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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Bszelda
    Aug 28, 2012
    10
    Simply put... this game is amazing. The story, the characters, the emotion involved all stand out in this RPG. I first played this game as a child many years ago. I'm now a college graduate and I still enjoy the game to this day. The thing that I love the most about the Golden Sun series is the story involved. As you play the game, the lives of these characters unravel before yourSimply put... this game is amazing. The story, the characters, the emotion involved all stand out in this RPG. I first played this game as a child many years ago. I'm now a college graduate and I still enjoy the game to this day. The thing that I love the most about the Golden Sun series is the story involved. As you play the game, the lives of these characters unravel before your eyes. Emotion can also be involved while playing. Heartbreak from a character's loss of family to determination in hopes of a better future of the world; it's all woven within this game. Aside from the story, the gameplay is actually great! As usual with any RPG, you get random battles in dungeons and on the world maps and you progress more and more in levels and skills until you are strong enough to take on your foes without fail. There are a large amount of items and gear in the game to keep players occupied with upgrading.

    There is a collection aspect to the game involving these creatures called Djinns. These creatures boost the abilities and power of the characters in which they are attached to. They can be swapped between characters to allow for further combinations of abilities. As characters use the Djinns in battle, powerful summons can be used to take out foes once a certain number of Djinns have been used in combat. These summons are learned or found throughout the game.

    The graphics in this game are fantastic for a gameboy advance title. Everything from the environments to the battles to the summoning cutscenes are all great to look at while playing. I remember when this game was first released. I was in awe at some of the graphical effects in this game. The music in the game is some of the best I have ever heard in a portable title. I find myself just sitting in a particular battle or environment just to listen to the music and themes that play. There is a special mode that allows you to listen to all of the music in the game when you enter the arena mode at the title screen (look it up to find out how to find it). The point is that you may love the music so much that you will want to just listen to it at times.

    Overall, this game is a classic in my opinion. The quality of this game is obvious. I can only hope for a remake of this title one day with modern-style graphics. It could possibly become more appealing to those who don't like Golden Sun in its current state...    … Expand
  2. Marlfox
    Dec 13, 2011
    10
    Greatest series ever created! So much fun playing and replaying this game, from the story to the music, it is magical. This game is completely flawless.
  3. palomiusdan
    Apr 13, 2016
    10
    A Little masterpiece for Game Boy Advance and one of my favorites rpg ever, also one of my first contacts with this amazing genre, the music, the graphics, the story and the gameplay, are make a perfect combo
  4. BenW.
    Aug 8, 2005
    10
    A great game but you need to have lots of time and patience because once you start you won't be able to stop!
  5. AndrewC
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    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 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.… Expand
  6. AnthonyPalomo
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    Awww yeah. Beat it again for the 6th time. Greatest GBA RPG ever. From the story to the spells to the environments it's great. The puzzles are kinda easy. They start getting annoying when you're trying to solve something and you run into a monster battle, but that's just being picky. When you beat the game you can use your saved data with Lost Age, so that's cool too. Be warned though,Awww yeah. Beat it again for the 6th time. Greatest GBA RPG ever. From the story to the spells to the environments it's great. The puzzles are kinda easy. They start getting annoying when you're trying to solve something and you run into a monster battle, but that's just being picky. When you beat the game you can use your saved data with Lost Age, so that's cool too. Be warned though, make sure you finish everything in the game (Crossbone Isle) before beating the final boss otherwise you won't be able to go back and finish them.… Expand
  7. EuanR
    Jun 6, 2012
    9
    One of the most original games I've played for the gba and the best Rpg to come out in the year 2002. (it came out in 2002 in the uk , 2001 in the us.) Go to ebay and buy it!

    Ps i'm new to metacritic and i'm just reviewing some of my favourite games7
  8. kwisi
    Aug 23, 2012
    10
    One of greates RPG's ever made. Misterious, Alternative and just great. I can't describe this game in words... It's just a MUST PLAY Game! Everyone should have played this game. Great Graphics too. They only **** up Golden Sun DS .
  9. SwitSwat
    Aug 24, 2014
    10
    As a handheld RPG, it works fairly well. The story is interesting, memorable characters and great fight mechanics. I would say it's one of the top ten GBA games. If you are a fan of RPGs, definitely try this out. 10/10
  10. Malorak
    Apr 6, 2013
    9
    This game doesn't have to hide itself in front of other RPG giants like Final Fantasy or Chrono Trigger. A great story, interesting characters, amazing music and presentation in general and the fighting system is very clever and strategy driven. You can choose not to grind...Which will result in a VERY hard game.

