Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Zeliard blends side-scrolling action with light role-playing mechanics, creating a unique hybrid experience. Players control Duke Garland as he navigates sprawling labyrinths, each filled with branching corridors, hidden traps, and menacing foes. Progression often hinges on collecting crests and keys, forcing careful exploration rather than mindless rushing.

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Combat is straightforward yet satisfying, revolving around Garland’s trusty sword and shield. Enemies range from skeletal warriors to fire-breathing beasts, encouraging the use of both melee tactics and learned projectile magic. Special items scattered throughout the world bolster the hero’s capabilities, granting temporary boosts to attack power, protection, or magical potency.

Outside the labyrinths, towns offer strategic respite: players can rest to recover health, repair gear, buy potions, and learn new spells. The almas system—where enemy spirits convert to gold and experience—adds an extra layer of resource management, incentivizing thorough enemy clearance before banking in towns. Level ups from the town sage raise maximum health and magic, rewarding diligent exploration.

Graphics

As a product of the late 1980s, Zeliard’s pixel art carries nostalgic charm. The environments—ranging from sun-bleached deserts still reeling from Jashiin’s sand rain to dimly lit caverns—are distinct and easy to read. Subtle color shifts denote shifts in danger or hidden secrets, making environmental cues integral to survival.

Character sprites, while modest by modern standards, display clear animation frames for sword swings, shield blocks, and spellcasting. Enemy designs vary enough to keep encounters fresh, with unique palettes for tougher bosses and mini-bosses. Town interiors are bright and welcoming, offering visual contrast to the perilous labyrinths.

The UI is minimal but effective. Health and magic bars remain unobtrusive at the screen’s corner, and inventory menus are simple to navigate. While there’s no dynamic lighting or high-resolution textures, the coherent art direction ensures players always know where to go and what dangers to expect.

Story

The narrative thrust of Zeliard is classic high fantasy: an ancient demon named Jashiin awakens after two millennia and curses the kingdom with a sandstorm that has transformed its lands into a parched wasteland. His ultimate cruelty is reserved for Princess Felicia, whom he petrifies in a twisted act of revenge against Zeliard’s rulers.

Duke Garland’s quest to recover the Nine Tears of Esmesanti drives the adventure forward. The tears—magical artifacts scattered across the realm—offer a compelling collection mechanic that ties directly into the main storyline. Each tear recovered lifts a portion of the curse and unveils snippets of lore about Zeliard’s history and the demon’s malevolence.

Interspersed with dungeon crawls are quiet town exchanges, where townsfolk lament the desertification and hint at local legends. These moments of respite enrich the world-building, giving players a clear sense of what’s at stake beyond mere bloodshed. The straightforward plot, though not elaborate, provides enough motivation to power through the more challenging segments.

Overall Experience

Zeliard offers a balanced blend of action and role-playing that still holds up for retro gaming enthusiasts. Its exploration-focused labyrinths encourage curiosity, while the straightforward combat system remains accessible to newcomers. The almas currency/experience mechanic provides continual motivation to clear every enemy and return to town for upgrades.

Difficulty can spike in later stages when environmental hazards—such as hidden spikes or searing heat zones—combine with tougher foes. However, the game rewards perseverance: improved gear, new spells, and incremental health boosts make each successive play session feel rewarding. Towns serve as safe havens and strategic planning points, mitigating occasional frustration.

For buyers seeking a nostalgic trip to late-’80s action-RPG territory, Zeliard delivers. Its pixel art, melodic chiptune soundtrack, and straightforward narrative combine into a cohesive package. While it lacks modern bells and whistles, its core design remains engaging, making it a worthwhile addition to any retro collection or for newcomers curious about gaming history.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10