Summary

Alundra is a classic action-adventure RPG beloved for its challenging puzzles, deep storyline, and innovative dreamwalking gameplay mechanic. Despite criticisms of its difficulty, it’s celebrated for its storytelling and engaging gameplay.

Release Year: 1997
Genres: Adventure, Platform, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: PlayStation
Developers: Matrix Software
Publishers: Psygnosis, Sony Computer Entertainment, Working Designs

Introduction

Dive into the mystical world of Alundra, a groundbreaking action-adventure RPG from 1997 that combines gripping narrative with challenging puzzles and real-time combat. Set in a world teetering between the realms of dream and reality, this game invites players on an epic journey to thwart an ancient evil.

Synopsis

“Alundra” is an action-adventure video game developed by Matrix Software for the PlayStation, originally released in 1997. 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 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, fate, religion, and the essence of human existence. The gameplay involves extensive exploration of the island and various dungeons, with an emphasis on challenging puzzle solving, real-time action combat, and platforming. 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.

Alundra, the silent protagonist and player character, is an elf 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. 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. The game’s plot revolves around Alundra’s efforts to help the villagers and uncover the source of their nightmares. As he delves deeper into their dreams, he encounters a variety of psychological and philosophical themes, reflecting the fears and desires of the dreamers.

The game’s mechanics are built around Alundra’s dreamwalking ability. Each dream level is unique and reflects the personality and traits of the dreamer. This leads to a wide variety of gameplay experiences, from puzzle-solving to combat to platforming. The game also features a detailed overworld for Alundra to explore, filled with secrets and optional content.

“Alundra” was praised for its well-written story and characterization, smooth game mechanics and platforming, challenging gameplay and puzzles, and expansive overworld exploration. A sequel entitled “Alundra 2”, which has very little in common with the original Alundra, was released in 1999.

“Alundra” is a unique and engaging action-adventure game that combines traditional gameplay elements with a deep and thought-provoking narrative. Its innovative dreamwalking mechanic and mature themes set it apart from other games of its time, making it a memorable experience for players.

Characters

Alundra, the protagonist and dreamwalker; Meia, a fellow dreamwalker with a mysterious past; Lars, the sage who guides Alundra; and a host of villagers each with their unique dreams and fears.

Gameplay

Alundra blends action RPG elements with puzzle-solving in a top-down perspective. Players navigate dungeons, solve puzzles, and engage in real-time combat with a variety of weapons. The game is known for its challenging puzzles that require logic and strategy to overcome.

Conclusion

Alundra stands as a testament to the depth and complexity that video games can offer. With its engaging story, challenging puzzles, and immersive world, it remains a must-play for fans of the genre and those looking to experience a classic of the late ’90s.