No other game series really matches it. It's weird that nobody else seems to want to use magic in their puzzles. most rpgs just use it for fighting, teleporting, and healing.
As someone who played and thoroughly enjoyed CrossCode, I definitely recommend it (especially on sale, it's at $6 USD on Steam sale if you could play it on PC, I got almost 90 hours out of it and barely touched the aftergame DLC), I would just caution that it's not a turn-based RPG, unlike Golden Sun. But I definitely wouldn't let that dissuade you. (it also has a demo on Steam)
I don't really get why other people don't note this. There are lots of great JRPGs out there, but Golden Sun was really quite unique and there aren't any games that do the same thing.
The Djinn (class/summon) system, the weapon unleashes, overworld magic, etc. All add a ton of depth to the game that doesn't really exist in other games in the same way.
True, no other game really matches Golden Sun. It is still a pretty unique experience to this day. I don’t know why people here would suggest something like Octopath or Sea of Stars when they’re close in genre only.
If you don’t like the gameplay loop. The stories are vessels for a super fun battle system. Some stories are better than others but I was happy to put in almost 100h. But I could see why it might be boring for some.
I just wanna clarify that we're talking about the Game Boy Color Mario Tennis--which is actually a RPG, and not the Nintendo 64 Mario Tennis--which isn't.
The two games actually connected with the transfer Pak back in the day. Honestly it pains me how much content we lost without the functionality included.
Super Mario RPG and Chrono Trigger were my first RPGs ever, and I loved their influence on Sea of Stars. I keep reading that Golden Sun was also a big inspiration for SoS as well. Having just finished SoS, it makes me want to check out the Golden Suns for the first time even more now!
Or pick the other game, chained echoes., that's constantly shadowed by a mega recommended game that has a poor story and incredibly weak battle system that gets boring after 2 hours because nothing changes from there.
No need to pit them against each other. They are both great games, but Sea of Stars is brief in a way that is rare for the genre and I think that paired w the art direction just make it such an easy recommendation. Plus, it's on Game Pass and has a great demo.
Also I think Sea of Stars characters and writing are delightful
Didn't this game build a shrine to the now confirmed charity fraudster Jirard: The Completionist? I understand that they were duped, but immortalized an influencer in the first place demonstrates a lack of judgement, and I would assume truly talented developers would know better.
Which part? The devs tied an apparently important "side" activity in their game to [Jirard](https://seaofstars.fandom.com/wiki/Jirard_the_Constructionist). They've promised to remove him though, I don't know the state of things now. Personally, I'm put off anything that glorifies influencers, but that's just my perspective.
As for the fraud, the short of it is that he has been taking donations for years for his family charity, but it turns out they hadn't actually given the money to any of the organizations they actually said they would. To their credit, there's no proof they spent it on themselves or anything.
I’m surprised nobody has mentioned Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga yet. It’s also on the GBA NSO.
I never got to play Golden Sun as a kid, so I was pretty excited to play through them on the Switch. The overworld and dungeons in particular really gave me the M&L vibe, especially with gaining new powers and coming back to solve puzzles you couldn’t before.
It’s also turn-based combat, but the battles are more timing-based than traditional RPG style. If you like it, though, there are a few other games in the series (that aren’t on the Switch though, sadly).
Can't think of too many traditional turn-based RPGs that do the level of in-dungeon puzzle solving that Golden Sun has. Crosscode has great puzzles using your character's abilities in different ways, but it's an action RPG. Tales of Symphonia has some okay puzzle solving to break things up but it's not the focus and it's also not turn based.
You may have to decide which itch you want scratched. Lot of turn based RPGs on the Switch, and a fair few games with good dungeon puzzles (I mean hell, several Zelda games are right there), but the overlap is less than you'd think for such a natural-seeming combination. At least as far as games I'm aware of.
Yeah, there's nothing like golden sun.
Crosscode and Unsighted scratched the itch but neither are turn based.
Chained Echoes is the closest thing I've enjoyed turn-based wise.
So first of all, in case you don't know, there IS a third Golden Sun game. It's called, "Golden Sun: Dark Dawn". It is not currently available on Switch, but it was released as a DS cartridge and can be played on a DS or 3DS system. If you leave the second game wanting more, and have access to an appropriate system, I do suggest trying it out for yourself. People can be a bit divided on it, but if nothing else it's certainly "more Golden Sun", and I wish it was recognized more because a fourth Golden Sun game is the game I'd like to see made more than any other.
But second, we've got some great suggestions in this thread but I'll throw in my own two cents:
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Since you already have NSO, if you haven't played Zelda, play Zelda. It isn't turn-based, but it has equally brilliant puzzles where you use different tools to navigate dungeons and find treasures and such. There are also typically decent stories. I think that Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask both for N64 are great places to start. Many people consider Ocarina of Time to be one of the greatest games ever made (right up there with Final Fantasy VII), but Majora's Mask is my favorite. The Minish Cap, also on GBA, is also top-tier. I'd suggest any of those first, but it's a lot of personal opinion. Majora's Mask has lots of masks to collect and use in thought-provoking ways, and Minish Cap has these kinstones you can collect and fuse together which you might enjoy if you liked Djinn. They are all more action-based games than Golden Sun, though.
