Golden Sun is a great RPG for the Gameboy Advance. The game is just another traditional RPG but has on some unique twists of its own. The game really doesn't do much to change the genre but it is a fresh series and very enjoyable.
Random battles and turn-based combat will fill this journey as you explore dungeons, help others, level-up, and ultimately try to save your friends from the enemy. Yes, Golden Sun is full of those traditional bits and pieces and it's all very well done. The gameplay never feels dragged down by the well-paced random encounters or the dungeons… everything is just good. Of course, that's not to say that the game lacks a distinctive approach or that it's problem free. Of the more interesting differences in Golden Sun, the two biggest are the Djinn and the puzzles.
Djinn are creatures that each character can 'set' (equip, if you will) to improve their stats and learn new abilities- mix and match them to earn different abilities. Or use them on the battle field for aid and ultimately as summon creatures- the more you have, the more powerful creature you can summon. More importantly, some abilities can be used outside the battle field to solve puzzles (i.e., freeze a puddle of water to create a platform to help you jump across a gap). The puzzles are actually very well thought-out, if sometimes a bit irrational. During most puzzles there are no random encounters and if the puzzle gets to you, you can save the game whenever you want and take a break though that's not to say any of the puzzles are long or anything.
The game has some minor faults though, which are nitpicks rather than actual problems. For instance, the accept/explore button also takes you to the menu making it difficult to explore the various boxes, pots, whatnot that might contain hidden goodies- it's unnecessary since the 'select' button does the job just fine. Sometimes, the game isn't exactly clear as to where you need to go next or how to go about a puzzle (or if there is a puzzle). Also, some of the conversation bits are just strange and go back and forth for no apparent reason. But, as mentioned before, most of these things are nitpicks more than problems.
The game is fairly lengthy, coming in at around 20-25 hours. There isn't much in the way of side-quests except for one area which is actually a really engaging quest. There is a two player battle mode, and if you complete the game you can make a clear data save file to carry on your items, Djinn, gold, etc. to Golden Sun 2.
Graphically, the game looks very good and has a great art. There is noticeable slowdown during nearly all of the special attacks/magic/summons which does hurt the visuals somewhat. The sound quality is amazing and the music composition is great, if lacking on the quantity side.
The story of this game picks up right away, gives you a reason to go on your quest, and sends you off. And then it strays off after a while… you'll meet new people and learn new pieces of the story out of the blue. And the ending is a huge cliffhanger; it's as if this game only tells half the story. In fact, you don't really accomplish your mission. And for all those irregularities, this game gets some kudos for breaking the "kill the bad guy, save the world, everyone is happy" trend.
For a traditional RPG, this is a very good game. There are many new features unique to this game to make it something different, yet nothing drastic that it strays too far from the formula of a traditional RPG. It's not great, but it's a good enough game that most RPG fans will enjoy it.
Final words: A pleasant surprise and definitely worth a play.
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