- Critic Score
- Most active
- Publication
- Most clicked
-
100The beautiful quest is probably the richest, most intricate RPG ever to have hit a handheld. [Nov 2001, p.144]
-
100With a gripping story, slick battle sequence, superior graphics, and a set of good tunes to boot, Golden Sun is a total package.
-
100A huge, fantastic, creative, and wickedly fun RPG that doesn't seem to care that it's "just" on a GBA. It's easily the best RPG available for the GBA-and may just be the best RPG for any console system this year.
-
100It's the best original (nonport) GBA RPG to date, sporting stellar graphics, above-average sound, and a worthwhile experience (at least 20 hours of gameplay) that should make that next family roadtrip that much more tolerable.
-
97The quest is amazingly long, absolutely gorgeous to look at, a joy to listen to.
-
97Whether it be through design, story, or gameplay-– this solid title competes with some of the bigger titles we've played on some next generation systems.
-
'brilliant', 'fantastic' and 'a breathtaking work of genius.'
-
94Like a good book that you won't want to put down. Golden Sun is portable role-playing at its purest. Totally absorbing. [Advance]
-
93I ended up playing it so much that my hands would literally fall asleep. When not even physical discomfort can keep you from playing a game, you know that's a special game indeed.
-
91The best RPG on the market. Its exceptional graphics and gameplay will keep you coming back.
-
91Dialogue isn't great, but then, when has RPG dialogue ever been great? The story is good enough to keep you playing, there's lots to see and do - it's a good 'un. If you're an RPG fan then Golden Sun will rock your elf-obsessed world.
-
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.
-
90A deep combat engine and brilliant graphics make this the best RPG available on the GBA. [Feb 2003, p.97]
-
90As 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.
-
Gorgeous graphics, dazzling audio, a charming storyline and overall appealing game play -- and it all fits neatly inside your pocket!
-
There is so much to Golden Sun that I can't help but fall head over heels for it. Every aspect of the game is soaked through with quality. [Jan 2002, p.233]
-
90It's enjoyable, playable, and everything that fans of RPG's could hope for.
-
90If you're one of those many people who continue to pine for a Square RPG on your favourite Nintendo handheld, then rejoice because your prayers have damn near been answered with this game.
-
90A highly engrossing story told by a set of very unique characters that come to life with witty and intriguing dialogue. If you're looking for a game that doesn't focus too much on pretty cinematics, but rather, interesting plot development and engrossing gameplay then look no further.
-
86Featuring some of the best graphics seen on the system, a rich quest, and classic RPG gameplay, Golden Sun is a throwback to some of the SNES' best.
-
The crowning glory of Golden Sun lies in its stunning graphics. Great environments, characters, and especially fight scenes.
-
86An instant classic that raises the bar for portable RPGs. The story never comes together, but that's what the sequel's for. [Spring 2002, p.36]
-
It's an honest-to-God new role-playing game, and I can safely say that Golden Sun rocks.[Jan 2002, p.96]
-
Definitely worth the purchase despite a cliché plot, Golden Sun is visually and aurally impressive. A deep game that should offer a bare minimum of 30 hours of gameplay.
-
85Works because of the little things-a fact that makes it a refreshing gaming experience in this day and age where everyone seems bent on completely overhauling the basic tenets of what makes a good game.
-
80The story, however, is an area where Golden Sun refuses to go above and beyond the clichéd characters and typical save-the-world plot.
-
80Golden Sun has a ton of potential, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.
-
A hand-drawn RPG incorporating exquisite detail and a blazing new look to battle sequences, it's the best thing to happen to portable role playing perhaps ever. [Feb 2002, p.65]
-
Gameplay seldom strays from long-established RPG convention, but Golden Sun incorporates some of the best elements of classics such as the Final Fantasy, Phantasy Star, and even Legend of Zelda series, in its own distinct and unified style.
User score distribution:
-
Positive: 66 out of 72
-
Mixed: 2 out of 72
-
Negative: 4 out of 72
-
Keele10
-
10
-
AndrewC10