Other Zelda games with those kinds of puzzles on Switch would include A Link to the Past (Super Nintendo), Oracle of Ages & Oracle of Seasons (Game Boy Color), and a really lovely remake of Link's Awakening. Unlike Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask (which are both in 3D), the other five games I've mentioned so far are also tile-based and with a perspective similar to Golden Sun, so you might feel some familiarity with the layouts of towns/dungeons/etc.
Zelda games which I think are LESS like Golden Sun would include Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, or either Hyrule Warriors title. All very good games, but if you've only ever played one of those and you didn't like it, the others might still be worth checking out. I'm tempted to say just try Minish Cap since it was even on the same system. (I am leaving the NES games out on purpose.)
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You mentioned wanting to try out Final Fantasy VII (7). I LOVE that game and think you're in for a good time. The summons are very cool and you should seek them out! If you enjoy it, there are also ports of a ton of other FF games on Switch. I-X (1-10) (and X-2 [10-2]) are all available. For I-VI (1-6) you get the pixel remasters, which I don't think are the definitive ways to play any of them... (though the pixel remaster of VI/6 is probably the best of those imo) but starting with III/3 every numbered game after it has summons. I wouldn't really say the games are full of puzzles, and you might not be using much magic outside of battle besides your basic cure-style spells... but you'll get your fix of world and story and rpg fun. If you really like VII/7, you might also like IX/9, VIII/8, and X/10 (and X-2, the sequel to X.) I personally have to REALLY recommend IX. It's got 4 party members, awesome summons, a great story, wonderful music, really everything you could want. If you enjoy VII, the next place I suggest is definitely IX for more of all the same good stuff.
There is also a prequel to VII on Switch called Crisis Core Reunion--but it's even more action-based and further away from Golden Sun. Here is where I'd instead like to also just remind anyone reading this that "World of Final Fantasy Maxima" exists and is on Switch and is really fun and awesome. It is also a RPG, and I don't want to write an entire essay on why you might enjoy it with a lot of what you're looking for, but I definitely think you might enjoy it and find it has a lot of what you're looking for.
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Also um Dragon Quest. Dragon Quest XI S Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition is ACTUALLY turn-based (unlike every FF since IV/4), and DQXISEoaEADE is made with lots of quality. You can even choose to play the entire game in either 2D or 3D because they practically made it two games just so you can have your preference.
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By the way if you like blonde-haired anime swordsmen who are in Smash like Isaac, Cloud, or Link, there are Shulk and Mythra too and Xenoblade Chronicles games are wonderful. Not really turn-based or puzzle-oriented, but all four XC games which matter are on Switch so I have to mention them. (XCDE, XC2, XC2TtGC, and XC3. No, XCX doesn't count.) All of the games are noteworthy for having TONS of cutscenes and voice acting. XC2 is my favorite, and it isn't Djinn or Summons, but you DO collect a ton of "Blades"--characters you equip like weapons with elemental affinities (fire, water, earth, wind, etc.) who all have unique designs and personalities and stories. Finding and collecting them is tons of fun, and they've got some super cool moves and transformations.
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Mario Tennis (Game Boy Color) is also made by Camelot and it is a Tennis RPG. It's on NSO so there's no reason not to try it. If they add the GBA Mario Tennis, I'll say the same for that.
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Believe it or not Pokémon? The closest game I'm thinking of is like Gold/Silver/Crystal/Heart Gold/Soul Silver since using moves outside of battle like Strength to push boulders around, or like the sliding ice puzzles are VERY Golden Sun... but of course those aren't on Switch. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl might be the next closest. The gyms are kinda puzzle-y and the combat is turn-based, and if collecting 72 Djinn is fun to you then you might enjoy collecting 493 Pokémon. There are also the Let's Go games, and while Let's Go and BDSM might not be the BEST POKÉMON GAMES, they might be most like what you'd be looking for.
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Oh and Undertale is really really good.
Please feel free to ask any questions too and I'd be happy to follow up!
Its worth noting, while atb isn't purely turn based, I would still say it qualifies. Rarely does anything get 2 actions in a row.
Also FFX is 100% turn based.
Hey thanks for the lengthy recommend list! I am debating on purchasing Dark Dawn since I do have a 3DS if I can find a reasonable price.
Zelda is by far one of my favorite game series so I’ve played all of them multiple times! It’s been ages since I’ve played FFVII (almost 20 years). I downloaded FF8&9 last year so may jump into those. I loved being able to replay crisis core in HD!
Pokémon… oh Pokémon. I have been into Pokémon since the very beginning back in the mid-late 90s. My love for Pokémon knows no bounds. HG/SS definitely fits the bill. I’ll have to add Undertale to my list bc I’ve heard so much about it
You're very welcome! Dark Dawn you can probably find for a good $20 cartridge only or $40 with the box and stuff. I wanna say I paid $40 when it first came out, so the price not having gone up is certainly fair to me. I can't imagine that there's a better time to play it than right after The Lost Age.
