Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (Nintendo DS) - Review by Trent

Introduction

A storm started the legends of old, it rattled the world like a bird cage and ended up creating a new world. A world with expands on the mythology continuing the original story, but at the same time giving a brand new legend. Golden Sun has returned for the DS platform and as the third title in the series starts the story with the children of the Warriors of Vale- (the heroes from the original). However does the title live up to the expectations of the world which has been created within the series? Or does continuing the legend with a new blood line send the story flat on its face?

Gameplay

Golden Sun: Dark Dawn is a classic RPG style adventure game which picks the player up once again in Vale- well at least where it used to be. The world has changed drastically since the Golden Sun event. Which means old players will be coming to a fresh new world, however with simular locations every so often to grasp them back into the days of old.

The series features creatures called Dinjin, and magic which is called Psyenergy. Psyenergy can be used in battle and outside of battle. Examples range from exploding your enemies with waves of dry sand, to healing your companions. The types of Psyenergy you have access to range from what Dinjin you have set, and what your class is. Dinjin offer another depth to battle, allowing the player to set, summon then use them to summon even crazier creatures. Each Dinjin once summoned the first time, and then has a “second time” summon which is a mythical beast which can aid you in battle by attacking your opponents. The Dinjin can also do this, but some Dinjin have different types of moves, such as defensive moves which can protect and heal members of the party.

Players will be wondering around an over world which shrinks towns and other locations into an icon. The over world itself is filled with monsters and other events which keep the player entertained before accessing the next point.

The game is relatively straight forward, and there isn’t much verge from the liner path. However the story is amazingly well connected to both the original titles in the series, while offering something new to the player. Players who are unfamiliar with the older titles, or even certain aspects in Dark Dawn, can click on various words which have a terms dictionary attached to them.

Controls

The controls are what many players will expect. Been a Nintendo DS title, it takes most of the action to the touch screen. With many functions, possibly even all functions accessible on the touch screen. Players can map various Psyenergy to the L and R buttons, which saves time finding frequently used Psyenergy in the menus.

The player walks around by using the stylus, and most commands are accessible with the touch screen. Considering the main gameplay is on the touch screen, manly players will find themselves not paying attention to the top, which mostly features either player stats or a map depending on what the player has set it to.

Graphics

The graphics have been updated to a brand new 3D look. Gamers might associate the new style with other titles which have appeared on the Nintendo DS, such as AWAY and Okamiden. It is a very simple, yet slightly blocky graphics style which has grassed other titles this generation. As well as been appealing enough to grab the nostalgic feeling of the sprites in the GBA titles.

Some graphics even appear to have been reused, such as icons for Pysenergy and other menus.

Sound

When it comes to the music and sound effects within Golden Sun: Dark Dawn, familiar players to the series will notice that they are essentially the same sounds from the original GBA titles. Nostalgic memories will rush through the players as they adventure through the game remembering the various clicks and pops the game makes.

However while a great fan service. The music ages well enough to engage the user, but questions if there could have been more. Many of the sound effects could also of been updated, sounding a little too old school alongside the graphics update.

Dual screen

The top screen is commonly used for either maps or status information. Which the user can select. In some areas the top screen displays the titles logo. For the post part combat takes up the two screens, with the top screen acting as one big screen alongside the bottom.

Final comments

Golden Sun: Dark Dawn for the Nintendo DS gives the new generation a fresh look at the series. While continuing the scriptures the series has become known for. It carries the original Game Boy Advance titles well enough to provide new players with detailed background when ever needed. A worthy continuation of the Golden Sun story which keeps the player intrigued throughout.

Pro: Puzzles are quite interesting at times, with unique ways to solve them.
Con: Frequent points of no return are common in this title. Some easy puzzles.
Final score: 8.7

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