Steam sale deep cut alert: this ARPG originally developed for Nokia N-Gage is brilliant on Deck

Xanadu Next, an ARPG, is a surprise hit on Steam during the Autumn sale. Originally developed for Nokia N-Gage, this JRPG has a nostalgic charm that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game is a belated spin-off to the 1985 PC-88 game Xanadu: Dragon Slayer 2, and its design was conceptualized to work across multiple platforms. The 2016 English re-release on Steam is a faithful adaptation of the PC version and is widely regarded as one of Nihon Falcom's best games.

The game features an isometric view and a metroidvania structure, with a central village where the knight protagonist can rest, upgrade, and trade. Outside the village, players navigate the world via light puzzle-solving and satisfying combat, unlocking doors with keys purchased in town. The gameplay is a grind, but it is a peaceful and meditative one, with the satisfaction of exploring the labyrinthine world and discovering interconnected areas.

The game also has a rich atmosphere that blends cheerful JRPG first village elements with a more melancholic tone.

However, the game does have its quirks. It lacks thorough controller support, and players will likely need to use the mouse at times to equip items. Additionally, the game does not automatically adjust to your display, so it is recommended to load the separate config executable and set up graphics before heading into the game. Despite these issues, the game is currently 70% off on Steam, making it an excellent deal for fans of the genre.

Playing Xanadu Next has made me want to explore other Nihon Falcom games, which are currently on sale.