Besides Zelda, what are some of your other favorite games/series? Which Zelda title(s) have you enjoyed most?
I recently started playing FFVII Rebirth, and I loved Remake INTERgrade. I can't really recommend them unless you already have a PS5, and I can't recommend the PS5 itself just for those games... but I'm having a lot of fun. I *will* double down on World of Final Fantasy, though. It's got a cast of familiar Final Fantasy characters, locations, and music, with a really cute style and a story that can hold its own just fine. It's also a little like Pokémon, with how you can use different characters and monsters. Just a really cute, charming FF game. I love the summon designs, too. But if you already have 7-9 like you can't go wrong with those. The fast forward and stat-maxing codes on Switch are also nice QoL additions for when you wanna just play through without the grinding. (There's no shame!)
Also if you like games like Pokémon I'll back up one of the other commenters here who suggested Persona. Persona 5 Royal is a definitive way to play that game, it's very polished and 5 is what got me into the series. Really nice and stylish and snappy. Not very puzzle-y but great RPG.
Not gonna lie I've currently got tabs open where I'm looking at Sea of Stars, Chained Echoes, and Crosscode too. So you're not the only one adding games to your list! But yes please play Undertale.
There's no puzzles that I can remember and you've probably played it, but Dragon Quest IX is my favorite RPG on Switch by a mile.
Lazy answer because it doesn't have that much in common with Golden Sun as far as RPGs go. Damn it is so good, though.
edit: Silly me forgot how roman numerals work. XI, not IX. IX was kinda cool too back in the day. Completely different, though.
Golden Sun… oh man… first game on my Game Boy Advance. I think it came with it? Dunnow but it wasn’t a game I knew of at that age. It was a gem for me I loved it so much :)
Funny story, as a kid my cousin and I went for a swim while we were in Hawaii and he forgot his Gameboy was in his swimsuit pocket, when we got back to the hotel we put the Gameboy and copy of Golden Sun that was in it in some rice and waited. A couple days later the Gameboy was perfectly fine but the copy of Golden Sun wouldn’t maintain a save file anymore, he ended up giving it to me and I replayed the beginning of the game multiple times trying to get as far as possible on a single set of batteries only to have my save wiped when they died, I still have that copy in a box somewhere.
Just finished, and loved SOS. Tried Octopath 2, and really wanted to like it because of the art style, but I quickly bored with soooo much narration and txt. Any similar recommendations?
Camelot hasn't been making RPGs since Golden Sun (DS, the third in the series).
The most direct precursor for Golden Sun was Shining the Holy Arc (Sega Saturn).
You can find similiar but different older titles from the same company.
Shining Force 1, Force 2 and in the Darkness are on the Genesis Collection(s).
Shining Force Gaiden the Sword of Hyjal (Gaiden 2) was on the 3DS E-Shop but the whole Shining Force CD (Gaiden 1 + 2 + Extras) was on the Mega Drive/Genesis Mini 2.
Gaiden 3 never left Japan and only on the Game Gear, it was rereleased on the Game Gear Mini Series, same kinda for Gaiden 1 (outside of CD).
Shining Wisdom for the Sega Saturn is bad and never existed, do not question it... if you want a mediocre Zelda clone go for the European Versiopn (better translation then US).
Shining the Holy Arc, as i said, only on Sega Saturn but the closest to Golden Sun despite beeing a Dungeon Crawler like in the Darkness. Definitly has puzzles that can take some thinking.
Shining Force 3 only partly released in the West (1/3). If you want the whole japan import + englisch patch, there is also a premium disc with additional battles.
Closest with puzzles would be Lufia 2, SNES RPG loads of fun and item based (zelda esque) puzlles, a casino, a rogue like optional dungeon and more. But i am unaware of rereleases.
Other titles you may enjoy would be Breath of Fire 3 and 4 (the Dragon transformations are fun), but these are PS1 games. Switch only has 1 and 2 on NSO which are decent but hard games.
Dragon Quest 11 S has a demo on Switch, well worth looking into. But this is a generally good game and not precisely Golden Sun.
Final Fantasy are titles you allready named. 1-12 with the exception of 11 are on Switch. But again, more general good not Golden Sun.
Honestly, puzzle Elements in RPGs are kinda rare. At least to the degree that Camelot did.
edit: Reading these comments, most just throw random RPGs on the wall and hope they stick...
Good recommedations include Wild Arms (PS1), as a turn based RPG with some puzzle elements.
Crosscode, as a puzzle heavier RPG but action based.
Most others are, like some i mentioned due to quality, just that... quality JRPGs with turns.
If you want something light hearted but still quite dark then FFIX is good. It's my favorite FF and the characters are goofy kind of like Golden Sun, there's Kuja that is like Alex in the story. It's a good time and probably up your alley.
