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| {{About|the video game|the wrestler known as Alundra Blayze| |
{{About|the video game|the wrestler known as Alundra Blayze|Debra Miceli}} | ||
| {{ |
{{Refimprove|date=February 2009}} | ||
| {{Original research|date=October 2011}} | |||
| {{Infobox video game | {{Infobox video game | ||
| | |
| title = Alundra | ||
| | image = ] | |||
| | developer = ] | | developer = ] | ||
| | publisher = {{vgrelease|JP |
| publisher = {{vgrelease|JP=]|NA=]|EU=]}} | ||
| | designer = | |||
| | director = Yasuhiro Ohori | |||
| | producer = Takahiro Kaneko<br>Hideaki Kikukawa<br>Akira Sato | |||
| | designer = Yasunaga Oyama | |||
| | writer = Ichiro Tezuka | |||
| | composer = ] | | composer = ] | ||
| | series = Alundra | |||
| | platforms = ] | |||
| | engine = | |||
| | released = {{Video game release|JP|11 April 1997<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?a=page_h_title&title_id=8717|title=アランドラ / ファミ通.com|website=www.famitsu.com|access-date=23 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723095656/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?a=page_h_title&title_id=8717|archive-date=23 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>|NA|8 January 1998<ref name="GameFAQs">{{cite web |url=https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps/196598-alundra/data |title=Alundra Release Information for PlayStation |website=] |accessdate=6 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107072657/https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps/196598-alundra/data |archive-date=7 January 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |EU|5 June 1998<ref name="GameFAQs"/>}} | |||
| | platforms = ], ] | |||
| | genre = ] | |||
| | released = {{vgrelease new|JP|April 11, 1997<ref name=gamefaqs>http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps/196598-alundra/data</ref>|NA|December 31, 1997<ref name=gamefaqs/>|EU|June 5, 1998<ref name=gamefaqs/>|JP|October 10, 2007 (PSN)<ref name=gamefaqs/>|NA|October 12, 2010 (PSN)<ref name=gamefaqs/>|EU|August 15, 2012 (PSN)<ref name=gamefaqs/>}} | |||
| | genre = ] | |||
| | modes = ] | | modes = ] | ||
| | ratings = {{vgratings|CERO=A|ELSPA=11+|ESRB=T}} | |||
| | media = 1 ] | |||
| | requirements = | |||
| | input = | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| {{nihongo|'''''Alundra'''''|アランドラ|Arandora}}, released in Europe as '''''The Adventures of Alundra''''', is an ] |
{{nihongo|'''''Alundra'''''|アランドラ|Arandora}}, released in Europe as '''''The Adventures of Alundra''''', is an ] developed by ] for the ] ] and was released in 1997. It was published by Sony in Japan, ] in North America, and ] in Europe. It won great critical acclaim for its bizarre story and smooth game mechanics. The game's protagonist is a young man named Alundra, who learns that he has the power to enter people's dreams. He is shipwrecked near the village of Inoa and proceeds to try to help the locals, who have been suffering from a terrible curse. The narrative becomes gradually darker and more twisted as the game progresses. There is an emphasis on puzzle solving. | ||
| ==Gameplay== | |||
| The game's protagonist is a young man named Alundra, who learns that he has the power to enter people's ]s. He is shipwrecked on an island, near the village of Inoa, where locals have been suffering from recurring nightmares that sometimes cause death. With his dream walking ability, Alundra proceeds to try to help the locals. The narrative becomes gradually darker and more twisted as the game progresses, dealing with mature themes such as death, clinical depression,<ref name="gamingbolt">{{cite web|url=http://gamingbolt.com/awesome-games-that-time-forgot-alundra|title=Awesome Games That Time Forgot: Alundra|author=George Reith|date=17 June 2010|website=Gaming Bolt|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119081513/http://gamingbolt.com/awesome-games-that-time-forgot-alundra|archive-date=19 January 2015|url-status=live|accessdate=14 January 2015}}</ref> fate, religion, and the essence of human existence.<ref name="platformnation">{{Cite web|url=http://www.platformnation.com/2010/10/27/alundra-psn-review/|title=Platform Nation's Alundra Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029003048/http://www.platformnation.com/2010/10/27/alundra-psn-review/|archive-date=29 October 2010|url-status=dead|access-date=30 November 2010}}</ref> | |||
| Alundra is considered a ] to ]'s '']'' on the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Alundra|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/alundra/Alundra.html|work=RPGFan|accessdate=31 January 2012|author=Webber|date=03/02/1998}}</ref> In addition to a similar looking main character, the game's development team consisted of former employees of ]. The gameplay includes a combination of top-down ] and ] elements, quite similar to ] series. It is known for containing many extremely difficult puzzles, some of which cannot be accessed if the player progresses further in the game, making some items unattainable.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}} It is also known for its music and dark storyline. | |||
| A range of terrain and surfaces also add variety, from sand, which causes the player to move more slowly, to lava, which damages the player. Upgrades throughout the game can help the player to overcome many of these obstacles, encouraging exploration. | |||
| ==Plot== | |||
