Alundra

Description

Released in 1997 for the first PlayStation, Alundra is one of those titles that remains in the minds of gamers years later as an action-adventure gem. Developed by Matrix Software and published by Working Designs, Alundra combines elements of action, puzzles and a deep story in a unique mix that defies easy pigeonholing.

The story centers around a young dreamer named Alundra who has the uncanny ability to enter other people's dreams. The interesting and dark plot begins to unfold when his ship breaks down and Alundra ends up on the shores of the small settlement of Inoa. The locals suffer from terrible nightmares that often lead them to their deaths. As a player, you embark on a journey to not only unravel the mysteries of their dreams, but also to fight the ancient evil that causes these nightmares.

The game brilliantly balances between action and puzzle solving. The combat system is brisk and intuitive, although not as deep as some other games in this genre. What puts Alundra on a pedestal of game greatness, however, are its puzzles. Every dungeon you encounter is elaborate and full of challenges that require not only clever reasoning, but also precise timing and skill. These puzzles test your patience and ingenuity, keeping the player constantly engaged.

The game's graphical design transports us to a beautiful 2D world with detailed sprites and rich environments. This visual style, although it seems dated today, has its own charm and gives the game a nostalgic feel. The soundtrack by Kōhei Tanaka is an essential part of the atmosphere, enhancing the sense of mystery and epicness of each scene you enter.

One of the other strong aspects of the game is its story and characters. Each character you encounter has their own backstory and motivations, which adds more depth to the game. The text is well-written and much of the dialogue is memorable due to its emotionality and sense of humor. Additionally, the game isn't afraid to touch on dark and disturbing themes, making it one of the more mature and emotionally challenging RPGs of its time.

Alundra is not a flawless title. Some players may find the difficulty too high, especially in the later stages of the game where the puzzles become more challenging and the combat sequences more intense. Navigating the game world and backtracking can also be tedious at times. Still, these flaws pale next to the overall quality and experience the game offers.

Ultimately, Alundra is an example of what an action-adventure game with a deep story and intellectual challenges should look like. For those who want to experience more than just fast-paced action and are looking for a game with lasting impact, Alundra is the perfect choice. Although more than two decades have passed since its release, it remains proof that worthwhile games never fade from the minds of gamers.