Golden Sun

 Game Boy Advance
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 335 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 294 out of 335
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 335
  3. Negative: 18 out of 335
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  1. DinoBeam
    Aug 27, 2020
    4
    Alot of great ideas, but alot of frustrating things hold it back greatly. Having characters defend instead of attacking a new enemy when the one they target dies is insanely juvenile design. Every time you try to walk up to a pot to see what's inside it you automatically start turning away.The path forward often leads you to need a guide. Making me go through an entire area just to tellAlot of great ideas, but alot of frustrating things hold it back greatly. Having characters defend instead of attacking a new enemy when the one they target dies is insanely juvenile design. Every time you try to walk up to a pot to see what's inside it you automatically start turning away.The path forward often leads you to need a guide. Making me go through an entire area just to tell me to turn around isn't fun! It's juvenile and cruel.… Expand
  2. 400lingrush
    Apr 4, 2011
    1
    If there was ever a game more bland and lifeless than Golden Sun...

    Let's go back to the beginning. I saw some GS ads in a magazine or something, and thought it looked great. Mainly, I was impressed with the graphics, but I just assumed the rest of the game would have the same quality. Then I got the game. Now, it starts off with some cliche garbage I can't even remember because it was    If there was ever a game more bland and lifeless than Golden Sun...

    Let's go back to the beginning. I saw some GS ads in a magazine or something, and thought it looked great. Mainly, I was impressed with the graphics, but I just assumed the rest of the game would have the same quality.

    Then I got the game. Now, it starts off with some cliche garbage I can't even remember because it was so uninspired. I went on for a while, going through some generic dungeons with generic "puzzles", oh and I did all this while fighting random, generic enemies.

    Now the battle? This is the worst part. It's much like Dragon Quest, without any of those "features" or "abilities". All you do is pick a spell out of maybe 5 that are practically identical anyway, repeat 5-20 times and you win. I've played a few mindless RPGs before, but this one just pushes the limits of boredom to their maximum. If you absolutely hate having fun with a burning passion, get this game.    … Expand
  3. MichaelD
    Jan 3, 2009
    4
    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 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.… Expand
  4. ZackO.
    Jul 29, 2003
    3
    I dont see wjhat is so special about this game !!! it was boring and stupid, and the rpg action was repetative. all the djinn crap was too corny and complicated, and once you get past the mogall forset, you cant go back to get things that you may have missed!!!! a total waste of cash
  5. Ryan
    Nov 26, 2003
    1
    I'll give this game props for graphics, but other than that, it's pretty much just a cheap Pokemon knock-off. Don't waste your money!
  6. wes777123
    Jun 23, 2023
    0
    People need to check their nostalgia goggles. This game is terrible. Every second i try playing it i get incredibly pissed off and thats not even if im at a difficukt part. Something about this game just rubs me the wrong way. I dont think ive ever disliked an rpg this much. Doubt ill even finish it and i cant stand not finishing games.

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2001
1
#1 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2001
1
#1 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Total Video Games
    90
    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.
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  2. GMR Magazine
    90
    A deep combat engine and brilliant graphics make this the best RPG available on the GBA. [Feb 2003, p.97]
  3. Thunderbolt
    90
    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
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