Golden Sun Review - Does It Hold Up?

[@mr.awesome6011]

Golden Sun's soundtrack has lived rent free in my head for the last twenty years. It's okay we all have bad takes in our lives.

[@ParagonOblivion]

Ikr? The Elemental Stars in particular sticks in my head and I can't help just booting up the game again to listen to it every once in a while... Sakuraba really spoiled us with this soundtrack as kids.

[@Charlotte-33179]

Honestly sounds like it kinda slaps just purely based off the background music :p

[@Alex-b7z4r]

Doom dragon theme ohh yeahhhh

[@LongLiveStopMotion2]

Every time that someone raves about an RPG soundtrack I listen to it and it's some muddy SNES crap that's just okay. Mother 1 sounds better than Earthbound on the SNES.

[@Aurirang]

@@ParagonOblivion I keep forgetting that this soundtrack played ona freaking gba! these games really pushed the boundaries of the handheld.

[@FungiGamer]

It’s a shame that people are skipping out Golden Sun, this franchise deserved a return to life

[@NetBattler]

For real?? The game looks so good. ...

[@unskillfullymasterful]

I remember playing this a long time ago and thought that it was written by a 10 year old

[@waxstakes]

Tried playing through the first one last year and got super bored halfway through. I prefer good rpgs with an actual story. Dont understand the hype behind these games

[@SuperChristianMiiworld]

@@waxstakesI don’t understand the hate behind these games. If you actually tried playing through half of the story you wouldn’t be bored. Apart from that there’s a lot of exploration, Easter eggs, hidden secrets that lets you unlock hidden summons, ect… Sure there’s a lot of dialogue that drags in this game but isn’t that the whole point of an RPG? Character interaction and dialogue? Good story where you have to decide whose side you’re gonna be on? GS Lost Age literally puts the heroes of the first game as your enemies! And the music? THE MUSIC??? 🤷🏾‍♂️ Hmph! The opportunity you guys are missing in these games I’ll never understand. But to each their own I guess.

[@williescott5439]

​@@ts7844 I played through both games all the way and really enjoy them. To each their own I guess, no need for a bandwagon here.

[@extraful1]

Unmemorable soundtrack? I'm constantly humming Golden Sun tunes.

[@vintagechairlifts9902]

And composed by Motoi Sakuraba, who has also done music for the Dark Souls series.

[@ChadQuallo]

I was looking for this comment. Soundtrack was FINE????? It’s quite literally one of the most impressive soundtracks on the GBA

[@cfewLW74]

I still listen to its tracks 20+ years later and hum them from time to time... "unmemorable" lol

[@CoyotebullPup]

Golden Sun’s music was one of the best parts!!! Don’t tell me the elemental star theme still doesn’t send chills down your spine

[@wanhanisah7718]

The OST is the HIGHLIGHT of the game!

[@hadokenexe]

No earworms?? That's just wrong. Both lighthouses, cave theme, Elemental Stars, Saturos and Menardi, Saturos' battle theme... the game had an incredible soundtrack that holds up decades later

[@ilbroducciore]

I was really puzzled by this one. Motoi Sakuraba is an accomplished composer for a very good reason

[@jogymogy3691]

It Sakuraba's best Score ever

[@2changJRPGmusic]

A full moon in garou still gives me chills to this day.

[@Banjeoin]

Elemental Stars is such a gorgeous piece of music, it's less of an earworm and more something hauntingly beautiful that's stuck with me for years! Same with Lemuria's theme, Full Moon in Garoh, and lots more. Totally the wrong call dismissing the soundtrack, it's a banger! Btw, for anyone who loves Golden Sun's soundtrack, be sure to check out Vincent Dortel's remasters using real Roland synthesisers! They're super authentic-sounding and it's such a treat hearing these themes without the GBA's low bitrate hiss.

[@BigIndianBindi-jy1cz]

Venus Lighthouse music.

[@michellequinn1940]

Calling the soundtrack "fine" and "unmemorable" is a crime.

[@Aurirang]

Indeed. I get these happy flashbacks and goosebumps just from the few notes of the menu screen music. I think my two most favorite tracks are the Venus lighthouse theme and the credit theme (the golden sun rises). Saturos is very closely third. I'd even say, apart from the ingenious Djinn and Class system, the music would be the second best thing about the two games. Or maybe third, since the puzzle design is absolutely top notch.

