Golden Sun

Chris Egerton jumps for joy at the idea of a new RPG

RPG's. Something Nintendo gamers haven't seen a load of.
But that all changed in 2001 when Camelot released their awesome RPG for the GameBoy Advance. (RPG's for all of you that have been living under some rock in 16th century Egypt, are Role-Playing Games, games that have you take on the persona of a hero to battle against monsters and villains. Using Magic and Strength of arms players grow levels by defeating enemies and learn new skills and get stronger).

At the base of Mount Aleph, lies the quiet hamlet of Vale. Wherein lies Sol Sanctum, the heart of an awesome power known as Alchemy. This power is made up of the basic four elemental forces, Venus(Earth), Mars(Fire), Mercury(Water) and Jupiter(Wind). When Mount Aleph is entered by Saturos and Menardi, the games villains who disturb the sacred power, they set in motion its release. The basic plot is to try and stop them from lighting the four Elemental Lighthouses with the Elemental Stars they stole from Sol Sanctum.

A handful of people in the world are what is called "Adepts", special individuals who have a bond with the power of the elements. These individuals can use Psyenergy, as it is called
to attack, but can also use their powers to heal, strengthen themselves and others and even manipulate the world around them to move objects or read minds.

You plat as Isaac, a young man from Vale who is a Venus Adept with the power to shake the very Earth, he's also a pretty nice guy, keen to help others, meaning you use your gifts to aid those you meet in your journey. Along the way you encounter allies who join your quest and add their skills to your own. To begin with you have Garet and Jenna, both Mars Adepts, that is, people imbued with the power of Fire. You also encounter Mia a Mercury Adept and a Jupiter Adept named Ivan. Unfortunately, Jenna is kidnapped by Saturos and Menardi, giving you more reason to pursue them.

On top of other Adepts, small creatures called Djinn also join your party (once defeated in battle) and can be equipped to Adpets to increase their power or to change their Adept type. This is what make the game such a gem to play. These great little fellas (28 in all, 7 of each element) can be mixed and matched to create so many different classes that it is almost impossible to know them all. Some suck and others kick some serious behind but it's merely a case of experimentation to learn which is which.
Other than their Lego-like power to connect, these miniature powerhouses can attack your enemies for you, thus rendering them un-equipped. In this state they can be summoned together to perform amazing (both visually and damage-wise) summons.

The graphics for Golden Sun are stunning, they really are, the colors are vibrant and the textures good. The summon sequences are phenomenal, and when you first see something like Judgment you are simply blown away.
The only drawback Golden Sun has is the very irratating way the game just ends halfway through the story. This is acceptable as Camelot have made a sequel but it still leaves gamers gnawing their arms in exsasperation as the final sequence plays with the quest only half done.

Final Judgment:
Pros:RPG
Great magic system
Impressive Visuals
Great Story
Sequel Possibility

Cons: Ends halfway

Sound: 8/10
Graphics: 10/10
Lastability: 8/10
Story: 8.5/10
Gameplay: 10/10

Score: 96%