Alundra (PS1)

Post by **RadarScope1** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:28 am

Forum - what are your thoughts? Saw this for $20 at the local shop yesterday and am considering picking it up. I've read some reviews but I want to hear from folks I know I can trust - ie, y'all.

I'm a pretty big Zelda fan, and the almost 16-bit look and style of this one has me interested.

Post by **Cerulean** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:32 am

shoulda picked it up. beter hurry before someone else does it before you.

Post by **glynnahab** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:21 am

Yeah, definitely grab it. You'll get your money's worth. It is very Zelda-esque, with an emphasis on the puzzle aspects. I enjoyed it, although there were certain parts towards the end where I wanted to bang my head on the wall.
It isn't exceptionally difficult if you're experienced with these kinds of games. It's just that my brain struggled with some of the puzzles - the same way I tend to get lost in 3D games due to my poor sense of direction.

Post by **Intangir** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 4:04 am

I'd buy it. Brave Fencer Musashi and Alundra were probably my favorite action-RPGs on the PS1. Though, like glynnahab said, the game can really drive you up the wall with all of the puzzles. Now I like them zany action-RPG puzzles but even I was getting weary of them towards the end. However, if you don't push yourself to rush through the game and just take it at your leisure, you'll get some great mileage out of it and find most of your hair still comfortably attached to your head for your patience.

Post by **Niode** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 5:51 am

Easily the best action RPG on the PS1. Get it and rip it and put it on the download section

. I really fancy playing that game again on my PSP. Haven't played it for years.

Post by **peace4myheart** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:57 pm

If it is complete and in good shpae, then maybe. However, unlike everybody here, I just didn't like it very much. To me, it is just average. I am a Zelda fan as well, but Alundra wasn't all that great in comparison.

Post by **ott0bot** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:38 pm

I never played the first one, i heard it was fun. I just hope it's better than Alundra 2. I thought that was pretty much crap.

Post by **RadarScope1** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:43 pm

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll pick it up. It's complete and so far as I know in good shape. Of course it won't measure up the Zelda, but I want to play it in the same way that I want to play something like Beyond Oasis. No way it'll be as good, but if you're going to pick something to imitate you can't hardly go wrong imitating the best.

I also heard 2 was crappy. There's two or three copies of it at this store right next to the lone copy of the original game. Both of the guys I talked to at the store flat out told me I shouldn't bother.

Post by **glynnahab** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 12:09 am

RadarScope1 wrote:I also heard 2 was crappy. There's two or three copies of it at this store right next to the lone copy of the original game. Both of the guys I talked to at the store flat out told me I shouldn't bother.

It's not often I've met people working at game stores who would actually care enough to steer you away from a bad game. What store is this?

Post by **RadarScope1** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 1:54 pm

It ain't GameStop!

It's called Vintage Stock. It's a regional chain (though it doesn't feel like a chain) in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. There are two where I live in Springfield, MO. It's a pretty cool place because they not only have used games and consoles, but DVDs, CDs, comics, action figures, card games. It's a nerd store, for sure. I've gotten to know one of the guys who works there. Always helps to make nice. He's actually more of a comics guy but plays games as well. Overall they have a knowledgable and friendly staff.

Funny story - after reading this thread I decided to go there and use some credit I have to pick up Alundra. My friend behind the counter tells me he sold it less than an hour before I came in. !! I should have been out buying it instead of reading about it here!! Anyway, I decided I would head up to their other location and, surprisingly, they also had a copy. So I bought. Right next to it was a complete copy of Gunstar Heroes, so I snagged that too.

I had forgotten how much attention to detail Working Designs pays (or paid) to their releases. Alundra has a beautiful embossed relief full-color booklet, a map that feels kind of parchment-like and pretty good artwork. Everything was in perfect condition - no tears or scratches. Things like this are one of the reasons I like collecting over emulation.