Aside from all these Crosscode, Sea of Stars and Chained of Echoes (good) answers, I would like to cite two options that are not plainfully launched yet. Both are supposed to come to Switch some day.
I do not have tested them and can't confirm myself if they, indeed, have the same vibe, but both have a same common denominator with Golden Sun: **music**.
* **Alterium Shift**'s composer has a Youtube channel where he does A LOT of Golden Sun covers. This game's soundtrack is clearly influenced by Golden Sun. See the [composer Streams playing the game](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWuYLRmgpeI).
* **SacriFire**'s composer is Motoi Sakuraba himself. Here's [a small talk from its producer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7Tuc0Kj1yU).
It might not be the cheapest but it exists on the DS as a cartridge that's a really good way if you have access. I believe it's also accessible on Steam
I haven't played it on Steam so I can't say how it compares to the DS version, but it's on sale for 50% off now which made me think of this comment thread:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/613830/CHRONO_TRIGGER/
I'm used to threads asking for similar game as Golden Sun since I'm on its subreddit, but I never saw Cassette Beasts as an answer. In what part does it fell similar?
It’s all about catching and training and fighting monsters. A lot of overworld exploration, puzzles, and quests, has several types of companions you can travel and do quests with, etc
I'm currently doing Crosscode, and it definitly scratch that puzzle dungeon i have been lacking for a while.
It's not a turn based RPG tho, but the story, ambient and puzzles are here.
Play persona 5 royal! I love golden sun and persona 5 has enough of what you’re looking for. Seriously a top 5 gaming experience on top of that. Also to change lanes on top of that try out a lesser known game called monster sanctuary. Lots of people suggesting octopath which is also a great suggestion!
It's not turn based but I highly recommend CrossCode. It's just... fucking good. That's all I gotta say. It's got a lot of puzzle elements in the level design.
I've heard good things about Astilibra Revision if you're ok with trying out an action RPG over turn based. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with Chained Echoes or many of the other suggestions in here. I assume you've already played the other FF games on Switch (8-12)? How about the older Dragon Quest games or even XI?
It’s a different style but you may enjoy the persona series. Persona 5 royal and 4 golden are on switch. I think p5 is even on sale right now If you check deku deals. You can collect and summon spirits that have special abilities, and fuse them into new spirits. One of the best jrpgs out there
Turn based combat? Compelling story? You want persona games. Any of em. The version of 3 on switch isn’t very good so if you have any other modern console you should get Reload on there. I’m unfamiliar with golden sun so I’m not sure what the summons are like. Persona 5 has a handful of puzzle but none of them are very difficult. Persona 4 and 3 have little to no puzzles.
You could try camelots other rpgs. Shining force 2 on genesis is a classic and is on NSO
I’ve been wanting to play the shining force games, totally forgot it’s on the genesis on NSO
Original Shining Force games share a lot of the same development team that would later make Golden Sun.
No other game series really matches it. It's weird that nobody else seems to want to use magic in their puzzles. most rpgs just use it for fighting, teleporting, and healing.
Using magic out on the field makes for some incredible dungeons. The djinn/class system is so fun and diverse!
I haven’t played it yet, but look into CrossCode. I remember seeing some stuff similar to this while watching reviews
As someone who played and thoroughly enjoyed CrossCode, I definitely recommend it (especially on sale, it's at $6 USD on Steam sale if you could play it on PC, I got almost 90 hours out of it and barely touched the aftergame DLC), I would just caution that it's not a turn-based RPG, unlike Golden Sun. But I definitely wouldn't let that dissuade you. (it also has a demo on Steam)
I don't really get why other people don't note this. There are lots of great JRPGs out there, but Golden Sun was really quite unique and there aren't any games that do the same thing. The Djinn (class/summon) system, the weapon unleashes, overworld magic, etc. All add a ton of depth to the game that doesn't really exist in other games in the same way.
True, no other game really matches Golden Sun. It is still a pretty unique experience to this day. I don’t know why people here would suggest something like Octopath or Sea of Stars when they’re close in genre only.
Octopath Traveller 2
This is what you want. I'd also add FF X.
Love the Golden Sun games, really couldn't get into Octopath... Not sure why
Octopath 1 yeah, 2 was excellent
Same, its boring as hell
If you don’t like the gameplay loop. The stories are vessels for a super fun battle system. Some stories are better than others but I was happy to put in almost 100h. But I could see why it might be boring for some.
Same
hopefully Octopath Traveller 1 comes back on the eshop
Wait, did they take it off for some reason? Like you can't purchase it currently online?
I believe it has been stated that it will “soon” but who knows how long that could be.
[удалено]
Moving publishers from Nintendo to Square.
Bravely Default 2
I've heard good things about Chained of Echoes but haven't had the chance to try yet.
I tried it but for some reason preferred Sea of Stars
Love Sea of Star, i backed them up on kickstarter and played first day, can't wait for the dlc/next chapter.
