Golden Sun: Dark Dawn, was the last game I bought as a trio of Nintendo DS RPG games; alongside Dragon Quest IX and Dragon Quest VI - surprisingly Golden Sun was at the top alongside Dragon Quest IX as the two best games of the trio I bought. It didn't throw me head-long into the game's world, and lore without an explanation as the in game encyclopedia you can use to find out what certain events, lore and characters mean to you make the experience much smoother and enjoyable.
As a newbie to the franchise, just like with the Dragon Quest series - I simply bought it on a whim as the cover art and synopsis on the back of the box interested me. I did initially fear I would not understand it's world or lore, but the game's opening explained the events of the original game, before taking us thirty years ahead since the events. Now as the son of one of the survivors of those events, thirty years prior you understand your father and his companions saved the world from evil, but also let loose magic into the world known as Alchemy that now all people possess. Alchemy gives all the powers, and abilities to fight monsters, or use in their everyday lives. However, not everyone sees your father and his companions as saviors, for what they did all those years ago and are condemned for changing the world, and releasing Alchemy into it. This story-line is quite original, being the next generation of the saviors, and experiencing the hatred of some people for what your father did. Basically the evil your father, and his companions faced thirty years ago has returned - and you alongside your friends, also the children of your father's companions and the saviors must face this evil once again.
In terms of game-play the world is portrayed in 3D environments and visuals both in combat, and in exploration. You slowly unlock new abilities, weapons, equipment and powers as well as creatures known as Djinn to summon in battle, or enhance your own powers and abilities. This requires a lot of grinding, as you slowly face more powerful enemies but with the main powers and abilities of the Djinn and Alchemy unlocked gradually, combat isn't too punishing as some RPG games would be.
As for it's graphics and visuals, I must claim they are some of the most stunning and beautiful I've ever seen showcased on the Nintendo DS, and they still look great on the 3DS. Environments and characters are smooth, intricately designed, and are quite beautiful to watch - particularly your own Djinn when in battle look amazing, and could put Pokemon to shame.
For it's musical score, again like what you would expect of a Nintendo RPG the game has some of the best background music to it's combat sequences, and more suitable music to exploration and going about completing quests.
The Good:
- An original story-line, with references to events of the original game but played out through the eyes of the next generation, the children of the original heroes from thirty years prior.
- Beautiful visuals, some of the best I've ever seen on the Nintendo DS and 3DS particularly as you explore the open world, and when using magic or Djinn in battle.
- A strong musical score, particularly in battle and exploration as to be expected from a Nintendo RPG game.
- Lovable characters, with some witty and funny dialogue at times.
The Bad:
- None that I can really find with the game, other than like most RPG games on the Nintendo systems you have to be a big fan of the genre, I know for some who are not that Golden Sun would be too much for them, to get into.
Golden Sun: Dark Dawn is a fun, enjoyable and beautiful game to play both in terms of it's content and visuals. For fans of the original it's a must have, as a direct sequel and for fans of the RPG genre with Nintendo it's a gem to enjoy. I would pay full price for it, or find it for a bargain if you can. There are definitely hours of game-play here to enjoy, once side quests open up later in the game.