lost Age

 Game Boy Advance
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 225 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 202 out of 225
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 225
  3. Negative: 16 out of 225
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  1. BlacksitePSU
    Oct 6, 2011
    10
    A surprisingly underrated yet deep JRPG that can give popular development studios like Square Enix and Atlus a run for their money. The strong story, visuals, music, and controls all come together to offer a truly unique gameplay experience. Hell, I would go as far as to say that Golden Sun: The Lost Age, sequel to Golden Sun, is the best role-playing game on a handheld to date.
  2. sadrans
    May 16, 2011
    10
    I am the kind of gamer who enjoys almost exclusively casual games. Anything Mario, anything that you can just pick up and play for 30 minutes without getting sucked into a story or involved strategy decisions. But I LOVE this game, as well as its predecessor. I don't know what it is about it, but I will play this game for hours and hours and do the kind of things that I usually hate inI am the kind of gamer who enjoys almost exclusively casual games. Anything Mario, anything that you can just pick up and play for 30 minutes without getting sucked into a story or involved strategy decisions. But I LOVE this game, as well as its predecessor. I don't know what it is about it, but I will play this game for hours and hours and do the kind of things that I usually hate in video games. It is so so good.… Expand
  3. LeonV.
    Jun 23, 2007
    10
    Totally great. The best rpg ever. Period. GRaphics, awesome; summons, great; items, wicked; characters, absolutely awesome; psynergies, the best.
  4. ThomasN.
    Dec 21, 2007
    10
    The best game i have ever seen to the gba, This is a must have for every rpg fan, who owns a Game Boy.
  5. Marlfox
    Dec 13, 2011
    10
    The best game you will ever play(very possibly in your life). Great story, great animations(for the gba), great characters, great music, great replay value, and great NOSTALGIA!!!
  6. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    10
    This game was freakin awesome.
  7. SaintGabriel77
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    This game was great, and that's just plain fact. Great story, great villain, great characters, great music, great gameplay. I really can't find anything to complain about with this game. I highly recommend playing it if you haven't already.
  8. revolution_mc
    Dec 17, 2014
    10
    Surprisingly underrated, The Lost Age is a brilliant sequel to the original game. The graphics are possibly the best on the system, the soundtrack is epic and the gameplay is a solid combination of exploration, puzzles and battles. The score is a 9.7, rounded up to 10.
  9. BlakDak666
    Jun 7, 2017
    9
    Golden Sun: The Lost Age continues to not only leave where Golden Sun left off plot-wise, but also the sheer brilliance and scope of its mechanics and combat while further adding more and making the experience just as enjoyable. It definitely captures the feeling of adventure despite its limitations on being a handheld gaming device. The only issues that would crop up is similar to theGolden Sun: The Lost Age continues to not only leave where Golden Sun left off plot-wise, but also the sheer brilliance and scope of its mechanics and combat while further adding more and making the experience just as enjoyable. It definitely captures the feeling of adventure despite its limitations on being a handheld gaming device. The only issues that would crop up is similar to the first game: color-swap palette enemies, overuse of dialogue and such. Despite the issues the second part to the epic that is Golden Sun makes an all around great experience that makes slightly better than the original and the one the best handheld games of all time.… Expand
  10. tukumalu
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    The graphic, story and world building aspect of this RPG was ahead of its time on a mobile system.
  11. kwisi91
    Apr 8, 2023
    10
    Still UNDERRATED!
    Probably Golden Sun 1 (and 2) are the best RPG ever made in my opinion, and I played much.
    Lovely story, thrilling, and interesting graphics for GBA, the best Soundtrack I ever heard in a game (you should check orchestral remakes on youtube), atmospheric, great controls and. Well, the best game I ever played and I played probably a thousand games, well it's very    Still UNDERRATED!
    Probably Golden Sun 1 (and 2) are the best RPG ever made in my opinion, and I played much.
    Lovely story, thrilling, and interesting graphics for GBA, the best Soundtrack I ever heard in a game (you should check orchestral remakes on youtube), atmospheric, great controls and. Well, the best game I ever played and I played probably a thousand games, well it's very subjective and I also could find things I could cry about if I would but the story and the game altogether are just satisfying.    … Expand
  12. KaS36
    Aug 4, 2022
    10
    Golden Sun, but even better. Takes all the good parts of the first, while adding new, welcome features like the forging, and the boat.
  13. Nikitosss95
    Feb 13, 2021
    10
    Golden sun 1 and Golden Sun TLA are hands down not only my favorite GBA games of all time, but also one of my favorite stories as well (which was unfortunately ruined by GS3 Dark Dawn)... I love the graphics, I love the RPG way of battles, solving puzzles, the tension of the story, the plot, the four elements, djinnis, summons, rare items, extremely likable main characters, antagonists,Golden sun 1 and Golden Sun TLA are hands down not only my favorite GBA games of all time, but also one of my favorite stories as well (which was unfortunately ruined by GS3 Dark Dawn)... I love the graphics, I love the RPG way of battles, solving puzzles, the tension of the story, the plot, the four elements, djinnis, summons, rare items, extremely likable main characters, antagonists, final bosses and most of all - the MUSIC!… Expand
  14. ABTonez
    Jun 27, 2022
    10
    Perfect in all sense. There's not comparison with this piece of art. I still can't believe why the first part has more votes than this one.
  15. Yojimbo2015
    May 6, 2023
    8
    Engaging sequel to an enjoyable RPG, The Lost Age improves on the original in pretty much every way. Not a huge leap forward but a treat for fans of the original.
  16. ReviewsAreBS
    Feb 17, 2023
    9
    As good as the previous game, though puzzles and combat are better. However, the final third was a little rushed. If both games were combined in one and allowed unrestricted access to the entire continent, this would’ve been a 10/10 game. Hopefully a future remake will do just that, but don’t get your hopes up.
  17. braebsch
    Mar 5, 2023
    10
    The amazing second part of one of the best games I’ve played in my life and it continiues with greatness exactly where the first part ended.
    The new story, the (new) characters, the (new) skills, the (new) game mechanics, turn based battles, the mystery, finding out more secrets and hidden functions/contents by yourself, the amazing soundtrack that creates the great unique atmosphere like    The amazing second part of one of the best games I’ve played in my life and it continiues with greatness exactly where the first part ended.
    The new story, the (new) characters, the (new) skills, the (new) game mechanics, turn based battles, the mystery, finding out more secrets and hidden functions/contents by yourself, the amazing soundtrack that creates the great unique atmosphere like the first part, etc.
    For me the combination of all these aspects was so good that it made me searching for a similar combo or similar games all the time. This game is the perfect second part, it is so good and I love it so much as well.    … Expand
  18. fuor22
    May 31, 2023
    10
    The best game i have ever seen to the gba, This is a must have for every rpg fan, who owns a Game Boy. Bautiful game
  19. GensuiSakazuki
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    The best JRPG I have ever played.
    I just love the world of Weyard and its characters, the fact that it is a flat world, the fact that the game is based on our real world in term of geography and you can find references to various places and cultures.
    The second game improves on everything the first game did right, a bigger world, with more places, a ship to navigate all that, puzzles    The best JRPG I have ever played.
    I just love the world of Weyard and its characters, the fact that it is a flat world, the fact that the game is based on our real world in term of geography and you can find references to various places and cultures.