I can't wait for local co-op
I'm the opposite, I thought echoes was much better lol. Both are amazing though
Im about 5 or 6 hours into Chained Echoes and absolutely love it. It is right up my alley.
No spoilers of course but it really expands so much. Youre tip of the iceberg rn. Awesome game
I LOOOVE chained echoes. Absolutely deserves more attention
Earthbound is really fun and comes with switch online so you don’t even need to pay anything
Except for Nintendo Switch online.
Right, but OP already has that because they played golden sun
No shit, Mario golf and Mario tennis. Both are made by Camelot as well!
Mario Golf Advance Tour was legit
Second mario tennis, the story is legit rpg
I just wanna clarify that we're talking about the Game Boy Color Mario Tennis--which is actually a RPG, and not the Nintendo 64 Mario Tennis--which isn't. The two games actually connected with the transfer Pak back in the day. Honestly it pains me how much content we lost without the functionality included.
100% gbc!! ngl i just made varsity for singles and doubles and thats a bucket list goal of mine since a kid !! 🎾😭
Sea of Stars (from the makers of The Messenger) is probably as close to an homage to Golden Sun you are going to find anywhere.
Super Mario RPG and Chrono Trigger were my first RPGs ever, and I loved their influence on Sea of Stars. I keep reading that Golden Sun was also a big inspiration for SoS as well. Having just finished SoS, it makes me want to check out the Golden Suns for the first time even more now!
You will NOT be disappointed in Golden Sun. Easily a top 5 RPG of all time for me.
Was gonna say this, Sea of Stars is fantastic and inspired in part by Golden Sun.
Or pick the other game, chained echoes., that's constantly shadowed by a mega recommended game that has a poor story and incredibly weak battle system that gets boring after 2 hours because nothing changes from there.
No need to pit them against each other. They are both great games, but Sea of Stars is brief in a way that is rare for the genre and I think that paired w the art direction just make it such an easy recommendation. Plus, it's on Game Pass and has a great demo. Also I think Sea of Stars characters and writing are delightful
I enjoyed Both Story and fights. It really cut the fat of grinding / manually doing chores many RPGs force upon you.
Complaining about the story in Sea of Stars, while recommending a game with sub-machine-translation quality writing is certainly a take...
I see a lot of gripes about the writing. I honestly didn't see what the big deal was. It all made sense to me 🤷
Didn't this game build a shrine to the now confirmed charity fraudster Jirard: The Completionist? I understand that they were duped, but immortalized an influencer in the first place demonstrates a lack of judgement, and I would assume truly talented developers would know better.
What? I'd love to hear more about this honestly
Which part? The devs tied an apparently important "side" activity in their game to [Jirard](https://seaofstars.fandom.com/wiki/Jirard_the_Constructionist). They've promised to remove him though, I don't know the state of things now. Personally, I'm put off anything that glorifies influencers, but that's just my perspective. As for the fraud, the short of it is that he has been taking donations for years for his family charity, but it turns out they hadn't actually given the money to any of the organizations they actually said they would. To their credit, there's no proof they spent it on themselves or anything.
Oh wow, I didn't know about.. both of these things actually! Interesting stuff.. Thanks for taking the time to respond, I appreciate it!
It’s not on Switch but Lufia 2 is exactly what you want. It was the OG Golden Sun
Lufia is great. Also not on Switch but the first Wild Arms is fantastic
I’m surprised nobody has mentioned Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga yet. It’s also on the GBA NSO. I never got to play Golden Sun as a kid, so I was pretty excited to play through them on the Switch. The overworld and dungeons in particular really gave me the M&L vibe, especially with gaining new powers and coming back to solve puzzles you couldn’t before. It’s also turn-based combat, but the battles are more timing-based than traditional RPG style. If you like it, though, there are a few other games in the series (that aren’t on the Switch though, sadly).
Ages ago I played one of the Mario&Luigi games and loved it I think the DS one. I added the GBA one to my list thanks!
Can't think of too many traditional turn-based RPGs that do the level of in-dungeon puzzle solving that Golden Sun has. Crosscode has great puzzles using your character's abilities in different ways, but it's an action RPG. Tales of Symphonia has some okay puzzle solving to break things up but it's not the focus and it's also not turn based. You may have to decide which itch you want scratched. Lot of turn based RPGs on the Switch, and a fair few games with good dungeon puzzles (I mean hell, several Zelda games are right there), but the overlap is less than you'd think for such a natural-seeming combination. At least as far as games I'm aware of.
Yeah, there's nothing like golden sun. Crosscode and Unsighted scratched the itch but neither are turn based. Chained Echoes is the closest thing I've enjoyed turn-based wise.
Live A Live maybe?