| The gameplay involves extensive exploration of the island and various dungeons, with an emphasis on challenging ], real-time ] combat, and ],<ref name="destructoid"/> as well as interaction with ]s in the village of Inoa. The main gameplay innovation is a dream walking mechanic, where Alundra can enter people's dreams, with each of the dream levels having its own unique twist based upon the dreamer's personality and traits.<ref name="gamingbolt"/> | |||
| ===Characters=== | |||
| *'''Alundra''', the ] and ], is an ] from the clan of Elna, the Dreamwalkers. He comes to Inoa because of a recurring dream in which a mysterious figure who calls Alundra "Releaser" tells him that he must save the villagers from the evil of Melzas. His ship is caught in a storm and he is later found washed ashore unconscious. After arriving, he starts being blamed by the townsfolk for all of the terrible happenings that occur. Alundra is a silent protagonist. | |||
| *'''Meia''' is also part of the clan of Elna. She is also seeking to destroy Melzas. She has a troubled past that is eventually revealed during the course of the game. | |||
| Upon release, ''Alundra'' earned critical acclaim as well as some initial commercial success. It was praised for its well-written story and characterization, smooth game mechanics and platforming, challenging gameplay and puzzles,<ref name="destructoid"/> and expansive ] exploration. A sequel entitled '']'', which has very little in common with the original ''Alundra'', was released in 1999. | |||
| == |
====Villagers==== | ||
| *'''Jess''' is the blacksmith in Inoa. After Alundra's ship is swept ashore and destroyed in a storm, Jess finds the unconscious Alundra and takes care of him for as long as he remains in Inoa. He is good-natured and always trusts Alundra, even when others do not. | |||
| The gameplay style is top-down ], with a heavy emphasis on puzzle solving.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Alundra: Another Epic WD RPG |magazine=] |issue=101 |publisher=] |date=December 1997|page=70}}</ref> A range of terrain and surfaces affect the player character, from sand, which causes the player character to move more slowly, to lava, which damages the player character. Upgrades throughout the game can help the player overcome many of these obstacles, encouraging exploration. | |||
| *'''Septimus''' is a scholar and a close friend of Alundra. He travelled to Inoa to help lift the curse that has afflicted it, but has met with little success. He helps Alundra discover many ancient and forgotten secrets of the world and his power of dreamwalking. | |||
| ==Plot== | |||
| Alundra, the ] and ], is an ] from the clan of Elna, the Dreamwalkers. He set out for a place called Inoa because of a recurring dream in which a mysterious figure who calls Alundra "Releaser" tells him that he must save the villagers from the evil of Melzas. The ship carrying Alundra is caught in a storm and is broken in half, leaving most of the crew dead and Alundra drifting unconscious. | |||
| *'''Cephas''' is the gravekeeper of Inoa Village, and right from meeting him, it is obvious that he knows a lot more than he is letting on about the goings on in both the village and Torla as a whole. | |||
| Alundra is next seen washed ashore to an unknown beach, where a man named Jess finds and rescues him. Jess carries Alundra to his house at the village of Inoa and lets him sleep in his guest room. In the village, Alundra discovers he is a Dreamwalker, which means he has an ability to enter other peoples' dreams, and helps the villagers get rid of the nightmares that have been possessing them. Since Alundra's arrival, bad things begin to happen in the village, with various villagers being murdered in their dreams, which leaves them dead outside of their dreams as well. Some of the villagers eventually start blaming Alundra for what is happening. | |||
| *'''Sybill''' has the ability to dream only when she's awake. Her dreams seem to eerily portend future events with uncanny accuracy. | |||
| Another dreamwalker, Meia, from the clan Elna arrives to the city and helps Alundra fight off the nightmares of the villagers. Later in the game, it is revealed that the demon, Melzas, has disguised himself as a god, and he is the source of all the nightmares of the village. His goal is to make the villagers pray for their god, and thus make Melzas himself gain power from their prayers. Ronan, the priest of the village, was also on the side of Melzas and helped him to deceive the villagers, and keep them praying for Melzas, the false god. Once Alundra discovers the truth, he gathers the information and items needed to access Melzas' palace to defeat the demon. After Melzas is destroyed, Alundra and Meia bid farewell to the villagers and depart together, before going their separate ways. | |||
| *'''Yustel''', as one of the oldest residents of Inoa, has watched the village's descent into darkness with a sense of helplessness. For a small fee, she uses her crystal ball to give advice to anyone wise enough to inquire of her. For a further pittance, she tells those who asks her where their destiny lies. | |||
| ==Development== | |||
| The music for ''Alundra'' was composed by ].<ref name=":KOT">{{Cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/alundra-my-big-beautiful-elven-son-play-us-some-songs-1845554936 |title=Alundra, My Big Beautiful Elven Son, Play Us Some Songs|last=Gach |first=Ethan|date=11 March 2020|website=]|access-date=12 November 2020}}</ref> | |||