    The second game improves on everything the first game did right, a bigger world, with more places, a ship to navigate all that, puzzles are more complex, combat is deeper and more challenging and the story has many unpredictable twists    … Expand
  20. TheXxchaKing
    Jul 7, 2023
    10
    + Gorgeous art style and graphics for the GBA
    + Enthralling combat system
    + Epic and evocative soundtrack
    + Memorable world, story and villains
    + Puzzle-laden dungeon design
  21. Amfibios
    Aug 18, 2014
    10
    a masterpiece just like golden sun 1, offering a bigger world, more exploration, more playable characters, a crafting system and so much more.
    this game was/is and will be one of the best games ever
  22. VonSeux
    Dec 17, 2013
    6
    Fairly inferior than the original (THE best rpg on GBA) I felt lost on my objectives and the story seemed too loose. Also, it didn't show noticeable improvement over the first game.
  23. KenE.
    May 6, 2004
    8
    Though more of an add-on than a true sequel this continuation is just as good as the original. The graphics if improved is minimal and not really noticeable though Golden Sun still remains as one of the finest examples of utilizing the GBA hardware to full effect today. There are some new summon spells and they're just as impressive and fun to watch as before. The audio as before is Though more of an add-on than a true sequel this continuation is just as good as the original. The graphics if improved is minimal and not really noticeable though Golden Sun still remains as one of the finest examples of utilizing the GBA hardware to full effect today. There are some new summon spells and they're just as impressive and fun to watch as before. The audio as before is some of the best to ever come out of those tiny speakers. Though there are recycled samples there is new content to be heard. I'm scoring the game (1) point less than the original due to the one flaw in the battle system that wasn't fixed and if you read my review of the original you'll know what I'm talking about. Nonetheless, if you enjoyed playing the original you'll have a good time with this sequel as it really is just an extension.… Expand
  24. MattX.
    Apr 20, 2003
    7
    This Game is Good it has a great plot to it and it always makes you want to keep playing...but it can get boring at times.
  25. ducksaws
    Sep 21, 2020
    6
    Golden Sun: The Lost Age is a frustratingly dissonant experience. Almost every mechanic is flawed.. All the same, years later, I still throw the soundtrack on to hear its unexpectedly epic sounding pan-flute synth rock and roll mixed with low, droning, tones. The oppressive KU-KRASHHH of the magical glowing blade of the Ragnarok spell smashing your enemies in an explosion of earth-elementGolden Sun: The Lost Age is a frustratingly dissonant experience. Almost every mechanic is flawed.. All the same, years later, I still throw the soundtrack on to hear its unexpectedly epic sounding pan-flute synth rock and roll mixed with low, droning, tones. The oppressive KU-KRASHHH of the magical glowing blade of the Ragnarok spell smashing your enemies in an explosion of earth-element particles followed by the sharp CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! as each monster contorts in damage is objectively the best sounding and best looking thing to ever appear on a Gameboy. It may actually carry the whole game - It's hard to find anything else deserving of the critical acclaim Lost Age boasts.