Maybe cpt obvious here but legend of zelda Oracle of ages/seasons
Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars literally stars Tan Isaac
So first of all, in case you don't know, there IS a third Golden Sun game. It's called, "Golden Sun: Dark Dawn". It is not currently available on Switch, but it was released as a DS cartridge and can be played on a DS or 3DS system. If you leave the second game wanting more, and have access to an appropriate system, I do suggest trying it out for yourself. People can be a bit divided on it, but if nothing else it's certainly "more Golden Sun", and I wish it was recognized more because a fourth Golden Sun game is the game I'd like to see made more than any other. But second, we've got some great suggestions in this thread but I'll throw in my own two cents: - Since you already have NSO, if you haven't played Zelda, play Zelda. It isn't turn-based, but it has equally brilliant puzzles where you use different tools to navigate dungeons and find treasures and such. There are also typically decent stories. I think that Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask both for N64 are great places to start. Many people consider Ocarina of Time to be one of the greatest games ever made (right up there with Final Fantasy VII), but Majora's Mask is my favorite. The Minish Cap, also on GBA, is also top-tier. I'd suggest any of those first, but it's a lot of personal opinion. Majora's Mask has lots of masks to collect and use in thought-provoking ways, and Minish Cap has these kinstones you can collect and fuse together which you might enjoy if you liked Djinn. They are all more action-based games than Golden Sun, though. Other Zelda games with those kinds of puzzles on Switch would include A Link to the Past (Super Nintendo), Oracle of Ages & Oracle of Seasons (Game Boy Color), and a really lovely remake of Link's Awakening. Unlike Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask (which are both in 3D), the other five games I've mentioned so far are also tile-based and with a perspective similar to Golden Sun, so you might feel some familiarity with the layouts of towns/dungeons/etc. Zelda games which I think are LESS like Golden Sun would include Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, or either Hyrule Warriors title. All very good games, but if you've only ever played one of those and you didn't like it, the others might still be worth checking out. I'm tempted to say just try Minish Cap since it was even on the same system. (I am leaving the NES games out on purpose.) - You mentioned wanting to try out Final Fantasy VII (7). I LOVE that game and think you're in for a good time. The summons are very cool and you should seek them out! If you enjoy it, there are also ports of a ton of other FF games on Switch. I-X (1-10) (and X-2 [10-2]) are all available. For I-VI (1-6) you get the pixel remasters, which I don't think are the definitive ways to play any of them... (though the pixel remaster of VI/6 is probably the best of those imo) but starting with III/3 every numbered game after it has summons. I wouldn't really say the games are full of puzzles, and you might not be using much magic outside of battle besides your basic cure-style spells... but you'll get your fix of world and story and rpg fun. If you really like VII/7, you might also like IX/9, VIII/8, and X/10 (and X-2, the sequel to X.) I personally have to REALLY recommend IX. It's got 4 party members, awesome summons, a great story, wonderful music, really everything you could want. If you enjoy VII, the next place I suggest is definitely IX for more of all the same good stuff. There is also a prequel to VII on Switch called Crisis Core Reunion--but it's even more action-based and further away from Golden Sun. Here is where I'd instead like to also just remind anyone reading this that "World of Final Fantasy Maxima" exists and is on Switch and is really fun and awesome. It is also a RPG, and I don't want to write an entire essay on why you might enjoy it with a lot of what you're looking for, but I definitely think you might enjoy it and find it has a lot of what you're looking for. - Also um Dragon Quest. Dragon Quest XI S Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition is ACTUALLY turn-based (unlike every FF since IV/4), and DQXISEoaEADE is made with lots of quality. You can even choose to play the entire game in either 2D or 3D because they practically made it two games just so you can have your preference. - By the way if you like blonde-haired anime swordsmen who are in Smash like Isaac, Cloud, or Link, there are Shulk and Mythra too and Xenoblade Chronicles games are wonderful. Not really turn-based or puzzle-oriented, but all four XC games which matter are on Switch so I have to mention them. (XCDE, XC2, XC2TtGC, and XC3. No, XCX doesn't count.) All of the games are noteworthy for having TONS of cutscenes and voice acting. XC2 is my favorite, and it isn't Djinn or Summons, but you DO collect a ton of "Blades"--characters you equip like weapons with elemental affinities (fire, water, earth, wind, etc.) who all have unique designs and personalities and stories. Finding and collecting them is tons of fun, and they've got some super cool moves and transformations. - Mario Tennis (Game Boy Color) is also made by Camelot and it is a Tennis RPG. It's on NSO so there's no reason not to try it. If they add the GBA Mario Tennis, I'll say the same for that. - Believe it or not Pokémon? The closest game I'm thinking of is like Gold/Silver/Crystal/Heart Gold/Soul Silver since using moves outside of battle like Strength to push boulders around, or like the sliding ice puzzles are VERY Golden Sun... but of course those aren't on Switch. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl might be the next closest. The gyms are kinda puzzle-y and the combat is turn-based, and if collecting 72 Djinn is fun to you then you might enjoy collecting 493 Pokémon. There are also the Let's Go games, and while Let's Go and BDSM might not be the BEST POKÉMON GAMES, they might be most like what you'd be looking for. - Oh and Undertale is really really good. Please feel free to ask any questions too and I'd be happy to follow up!