[@michellequinn1940]

@Aurirang I hum Isaac's battle theme to myself sometimes at work when I get into a groove

[@simonzuni]

7:05 bro what was Robert going on about??? unmemorable??? what about the overworld music? the lighthouses? the elemental stars track? Saturo & Menardi's theme? and their battle themes??? the ship to tolbi??? the colosso battle theme??? the sol sanctum theme??? the fusion dragon battle theme??? THE FREAKIN SAVEFILE SELECT SCREEN?????

[@gilgonzalez4269]

Yes. Music in games is very important to me and Golden Sun, both, have one of my favorites soundtracks ever. I can remember every note on some of the themes. Beautiful music.

[@2changJRPGmusic]

Man put no respect on motoi sakuraba. He also mentions using synergy on the map uses mp, I'm fairly certain it didn't ..

[@thegreatvalamir]

​@@2changJRPGmusicIt definitely does cost PP on the map. You might not have noticed that, though, because most field psynergy is cheap, and just walking around restores a bit of PP.

[@Herrhell666]

I agree with you. Music in this game is just incredible. As soon this guy said "unmemorable," I disliked the video and quit it because he is lying. Anyone who played the game knows this game is great and the music is amazing for a Gameboy advance game.

[@2changJRPGmusic]

@@thegreatvalamir ah okay that explains it then, seems like a silly gripe to me. Been a while since I played it though.

[@AustinSansChateaux]

I couldn't disagree more that the soundtrack is 'unmemorable'. The Saturos battle theme is one of the catchiest and greatest themes in all of gaming. I used to play the up to the first Saturos encounter - which granted isn't very far into the game - just to listen to it on repeat. There are many other themes I remember to this day despite not having played this game since it was released in 1975. Check out the 8-bit Music Theory video on this wonderful and very memorable Motoi Sakuraba soundtrack.

[@Bluesine_R]

I agree. The Elemental Stars, Kolima Forest, Venus, Jupiter and Mars Lighthouse, Colosso, Isaac's , Felix's and Jenna's battle themes, all really good themes and that's just a small sample of great music from the games.

[@cfewLW74]

@@Bluesine_R 100%

[@roskiart8750]

To be fair, it kind of is depending on who you ask? Like, Motoi Sakuraba's work usually is great in context of the game but (and I'm gonna be lynched for this) it also kind of blends together? Seriously, outside of the GBA s heck soundfont, I would probably confuse some of his Tales work with his Golden Sun work Wait... 1975? The hell?

[@badmeetsevil6163]

Yeah shit take from them. The soundtrack was awesome. My favourite is the Saturos & Minardi at Venus Lighthouse & Deadbeard battle theme.

[@badmeetsevil6163]

@@Bluesine_Ryeah and the best theme imo is the Saturos & Minardi at Venus Lighthouse/Deadbeard battle theme. Vale and Vault also sounded so soothing and nostalgic.

[@KevinDeLeon91]

Golden Sun was the very first RPG that i ever completed as a kid (along with Pokemon). I still remember how satisfying it was to beat the final boss.

[@Kenjie5103]

There is also the secret final boss dullahan and is nearly impossible to beat if you dont nuke with summons.

[@gerasimosmichalitsianos9684]

same. I was never much of an RPG player. Never had the patience to get through any Final Fantasy game. Just get bored. I don't know. Just couldn't get into them. But Golden Sun 1+2 are perhaps a couple of the only RPGs I have ever played in their entirety. And actually beat. The pacing and story are just right.

[@Nanobit84]

Your damn right it still does. Wish it had a HD remaster or Mario RpG treatment

[@PaulieWalnuts13]

Battle system is trash. As someone who isn’t blinded by nostalgia, this game does not hold up.

[@cfewLW74]

@@PaulieWalnuts13 Battles are kinda easy but I wouldn't say that the battle system is inherently bad. Try Golden Sun Reloaded if you look for a challenge in battles :)

[@statesminds]

@@PaulieWalnuts13i am playing for the first time. It’s amazing. The djinn system is cool and unique enough

[@slick_anonymous1126]

@@PaulieWalnuts13 Yes because doing all of your moves for each character is trash. Why don't you go play a trash game like Xenoblade where everyone holds your hand through the entire game.

[@AuraKnightStar]

Golden Sun was one of my favorite games as a kid. Unfortunately I never got to play the sequel, so I am excited that both of them are now available on NSO.

[@jessewarren817]

Funny enough, as a kid I only had the sequel! As a kid I only knew Felix’s side of the story! Excited to play the original

[@tewks4458]

The sequel is fantastic. You're in for a treat.

