Alundra

"An outstanding action RPG"

Yeah, I lied, I said TOD 2 was going to be my next review. However, I feel the need to write this review for Alundra first, why? because it simply kicks ass and it's sequel is ruining it's name. TOD 2 kicks ass too, but I must now put my word in about Alundra. I promise my next review will be TOD 2, for sure this time.

Let me start off by saying I'm still trying to wash the bad taste out of my mouth, known as Alundra 2. That game is horrid. For more info, check my review of it. It not only left me craving for a better action RPG, but for my sanity. Anyway, that became my new frisbee, but I still wanted an action RPG to play. so, while browsing through my local games place, the guy there recommended Alundra. I said no, the sequel sucks and was a complete waste of my hard earned cash. He agreed that the sequel sucked, but he told me the first one was a classic 2D action RPG with a kick ass story. So, I decided to take his word for it, and spend my 20 bucks to get it. Boy, was he right, Alundra is so good, it made me angry that I didn't check it out earlier.

Alundra is the easily the best 2D overhead action RPG since Zelda LTTP. The gameplay is easy to learn, very addicting, and most important, fun. I spent hours playing this game and never got tired. The storyline is excellent, the puzzles are great fun (but extremely challenging) and who doesn't love to hack and slash your enemies to bits?

Alundra also has a killer storyline. You play as a mute hero named, what else but Alundra who must save the townspeople of Iona from an evil that is taking over them. Alundra has a power known as ''Dreamwalker'' which enables him to enter the minds of the towns people and stop the evil that is putting them into horrible nightmares, which in the end, kills them. The storyline will keep your attention for a long time, unlike the god awful unoriginal story of Alundra 2.

The gameplay of Alundra will have action RPG fans in heaven. This is a true classic 2D action RPG similar to games such as Zelda LTTP and Crystalis. The control, while is a bit confusing at first, you'll be able to get it under your fingers in no time. You have 2 actions, one is to swing your sword in front of you, and the other is an item of your choice to use. Later in the game, you get a magic meter which lets you use spells.

The graphics kept reminding me of Chrono Trigger's graphics, don't know why, they just did. The sprites look good, and I have no real complaints.

The sound and music is also good too. The music for the dungeons and towns are pleasant and well composed.

So, action RPG fans, this is an absolute must play. Anyone who likes 2D action RPGs will be in heaven with Alundra. It's an awesome game that truly needs to be experienced by more people. However, the sequel sucks. Don't go near the sequel, for the love of god. Instead, pick up the first one, and cherish how much fun it is. Happy playing!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/02/01, Updated 10/02/01