Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Alundra 2: A New Legend Begins builds on the classic action-adventure formula with a heavy emphasis on puzzles and dungeon exploration. Players control Flint, a spirited young hero armed with a sword and an ever-growing arsenal of special moves. Each dungeon is accessed via an overworld map, reminiscent of the Legend of Zelda series, and offers a fresh blend of brain-teasing puzzles and precise platforming segments.

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The puzzle design shines with its layered challenges. Early dungeons introduce basic block-pushing and switch-activation, but later stages incorporate elemental mechanics—ice blocks that slide until they hit an obstacle, fiery switch plates that must be lit in sequence and even timed platforms hovering over bottomless pits. These scenarios encourage creative problem-solving and often reward observation over brute force.

Platforming sections add a welcome change of pace. Flint’s acrobatic leaps, wall-jumps and midair dashes test player reflexes in tight corridors and across swaying rope bridges. While some jumps can feel unforgiving—especially on higher difficulty—the inclusion of two difficulty settings in the Western release ensures that both newcomers and series veterans can enjoy a balanced challenge.

Graphics

Stepping into 3D for the first time in the series, Alundra 2 transitions from hand-drawn sprites to fully polygonal environments. The result is a colorful world filled with lush forests, sun-dappled villages and brooding pirate strongholds. Character models are charmingly exaggerated, giving each NPC—from bumbling villagers to menacing robot-soldiers—a distinct silhouette that reads clearly from multiple camera angles.

Textures are reasonably crisp for a late-90s console title, and lighting effects—such as torches flickering in dark caves or sunbeams filtering through stained-glass windows—elevate the atmosphere. The occasional pop-in of distant scenery can be noticeable, but it rarely interferes with gameplay or immersion.

Camera control is generally intuitive, offering manual adjustments when exploring tight dungeon corridors or solving angled platform puzzles. A few blind spots do crop up in boss rooms, however, requiring quick toggles to reorient the view. Even so, the visual presentation holds up as an impressive leap from the series’ 2D origins.

Story

Though titled as a sequel, Alundra 2 forges its own narrative path with a lighthearted, humorous tone. Flint’s journey begins with a personal vendetta—pirates murdered his red-haired parents—but rapidly expands into a globe-spanning conspiracy. The evil Mephisto’s plan to implant “magic keys” into innocent townsfolk, transforming them into emotionless robots, provides a high-stakes backdrop that never feels overly dour.

Dialogue is peppered with witty banter and occasional slapstick, a departure from the more somber themes of the first Alundra. Side characters range from a panic-prone baker who thinks every loaf of bread is haunted to a self-proclaimed pirate captain with a heart of gold. This comedic cast ensures that downtime between boss battles is as entertaining as the core narrative thrust.

Pacing is well managed, with story beats interspersed between dungeon expeditions. As Flint uncovers hidden conspiracies, each revelation feels earned—encouraging players to press forward. While the overall plot is straightforward, the light tone and memorable personalities make the quest feel uniquely engaging.

Overall Experience

Alundra 2: A New Legend Begins offers a satisfying blend of puzzle-focused dungeons, platforming thrills and a spirited story. Veteran adventurers will appreciate the increasingly clever level designs, while newcomers can dial back the difficulty and still savor every twist and turn of Flint’s journey. The game rewards patience and encourages exploration, striking a fine balance between challenge and accessibility.

Visually, the leap to 3D breathes new life into the series without sacrificing clarity or style. The soundtrack complements each locale—from jaunty tavern tunes to ominous dungeon themes—reinforcing the game’s whimsical yet urgent mood. Minor camera quirks and occasional collision hiccups rarely detract from the overall polish.

If you’re seeking an adventure that marries cerebral puzzles with lighthearted storytelling and satisfying action, Alundra 2 stands out as a hidden gem. Whether you’re a fan of the original Alundra or simply love Zelda-style quests with a comedic twist, Flint’s odyssey promises more than just another routine dungeon crawl—it delivers a memorable legend all its own.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10