Golden Sun The Lost Age

🎮 Game Boy Advance ⏳ 35 hours ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Epic Sequel Journey #

This Golden Sun entry is a remarkable sequel that builds on the strengths of the original one. The game continues the epic tale in the world of Weyard, offering you a chance to explore new regions, uncover hidden secrets, and experience a story told from a fresh perspective. Its narrative depth is complemented by well-developed characters, each with unique abilities and motivations, making the journey feel personal and engaging.

Strategic Djinn Combat #

Combat shines thanks to the innovative Djinn system. By collecting and assigning elemental Djinn to characters, players can customize classes, unlock powerful abilities, and experiment with different strategies, keeping battles consistently rewarding. And while this mechanic didn’t changed a bit when compared to the first title, it is still very well implemented and executed. Though it has a couple of secrets you can unfold compared to the first entry, related to this mechanic which can lead you to having to replay the entire game if you are not careful enough, it can lock you out of an optional dungeon.

Clever Puzzles & Atmosphere #

The game’s puzzles are cleverly integrated into the environment, often requiring observation, logic, and clever use of Psynergy (magic) to solve, making exploration feel both challenging and satisfying. Visually, the game is a showcase for the GBA, with detailed sprites, vibrant landscapes, and smooth animations. The soundtrack enhances the atmosphere with memorable melodies that range from adventurous and uplifting to mysterious and haunting, perfectly supporting the story’s tone. It is not as good as big JRPG titles, but it is definitely up there.

Timeless JRPG Classic #

Although some may find the pacing slow at times and the dialogue extensive, the combination of exploration, strategic combat, and puzzle-solving makes the experience deeply rewarding. Overall, this game is a masterfully crafted JRPG that expands its predecessor’s world and systems, offering both nostalgia and fresh challenges. Its blend of story, strategy, and exploration cements its status as a timeless classic on the Game Boy Advance, a must-play for fans of JRPGs in general.