Golden Sun: Dark Dawn

UPC: 045496741099

Platform: Nintendo DS

Publisher: Nintendo of America, Inc.

Developer: Camelot Software Planning

Category: Role-Playing

Style(s): Third-Person 3D RPG

Synopsis: Nintendo's acclaimed role-playing series makes its anticipated transition from Game Boy Advance to DS with Dark Dawn. Taking place 30 years after the first two Golden Sun titles, the DS game finds the world of Weyward undergoing a dramatic transformation. The return of the Golden Sun to the land has resulted in the formation of new countries, exotic species, and unfortunately, new dangers. Mysterious vortexes have emerged that are stripping the world of its elemental powers. The offspring of the heroes from the first two games have agreed to band together and investigate the disturbances, no matter what the cost. As players explore the world, they will encounter an assortment of deadly foes, enticing treasures, and obstacles to overcome. Elemental creatures called Djinn can also be found, allowing characters to summon the magical spirits in combat. Dark Dawn makes use of the handheld's touch-screen interface for movement, spell casting, and menu navigation within the turn-based battles. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Package Contents: 56-page Instruction Manual

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

Detailed and colorful. The manual does an excellent job of explaining the aspects of the game itself.

Beautiful high end game for this platform. Vivid colors and graphics make for a game experience that is old and new at the same time.

Coming seven years after the release of Golden Sun: The Lost Age, Camelot Software brings players the next chapter in its popular RPG series. Golden Sun: Dark Dawn for the Nintendo DS takes players back to Weyard to battle a new evil by harnessing the power of the four elements: earth, fire, wind, and water. Like the previous game, players are treated to a stunning display of fluid animation and vibrant colors as they cast spells and summon creatures in order to do battle against roaming monsters. Not only is it visually appealing, but this game also employs many classic gameplay strategies that older players will enjoy, such as turn-based combat and questing across the sprawling world. The first thing players will notice is how Golden Sun: Dark Dawn connects with the previous Golden Sun releases. Fans of the original title will recognize some of the original characters as well as similar game mechanics, attack strategies, and magic usage, but this does not mean there is not anything new to this game. The developers have incorporated the touch screen for spell casting, instead of merely facing an object to enchant players can now tap the object or rotate the character themselves in order to cast the new spells available, including Arid Dryness and Grip Psynergy. The touch screen also allows an easier access to the game menu, giving players access to character statistics, inventory, attacks, and spells. This proves quite useful since players will be able to command eight heroes altogether, providing a greater variety of attacks and strategies. Djinn make a triumphant return to the series as well. These multi-talented elemental creatures strengthen players and give them new magic to play around with such as Fireball and Slaying Dragon. Developers have gone one step further by giving each Djinn individual physical characteristics too, making each visually unique to others in their elemental class. The summoning spells, while remaining the same, are given a new look and new transitions. Another new feature is an encyclopedia that chronicles the various people, places, and magic encountered. While this is useful for players whenever, they find themselves stuck in the game, this is also the game's greatest weakness. Camelot developers spent so much time on the series storyline that the game contains more exposition than actual gameplay. The structure of the game is also very linear, making it impossible to revisit certain areas of the game once completed. Sadly, the developers also removed the mini-games and numerous side quests that were available in previous games. Granted these little tidbits are not necessary for the game itself, but they do negatively impact its replay value. While it has been a long wait, Golden Sun: Dark Dawn should satisfy those hardcore fans of the original series while still snagging a few new players. It is a good role-playing game for the DS, but sadly it falls a bit short of being epic.

It's impossible to go back and revisit areas in this game, also the lack of mini-games and side quests really hurts the replay value.

The music and sounds remain true to the series, however players will notice how certain soundtracks are replayed in various villages and dungeons.

The linear structure and lack of mini-games hurt and makes it hard to fully explore the world in the game. Still the touch-screen combat system is a welcome to the traditional combat system.

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.