Alabaster Dawn: an action-RPG that feels like classic Zelda

Alabaster Dawn is an upcoming action-RPG developed by Radical Fish Games. The game is often compared to the iconic The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, both in gameplay and style. The developers have taken concrete steps to improve the combat mechanics over classic Zelda games, resulting in an engaging play experience.

About the game

Alabaster Dawn is in early access and gives players the chance to explore the game’s colorful world. You play as Juno, the Lost Chosen, who has been cut off from her fellow warriors by a mysterious event. This character setup adds an interesting layer to the story and lets players uncover the reasons behind the situation. The story opens with a powerful prologue in which the Chosen lose the gods’ support in dramatic fashion during a crucial battle.

Gameplay and mechanics

The gameplay in Alabaster Dawn combines dynamic combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Players have access to both melee and ranged weapons, forcing them to adapt their tactics to different enemy threats. Battles often take place in small arenas, adding a sense of urgency and strategy to every encounter. With an improved animation system that makes character movement smoother, the combat feels faster and more responsive than in many earlier retro games.

• The game’s animations have been refined, with twice as many frames as many other isometric action-RPGs.

• Players can make use of an extensive cooking and crafting system to create temporary buffs and forge new weapons.

• Enemies such as corrupted plants and the Nyx raise the challenge with varied attacks and positioning requirements during combat.

Comparisons with earlier work

Radical Fish Games, the developers of Alabaster Dawn, are also known for their previous game, CrossCode, which was released in 2018. That game was also a retro-style action-RPG and received plenty of positive feedback. Alabaster Dawn can be seen as a natural follow-up to their earlier work, with the developers building on the lessons learned from CrossCode’s feedback and experience. The game looks promising, with a rich world, a deep story, and thoughtful gameplay systems.

Alabaster Dawn has the potential to become a strong successor in the world of indie action-RPGs. The developers have built a reputation for solid gameplay and an appealing story, and this new title looks set to continue that high standard. With its focus on improved combat and a compelling world, Alabaster Dawn is sure to catch the attention of both longtime genre fans and new players.