    Story/Characters: 2/5
    The story is... well. You are Felix and pals, on a quest to light two lightouses and awaken an ancient magic, without which the world will end. Officially, the cast from the first game are trying to stop you, but they do nothing show it. Amazingly, outside of a few contrived squabbles between these characters, the game goes without a primary antagonist.

    Except for a few tidbits of backstory that come up in dialogue once in a while, the protagonists are devoid of character. 90% of the dialogue delivered could come from any character - they are interchangeable.

    You may wonder how the game handles a final boss without a villain. One literally falls out of the sky.

    Combat: 4/5

    Character powers focus around elemental spirits called djinn that can be assigned to any character. There is an incredible amount of depth to the system - mixing and matching elemental djinn can lead you to thousands of class combinations across your four characters. In short, combine lots of elements in one character to create a tanky physical fighter who can wreak havoc with a sword. Concentrate a single element to create spellcasters. Or find yourself anywhere in the middle of the spectrum for more flexible characters.

    It's a neat system! Unfortunately, the dichotomy I just described is not explained anywhere in the game. Without a proper guide, you'll likely make your characters weaker any time you deviate from giving your earth-character all the earth-djinn.

    The single most inexcusable aspect of the battle system is that a handful of spells actually do damage calculated from your attack stat rather than your elemental power stat. Imagine the physical/special split in Pokemon attacks - just entirely undocumented.

