Video games are always evolving. It seems like almost everyday there is a new development in graphics or console design. One of the interesting parts of this is that some games are afforded a 2nd life when they are updated or ported on to new consoles. NNOOO has ported Anodyne. A game originally created by Sean Han Tani and Joni Kittaka back in 2013.
You take on the role of Young, a man that must explore a dream world. Within this world you will have to explore dungeons, defeat enemy bosses, solve puzzles, and collect cards. Of course if you are going to be battling foes, you will need some equipment. You won’t have a huge inventory to complete your quest – only shoes for jumping and a broom to bash baddies.
Anodyne can best be described as a Zelda-Lite game. When you first see the game, it is hard not to compare it to the original Legend of Zelda. You are a young man who goes a a quest. There’s a Sage that advises you. There is even a special weapon to help you on your adventure. Add in 16-bit graphics and you have a recipe for a retro inspired classic.
The graphics are true 16-bit heaven. While not as crisp and clean as newer games – they remind you of when games were more about the story and not flashy graphics. Sound effects are also old school. The music in the title can get a bit eerie at times, but it fits well with the locations you are visiting.
The game is fairly simple to pick up and start to play. You set out on your journey and are given a few key bits of advice as you go along. There are lots of save points just in case you die, which means that you won’t lose too much of your progress if you meet an untimely demise. There are also teleporters that will bring you to a central area. In the central area the teleporters appear as mirrors, which can be tricky to remember where they lead to if you take any breaks from the game. While this is not horrible, you just end up spending a bit of time popping through teleporters trying to find the correct location.
Anodyne is out now on a multitude of platforms. It is a fun game that will bring you back to a different era in gaming. There is a fair amount to do, but it isn’t as in depth as some other adventure titles that are out there. If you are looking for a slice of nostalgia and an interesting story, grab this indie game and set out on a new adventure.