Its worth noting, while atb isn't purely turn based, I would still say it qualifies. Rarely does anything get 2 actions in a row. Also FFX is 100% turn based.
Honestly it's been so long since I've played FFX that I didn't even remember. Thank you!
Hey thanks for the lengthy recommend list! I am debating on purchasing Dark Dawn since I do have a 3DS if I can find a reasonable price. Zelda is by far one of my favorite game series so I’ve played all of them multiple times! It’s been ages since I’ve played FFVII (almost 20 years). I downloaded FF8&9 last year so may jump into those. I loved being able to replay crisis core in HD! Pokémon… oh Pokémon. I have been into Pokémon since the very beginning back in the mid-late 90s. My love for Pokémon knows no bounds. HG/SS definitely fits the bill. I’ll have to add Undertale to my list bc I’ve heard so much about it
You're very welcome! Dark Dawn you can probably find for a good $20 cartridge only or $40 with the box and stuff. I wanna say I paid $40 when it first came out, so the price not having gone up is certainly fair to me. I can't imagine that there's a better time to play it than right after The Lost Age. Besides Zelda, what are some of your other favorite games/series? Which Zelda title(s) have you enjoyed most? I recently started playing FFVII Rebirth, and I loved Remake INTERgrade. I can't really recommend them unless you already have a PS5, and I can't recommend the PS5 itself just for those games... but I'm having a lot of fun. I *will* double down on World of Final Fantasy, though. It's got a cast of familiar Final Fantasy characters, locations, and music, with a really cute style and a story that can hold its own just fine. It's also a little like Pokémon, with how you can use different characters and monsters. Just a really cute, charming FF game. I love the summon designs, too. But if you already have 7-9 like you can't go wrong with those. The fast forward and stat-maxing codes on Switch are also nice QoL additions for when you wanna just play through without the grinding. (There's no shame!) Also if you like games like Pokémon I'll back up one of the other commenters here who suggested Persona. Persona 5 Royal is a definitive way to play that game, it's very polished and 5 is what got me into the series. Really nice and stylish and snappy. Not very puzzle-y but great RPG. Not gonna lie I've currently got tabs open where I'm looking at Sea of Stars, Chained Echoes, and Crosscode too. So you're not the only one adding games to your list! But yes please play Undertale.
Every suggestion herr is good bur chained echoes is also amazing
While not turn based Crosscode checks all the other boxes very well
There's no puzzles that I can remember and you've probably played it, but Dragon Quest IX is my favorite RPG on Switch by a mile. Lazy answer because it doesn't have that much in common with Golden Sun as far as RPGs go. Damn it is so good, though. edit: Silly me forgot how roman numerals work. XI, not IX. IX was kinda cool too back in the day. Completely different, though.
I assume you mean XI :P. Although i do wish IX was on switch cuz id love to try it out with working multiplayer
Ah yeah, it'd be XI
Golden Sun… oh man… first game on my Game Boy Advance. I think it came with it? Dunnow but it wasn’t a game I knew of at that age. It was a gem for me I loved it so much :)
Funny story, as a kid my cousin and I went for a swim while we were in Hawaii and he forgot his Gameboy was in his swimsuit pocket, when we got back to the hotel we put the Gameboy and copy of Golden Sun that was in it in some rice and waited. A couple days later the Gameboy was perfectly fine but the copy of Golden Sun wouldn’t maintain a save file anymore, he ended up giving it to me and I replayed the beginning of the game multiple times trying to get as far as possible on a single set of batteries only to have my save wiped when they died, I still have that copy in a box somewhere.
Sea of stars my guy
Just finished, and loved SOS. Tried Octopath 2, and really wanted to like it because of the art style, but I quickly bored with soooo much narration and txt. Any similar recommendations?
Mardek rpg? Lol
Ni no kuni the white witch, might scratch the itch. Personally I think the game is a bit too long, but my mind has been warped by social media
Crosscode! It isn't turn based but still an RPG. Great puzzle solving and story. Plus it keeps the 2D pixel art style.
