Alundra - Dream Walking right into our hearts (Alundra (PS))

Member Name: WayneKWilkins

Product:	Alundra (PS)
Date:	05/09/09 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Immsersive story, multi-genre gameplay, puzzles and riddles, plenty of weapons and items,

Disadvantages: Graphics out-dated but that adds to the gameplay, not suitable for younger children,

===INTRODUCTION===

As a life long fan of Climax's Landstalker, I was intrigued when a team of people broke away from Climax to form Matrix Entertainment. The product that came shortly after was a game known as Alundra. Very remeniscent of Landstalker, mixed with a modern-day story telling motion of a "Dreamwalker" appropriately named "Alundra", the game takes you on a journey into an immersive world with plenty of twists, turns, scared and awe inspiring moments from the very beginning. Needless to say, Alundra sets the standard for modern day adventure RPG's.

Alundra is a real-time action-adventure role playing game for the Sony Playstation. Not only is the game a masterpiece in its own right; the concept of Alundra is in fact regarded as a spin-off to Landstalker of Sega Megadrive fame. Alundra is in-fact an unofficial sequel to Landstalker, featuring many similarities such as the look of the main character, the style of gameplay and the many puzzles, labyrinths and styles of traps featured throughout the game.

===STORY: 9/10===

You are Alundra, an elfish character who is able to see into other peoples dreams. This gift of sorts which plagues Alundra means he is able to delve into other peoples nightmares, and as the case befalls the village of Inoa which has become plagued by fatal nightmares, it is up to Alundra to save them. Of course, not everyone can be saved as you will soon learn to your own shock and horror...

The game storyline reaches further than simple dreamwalking; you have to search the land and uncover ruins, haunted mansions and in-depth labyrinths, crypts and more in attempts to prevent the oncoming evil from destroying the land.

In general, the story is very easy to become engrossed in. It is very dark, very grim and in many places you are actually able to feel the cold chill of emotion that comes with certain aspects; it is a very powerful and very immersive storyline to say the least.

===GRAPHICS: 7/10===

Given that the game was released in 1997, the graphics are not up to scratch, but they work wonders for the gameplay style. 2D graphics and animations are used to their fullest potential possible making for an amazing gameplay experience. Alundra was never meant for 3D gameplay. While the unofficial prequel, Landstalker, worked wonders in semi-3D, the games sequel, Alundra 2, was a complete marketplace flop due to the fact that they bumped up to full 3D graphics. Alundra and its gameplay style works wonders in 2D, there was no need for 3D at all.

The graphics fit the gameplay perfectly. Not only is there plenty of free-roam monster slaying and jumping around to complete puzzles, avoid traps and pitfalls, there is also the added "puzzle" element that made Landstalker famous. Players will find themselves immersed in attempts to solve complex puzzles, riddles and labyrinths all int he midst of some of the most awe inspiring gameplay to ever hit the playstation console.

===GAMEPLAY: 10/10===

You control Alundra. You are able to use various weapons at the touch of a button depending on what you assigned, set bombs, throw things and use magic. The gameplay style is similar to such games as Landstalker, Legend of Zelda and Golden Axe Warrior. It has a very vintage and classic feel to it. You are also able to interact with people, objects and pets as well as being able to push objects, pick up things and jump around in attempts to find secrets, doors, switches, puzzle clues and much more.

The gameplay relies heavily on puzzles, labyrinths, dungeons and riddles. Many of which can be tedious and very challenging, yet that is apart of the games charm. If you are up for a challenging new experience with an immersive storyline to go with it, look no further than Alundra. I simply lost count of how frustrated I got trying to do certain puzzles, only to realize how simple it was afterwards. You just have to ask around and pay attention to dialogue and use common sense. Of course, it is much easier said than done. Try it for yourself.

===MUSIC: 8/10===

The music is one of the games charms. It is a very powerful score that helps you feel the emotion that the storyline is trying to portray. Some of it is creepy, some of it is happy, other songs simply send a shiver down your spine. It is a very capable soundtrack and one that fits in perfectly with the game. Players will always find the sountrack suitable for the appropriate parts of the game that they are in.

OVERALL: 9/10

Alundra is a little gem; a simple masterpiece of a game which was based on Landstalker, another masterpiece. The game is very long, very detailed and very challenging in a classic action-RPG sense. There are very few games, past or present in the realtime action-RPG genre that will give you a bigger challenge than Alundra. If you have never played this game and are a fan of 2D adventure games such as Zelda, be sure to check out this playstation classic whenever you get the chance.

As a long-time fan of action RPG games and an old school fan of the Landstalker title on the Megadrive, Alundra stands out among one of the best titles I have ever played. Even if action RPG games are not your cuppa tea, I would seriously consider trying it. It has elements of many genres of games implemented and can inspire hours upon hours of fun, anger and overall relief and satsfaction when you complete it - how many modern day games can offer you the total package? Settle for the 90's, settle for Matrix - Settle for Alundra and you will not be sorry!

Summary: Alundra is a true masterpiece - let it dream walk into your heart and you will have no regrets