    Dungeons/Exploration: 2/5

    The world is entirely open. Except, you cannot just explore wherever and expect to accomplish anything. Each dungeon revolves around puzzles solved with a utility spell gained in a previous dungeon. So, no, really, it's NOT open world. The path of dungeons you must solve is linear, but you the game won't tell you the correct path.

    Imagine Zelda if you could enter any dungeon at any time, but you get to explore the first few floors fighting past random encounters until you find out that you actually need the hookshot or boomerang to progress any further. Except, this is not Zelda. This is Golden Sun. The cues for when a puzzle requires psyenergy are not quite so obvious. Without a guide, all you can do is squint at a funny looking object, wonder if it's something you're supposed to do magic at, and then spend five minutes unloading every spell you've learned so far on it hoping that one of them is the key. Or hey, maybe it's not actually a lock. It's just a funny looking statue. Better go back into the overworld and find another dungeon to attempt.

    Did I mention there are 21 of these utility spells? And nearly every one is attached to an item that must clog up your limited inventory space for the rest of the game? Not to worry, the spells that aren't attached to items are made available with the djinn system... meaning you'll have to muck up your carefully tuned djinn-class system in order to get to them.
    Overall:

    For the time and the platform, this is a decent rpg. When you're in the right dungeon with the right spells with the right class setup, it's a great game. Just up until you leave that dungeon and have to drag your pack of teenaged, no-personality protagonists back into the overworld and click through a drawn out conversation with somebody who's not even a villain.    … Expand
  26. TSNintendogamer
    Apr 2, 2022
    4
    ok, here's my first negetive review. I don't like the game too much because of the game design. It barley tells you what to do or where to go. I felt like they didn't really have a good tortorial. I bought the game wanting to try a new IP and I liked the combat but I just felt like if I'm not getting anywhere and that I have to look up a walkthrough every 5 minutes, theok, here's my first negetive review. I don't like the game too much because of the game design. It barley tells you what to do or where to go. I felt like they didn't really have a good tortorial. I bought the game wanting to try a new IP and I liked the combat but I just felt like if I'm not getting anywhere and that I have to look up a walkthrough every 5 minutes, the game isn't for me. I understand if other people liked it especially if they played final fantasy alot but for me, more pokemon please. It honestly represented everything I hated about gaming as a kid. Hard, little directions, and frustrations.… Expand
  27. H.J.
    Apr 10, 2003
    7
    More of the same, but not like that's a bad thing. Still a drag to level up, and the same Psynergy based-solution dungeons. Easily the best RPG for GBA right now... until FF Tactics Advance is released. .... and FF8? What in god's name are you SMOKING?
  28. CarolinaH.
    Apr 9, 2003
    10
    Is the best game i ever play. is amazing. is really the best game after FF8 of course.
  29. CleoK.
    Aug 4, 2005
    10
    Lets say Golden Sun is the best game ever plus 2 ofcourse 2 is a little bit better because you can travel over the sea and you have a flying ship ^_^ the summons are better and cooler and so much more !so i gave it a 10
  30. MichaelC.
    Apr 13, 2003
    10
    This game is cool.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
5
#5 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
36
#36 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Cincinnati Enquirer
    90
    If you liked "Lord of the Rings," then you'll love Golden Sun: The Lost Age.
    Read full review
  2. GMR Magazine
    80
    Seriously, if you haven't finished the first installment of Camelot's sprawling GBA epic, it's likely you'll be baffled, at least initially, by this direct follow-up. [May 2003, p.73]
  3. Eurogamer
    80
    A thoroughly enjoyable game that matches its predecessor in every way. It's true that the plot never becomes as epic as Golden Sun hinted it might, and it's also true that the game will be a little too 'freeform' for some RPG fans, but it is basically the middle of a story - and thus plays as such.
    Read full review
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