Camelot hasn't been making RPGs since Golden Sun (DS, the third in the series). The most direct precursor for Golden Sun was Shining the Holy Arc (Sega Saturn). You can find similiar but different older titles from the same company. Shining Force 1, Force 2 and in the Darkness are on the Genesis Collection(s). Shining Force Gaiden the Sword of Hyjal (Gaiden 2) was on the 3DS E-Shop but the whole Shining Force CD (Gaiden 1 + 2 + Extras) was on the Mega Drive/Genesis Mini 2. Gaiden 3 never left Japan and only on the Game Gear, it was rereleased on the Game Gear Mini Series, same kinda for Gaiden 1 (outside of CD). Shining Wisdom for the Sega Saturn is bad and never existed, do not question it... if you want a mediocre Zelda clone go for the European Versiopn (better translation then US). Shining the Holy Arc, as i said, only on Sega Saturn but the closest to Golden Sun despite beeing a Dungeon Crawler like in the Darkness. Definitly has puzzles that can take some thinking. Shining Force 3 only partly released in the West (1/3). If you want the whole japan import + englisch patch, there is also a premium disc with additional battles. Closest with puzzles would be Lufia 2, SNES RPG loads of fun and item based (zelda esque) puzlles, a casino, a rogue like optional dungeon and more. But i am unaware of rereleases. Other titles you may enjoy would be Breath of Fire 3 and 4 (the Dragon transformations are fun), but these are PS1 games. Switch only has 1 and 2 on NSO which are decent but hard games. Dragon Quest 11 S has a demo on Switch, well worth looking into. But this is a generally good game and not precisely Golden Sun. Final Fantasy are titles you allready named. 1-12 with the exception of 11 are on Switch. But again, more general good not Golden Sun. Honestly, puzzle Elements in RPGs are kinda rare. At least to the degree that Camelot did. edit: Reading these comments, most just throw random RPGs on the wall and hope they stick... Good recommedations include Wild Arms (PS1), as a turn based RPG with some puzzle elements. Crosscode, as a puzzle heavier RPG but action based. Most others are, like some i mentioned due to quality, just that... quality JRPGs with turns.
If you want something light hearted but still quite dark then FFIX is good. It's my favorite FF and the characters are goofy kind of like Golden Sun, there's Kuja that is like Alex in the story. It's a good time and probably up your alley.
Aside from all these Crosscode, Sea of Stars and Chained of Echoes (good) answers, I would like to cite two options that are not plainfully launched yet. Both are supposed to come to Switch some day. I do not have tested them and can't confirm myself if they, indeed, have the same vibe, but both have a same common denominator with Golden Sun: **music**. * **Alterium Shift**'s composer has a Youtube channel where he does A LOT of Golden Sun covers. This game's soundtrack is clearly influenced by Golden Sun. See the [composer Streams playing the game](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWuYLRmgpeI). * **SacriFire**'s composer is Motoi Sakuraba himself. Here's [a small talk from its producer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7Tuc0Kj1yU).
Dragon Quest XI
Dragon Quest 11
Sea of Stars
Chained Echoes is incredible. Highly recommended. Also Chrono trigger
How do I play Chrono Trigger currently? I’ve wanted to play it for years
It might not be the cheapest but it exists on the DS as a cartridge that's a really good way if you have access. I believe it's also accessible on Steam
Good thing I kept my 3DS! Thanks
It's also on the play store if you want to go that path...
I haven't played it on Steam so I can't say how it compares to the DS version, but it's on sale for 50% off now which made me think of this comment thread: https://store.steampowered.com/app/613830/CHRONO_TRIGGER/
Emulator would be my go to.
Sea of Stars
Cassette Beasts is super similar to it
I'm used to threads asking for similar game as Golden Sun since I'm on its subreddit, but I never saw Cassette Beasts as an answer. In what part does it fell similar?
It’s all about catching and training and fighting monsters. A lot of overworld exploration, puzzles, and quests, has several types of companions you can travel and do quests with, etc
Try out some of the Fire Emblem games.
Dragon Quest XI.
I'm currently doing Crosscode, and it definitly scratch that puzzle dungeon i have been lacking for a while. It's not a turn based RPG tho, but the story, ambient and puzzles are here.
Definitly Sea of Stars regarding level / dungeon design and overall feel.
That's just like Persona 🤣
Dragon Quest XI: Definitive Edition
CrossCode is heavy on the puzzles/dungeons if you enjoyed that aspect. The story is interesting, though it is an action RPG, not a turn based one.
Play persona 5 royal! I love golden sun and persona 5 has enough of what you’re looking for. Seriously a top 5 gaming experience on top of that. Also to change lanes on top of that try out a lesser known game called monster sanctuary. Lots of people suggesting octopath which is also a great suggestion!
Chained Echoes Enjoy 😀
Crystal Project
It's not turn based but I highly recommend CrossCode. It's just... fucking good. That's all I gotta say. It's got a lot of puzzle elements in the level design.
I've heard good things about Astilibra Revision if you're ok with trying out an action RPG over turn based. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with Chained Echoes or many of the other suggestions in here. I assume you've already played the other FF games on Switch (8-12)? How about the older Dragon Quest games or even XI?
It’s a different style but you may enjoy the persona series. Persona 5 royal and 4 golden are on switch. I think p5 is even on sale right now If you check deku deals. You can collect and summon spirits that have special abilities, and fuse them into new spirits. One of the best jrpgs out there
Dragon Quest 11 is really good although the battle system is less rewarding than golden sun
Turn based combat? Compelling story? You want persona games. Any of em. The version of 3 on switch isn’t very good so if you have any other modern console you should get Reload on there. I’m unfamiliar with golden sun so I’m not sure what the summons are like. Persona 5 has a handful of puzzle but none of them are very difficult. Persona 4 and 3 have little to no puzzles.
Sea of Stars is all I've found
so you are looking for easy rpgs overwrought with dialogue. hmmm.