| *'''Elene''', whose mother left and father turned alcoholic. She spends much of her time in a multiple personality infested dream world. | |||
| ''Alundra'' is considered a ] to ]'s '']'' on the ],<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.maniac.de/extended/zelda-nein-danke-abenteuerliche-alternativen/ |title=Zelda? Nein danke! - Abenteuerliche Alternativen – Seite 7 von 12|last=Nickel |first=Thomas|date=21 February 2017|website=MANIAC.de|language=de-DE|access-date=15 May 2019}}</ref> particularly because several members of the game's programming and design team had worked on ''Landstalker''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Protos: Alundra|magazine=] |issue=99|publisher=]|date=October 1997|page=47}}</ref> | |||
| *'''Gustav''' is Elene's father. He has a drinking problem and when spoken to, commonly hiccups a lot. He later tells Alundra that his daughter, Elene, is trapped in a nightmare and asks him to rescue her. | |||
| ==Release== | |||
| The game was published by ] in Japan, ] in North America, and ] in Europe. | |||
| *'''Giles''' became extremely religious when he lost both of his parents in a freak gardening accident. He now works very closely with Chancellor Ronan in the Sanctuary, and lives with his long-suffering sister, Kisha. He is critical of Alundra some time after the Dreamwalker's arrival into the village. | |||
| The game had sold 143,114 copies in Japan by the end of 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://geimin.net/da/db/1997_ne_fa/index.php|title=Video game software sales in 1997|work=Geimin.net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628204000/http://geimin.net/da/db/1997_ne_fa/index.php|archive-date=28 June 2015|url-status=live|accessdate=10 February 2012}}</ref> Following its North American release, Working Designs sold over 100,000 copies of the game in North America within a single month in early 1998.<ref name="gamingbolt" /> | |||
| *'''Kline''', despite his stern appearance, is a kind and likeable man. Not only is he known as the best fisherman in the village, but he is also known for his pinpoint accuracy as an archer. He is regarded by many of the villagers as their best defender against the Murgg. | |||
| The game was followed up by '']'' in 1999. The sequel uses 3D graphics instead of the 2D that the original had.<ref name=":1" /> Later, ''Alundra'' was released as a downloadable game on the PSone Classics service for the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/jp9000npji00044_000000000000000001.html |title=アランドラ|date=10 October 2007|work=PlayStation.com(Japan)|publisher=Sony|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514141813/http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/jp9000npji00044_000000000000000001.html|archive-date=14 May 2008 |url-status=live|accessdate=26 May 2008}}</ref> | |||
| *'''Bonaire''' is a laid-back, feel-good kind of lad. Because of his seeming lack of interest in the fairer sex, his aging father, Phineas, is losing hope of seeing his son married. | |||
| *'''Nadia''', who has an interest in Bonaire. Despite Myra's pleas for her to get involved with any other person, she does not give up on her one true love. Nadia is also cursed by making objects explode whenever she falls asleep, causing her to become an insomniac by choice. | |||
| *'''Beaumont''' is the village mayor, and has been busy trying to keep both the villagers and his family happy. His wife Thyea, is humble and intelligent. His son, Talis, on the other hand, is an arrogant little brat. | |||
| *'''Meade''' and his wife '''Rumi''' move to Inoa from the capital city. They live in the quiet little village with Meade's father, '''Wendell''', and their twin sons '''Bergus''' and '''Nestus''', who are almost exact opposites. Bergus tends to be a loud and brash kid, while Nestus tends to be quiet and well-behaved. | |||
| *'''Lutas''' and his wife '''Fein''' are friendly and easy-going. Fein is proud of her husband's sense of justice. Lutas has even been known to draw arms and fight when he perceives that an injustice has been done to another. | |||
| *'''Naomi''' owns a small store in Inoa where villagers can buy healing herbs and other special items. Her husband Yuri spends most of his time roaming the land in search of herbs. | |||
| *'''Yuri''' is Naomi's husband. He spends most of his time roaming the lands in search of herbs for his wife, Naomi, to sell in her store. | |||
| ====Antagonists==== | |||
| *'''Melzas''' is an ancient and powerful demon. Though he was imprisoned long ago by the Guardians of the Seal, he has returned and is terrorizing the villagers of Inoa. He is the primary villain of the storyline. | |||
| *'''Ronan''' is the priest of the village's church, the Sanctuary. From Alundra's first arrival in Inoa, Ronan constantly acts to turn the villagers against him due to his hidden agenda. | |||
| *'''Zazan''' is the leader of a clan of white ]-like creatures known as the Murgg. He is being commanded by Melzas to destroy Inoa and steal the seven crests. | |||
| *'''Zorgia''' is a powerful demon and a servant of Melzas. He is vicious, cruel, sadistic, and utterly loyal to his master. | |||
| ===Story=== | |||