    I don't get how remakes are allowed here, that's kind of retarded IMO.    This game doesn't have to hide itself in front of other RPG giants like Final Fantasy or Chrono Trigger. A great story, interesting characters, amazing music and presentation in general and the fighting system is very clever and strategy driven. You can choose not to grind...Which will result in a VERY hard game.

    I don't get how remakes are allowed here, that's kind of retarded IMO. btt.
    Great Game, the only flaw I have is it is an RPG. If you forget what the hell you were doing then you can pretty much start all over again.    … Expand
  11. rhaynes7
    Feb 11, 2014
    9
    This was the first Japanese RPG to really catch my interest. I got it on the recommendation from a friend. I almost wish I had kept it. When I returned it to him, he had told me he sold it. I was devastated.

    This game really shines in it's well-written story, interesting psynergy system, djinn system, and great music. I can never forget the opening scene to the game, and I loved    This was the first Japanese RPG to really catch my interest. I got it on the recommendation from a friend. I almost wish I had kept it. When I returned it to him, he had told me he sold it. I was devastated.

    This game really shines in it's well-written story, interesting psynergy system, djinn system, and great music. I can never forget the opening scene to the game, and I loved the expansiveness of the world. In fact, 9 times out of 10, I was completely lost. I just jumped from location to location, doing each little side quest until I happened upon the main quest. There are a lot of side quests, so I was lost for a long time.

    That might be my only issue with the game. I'm all for a great big open world, but I also prefer to have a better bearing of what I'm doing.

    Nevertheless, it's an excellent game and one that is very memorable.    … Expand
  12. Shiverskill
    Dec 19, 2013
    10
    Note: Very small spoiler concerning Djinn

    One of the greatest and all-time best rpg games I have ever played. The graphics are great for it's time and are still great to this day in my opinion. The story is great and the characters are written very well. It's one of those games that you cant put down after you start it, you want to keep playing and see where the story goes. Gameplay    Note: Very small spoiler concerning Djinn

    One of the greatest and all-time best rpg games I have ever played. The graphics are great for it's time and are still great to this day in my opinion. The story is great and the characters are written very well. It's one of those games that you cant put down after you start it, you want to keep playing and see where the story goes.

    Gameplay wise it's simple yet wide ranged at the same time. When it comes to leveling up it's like standard rpg game-get stronger, gain new abilities-but at the same time it isnt like standard rpgs. This is a job-based rpg when it comes to the characters but it's interesting how you change your job. There are creatures in the game called Djinn that you find in the world along your travels, some you have to look for, and you equip them to your characters and by setting them to your characters they gain stat bonuses and job changes. There are 7 Djinn for each of the 4 elements, meaning there is a wide variety when it comes to picking what goes to who. Like other rpg games you collect pieces of equipment such as armor, helm, weapon, ect. Golden Sun has a large variety of different equipment of different types.

    One of the best parts of the game I would have to say is the music. The music is amazing and sounds incredible for a 32 bit system such as the GameBoy Advanced. When you play the game you can tell the developers put much time and attention into making the music great.

