Nintendo portable consoles have made us live unforgettable experiences from the first Game Boy to Nintendo 3DS. In between all of them, the Game Boy Advance which for many is one of the best consoles that the big N ever made due to the number of games it received, some of them really essential.
Many of them belonged to the RPG genre, turning the successor to Game Boy Color into a platform that could not go unnoticed by lovers of this genre. In fact, one of the best sagas that has come to pass through a Nintendo machine has been that of Golden Sun, about which we haven’t heard news for years, so it’s time to look back and wonder what happened to her.
One of the biggest reasons to have a GBA
If we had to make a ranking of the best videogames that went on sale on Game Boy Advance, it is undeniable that each one will have their favorites, but two of them that should not be missing from any list are both the first Golden Sun
This Japanese studio was in charge of the first Mario Golf for Nintendo 64 and since then it has only worked for Nintendo, specializing in the creation of sports titles in this series or Mario Tennis. That is why it was so curious that the company wanted to try its luck with a completely different genre and on top of that it gave such good results.
The different games that are part of the franchise Golden Sun take place in a fantasy world called Weyard. In it Alchemy is the main source of power that is used by humanity to live and to gain great knowledge. Unfortunately, this power may prove too ambitious for some who wish to use it for Machiavellian purposes, such as Saturos and Menardi.
However, the group of protagonists, headed by the young Hans and Garetthey set out on an epic journey to prevent the villains from turning on the elemental beacons, capable of unleashing an energy that would devastate everything, breaking the seal of Alchemy that would put an end to Weyard, although later in the series the goal is completely the opposite. because of certain events.
Along the way, they meet two other companions who will join the cause throughout the tens of hours that the adventure lasts, making it difficult to let go of the console because of how much it hooks them. In addition, the quartet of protagonists has the help of the djinna species of beings based on the four elements (earth, fire, air and water).
It is precisely the Djinn that allow the characters to unleash special attacks and even make summons capable of pulverizing enemies and final bosses. All of this in turn-based combat that will take place randomly as you go from one side to the other on the stage. Likewise, in these you will have to solve puzzles using the spells of the psienergy.
The plot does not stop gaining interest the more it progresses and it is also appreciated that it was localized to Spanish, something that at that time was not so common compared to today. For all this, Golden Sun it became a must-buy and a beloved RPG series around the world, something that was made clear by the very positive reviews it received.
The connection that existed between its different chapters
Another great reason that made very special to Golden Sun It was that his first chapter did not end. The story was completely up in the air, giving rise to a second part, so from there it was born Golden Sun II: The Lost Age
A peculiarity with which these titles had is that they allowed transfer the game from one game to another, because at a certain point the original group of heroes would return to action, which meant that we could control them again with the same levels, Djinn, equipment, etc., that they had previously achieved. We didn’t even have to wait too long, because the first Golden Sun It arrived 20 years ago and its sequel a year later.
Since then, many people have asked for the return of the saga and it was finally in the E3 2010 when Camelot heard the prayers, leaving us with the announcement of Golden Sun: Dark Dawn for Nintendo DS, which was released later that year. However, in this case the plot took a considerable time jump, because it took place 30 years later.
For this reason, the characters in the first chapters are already older and have even been parents, hence they are their own children who monopolize all the prominence and are on a mission to save the world from a new catastrophe looming over Weyard. He even highlighted the visual change that the saga made for 3D graphics, but keeping that peculiar pixelated touch in its battles and on the map.
Special mention of the splendid work that Motoi Sakuraba did in the three Golden Sun, with some real songs. In any case, despite being a magnificent game, the quality it achieved Golden Sun: Dark Dawn it was not as high as that of its predecessors.
Will we see a new Golden Sun again?
To this day the only way to play the first two Golden Sun is with a Game Boy Advance or through the Wii U Virtual Console. In the case of Golden Sun: Dark Dawn It is only available for the Nintendo DS, nothing else. That is why fans of the franchise have not stopped request that these three installments be brought back in the form of a compilation.
Without a doubt, with Nintendo Switch we have witnessed throughout these five years that some games deserved a second chance and their reception has even been better than when they first went on sale. Why not do the same with Golden Sun? Put to ask, even a remastering of these titles would be received with open arms.
Even so, the only ray of hope that has been witnessed of late is that the Camelot official website was updated a few months ago to include in it some references to the franchise, showing that the japanese study does not forget about her. Anyway, that does not mean at all that the team is working on a new installment, much as it would be great if it were.
Beyond all this, the only thing we have seen of Golden Sun has been that Hans appeared as a helper in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and more recently also in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, along with a melody in the form of a mix of their most characteristic themes. It would have been nice to make room for Hans as a playable character, but less gives a stone and at least the saga has not been completely forgotten.
After 12 years since the last chapter, it is difficult to imagine a new Golden Sun for Nintendo Switch or a future Nintendo console. Of course, hope is the last thing to be lost, but currently the only thing we can hope for is that Nintendo Switch Online makes way for the Game Boy Advance catalog and so at least more people have a chance to relive these classic and outstanding RPGs.