[@knightblade0188]

@@jessewarren817 same I got the second golden sun game along with my gameboy advance sp when i was a kid and loved it use to spend late nights playing it and am excited to do the same with the first game now.

[@badmeetsevil6163]

Golden Sun is my 2nd favourite JRPG of all time. Final Fantasy 9 is my #1.

[@erwark]

On the slim chance you still have it, you can transfer your character progress to the 2nd game using a code :)

[@donkepss1157]

Golden sun is that one game that u need to play atleast once in your lifetime

[@Max_Mousse]

title: ''Does it hold up?'' Me: ''Tf you mean, its Golden Sun, of course it holds up''

[@Mr-Gamer-W]

6:46 one of the hottest takes I have ever heard lmao. This is my favorite Sakuraba OST

[@bregowine]

The soundtrack is quite memorable as well. I used to leave the menu theme playing in the background for a while, back in the day… it had three different melodies and got progressively better. Beautiful title overall

[@Wreaknatter]

Yeah. I really enjoyed this review, but only disagreed with saying the soundtrack was not memorable. It's one of the best things about it. I love it so much! Motoi Sakuraba also composed all of the Tales Of game series, as well, which a lot are known for their soundtracks.

[@badmeetsevil6163]

Yeah bad take from them. The soundtrack was definitely memorable. That Saturos & Minardi at Venus Lighthouse/Deadbeard theme is the standout for me.

[@joeharvey4957]

LOVE Golden Sun. Truly one of my favorite JRPGs. The puzzles were so fun and I loved having to find all the djinns in the wild and figuring out which characters/djinn worked best. Really hope they come out with another game after Dark Dawn, I think it would be great!

[@flubberlane8437]

Golden Sun was one of the greatest games ever !

[@adrienjoshua6710]

It surely is. A classic JRPG.

[@Gameboyreaper]

I will play it again

[@GameArts1]

A friend of mine doesn't'' play RPG's except this one; We went into an gamers trivia contest and we saw one short screenshot of this game, he immediately said ''golden sun', bam! we got the point and won the contest, with 1 point difference :P compared to the second place.

[@harperstephens2640]

would love a Prequel to this series. When they sealed away Alchemy in the Elemental Stars or Babi’s trip to Lemuria. Would have so much potential for further story-telling and universe expansion!

[@knightblade0188]

Same but I think they should finish Matthews story first

[@wasneeplus]

Played both of them back in the day, and loved them. Playing them again now confirmed to me that it wasn't just nostalgia colouring my memories. These games are still enjoyable.

[@badmeetsevil6163]

It most definitely isn’t nostalgia, it’s true quality. These games remind me how great JRPGs were back in the day compared to now. Modern JRPGs are too structured and predictable with all their hub worlds and stuff.

[@gmtwj-fye7898]

Lifia 2 Rise of the Sinistral Was The Golden Sun before Golden Sun

[@MiBrCo4177]

It's always fun when you play a game from yesteryear and you remember how fun it was and that nostalgia has nothing to do with you picking it up and enjoying it again, you know since rose colored glasses and all that. For me though nostalgia is definitely one thing of many that gets me to playing in an older game again. You do notice a lot of the graphical issues and stutters and slowdowns lol nowadays but it's all a part of its charm.

[@MiBrCo4177]

​@@badmeetsevil6163Don't forget writing lol. Cliched characters made even worse with voice since you know they're pretty much pre-cut templates and their voiced in a way that all protagonist and antagonist are going to sound and act if that makes sense.

[@inezkestens5561]

I had the same experience as you had when I first played Golden Sun. I can't really put into words how much that game has meant to me. I vividly always remembered the mind read because it was so much fun to read all these dialogues who were really REALLY good especially at the time. I remember feeling dread when I entered a certain village and started to mindread the immobile villagers. I remember that if you didn't go to Imil after it, but went to a forest east you would get a little extra mindread and an extra scene. This game to me at 10 years old gave me such a feeling of freedom and exploration that seems silly now, because it is an rpg on rails in a way but this was a game that really rewarded backtracking and not following that path laid down before you. The games in Tolbi remain one of my favorite ever. I don't think any game has ever used the "festival" theme as great as Golden Sun did. Also I remember being scared that after getting off a ship and ... well do that which happens on every rpg ship ever... I ended up in a town where I couldn't stay in an Inn ... AND I need to go in another dungeon??? The little glimpes the game gave you of Sheba and what she tought about Babi who to you seemed like such a good ruler. Yeah I love this game dearly. It's also just a very good story and all the summons and place names really ignited a love for history and mythology in a child's mind. I'm really happy it's playable on Switch now but I'm mainly so grateful I played it back then and I struggled through it because english isn't my first language and this game was HARD for a 10 year old but I finished both games and even did the GBA funky code transfer thing. I also finished the extra dungeons, sailed around EVERYWHERE ... and still missed one or two Djins 😆

[@harperstephens2640]

Me and my sister got this when it first came out and we had NO idea it went past Sol Sanctum. We were so small we thought it was a life simulator like Animal Crossing 😂 When we finally cracked it a few years later it was unbelievable that there was a whole world map!