    Overall, Golden Sun is an amazing rpg with great gameplay, music, story, and characters. For any lover of rpg games this is a top-notch pick to add to your collection of favorites.    … Expand
  13. lunarlonn
    Jan 25, 2014
    10
    When I was around eight years old or so, my brother introduced me to the joy of Golden Sun: The Lost Age. Although I was young, and, not completely understanding of the plot because I missed out on the first game, I fell in love. It has almost been ten years since then, me finally just in recent times able to experience my first playthrough of the original Golden Sun. And without a doubt,When I was around eight years old or so, my brother introduced me to the joy of Golden Sun: The Lost Age. Although I was young, and, not completely understanding of the plot because I missed out on the first game, I fell in love. It has almost been ten years since then, me finally just in recent times able to experience my first playthrough of the original Golden Sun. And without a doubt, I can say I fell in love all over again.
    Let me start with the graphics and art choices. As an artist, I can say that I am completely blown away by the quality of the scenery that this game presented. I found myself looking forward to each new area that I visited; being thrown into a battle and getting to see the background scenery gives me a complete new feel on how to perceive where I am. The character designs are also fantastic, and very fitting to character. The art style is progressive and solid. Psynergy, summons, and special moves from artifacts are gorgeously rendered. (Though i'm sure we can all agree on the silliness that is the quake attacks). The music is nostalgic, soothing, but tense when the situation calls for it. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
    As for the story, I am easily swept into it. Though sometimes I find myself laughing at little cliché moments sprinkled here and there, it takes nothing away from the entire plot. Sometimes I find that there are parts in which I would like a bit more elaborate detail, I also realize that I have not played the sequel in ages and am planning on going through it again very soon, and, even so, one must consider that this is a Gameboy game and cannot possibly have everything that a person would expect to be in more recent-day games because there was simply not enough space to contain such depth like there is now. Also, /too/ much description could become monotonous.
    The characters are lovable and close to heart. Something that I missed out in The Lost Age was Isaac and co's friendship. It's sweet and satisfying to see how they all work together for the common goal and how their bonds grow as you go on. The only thing I would find a bit lacking is a bit of Mia's backstory, as it seemed slightly rushed so that she could join your team. Other than that, I am very happy with what their differentiating personalities bring to the game.
    Finally, we have the battle system. It is lovely an non-stressful, with an assortment of attacks always keeping the fight interesting. Djinn also add a giant play to this, with the more you collect enhancing your skills and if you so wish you can even assort them so that your classes change, depending on your battle style. New introductions of monsters constantly keep you on your toes, you only feeling satisfied with yourself when the characters have gotten strong enough to take them out with not much difficulty. Battles are never easy nor too impossible to handle when you take the time to train correctly. You never have to grind for too long unless you're short on money, so you aren't ever too slowed up during the playthrough.
    All in all, Golden Sun is a definite recommendation for any RPG lovers. Exciting, close to the heart, and memorable, it will blow players away with the cohesive details that work so well together. You'll have difficult time forgetting a game like this one.    … Expand
  14. Kroud
    May 22, 2014
    10
    Unmissable, the best GBA RPG by far. Used to stay overnight with my friends to play this game when it first came out, last month we did it again to remember "ye goode olde days" and it was awesome. Love this game!
  15. BrushedRed
    Feb 3, 2016
    10
    I remember this game so well. I had so much fun with it. Reminds me a lot of the Final Fantasy games. If you loved them and you want something along those lines but don't really like how games today are, then definitely look for this game or at least see if they have it on an emulator. Wonderful game. I just bought this game again at a secondhand game store to relive, and man is it not asI remember this game so well. I had so much fun with it. Reminds me a lot of the Final Fantasy games. If you loved them and you want something along those lines but don't really like how games today are, then definitely look for this game or at least see if they have it on an emulator. Wonderful game. I just bought this game again at a secondhand game store to relive, and man is it not as wonderful as I remember 15 years ago! Seriously, one of the best RPGs I've ever played.. and it's on the Gameboy Advance… Expand
  16. Cicinka
    Jul 13, 2014
    10
    One of best RPG i´ve ever played, great story, graphic, soundtrack and combat system. I would like to see this game so much as manga adaptation. 10/10
  17. SaintGabriel77
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is definitely one of my all time favorites. I played Dark Dawn first, then went back and played the first two because I liked it so much. Alex is essentially my favorite villain ever, and the ending of all three games was so emotional.… Expand
  18. bloodylate
    Jul 17, 2015
    9
    The beautiful quest is probably the richest, most intricate RPG ever... ... this game is amazing .... all RPG fan should play this game ! :D Easily the best portable RPG ever, and arguably one of the best RPGs even in 2015 he is in my top RPG games :D
  19. TheRedFern
    Jul 8, 2023
    9
    In the top 20 games of all time for me, the story, game mechanics, and visuals seemed unbelievable. Something I had never experienced before. I hope this franchise gets a reboot.
  20. xdan
    May 3, 2016
    10
    There's just something so special about this game. Something mystical, something about the atmosphere. It might be the graphics, it might be the music, it might even be the text sound. But there's a magic aura surrounding this game.