| The game starts with Alundra being on a ship. After walking around and talking to the crew, Alundra decides to take a nap. He has a mysterious dream where a strange being named Lars tells him that he is a wizard and one of the guardians of the seal. Suddenly, Alundra sees a vision from the village of Inoa. After the vision, Lars calls Alundra a 'Releaser' and tells him that north of the village there is a dark lake and below it there has lied a demon for over 1000 years, and it has awakened recently. After telling this, a creature named Melzas appears and points out that nobody has the power to stop him, especially not a human like Alundra. After talking with Lars about humans and the 'Releaser', Melzas disappears. Lars tells Alundra to travel to village Inoa and stop the demon. | |||
| Suddenly Alundra wakes up to the ship shaking, and after getting out of his cabin, he finds out that there is a huge storm above the ship. The captain tells the crew not to worry but they sail into the reef, causing the ship to sink. After this Alundra loses consciousness. | |||
| Alundra has drifted to a beach, where a man named Jess finds and rescues him. Jess carries Alundra to his house at village Inoa and lets him sleep in his guest room. In the village, Alundra discovers he is a Dreamwalker and helps the villagers get rid of the nightmares that have been possessing them. Since Alundra's arrival, bad things have started to happen in the village, and some of the people blame Alundra for them. Later in the game, however, it is revealed that the demon, Melzas, has disguised himself as a god, and he is the source of all the nigthmares of the village. His goal is to make the villagers pray for their god, and thus gaining power from their prayers. Ronan, the priest of the village, was also on the side of Melzas and helped him to deceive the villagers. | |||
| Another dreamwalker, Meia, from the clan Elna arrives to the city and helps Alundra fight off the nightmares of the villagers, while he gathers the information and items needed to access Melzas' palace and eventually kill the demon. | |||
| ==Development== | |||
| It was published in America by the now-defunct ]. | |||
| More recently, ''Alundra'' has been made available as a downloadable game on the PSone Classics service for the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=アランドラ |url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/jp9000npji00044_000000000000000001.html |work=PlayStation.com(Japan)|publisher=Sony|date=2007-10-10|accessdate=2008-05-26| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080514141813/http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/jp9000npji00044_000000000000000001.html| archivedate= 14 May 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> | |||
| ==Reception== | ==Reception== | ||
| {{VG Reviews | |||
| {{Video game reviews | |||
| <!-- Aggregators --> | <!-- Aggregators --> | ||
| | |
|GR = 84.90%<ref name=GR>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/196598-alundra/index.html|title=Alundra|publisher=]|accessdate=2010-01-13| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20091225211011/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/196598-alundra/index.html| archivedate= 25 December 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> | ||
| | |
|MC = 86/100<ref name=MC>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/alundra|title=Alundra|publisher=]|accessdate=2010-01-13}}</ref> | ||
| |agg1 = ] | |||
| |agg1Score = 9.0/10 (PS)<ref name="gr_ps">{{cite web|title=Alundra (PS)|url=http://www.gamestats.com/objects/002/002018/|publisher=]|accessdate=10 February 2012}}</ref><br>{{nowrap|9.0/10 (PSN)}}<ref name="gr_psn">{{cite web|title=Alundra (PSN)|url=http://www.gamestats.com/objects/086/086773/|publisher=]|accessdate=10 February 2012}}</ref> | |||
| <!-- Reviewers --> | <!-- Reviewers --> | ||
| | |
|EGM = 8.625/10<ref name="EGM">{{cite journal | author = John Ricciardi, Crispin Boyer, Kelly Richards, and Sushi-X | title = Alundra review | date = February 1998 | journal = ] | issue = 103 | publisher = ] | location = San Francisco, California | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20041217165435/http://www.workingdesigns.com/games/playstation/alundra/reviews/index.html | accessdate = 2012-02-10 }}</ref> | ||
| | |
|GamePro = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=GR/> | ||
| |GSpot = 8.8/10<ref name=GSpot>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/alundra/reviews/alundra-review-2546558/|title=The Adventures of Alundra Review|author=Chris Johnston|date=January 08, 1998|accessdate=June 28, 2012|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| | GI = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=//www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=psx&path=jan98&doc=alundra |title=Alundra - PlayStation - Review |date=13 September 1999 |accessdate=11 March 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990913013009/http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=psx&path=jan98&doc=alundra |archive-date=13 September 1999 }}</ref> | |||
| | |
|IGN = 8.5/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|url=http://uk.psx.ign.com/articles/152/152018p1.html|title=Alundra - PlayStation review|publisher=]|date=January 09, 1998|accessdate=June 28, 2012}}</ref> | ||
| |OPM = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=GR/> | |||
| | IGN = 8.5/10<ref name=IGNr>{{cite web|first=Jay |last=Boor |url=http://uk.psx.ign.com/articles/152/152018p1.html|title=Alundra - PlayStation review|website=IGN|date=9 January 1998|accessdate=28 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216164940/http://uk.psx.ign.com/articles/152/152018p1.html|archive-date=16 February 2010}}</ref> | |||
| | NGen= {{rating|4|5}}<ref name=NG/> | |||
| <!-- Custom reviewers --> | <!-- Custom reviewers --> | ||
