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[belgurdo]

The first one sticks in my mind as being the only ARPG that could rightfully take the title of "Zelda killer"-a big ass world map with tons of exploration, loads of side stuff, an actual (and strong) plot, decent combat, and mind-bending puzzles made what would have been likely bargain bin material at best something noteworthy. Then the devs apparently tossed this aside for the sequel (I haven't played it, but I understand that it shares nothing with the primary game aside from being called "Alundra") killing whatever interest there was in the series. But I wonder if they took ideas from the first one and updated them, would people be interested in it again? I'd probably grab it immediately

 

[demi]

All signs point to no.

 

[Do The Mario]

I only ever played Alundra 2 but never finished it, a good game IMO full of big boss battles and a few good puzzles.

I wouldn’t mind at least a “spiritual squeal” a new franchise but similar game.

 

[djtiesto]

Alundra kicked ass and was really tough - (I don't think I've ever thrown my controller down in frustration so much in my life!) but what I'd really like would be a true sequel to Landstalker (Dark Savior and Timestalkers don't count!)

 

[BuddyC]

Alundra was really, really kickass.

 

[jooey]

I wouldn’t mind at least a “spiritual squeal”

that's the sound most let out when playing alundra 2.

 

[jarrod]

The first one sticks in my mind as being the only ARPG that could rightfully take the title of "Zelda killer"

Clearly, you've never played LandStalker.

I wouldn’t mind at least a “spiritual squeal” a new franchise but similar game.

Clearly, you've never played Dual Hearts.


Anyway, I loved Alundra and would kill to see a sequel/remake on PSP. Unfortunately, Matrix Software seems content to work on mobile games and ChunSoft engines for the time being. :/

 

[sprsk]

Landstalker!!

 

[MassiveAttack]

Then the devs apparently tossed this aside for the sequel (I haven't played it, but I understand that it shares nothing with the primary game aside from being called "Alundra") killing whatever interest there was in the series.

Little known fact (for the jarrod files):

Alundra 2 was never developed as a sequel to Alundra. The game started life as an original ARPG using Matrix's new PS1 engine and was known by a different name up until Beta. At that point SCEI made a "marketing" decision and slapped the Alundra name on the game hoping for a sales boost. Problem was, the game had nothing to do with the previous Alundra, the critics quickly noticed and the game tanked at retail worldwide.

A true Alundra sequel would be great for PSP. In the meantime, Tenchi no Mon from the reborn Climax will do very nicely indeed.

 

[jarrod]

Little know fact (for the jarrod files):

Alundra 2 was never developed as a sequel to Alundra. The game started life as an original ARPG using Matrix's new PS1 engine and was known by a different name up until Beta. At that point SCEI made a "marketing" decision and slapped the Alundra name on the game hoping for a sales boost. Problem was, the game had nothing to do with the previous Alundra, the critics quickly noticed and the game tanked at retail worldwide.

A true Alundra sequel would be great for PSP. In the meantime, Tenchi no Mon from the reborn Climax will do very nicely indeed.

Interesting, and totally makes sense. I have to wonder if Matrix's relationship with SCEI hasn't soured a bit though then, after the "forced" Alundra 2 and Dual Hearts totally bombing (heh, SCEI probably should've insisted on calling it Alundra 3)? Maybe that's why we haven't seen much from them on the console front (besides helping with the DQ5 remake)? I wouldn't mind if MGSJ approached them for a Xenon ARPG actually.

 

[iapetus]

Two controversial statements here for you:

Alundra > Zelda: TOoT
Alundra 2 > being disembowelled with blunt sticks over the course of several days

Having nothing to do with the original Alundra was not the reason Alundra 2 tanked at retail.

 

[madara]

This needs a mighty renaming to Landstalker. While better then dc attempts it still was no landstalker. But good to hear some alundra appreciation.

 

[jarrod]

Well, if I were to rank the Climax family ARPGs...

01 LandStalker (Climax Entertainment)
02 Alundra (Matrix Software)
03 Dual Hearts (Matrix Software)
04 Alundra 2 (Matrix Software)
05 LadyStalker (Climax Entertainment)
06 Dark Savior (Climax Entertainment)

...seems to me all the talent from LandStalker went to Matrix, as Lady Stalker was pretty medicore and Dark Savior was outright putrid. I've still got hope for Tenchi no Mon though.

 

[neopokekun]

Another fun fact: Alundra holds the record for most cd and insert variations for a psx game.

(From Playstation Perfect Guide)

 

[demi]

My CD is the top right one, while my jewel case insert is the bottom left! I AM AWESOME

 

[lordmrw]

That is an incredible packaging. Working Designs did a damn good job on that one. I never managed to get Alundra from my friend before he moved away, so I'm shit out of luck if I want to play it again.