    The true masterpiece is Golden Sun 2 thought.
  21. BlakDak666
    Jun 7, 2017
    9
    Golden Sun is one of the best handheld RPGs of all time. With a special combat system that is matched with catchy music, interesting characters and mechanics that were pioneering future RPGs at its time, it's very impressive to see how a game of this caliber could be put on such a small handheld game system. You can find very little to fault the game such as overuse of dialogue, lack ofGolden Sun is one of the best handheld RPGs of all time. With a special combat system that is matched with catchy music, interesting characters and mechanics that were pioneering future RPGs at its time, it's very impressive to see how a game of this caliber could be put on such a small handheld game system. You can find very little to fault the game such as overuse of dialogue, lack of new enemies that are color-swap palettes instead and some issues with direction and progression, but the experience is very unique for its time. Considering the extreme limitations handheld gaming devices had during its time, Golden Sun shines above them all by having a rich and rewarding adventure .… Expand
  22. mugsy
    May 10, 2020
    10
    I remember this game for the mindblowing battle animations for the time and especially for a handheld console
  23. yitus
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    El Golden Sun, junto con los Final Fantasy's, fueron juegos emblemas en la categoría de RPG por turnos, pero en el caso del Golden Sun fue toda una revolución porque dieron un salto gráfico en los juegos de Game Boy Advance.

    Golden Sun se caracteriza por tener una historia de 10, una mecánica de juego de 10, una BSO de 10 y unos personajes súper carismáticos a la altura de Cloud o    El Golden Sun, junto con los Final Fantasy's, fueron juegos emblemas en la categoría de RPG por turnos, pero en el caso del Golden Sun fue toda una revolución porque dieron un salto gráfico en los juegos de Game Boy Advance.

    Golden Sun se caracteriza por tener una historia de 10, una mecánica de juego de 10, una BSO de 10 y unos personajes súper carismáticos a la altura de Cloud o Barret (Final Fantasy VII).

    Fue tan sumamente buen juego cuando salió que actualmente muchos fans de esta saga sigue pidiendo una nueva entrega o remake para Nintendo Switch (algo que seguramente haría que se vendieran muchisimas consolas).

    El Golden Sun tuvo 2 juegos más, el Golden Sun The Lost Age casi tan buen juego como la primera parte, y el Golden Sun Dark Dawn. Este último dejo bastante que desear ya que no fue lo esperado por los fans, por ello, y por la grandeza de sus dos primeras partes, hoy día se sigue esperando una nueva entrega de esta obra de arte.    … Expand
  24. Red_Spectre
    Feb 4, 2020
    10
    The passion was there. Nintendo's Gameboy advance always delivered amazing titles.
  25. kzollove
    Mar 19, 2019
    10
    This game is full of nostalgia for me, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is an amazing game and probably my favorite RPG. It got me to put down the poke balls and start hunting for Djinni, refining my alchemy, and climbing elemental towers. I've played through it two or three times after the first, and it is still magical.
  26. Raphaell94
    May 2, 2019
    9
    Por mucho que pase el tiempo, no me canso de rejugarlo una y otra vez. Un vasto mundo lleno de magia y de cosas por descubrir que te atrapa desde el primer momento. Una historia fantástica que te pone en la piel de unos jóvenes aventureros que tienen que salir en busca de los ladrones de las Estrellas Elementales. Un JRPG que todos deberían al menos probar. Psinergías (la magia para losPor mucho que pase el tiempo, no me canso de rejugarlo una y otra vez. Un vasto mundo lleno de magia y de cosas por descubrir que te atrapa desde el primer momento. Una historia fantástica que te pone en la piel de unos jóvenes aventureros que tienen que salir en busca de los ladrones de las Estrellas Elementales. Un JRPG que todos deberían al menos probar. Psinergías (la magia para los novatos) que puedes usar en combate muy poderosas y variadas y además debes usar fuera de combate para poder resolver los puzles y continuar tu camino. Además tiene una gran variedad de combinaciones para poder cambiar la clase de tu personaje y sus Psinergías gracias a su sistema de Djinns, que deberás encontrar por el mundo, que podrás usar en combate y para realizar invocaciones. Gracias a todas estas cosas consigue unas batallas muy dinámicas y espectaculares.… Expand
  27. Springhi
    Nov 14, 2019
    10
    The most outstanding turn-based RPG game, no one. The combination of the gameplay mechanism, the design of world outlook and maze, the combat and collecting system was absolutely amazing. All of the game content attracted me so so much. In that period, Golden Sun is a fantasy world that really existed, and also a game of dream for me to become a real alchemist or magician, and write my own story.
  28. 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
  29. Mathioso
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    Simply the best RPG, the story, the characters, the soundtrack, everything is perfect!
  30. eustazyone
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    Phenomenal game! This is my childhood memories, my safe and happy place. Still worth playing even in 2020.
prev
Page:

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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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
See all critic reviews »