[@SuperChristianMiiworld]

Getting Charon and Iris were such a challenge. But the reward was great. Especially in the final chapter.

[@badmeetsevil6163]

I feel the same way too. This and Final Fantasy 9 are my favourite JRPGs of all time.

[@LivingGuy484]

Firstly, much respect! Secondly, speaking of the place, don't forget to move the tree out of the water!

[@inezkestens5561]

Ah yes true, we must save them all! I remember not saving him in my first playthrough 😥 @@LivingGuy484

[@TheToni9234]

This series is a masterpiece. It deserves a much bigger audience and a proper remaster. I think this review covers the features of the game fairly well. However I'd emphasize the connectivity of the story between both these games. If you want it to be told thoroughly you need to grind until the end. As a kid and still to this day it absolutely blew my mind. This is not just nostalgia, honestly i think Golden Sun is one the of the best RPGs ever made. And I've played FF7, Earthbound and so on. A timeless classic in my book. Do it!

[@prime7213]

Missed out on this one when I was a kid and decided to finally try it out. I’ll admit I wasn’t feeling it for the first 2 hours or so and the Djinn system was not explained well. But once I got into the legitimately well designed dungeons and figured out how to do more complex summons I was hooked. I’m still only about halfway through the first game but I can definitely see what people like about this so much.

[@statesminds]

Same its awesome once you get it all down

[@GIAtkins22]

Definitely a game you gotta give a patient chance to. It's so worth it!

[@chiville165]

You will love the 2nd golden sun

[@SQRCAT100x]

The lost age is better cool story and world ❤

[@theologianjoe]

One of my favorite GBA experiences. I remember playing it during Christmas of its release year. It was so good and had unique qualities that made it a great game.

[@jmccain22090]

I am already halfway through the first game, I thought I had forgotten most of the game but find myself remembering how to do all the puzzles almost immediately. Weird how the brain works. But, this is one of the greatest RPGs of all time

[@ethankim9161]

Love the attention these games are getting since it’s rerelease. I have to say though that I HAAAARD disagree about the soundtrack. I still listen to it regularly. It is absolutely one of my favourites

[@anthonywade8880]

I started it on the Switch and am in LOVE!!!

[@knightblade0188]

As an older fan glad to see we are getting more players to the fan base

[@cfewLW74]

Good to see that people who are new to this rather old series enjoy it a lot! 😃

[@fernandosolerlanagran316]

I am so jealous! I wish I could play it for the first time again... What an adventure. Have fun 😊

[@sarim9574]

As a 33 year old and father now, this game in 2024 is by far a masterpiece. Soundtrack, story, the visuals. Brings tears to my eyes how privileged I was to have such a childhood. The most mundane encounter feels so epic. I love it so much.

[@HidamariBread]

Claiming Golden Sun has an immemorable soundtrack, sheeeesh. It's only one of the best soundtracks for a videogame period.

[@LETTMusic]

Playing through for my first time ever, and so far am enjoying it. My only complaint is pressing A brings up a submenu, which happens a lot when I'm also trying to press A to talk to people or check boxes/jars. Feel like maybe it could have been left to SELECT or something, to free me up to spamming A around the world.

[@badmeetsevil6163]

8/10 is way too low for a classic like Golden Sun. 9.5/10 is more like it. This and Final Fantasy 9 are my favourite JRPGs and are very similar to each other with their colourful and diverse environments. Golden Sun just reminded me of how great JRPGs were back in the day and pretty much destroys any modern JRPG I’ve played recently like Octopath Traveler. JRPGs these days are too structured and predictable. Also, you’ve gotta be kidding me with your take on the soundtrack. It’s awesome! The Saturos & Minardi/Deadbeard battle theme is the one that sticks out for me.

[@roskiart8750]

Dunno if this is nostalgia glasses, but modern RPGS don't waste your time with Random Encounters, instead allowing you to choose if it's worth engaging in battle. There's a reason the genre has advanced in ways where they don't do some of the things Golden Sun does: not everything about the old games is worth keeping around.

