Summary
It’s no secret thatThe Legend Of Zeldais one of the most iconic franchises in game history, with titles spanning from 1986 all the way toTears Of The Kingdom, which was released in 2023. Many of these games are arguably some of the most influential in history, and a great number of them still hold up today.
BecauseThe Legend Of Zeldahas been around for so long, it’s managed to capture the imaginations of several generations. Luckily, there are plenty of experiences likeZeldafor fans to enjoy, particularly in the indie scene. While most of these games take inspiration from the older, top-downZeldagames, many of these games are likely to appease all kinds ofZeldafan.
1Moon Hunters – An Exploration-Focused Hack-And-Slash
Steam User Rating: 80%
This exploration-focused hack-and-slash action roguelite isn’t entirely likeZelda, but takes clear inspiration from older titles in the franchise. The game’s top-down,pixel art aesthetic, focus on exploration, and hack-and-slash gameplay feel especiallyZelda-like.
Moon Huntersis, however, a roguelite, and so it doesn’t always feel like aZeldagame. However, it’s not as punishing as traditional roguelikes, and the focus on meeting NPCs and exploring the various environments makes it a worthwhile experience forZeldafans.
This top-down combination of roguelite dungeon-crawler and shop management game is highly reminiscent of old-schoolZeldadungeons. However, outside of the dungeon-crawling,Moonlighterdoesn’t have much in common with the classic franchise.
Moonlighteris, first and foremost, an action-RPG with roguelite elements. The game sees players delving into dungeons in search of precious loot, then bringing it back to the surface to sell it at their store. Although players are unlikely to experience the awe and wonder of exploring a detailed world,Moonlighterstill offers a solid action experience that hearkens to old-schoolZelda.
Hack-and-slash combat, powerful abilities, dungeon-crawling, and a detailed world to explore makeEastwarda charming experience from beginning to end. The gameplay, exploration, dungeons, and top-down perspective feel particularly reminiscent of old-schoolZelda, thoughEastwardretains a unique charm throughout its entirety.
Eastward’svisuals, narrative, and gameplay work together to offer a consistently cozy experience that, likeZelda, isn’t always challenging. However, similarly toZelda, it’s this easy-to-learn, accessible nature that makesEastward’sworld so welcoming.
This unique, stylish 2D action-adventure game features truly distinctive game design, exploration,and dungeon-crawling.Nobody Saves The Worldis mostly reminiscent ofZeldain its top-down, hack-and-slash combat, though it does a few things that stand out.
Nobody Saves The Worldwas developed by DrinkBox Studios, the team behindGuacamelee, and their development prowess is on full display with this game’s look and overall level of polish. AlthoughNobody Saves The Worldfeatures all the usual questing and dungeon-crawling, it also features a unique shape-shifting mechanic that has players experimenting with all manner of abilities.
This hack-and-slash action game is unique in both its visuals and its gameplay.MINITfeatures several nods to the top-downZeldagames, but differentiates itself with its unique time-limit mechanic that gives players a mere minute to explore before dying and starting the day over.
While this won’t be for everyone, it certainly makesMINITfeel unique. Furthermore, the hack-and-slash combat, variety of characters to meet, and world to explore makeMINITa short-but-sweet experience that’s great forZeldafans looking for a unique experience.
A strong art style, focus on exploration, and variety of puzzles makeHoba great game for fans ofZelda. The 3D environments are a joy to explore, thanks to a charming, colorful aesthetic, and while combat encounters are sparse, it’s consistently rewarding.
Hob’spuzzles aren’t particularly difficult, but they’re satisfying to complete and, for the most part, well-designed.Hob’snarrative is certainly intriguing, but equally vague, thanks to its lack of text or dialogue.
AlthoughUnsightedalso draws comparisons to Metroidvanias, it draws clear inspiration fromclassicZeldagames, particularly with its hack-and-slash combat and focus on exploring. However,Unsightedalso features mechanics that take inspiration from theDark Soulsgames, specifically with its parry and unforgiving enemy encounters.
Unsightedalso featuresa unique narrativewherein all the NPCs of the world are dying, and the player is under immense time pressure to complete their objectives. However, for players that don’t enjoy being rushed, this feature is optional.
For some,TUNICmay be too far removed fromZeldafor them to enjoy, but it is clear thatTUNIC’sdevelopment was influenced by theZeldafranchise. Its world, combat, puzzles, and dungeons all evoke a similar look and feel to that ofZelda.
However,TUNICis stilla unique game. It shows similarities to theDark Soulsgames with its variety of challenging bosses and combat that relies on stamina-management and well-timed dodge rolls. Furthermore,TUNIC’sworld is a joy to explore, packed with secrets and impressive vistas that make the most of the game’s art style.
This isometrichack-and-slash featuresa fairly straightforward combat system that, while serviceable, leaves a lot to be desired. However,Death’s Doormore than makes up for this with its well-crafted world, visuals, music, and narrative.
Death’s Doortasks players with venturing through a handful of unique Kingdoms, each with their own visual flair, battling through gauntlets of enemies and solving puzzles. Overall, fans ofZeldaare likely to enjoyexploring the beautiful worldofDeath’s Door, even if the combat is relatively undemanding.
Hyper Light Drifterfeatures a vague narrative told through abstract storytelling that won’t be for everyone, but its neon-fantasy world, depicted by crunchy old-school pixel-art, is consistently rewarding to explore.Hyper Light Drifterfeatures solid but unforgivinghack-and-slash combatthat’s fun to master, but the game’s visuals, world, and atmosphere are arguably its greatest strengths.
For those that can push past, or even enjoy, its lack of hand-holding and vague storytelling,Hyper Light Drifteris a visually-striking experience that’s reminiscent of the top-downZeldagames. With a sequel on its way in the form ofHyper Light Breaker, there’s never been a better time to check out this indie classic from 2016.
