Golden Sun

Released in August 2001 for Game Boy Advance, Golden Sun is a critically acclaimed RPG developed by Camelot Software Planning and published by Nintendo. Originally planned as a single Nintendo 64 title, the project shifted to GBA and expanded into two games due to hardware limitations and the developers' ambitious scope.

Story and Gameplay

Set in the fantasy world of Weyard, the game follows Isaac and his party of magic-wielding "Adepts" on a quest to prevent the release of Alchemy, a destructive force sealed away in ancient times. Players control four characters representing the elemental powers of Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water as they pursue antagonists seeking to restore Alchemy by lighting the four Elemental Lighthouses.

The game features turn-based combat enhanced by Psynergy—a magic system used both in battle and for environmental puzzle-solving. The signature Djinn system allows players to collect elemental creatures that modify character stats, grant abilities, and enable powerful summon attacks. Mixing Djinn across elements creates different character classes with unique spell sets, offering extensive customization.

Technical Achievement and Reception

Golden Sun pushed the GBA's technical limits with pseudo-3D graphics, richly animated environments, dynamic lighting, and an impressive orchestral-style soundtrack. The extended 12-18 month development cycle delivered a console-quality experience with 30-40 hours of gameplay, extensive side content, and link cable multiplayer battles.

The game received universal acclaim, winning Nintendo Power's GBA Game of the Year in 2001 and the Golden Joystick Award for Handheld Game of the Year in 2002. It sold 129,000 copies in its first five days in Japan and became one of the GBA's defining RPGs. Critics praised its visuals, combat system, and substantial content, though some noted lengthy dialogue sequences. The success led to immediate development of Golden Sun: The Lost Age (2002), with the duology considered among the Game Boy Advance's finest achievements.