[@badmeetsevil6163]

@@roskiart8750 I guess it’s to each their own in terms of battle encounters. I personally don’t mind it either way but I feel that a lot of modern JRPGs sacrifice story and substance for having an open world. A lot of them feel predictable and are so rigid in structure. Take Octopath Traveler for example, the format is one town and one dungeon in literally every chapter, and in between chapters, you get a route. Why does it have to be town > dungeon > route > town > dungeon and you get my drift. Why can’t they mix it up a bit more? Then you also get JRPGs these days where there are six areas and each area has a hub city. I prefer JRPGs where it’s just one big overworld with many cities and dungeons, and there’s also backtracking so that cities don’t feel futile once you’re done with that part of the story. JRPGs back then were unpredictable. You pretty much know what you’re getting out of modern JRPGs…like you know when the game is gonna end.

[@NecroticDB]

Calling one of Motoi Sakuraba's best and most memorable soundtracks unmemorable sure is a take.

[@imeanleafeon]

this was so wild lmao i dont think ive ever heard someone call Golden Sun's soundtrack unmemorable, let alone a Sakuraba soundtrack

[@NecroticDB]

​@@imeanleafeon I do think he has phoned it in at times, but he's had a long, loooong career and several incredible soundtracks over the years.

[@cfewLW74]

For those who haven't played GS and like RPGs, especially JRPGs: please give this game a try! The dialogues may be lengthy at times but the overall game experience, plot, characters, djinns, battles and music(!) are epic! 🤩

[@statesminds]

The dialogue isnt lengthy imo compared to lots of other games like Trails lol

[@Aurirang]

@@statesminds Funnily, i was never annoyed at Trails lengthy dialogues or realised just HOW lengthy they actually are. The characters weren't talking in circles and the conversations never felt like it was there to fill in a void. They were well written, fitting and fitting to the mood and the characters. With just enough humour sprinkled in to lighten the uually pretty dark thematics up a bit without getting too silly.

[@weroleoify]

UNMEMORABLE?! Glad I'm not the only one that jumped from his chair, Alhafra, Kolima, Garoh and ANY of the lighthouses have an amazing, unique composition. Oh, and lets not forget ELEMENTAL STARS!

[@cfewLW74]

7:06 really?! That was a blooper, right? Both GS games have one of the best and memorable tracks I've ever heard - thanks to legend Motoi Sakuraba 🤯

[@chenwin5]

You're goddamn right!

[@Quantumanomalyexc]

Believe it or not a mall close to me still has an FYE. Golden Sun is such a good game. Just bought a modded GBA. Bought Golden Sun, FF Dawn of Souls, Pokémon Crystal and Leaf Green to start off my collection.

[@AdeptCharon]

".Golden Sun, when we decided to make that, that was right at the time when the Game Boy was really gaining speed and really taking over the handheld area completely. So it was kind of always a Game Boy game." - "We actually did make a game design document for a Nintendo 64 Golden Sun." The only source can I seem to find for this (an archived 1up interview about we love golf). I think it's fair to say the claim that "GS was originally developed for the N64" is a bit of a stretch.

[@Moshiyo]

One of my favourite all time games

[@elaine901]

@@ts7844bro’s mad

[@KavalanSol]

Absolutely loved these games back in the day! And still. I remember casting 'Reveal' on every inch of the towns to find all the secret stuff 😂❤

[@Yukito590]

Isaac's battle theme has been stuck in my head for 20 years, same with final fantasy 4 and 5's battle themes. Hugely memorable, hype as fuck combat music and probably the main reason Golden Sun lives forever in my heart

[@juhom6019]

Would love to see these games remastered in similar style as star ocean secon story r

[@statesminds]

Yesss

[@clydefrosch]

Missing synergy in a puzzle segment is essentially never an issue, the mp cost is miniscule

[@markhill8150]

I know that was the most nitpicky bull crap I have ever heard. I never really missed those and I certainly wouldn't reset if I did.

[@BlaineThomas]

Playing this first the first time now at 35 yo. I've been a chronotrigger fan forever and was thinking about doing another chrono run but your review actually got me into doing a golden sun run. Thanks

[@turismofoegaming8806]

I had this game back in the day originally on my Game Boy Advance SP but I never got to finish it as I lost my GBA before I could really get into it.. but that didn’t stop me from having immense nostalgia for it due to the catchy music and lovable atmosphere and graphics?! Today I played it on my 3DS as well as my hacked Vita, and I have to say, if you like RPG, it is definitely worth playing!!

