I remember sitting in Homeroom in Highschool, and trying to ignore the channel 1 news that would play before the bell would ring for first period. I could not, however, ignore some of the adds and commercials that would play in the middle of it. One in particular was for this game. Now, allow me to paint the picture for you:

Imagine an orchestra playing, a chandelier in the rafters of a music hall that starts to come to life with fire an light. A woman in a red dress holds her hand out towards it as the creature comes down, power radiating off it.

Then, the Golden Sun logo as well as clips from the game appear...

Really didn't explain what was going on very well.

But I was intrigued, but not enough to buy it myself. I waited until my father (a gamer in his own right) got the game, and after he was finished, I played it. I played and finished it, only after I was done realizing that I hadn't found everything this game had to offer. But now, after losing the game and being unable to play it for years it was nice to sit down and finally be able to play once again. Now, looking at it in a more critical eye, I enjoy this game in so many more ways.

However, if the classic RPG style isn't your thing, then I suppose you might have to pass this game up.

Graphics: 9
For the day and system in which the game was created for, the graphics are really good. Though expressions are not really shown, you are able to get a feel for what each character is feeling due to thought bubbles and comical motions. The battle graphics is where the game truly shines. After a shift in the screen you are treated to a battle screen that rivals and ever surpasses in some cases some SNES (and even some early generation PS1) games. Each monster has its own details and traits that, while some are re-colors of other monsters, are still unique in each.

Sound: 8
The music is pleasant to the ears, and it helps give you a sense of where you are. If something serious is happening the music fits it perfectly, and also if something is comical you can tell. The sound effects for battle and magic is pretty cool as well. The only problem that I had with it was that sometimes it would feel repetitive, so I would be forced to turn the sound off, just so that my sanity wasn't lost.

Addictiveness: 10
Once you are able to freely explore the world, the game becomes far more addicting. Some stories in the game don't have to be completed in a specific order (or even at all) in order to complete the game. There are side stories everywhere, and not to mention the Dijinn to find. You'll find yourself not being able to put the game down, wanting to know what happened.

Story: 8
I give the story an 8 because, to be honest, the story, while compelling, does lack in a few areas. Some things are lost in the scuffle and stories go unanswered (even after playing the sequel). The basic story is that you play as Isaac, a young man who's been charged with saving the world from men and women who wish to return Alchemy to the world by lighting the lighthouses of the elements. This, however, doesn't necessarily seem like a bad thing. It's never really explained why it's a bad thing, and the world never seems to really be in danger. However, it is enough to make you want to keep going, and play the sequel in order to finish and understand  the story from there on.

Depth: 10

Crossbone Isle, Dijinn, Drop Items (Kuichimonji), so many things make you want to keep playing and find that if you find yourself growing bored with the actual storyline you're free to go and explore the world to your hearts content. Side stories and abilities to find, this game has so much to offer that I could write an entire review based solely on this.

Difficulty: 9
The game, while not seeming incredibly difficult, can actually take a bit of planning ahead and level grinding. If you are a purist and like to keep your characters with their chosen elements, then you may find the game just a tad bit more challenging than someone else who switches the Dijinn around freely. Bosses are challenging and the game itself lends one to wanting to throw it against the wall, but as long as you hold that urge down you won't be disappointed when playing the game.

Overall: 9.8

Play the game to see what I mean. If classic RPG style is your forte, then you will not be able to put the game down. If not, then I suppose this game is not for you. But it is a game that, when played, can invite you to a story which spans not one, but three separate games.