| | |
|rev1 = ] | ||
| |rev1Score = 4.5/5<ref name=GR/> | |||
| | rev1Score = 90%<ref>{{cite journal|title=Alundra|journal=PS Extreme|date=February 1998|url=http://www.workingdesigns.com/games/playstation/alundra/reviews/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041217165435/http://www.workingdesigns.com/games/playstation/alundra/reviews/index.html|archive-date=17 December 2004|accessdate=10 February 2012|author=Alex}}</ref> | |||
| | |
|rev2 = Gaming Age | ||
| |rev2Score = 90/100<ref name=MC/> | |||
| | rev2Score = 88/100<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.maniac.de/tests/alundra-im-klassik-test-ps/|title=Alundra - im Klassik-Test (PS)|last=Ehrle|first=Oliver|date=18 April 2019|website=MANIAC.de|language=de-DE|access-date=11 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420025412/https://www.maniac.de/tests/alundra-im-klassik-test-ps/|archive-date=20 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| | |
|rev3 = ''PS Extreme Magazine'' | ||
| | |
|rev3Score = 90%<ref>{{cite journal|title=Alundra|journal=PS Extreme|year=1998|month=February|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20041217165435/http://www.workingdesigns.com/games/playstation/alundra/reviews/index.html|accessdate=10 February 2012|author=Alex}}</ref> | ||
| |rev4 = ] | |||
| | award1Pub = '']'' | |||
| |rev4Score = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Tidwell|first=Mikel|title=Alundra - Staff Review|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/alun/al/reviews/alstrev1.html|publisher=]|accessdate=30 January 2012}}</ref> | |||
| | award1 = ] (Runner-Up),<ref name=EGM104>''Electronic Gaming Monthly'', issue 104, Editors' Choice Awards, pages 86-96</ref> <br>Game of the Month<ref name=EGM103/> | |||
| |rev5 = ] | |||
| | award2Pub = '']'' | |||
| |rev5Score = 9/10<ref name=Thunderbolt>{{cite web|url=http://www.thunderboltgames.com/reviews/article/the-adventures-of-alundra-review-for-psone.html|title=The Adventures of Alundra - PSone review|publisher=]|author=Terence Gage|date=September 28, 2007|accessdate=June 28, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| | award2 = Best Role-Playing Game (2nd Place)<ref name="GamePro118">''GamePro'', issue 118 (July 1998), pages 38-39</ref> | |||
| |rev6 = '']'' | |||
| | award3Pub = ] | |||
| |rev6Score = 9/10<ref>{{cite journal|title=Alundra|journal=]|year=1998|month=January|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20041217165435/http://www.workingdesigns.com/games/playstation/alundra/reviews/index.html|accessdate=10 February 2012}}</ref> | |||
| | award3 = #6 Best Critic Reviewed PS1 Game of 1997<ref name=MC/> | |||
| |rev7 = Video Gamers First | |||
| |rev7Score = 9/10<ref name=GR/> | |||
| |rev8 = RPGFan | |||
| |rev8Score = 87%<ref name="rpgfan_gann">{{cite web|last=Gann|first=Patrick|title=Alundra|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Alundra_PSN/index.html|work=RPGFan|accessdate=30 January 2012|date=11/11/10}}</ref> | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| ''Alundra'' was well received upon release. The game had sold 143,114 copies in Japan by the end of 1997.<ref>{{cite web|title=Video game software sales in 1997|url=http://geimin.net/da/db/1997_ne_fa/index.php|work=Geimin.net|accessdate=10 February 2012|archiveurl=http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http://geimin.net/da/db/1997_ne_fa/index.php|archivedate=10 February 2012|date=1997/12/28}}</ref> It currently has average scores of 9.0 out of 10 on ] based on 5 reviews,<ref name="gr_ps"/><ref name="gr_psn"/> 84.90% at ] based on 10 reviews,<ref name=GR /> and 86 out of 100 at ] based on 9 reviews,<ref name=MC /> making it one of the highest-rated PlayStation titles of 1997. | |||
| ''Alundra'' was well received upon release.<ref name=gamingbolt/> It has a score of 86 out of 100 at ] based on 9 reviews, making it the sixth highest-rated PlayStation title of 1997,<ref name=MC/> and held an 84% at ] based on 13 reviews at the time of the site's closure in 2019.<ref name=GR/> Critics hailed the game for its deep and often maddening challenge, particularly the puzzles,<ref name=EGM103/><ref name=GSpot/><ref name=IGNr/><ref name=NG/><ref name=GPror/> and said that while it is heavily derivative of '']'' series and '']'', it has enough original elements to stand on its own.<ref name=EGM103/><ref name=GSpot/><ref name=IGNr/><ref name=NG/><ref name=GPror/> '']'' stated that "Working Designs made a smart decision importing ''Alundra'', and any gamer looking for a unique challenge is guaranteed to appreciate it."<ref name=NG>{{cite magazine|title=Finals|magazine=]|issue=38|publisher=]|date=February 1998|page=110}}</ref> Jay Boor wrote in '']'', "Never have I been so tested and challenged since the old ] adventure title, ''LandStalker''. And Climax has made ''Alundra'' twice as hard, twice as challenging, and twice as good as its LandStalker counterpart."<ref name=IGNr/> | |||
| In January 1998, ] stated, "Never have I been so tested and challenged since the old ] adventure title, ]. And Climax has made Alundra twice as hard, twice as challenging, and twice as good as its LandStalker counterpart." The review further states that it has "a really cool story," "some great music and graphics that totally suit the game," and concludes that "this game is awesome."<ref name=IGN/> | |||