[@WebstersYouTube]

I somehow missed this when it came out and I don't know how. I was a teenager with my own money from a part-time job. I was already playing a lot of RPGs on my Game Boy Advance. I knew about this game and saw it for sale multiple times. For whatever bizarre reason though, I haven't played it until now and damn, I missed out big time back then.

[@kharlanhero4428]

"Unmemorable soundtrack" *Preceeds to use for the video songs i still remember all this years later*

[@OrangeSodaKing]

Unmemorable soundtrack?? You gotta be kidding! One of the best soundtracks on the GBA hands down

[@NINJA-KOSH]

This is a classic, of course it hold up today if turn based RPGs are your thing. Graphics and music are gorgeous.

[@michatroschka]

deserves a remake, its a masterpiece. like nothing holds up to it

[@EloahAloha]

If remake it, they should correct the dialogue and increase the difficulty - much like Final Fantasy IV's journey from SNES to DS.

[@FredWallace18]

There are some insane takes here. I know it's all opinion, but, "The soundtrack is... fine."!? GS has a fantastic soundtrack, and it's definitely full of earworms.

[@DavidMalcolm]

I played it for the first time on the Wii U and I loooooved this game. I grew up on games like FF6 and Chrono Trigger and this really felt like I was back in that age when games that good were still being made.

[@jesserivera2043]

I absolutely loved this game when it came out, and I would love for it to be a just a regular download without a subscription. Honestly, the one thing I would change about this duology is make the characters a little bit more distinguishable from each other personality wise, as well as give more of them character arcs that pay off at the end

[@OscarIna0fTimeVODs]

I love both golden sun but the first one feels a little bit more childish, with in-your-face exposition, the gsme being peetty linear, not too complex puzles... It is great, but I feel like it doesn't managetl hold that well nowadays (and an 8/10 seems right about it). However, the second game is literally superior in every aspect. The combat is deeper and more versatile. Theresre new animations and they are AWESOME. The cultures you explore tend to be richer and mlre interactable, the twist in the main plot is good enough. Sailing through the map and the aww that causes to see the planet has a border where watwr falls to a void or smth, the puzles are way more creative... It is a damn masterpiece and I hope more people tries it

[@RevanSecura]

there is one more notable song in all of Golden Sun as a franchise between the two GBA games. in the first game when you're onboard the Tolbi-bound ship the same song that was used in the release date trailer is the background music but sadly you never hear it anytime afterwards.

[@AnorexicHobbit]

Playing through as an adult is definitely different than playing as a preteen. The battle system isn't in depth and I find myself using standard attacks more than using psynergy in battle. Even some of the boss battles so far seem less stressful than they used to be. The game is still fun and I'm looking forward to getting into Lost Age again because I remember that feeling more fleshed out than the first. The story was always my favorite part of the series and that's the biggest reason I'm replaying the games. It's fun to explore and easy to put down and pick up again. I personally enjoy the soundtrack and think it's some of the best, at least from this era.

[@SolidusSnapes]

The soundtrack comment was so wrong. its soundtrack is very impressive.

[@Kaden970]

This is still my all time favorite game

[@Gloryboyquan]

bro I hope it's good I got this one to play after chrono trigger

[@tiagohayashi9780]

I never player It when came out , i was a kid . Is This só good Hope play It now after years

[@turismofoegaming8806]

I am also playing breath of fire, one and breath of fire two for GBA, on my PS Vita, and I’m about 25 hours or more into breath of fire one and my characters are very strong!! The GBA was a wonderful little handheld !

[@elplayclown257]

Fun fact: their first game was beyond the beyond on ps1 before making the golden sun games

[@SkyPancake]

This is the first time I’ve ever heard anyone say the soundtrack is unmemorable… literally ever lolol the entire soundtrack has been living in my brain rent-free for the last 23 years xD I was so happy when gba was announced for the nso and doubly so because they showed golden sun… when it came to nso a few days ago I booted it up right after the update time and have been loving every moment of being in Weyard again. I love it, so much. I agree with the sentiment at the end, I would love to see the another entry in the series, even if it’s away from Isaac and Co, because seriously the universe of Golden Sun is just toooo good to fade into history.

[@CoyotebullPup]

Loved these games so much. Can’t believe I actually beat Dullahan in the Lost Age. What a moment

[@JonLambert]

When I was a kid, I went on a trip with my brother and parents to see the country my parents are from and our cousins went separately with their aunt so we spent some time together. They had Golden Sun and let us try it out. I loved it so much that I asked if I could just keep it but they wouldn't let me. I've thought about it ever since, and now decades later I am finally playing it through and it's an incredible amount of content and quality for a GBA game.

