Golden Sun

Reviewed By: Will
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: Game Boy Advance (Nintendo)
Produced by: Camelot and Nintendo
Price Range: $31-40
Learning curve time: 31-60 min.
Age level: Teens
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Genre: Roleplaying Game (RPG)
Christian Rating: 4 of 5
   (slightly offensive)
Gameplay: 5 of 5
   (excellent)
Violence: 3 of 5
   (mild)
Adult Content: 5 of 5
   (none)

Golden Sun Box. Illustration copyrighted.

Welcome to the continent of Anagra - a world full of monsters, magic, and magical journeys.

PLOT - The plot follows the adventures of a boy named Issac as he goes on a quest to recover the stolen "Elemental Stars". As he goes on his quest, Issac discovers many friends and many enemies, and eventually recovers only 2 of the stars, setting up the beginning of Golden Sun 2.

OFFENSIVE CONTENT - There is no language, sexual situations or any of that stuff. The major thing that Christians will catch on to is the major use of “psynergy” or “magic”. Kids will learn to control objects with their mind, use various magic spells, and summon “Djinni”. The “Djinni” represent different elemental gods and goddesses.

The overall content is not too objective. It has no commend able content, but the offensive content isn't too bad.

I thought this game was pretty much “OK” overall.

Year of Release—2001

Positive—This is a terrific game. The graphics are good and nothing is objectionable. The game itself requires a lot of thinking. There are complicated puzzles that are very mind challenging and even fighting requires some type of battle strategy. I'd say this is the best, if not one of the best RPGs out. My Ratings: [5 / 5]
—Sakito, age 14

Positive—Golden Sun is one of the best RPG's for Gameboy Advance. I enjoyed playing it and I highly recommend it. The whole thing with the use of Psyenergy is harmless. I realize it is not real but would think it is. My Ratings: [4 / 5]
—Brian Corson, age 17

Neutral—I have just played through this game for the umpteenth time, and I still thoroughly enjoy this game. The story line is great, and makes you want to keep playing. Early in the game, you friends are taken by Saturos, Menardi, and Alex. Your goal is to catch them before they reach the elemental lighthouses and unleash Alchemy (magic) into the world. There is no language (worse than heck), no bad scenes, or anything of the kind. Golden Sun does go a bit into magic, and Alchemy, but I can enjoy it as I realize it takes place in a "parallel universe". The looks of the monsters you fight are mostly acceptable, but there are a couple I wouldn't let my little brother see. This game was put together with incredible skill. This is definitely the best GBA game I have ever played. Look forward to way over 20 hrs of incredible gameplay, with lots of replay value, as there are always more puzzles, and better equipment to be won. Wonderful game. My Ratings: [4 / 5]
—Jon, age 15

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.