The indie developed Switch title Arzette and the Jewel of Faramore takes inspiration from 1990s CD-i Zelda games like Link: The Faces of Evil and Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon. While the game follows a familiar action-platforming formula of defeating baddies and completing quests, it also sprinkles in some modern twists to keep gameplay feeling fresh.
I booted up Arzette with low expectations since CD-i games aren’t well remembered. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous pixel art and smooth controls. Playing as the hero Arzette, I traveled the vast world of Faramore searching for the missing Jewel shards. Along the way I helped the quirky townsfolk with side missions to gain useful items and abilities.
Side Quests Spice Up the Adventure
Keeping gameplay interesting between main story beats are plenty of optional tasks. Minigames like “Smash the Barrels” and “Hotel Mario” homages added levity. Hunting challenge coins and bonus levels provided extra content for completionists. While backtracking could feel tedious at times, side activities made return trips more fun.
In the final chapter, I stormed the lair of the dastardly Daimur to face him in an epic boss battle. Though the adventure wraps up after only a few hours, Arzette left me wanting more from its charming cast of characters and unique take on retro Zelda tropes. Fans of CD-i games will find much to love in its tribute, and those new to the genre can also enjoy this lighthearted romp.
The Arzette series shows promise if developers continue refining the formula. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, its heartfelt homages to bygone classics make this indie gem worth a playthrough. Retro fans should keep an eye out for what comes next from the mystical land of Faramore.