[@RickyIcecubes]

I can't put this game down. It's a shame I passed on it back in the day. I used to always see it in the case at Best Buy and I'd look at it for a second but always chose something else. I think the music is amazing.

[@codyk6627]

The soundtrack is better than this review gives it credit for, especially in The Lost Age. It’s one of the strongpoints of the series.

[@HandheldGamer1991]

Omg the lemuria music still gives me chills!

[@andykegs5584]

I remember the year between 1 and 2 being the longest year of my life as a kid, loved the games and have played them both multiple times, dark dawn was ok but I think it felt like it had to be bigger than both together but then just fell a bit flat, it’s not bad but wasn’t at the same level. It’s very much a great rpg to begin with if you’re new to rpgs and will always be special to me. Oh and when I have the time I might even get an nso membership just to play these again!

[@Grooms]

I disagree about the soundtrack. I've had this music stuck in my head for 23 years. Sol Sanctum, villages and even the file select screen themes are all fantastic.

[@oak8194]

I love this series so much. Played them all and love them all. Apart from the god-tier music, I also really like the combat with the Djinn system, in which the summons are just the best! I still remember being super impressed by the cinematics and graphics of the summon from Dark Dawn on the DS. I want the series to come back on the Switch so bad. I could only dream of a sequel or a remake on the level of FF7.

[@davemeech]

I loved Golden Sun back when it was new, but I think it was carried a lot by novelty and how good it looked on a handheld. The slow and shallow aspect of the game is what stuck with me in the longer run, and although I did pick up the sequel the following year when it came out, I could barely get into it. If they revitalize the franchise, I feel like they have to evolve it somehow.

[@curtisreviews5880]

Golden Sun was a formative title for me as a kid for falling in love with RPG’s. The learning curve was perfect and helped me learn the genre from a young age. GOATED Sun 🐐

[@reneschulz9810]

One of my absolute favourite game series that I have ever played! The first time playing it I got stuck because I had no idea how to use the psynergy to move that object in front of the entrance. Then my cousin showed what to do, and I was hooked ever since! I would love for Nintendo to bring Golden Sun back!

[@UlmaAum]

I used to play it on VBA (yeah, the emulator) and loved it! Was one of the games to introduce and build my passion for (J)RPG’s 💛🧡❤️

[@Teedyan]

I went straight to the comment section when the music was considered only "fine" in the review and was very happy to see almost all comments being about disagreeing with the music take. I love this soundtrack and I'm still bringing out a few tracks each week while doing other stuff. It's easily Motoi Sakuraba's finest work.

[@Gabe_29]

I love Golden Sun but this series deserved a remaster/remake like Advance Wars

[@harperstephens2640]

i’ve been playing these non-stop. finished GS and now onto TLA. loved these as a kid and hopefully will 100% these now!!

[@JackitK]

Wanted to follow up now that I actually have time to make a proper comment. Thanks again, for taking the time to put this review together. I love anything that gives this series more attention, and I'm always curious to hear more people's perspective regarding it.

[@hope_canyon]

Oh man, I loved this game so much. No game confounded me quite like it, but I truly believe solving these problems as a kid (and sometimes using the internet to do it) made me a better thinker, and probably upped my media literacy by introducing me to google and forums. Was a completely new form of problem solving for me at the time. Such a rich and formative game. Funnily enough I never played the lost age, so I had no idea its story was completely related. I just finished this one and I'm so excited to play the second, knowing what I know now about the transfer feature!

[@AnimusPrime87]

Great video, great games. Just to be that pedantic guy, though, Djinn is plural, Djinni is singular. I think you got it backwards in the video. Common error, no big deal. I’m just obsessed with this game. Obsessed. One of my favorite of all time. I lost my damn mind when it came back for Switch NSO. Worth the premium price by itself full stop. This game is as near to perfect as I have ever experienced.

[@J-Chiptunator]

Golden Sun's battle system has a lot of potential on making each fight engaging. There is a risk and reward element in it and can lead to interesting party and Djinnis setups, including the game-breaking ones. It's sadly rendered meaningless by the VAST majority of enemies and even arguably bosses being still too easy to wipe out. Just by simply sticking to equipping Djinnis accordingly to each character's innate Psynergy type and spamming spells. The fights (particularly the random ones) also often lack standout quirks that force the player coming up with different strategies. It's all about attack, attack, attack, heal, just like you would typically on pretty much any 90s turn-based JRPG. For these aforementioned reasons, the path of the least resistance takes over and the player is less compelled to experiment for fights.