| The music was applauded for its strong composition and appropriateness for the tone of the game.<ref name=GSpot/><ref name=IGNr/><ref name=GPror/> '']'' commented that "the game's heroic battle music will make you feel good about being the fighting savior of tormented sleepy souls."<ref name=GPror>{{cite magazine |author=Johnny Ballgame |title=Alundra |magazine=]|issue=113 |publisher=] |date=February 1998 |page=120}}</ref> Reviewers for '']'' (EGM) and '']'' also praised the translation as being noticeably more restrained that Working Designs' earlier projects, in which the humor was often overdone to the point where it compromised the mood.<ref name=EGM103/><ref name=GSpot/> ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Chris Johnston said that "For those who have bagged on WD for its past liberties with American humor, there is little to complain about here. ''Alundra'' is maturely written and has a tone and feel that fits the game to a T."<ref name=GSpot/> | |||
| A sequel entitled '']'' was released in 1999. However, IGN compared it unfavourably with the original ''Alundra'', which the reviewer David Zdyrko considered to be "one of the best games in the action/RPG category of all-time."<ref>{{cite web|last=Zdyrko|first=David|title=Alundra 2|url=http://uk.psx.ign.com/articles/163/163020p1.html|publisher=]|accessdate=30 January 2012|date=April 12, 2000}}</ref> | |||
| The one significantly criticized element of the game was the graphics. Both ''Next Generation'' and ''GamePro'' remarked that ''Alundra'' looks too much like a "]" game, with ''GamePro'' giving it a 4.5 out of 5 for sound, control, and fun factor but a 3.5 out of 5 for graphics.<ref name=NG/><ref name=GPror/> ''GameSpot'' found that it is sometimes difficult to judge height and depth, forcing the player to proceed by trial and error.<ref name=GSpot/> ''EGM''{{'}}s Sushi-X said the color palette is too dominated by "bland greens and tans", though he and the other three members of the review team were overall very impressed with the game's challenging dungeons and puzzles, giving it their "Game on the Month" award.<ref name=EGM103/> | |||
| In 2009, ]'s Conrad Zimmerman described ''Alundra'' as a "fresh and innovative" game and "one of the finest examples of action/RPG gaming." He particularly praised it for featuring "a plot the likes of which I had never seen before in the genre," the strong "writing and characterizations," and the "clever and challenging puzzles."<ref>{{cite web|last=Zimmerman|first=Conrad|title=An RPG Draws Near! Alundra|url=http://www.destructoid.com/an-rpg-draws-near-alundra-125565.phtml|publisher=]|accessdate=30 January 2012|date=03/20/2009}}</ref> In regards to the PSN release, Platform Nation's Julian Montoya said the game "is very enjoyable and definitely worth playing" as well as stating it is a "long, fun, hard, mildly mature and full of personality adventure".<ref></ref> | |||
| ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' and ''GamePro'' both selected ''Alundra'' as the runner-up for their 1997 ] awards, coming second only to '']''.<ref name=EGM104/><ref name=GamePro118/> | |||
| {{clear}} | |||
| In 2009, ]'s Conrad Zimmerman described ''Alundra'' as a "fresh and innovative" game and "one of the finest examples of action/RPG gaming." He particularly praised it for featuring "a plot the likes of which I had never seen before in the genre," the strong "writing and characterizations," and the "clever and challenging puzzles."<ref name=destructoid>{{cite web|last=Zimmerman|first=Conrad|title=An RPG Draws Near! Alundra |url=http://www.destructoid.com/an-rpg-draws-near-alundra-125565.phtml|website=]|accessdate=30 January 2012|date=20 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104054923/http://www.destructoid.com/an-rpg-draws-near-alundra-125565.phtml|archive-date=4 November 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| {{Reflist |
{{Reflist}} | ||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| * {{official |
* {{official|http://www.matrixsoft.co.jp/consumer/ps_alundra.html}} at ] {{jp icon}} | ||
| * {{moby game|id=/alundra}} | |||
| {{Landstalker series}} | {{Landstalker series}} | ||
| {{Authority control}} | |||
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Revision as of 10:20, 20 July 2021
This article is about the video game. For the wrestler known as Alundra Blayze, see Debra Miceli. | This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Alundra" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (February 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
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| Alundra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Matrix Software |
| Composer(s) | Kōhei Tanaka |
| Series | Alundra |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation, PlayStation Network |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Action role-playing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Alundra (アランドラ, Arandora), released in Europe as The Adventures of Alundra, is an action role-playing game developed by Matrix Software for the Sony PlayStation and was released in 1997. It was published by Sony in Japan, Working Designs in North America, and Psygnosis in Europe. It won great critical acclaim for its bizarre story and smooth game mechanics. The game's protagonist is a young man named Alundra, who learns that he has the power to enter people's dreams. He is shipwrecked near the village of Inoa and proceeds to try to help the locals, who have been suffering from a terrible curse. The narrative becomes gradually darker and more twisted as the game progresses. There is an emphasis on puzzle solving.
