Feature | If You Like... 2D Zelda

Alundra (PlayStation)

• Released: 11/04/1997 (JP); 05/06/1998 (Europe); 21/12/1997 (US)
  [li]PlayStation Network: 10/10/2007 (JP); 12/10/2010 (US); 15/08/2012 (EU)

It is evident that Alundra takes a lot of inspiration from 2D Zelda, but when it does everything so well, you can be assured that this is no bad thing. From familiar items like bombs and bows to slashing bushes to find cash, fans of Zelda could be forgiven for thinking this was an entry in the famed series itself. An accustomed top-down viewpoint is used above a vibrant and colourful world with detailed character sprites that bring everything to life. Unlike Link, though, Alundra has the ability to jump manually, and this allows for much platforming action. Puzzles play a huge part in the game, and some can leave you stumped and pushing your brain for quite a while. The sense of accomplishment is great though; this is one area that Zelda players should feel extremely pleased with, especially if you've not found recent Zelda games' puzzles as challenging as desired.

The plot is one of the strongest aspects of the game, with story and character interaction being a bigger focal point than in early Zelda games. Characters ooze personality, and a brilliant translation has helped bring them to life through plenty of humorous and witty comments. You will grow fond of these people and actually want to help save them in your quest. What brings players in even more, however, is the sheer darkness of the storyline. Things get scary and intense; death is a prominent theme. Coupled with a quite terrific soundtrack to bring emotion to every scene, Alundra is a game that simply has to be played by any fan of 2D Zelda games.

3D Dot Game Heroes (PlayStation 3)

• Released: 05/11/2009 (JP); 11/05/2010 (US); 14/05/2010 (EU)

Typically, there is a cliché story which takes place in the kingdom of Dotnia, of all places. The king noticed people stopped caring for his 2D world and decided to turn everything into 3D. The Dark King was suddenly freed from the Dark Orb, evil monsters plagued the land, and the six orbs that protected the people were sealed in dungeons. A hero is spoken of in legends that will pull the magical sword and defeat the Dark King. That's you.

At the start of the game, you can choose from a wide choice of blocky heroes, with some having various differences, but the beauty comes in being able to create your own character. Creating a Link clone will make it feel like playing classic Zelda even more, but you can go so far as designing rip-offs of any of your favourite game heroes if you've got the design skill. The magic sword can be upgraded, and at full health will grow larger and stronger. Classic items like bombs, bows and boomerangs complete a set up that couldn't get any more Zelda-like. In-game jokes, 8-bit-like soundtracks, challenging dungeons and a gorgeous presentation really make 3D Dot Game Heroes a game you must try out if you grew up on pixellated NES games.

The Binding of Isaac (PC / Mac)

One of the most appealing features of The Binding of Isaac is the randomly generated dungeons. You will never be playing the same game over. Dying means you lose everything, but you start in a brand new set of dungeons, allowing for endless replay ability. Isaac's primary form of attack is a take on the bow and arrow system whereby he shoots tears. As if that wasn't abnormal enough to begin with, over 100 different items can change Isaac's appearance freakishly, offering him new ways of sending the 50+ types of monsters and the 20 unsettling bosses to hell. Tons of levels and unlockables mean you will be hooked on this for days.