[@retrohero2762]

If you want a tougher challenge from the enemies you can try the Golden Sun Reloaded hack for both games which patches them to rebalance and make it more difficult without being bullshit.

[@hailcaesar3171]

These were my fave GBA games. Soo much nostalgia. Still have em somewhere in the original box probably smashed..😢

[@SurfNinjas]

Speaking as someone that had never played it before and gave it a shot about a week ago? It absolutely holds up. A lot of games from the mid-2000s and earlier have loads of issues that I could complain about, but this game has been flawless. I especially love the fact that it's not a short game by any means for new players that are still figuring thibgs out. Huge step above just how short loads upon loads upon loads of other games from that era are. I'm about a third of the way through the game right now and every second has been a gem imo. Of all the GBA games in particular that I've played, this has been the first (and so far, only) thing that's been able to compete with the likes of Pokemon Fire Red/Leaf Green and Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald. 10/10 for me for sure.

[@KJ-je9pm]

Underrated series! I remember being blown away on the battle graphics on my gameboy advanced sp

[@riverkeyes3455]

It’s nice seeing a JRPG from this era that doesn’t use the ATB system

[@daniloescolin1676]

Golden Sun is an absolute classic on the Gameboy Advance, people, this game is a must! "Powerful Sinergy... Synergy? Ahhh"😂

[@Grnvolpe]

I was just telling my gf that the DS game just doesn’t have what the original games had, so I’m glad it’s not just me

[@Drewtendo]

I'll say it. I enjoyed Dark Dawn. I agree that it fell short of the other games, but I think it should have done much better with sales!

[@MatthewCobalt]

That has got to be the hottest take on the music I've heard in years. It's a HARD disagree on that one.

[@Jesse12489]

I still have Golden Sun for the Game Boy and lost age and sadly I still never beaten the Lost age. I still have my save file. I did purchase it on the Wii U but I never convince myself to catch up to where I was at. I still remember I had to write everything down to transfer all my save file. I think it was 5 pages worth.

[@Mr-Pulse]

I adore these games, but this continued rental only model for classic games is anti-consumer and gross. I will play these again when they are available to purchase, and if Nintendo continues to be stubborn on this then I'll finally just emulate them all.

[@brandonwilliams6119]

People always ask what’s Nintendo’s main JRPG and most would immediately say Xenoblade, Fire Emblem or even Pokémon but for me personally consider it Golden Sun or even Earthbound, both of those even have the traditional 4 guys in a row that most JRPGs had at the time. People even joke and call Xenoblade an offline MMO, Fire Emblem is more about the tactical turn based strategy and Pokémon is all about catching the monsters and filling out the Pokédex and becoming the Champion.

[@roskiart8750]

Buddy, no offense... that's more like finding a technicality where Golden Sun can shine than Golden sun really being that important to Nintendo's catalogue.

[@vynaestan]

I have such good memories of playing Golden Sun. Looking forward to playing them again.

[@kyleefaren3075]

I love these games. I play through one or the other every couple of years for the past 20. They've been my gold standard for rpgs for gameplay.

[@justinthomas6617]

These are two of the best RPGs of all time. If you have a Nintendo subscription, don’t miss out on them.

[@real_Furryratchet]

The best thing is you can transfer all the stuff you did to the second game!

[@jogymogy3691]

You have no idea what your talking about regarding the music. It's one of the greatest things about the first two games.

[@rossedwardmiller]

One of the best jrpg series I’ve never played

[@blinkingred]

Omg you unlocked my memories of FYE stores. Thanks for that. Great times. Love looking through that store as a kid to find my favorite music, anime, and games.

[@etielrincon]

@1:25 expands on “Peruvian” traditions...

[@grapeking9074]

Of course they fucking do. The music and animations are simply amazing and the powers you can use are so much fun.

[@TryhardSnake]

For those who enjoy the dialogue in these games as I have in this series, I will say that playing it so far on the Switch has been a fresh of breath air. This is because with the option to rewind, you can experiment with choosing different dialogue options that was never possible with the original hardware. Sure the outcome almost never changes, but it is cool to see just how much dialogue is unused through a normal play through and how creative it can be by choosing a different dialogue option

[@st0rmchild]

It looks so much like a Camelot game. Shining in the Darkness, especially.

[@pythonxz]

❤ The sun will rise again! Also, you're telling me that Venus Lighthouse doesn't get stuck in your head?