Gameplay
Alundra is considered a spiritual sequel to Climax Entertainment's Landstalker on the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. In addition to a similar looking main character, the game's development team consisted of former employees of Climax Entertainment. The gameplay includes a combination of top-down action role-playing and platform elements, quite similar to Zelda series. It is known for containing many extremely difficult puzzles, some of which cannot be accessed if the player progresses further in the game, making some items unattainable. It is also known for its music and dark storyline. A range of terrain and surfaces also add variety, from sand, which causes the player to move more slowly, to lava, which damages the player. Upgrades throughout the game can help the player to overcome many of these obstacles, encouraging exploration.
Plot
Characters
- Alundra, the protagonist and player character, is an elf from the clan of Elna, the Dreamwalkers. He comes to Inoa because of a recurring dream in which a mysterious figure who calls Alundra "Releaser" tells him that he must save the villagers from the evil of Melzas. His ship is caught in a storm and he is later found washed ashore unconscious. After arriving, he starts being blamed by the townsfolk for all of the terrible happenings that occur. Alundra is a silent protagonist.
- Meia is also part of the clan of Elna. She is also seeking to destroy Melzas. She has a troubled past that is eventually revealed during the course of the game.
Villagers
- Jess is the blacksmith in Inoa. After Alundra's ship is swept ashore and destroyed in a storm, Jess finds the unconscious Alundra and takes care of him for as long as he remains in Inoa. He is good-natured and always trusts Alundra, even when others do not.
- Septimus is a scholar and a close friend of Alundra. He travelled to Inoa to help lift the curse that has afflicted it, but has met with little success. He helps Alundra discover many ancient and forgotten secrets of the world and his power of dreamwalking.
- Cephas is the gravekeeper of Inoa Village, and right from meeting him, it is obvious that he knows a lot more than he is letting on about the goings on in both the village and Torla as a whole.
- Sybill has the ability to dream only when she's awake. Her dreams seem to eerily portend future events with uncanny accuracy.
- Yustel, as one of the oldest residents of Inoa, has watched the village's descent into darkness with a sense of helplessness. For a small fee, she uses her crystal ball to give advice to anyone wise enough to inquire of her. For a further pittance, she tells those who asks her where their destiny lies.
- Elene, whose mother left and father turned alcoholic. She spends much of her time in a multiple personality infested dream world.
- Gustav is Elene's father. He has a drinking problem and when spoken to, commonly hiccups a lot. He later tells Alundra that his daughter, Elene, is trapped in a nightmare and asks him to rescue her.
- Giles became extremely religious when he lost both of his parents in a freak gardening accident. He now works very closely with Chancellor Ronan in the Sanctuary, and lives with his long-suffering sister, Kisha. He is critical of Alundra some time after the Dreamwalker's arrival into the village.
- Kline, despite his stern appearance, is a kind and likeable man. Not only is he known as the best fisherman in the village, but he is also known for his pinpoint accuracy as an archer. He is regarded by many of the villagers as their best defender against the Murgg.
- Bonaire is a laid-back, feel-good kind of lad. Because of his seeming lack of interest in the fairer sex, his aging father, Phineas, is losing hope of seeing his son married.
- Nadia, who has an interest in Bonaire. Despite Myra's pleas for her to get involved with any other person, she does not give up on her one true love. Nadia is also cursed by making objects explode whenever she falls asleep, causing her to become an insomniac by choice.
- Beaumont is the village mayor, and has been busy trying to keep both the villagers and his family happy. His wife Thyea, is humble and intelligent. His son, Talis, on the other hand, is an arrogant little brat.
- Meade and his wife Rumi move to Inoa from the capital city. They live in the quiet little village with Meade's father, Wendell, and their twin sons Bergus and Nestus, who are almost exact opposites. Bergus tends to be a loud and brash kid, while Nestus tends to be quiet and well-behaved.
- Lutas and his wife Fein are friendly and easy-going. Fein is proud of her husband's sense of justice. Lutas has even been known to draw arms and fight when he perceives that an injustice has been done to another.
- Naomi owns a small store in Inoa where villagers can buy healing herbs and other special items. Her husband Yuri spends most of his time roaming the land in search of herbs.
- Yuri is Naomi's husband. He spends most of his time roaming the lands in search of herbs for his wife, Naomi, to sell in her store.
Antagonists
- Melzas is an ancient and powerful demon. Though he was imprisoned long ago by the Guardians of the Seal, he has returned and is terrorizing the villagers of Inoa. He is the primary villain of the storyline.
- Ronan is the priest of the village's church, the Sanctuary. From Alundra's first arrival in Inoa, Ronan constantly acts to turn the villagers against him due to his hidden agenda.
- Zazan is the leader of a clan of white monkey-like creatures known as the Murgg. He is being commanded by Melzas to destroy Inoa and steal the seven crests.
- Zorgia is a powerful demon and a servant of Melzas. He is vicious, cruel, sadistic, and utterly loyal to his master.
Story
The game starts with Alundra being on a ship. After walking around and talking to the crew, Alundra decides to take a nap. He has a mysterious dream where a strange being named Lars tells him that he is a wizard and one of the guardians of the seal. Suddenly, Alundra sees a vision from the village of Inoa. After the vision, Lars calls Alundra a 'Releaser' and tells him that north of the village there is a dark lake and below it there has lied a demon for over 1000 years, and it has awakened recently. After telling this, a creature named Melzas appears and points out that nobody has the power to stop him, especially not a human like Alundra. After talking with Lars about humans and the 'Releaser', Melzas disappears. Lars tells Alundra to travel to village Inoa and stop the demon.
Suddenly Alundra wakes up to the ship shaking, and after getting out of his cabin, he finds out that there is a huge storm above the ship. The captain tells the crew not to worry but they sail into the reef, causing the ship to sink. After this Alundra loses consciousness.
Alundra has drifted to a beach, where a man named Jess finds and rescues him. Jess carries Alundra to his house at village Inoa and lets him sleep in his guest room. In the village, Alundra discovers he is a Dreamwalker and helps the villagers get rid of the nightmares that have been possessing them. Since Alundra's arrival, bad things have started to happen in the village, and some of the people blame Alundra for them. Later in the game, however, it is revealed that the demon, Melzas, has disguised himself as a god, and he is the source of all the nigthmares of the village. His goal is to make the villagers pray for their god, and thus gaining power from their prayers. Ronan, the priest of the village, was also on the side of Melzas and helped him to deceive the villagers.
Another dreamwalker, Meia, from the clan Elna arrives to the city and helps Alundra fight off the nightmares of the villagers, while he gathers the information and items needed to access Melzas' palace and eventually kill the demon.
Development
It was published in America by the now-defunct Working Designs.
More recently, Alundra has been made available as a downloadable game on the PSone Classics service for the PlayStation 3.
Reception
Reception| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| GameRankings | 84.90% |
| Metacritic | 86/100 |
| GameStats | 9.0/10 (PS) 9.0/10 (PSN) |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Electronic Gaming Monthly | 8.625/10 |
| GamePro |   |
| GameSpot | 8.8/10 |
| IGN | 8.5/10 |
| Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine | |
| Cheat Code Central | 4.5/5 |
| Gaming Age | 90/100 |
| PS Extreme Magazine | 90% |
| RPGamer | 9/10 |
| Thunderbolt | 9/10 |
| Ultra Game Players | 9/10 |
| Video Gamers First | 9/10 |
| RPGFan | 87% |
Alundra was well received upon release. The game had sold 143,114 copies in Japan by the end of 1997. It currently has average scores of 9.0 out of 10 on GameStats based on 5 reviews, 84.90% at GameRankings based on 10 reviews, and 86 out of 100 at Metacritic based on 9 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated PlayStation titles of 1997.
In January 1998, IGN stated, "Never have I been so tested and challenged since the old Genesis adventure title, LandStalker. And Climax has made Alundra twice as hard, twice as challenging, and twice as good as its LandStalker counterpart." The review further states that it has "a really cool story," "some great music and graphics that totally suit the game," and concludes that "this game is awesome."
A sequel entitled Alundra 2: A New Legend Begins was released in 1999. However, IGN compared it unfavourably with the original Alundra, which the reviewer David Zdyrko considered to be "one of the best games in the action/RPG category of all-time."
In 2009, Destructoid's Conrad Zimmerman described Alundra as a "fresh and innovative" game and "one of the finest examples of action/RPG gaming." He particularly praised it for featuring "a plot the likes of which I had never seen before in the genre," the strong "writing and characterizations," and the "clever and challenging puzzles." In regards to the PSN release, Platform Nation's Julian Montoya said the game "is very enjoyable and definitely worth playing" as well as stating it is a "long, fun, hard, mildly mature and full of personality adventure".
References
- ^ http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps/196598-alundra/data
- Webber (03/02/1998). "Alundra". RPGFan. Retrieved 31 January 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - "アランドラ". PlayStation.com(Japan). Sony. 2007-10-10. Archived from the original on 14 May 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Alundra". Game Rankings. Archived from the original on 25 December 2009. Retrieved 2010-01-13.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Alundra". Metacritic. Retrieved 2010-01-13.
- ^ "Alundra (PS)". GameStats. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- ^ "Alundra (PSN)". GameStats. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- John Ricciardi, Crispin Boyer, Kelly Richards, and Sushi-X (February 1998). "Alundra review". Electronic Gaming Monthly (103). San Francisco, California: Ziff Davis Media. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Chris Johnston (January 08, 1998). "The Adventures of Alundra Review". GameSpot. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Alundra - PlayStation review". IGN. January 09, 1998. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - Alex (1998). "Alundra". PS Extreme. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - Tidwell, Mikel. "Alundra - Staff Review". RPGamer. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
- Terence Gage (September 28, 2007). "The Adventures of Alundra - PSone review". Thunderbolt. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
- "Alundra". Ultra Game Players. 1998. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - Gann, Patrick (11/11/10). "Alundra". RPGFan. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - "Video game software sales in 1997". Geimin.net. 1997/12/28. Archived from the original on 10 February 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - Zdyrko, David (April 12, 2000). "Alundra 2". IGN. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
- Zimmerman, Conrad (03/20/2009). "An RPG Draws Near! Alundra". Destructoid. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - Platform Nation's Alundra Review
External links
| Landstalker series | |
|---|---|
| Video games | |
| Related | |