Alundra 2
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| Alundra 2 | |
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| Developer(s) | Contrail |
| Publisher(s) | Activision |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation |
| Release date | JP November 18, 1999 NA February 29, 2000 EU June 30, 2000 |
| Genre(s) | Action RPG |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Rating(s) | ELSPA: 11+ ESRB: Teen OFLC: G8+ USK: 6+ |
| Media | 1 CD-ROM |
| Input methods | DualShock |
Alundra 2: A New Legend Begins is an action/puzzle video game developed by Contrail and published by Activision. It was released in Japan in 1999 and in North America and Europe in the next year. Unlike its predecessor, Alundra, Alundra 2 features a new 3D look which opens up a new world of puzzles. Because of its 3D look, rather simple plot, and the fact it has nothing to do with its predecessor apart from the name, Alundra 2 was not well received. No further Alundra titles were made, most likely because of Alundra 2's poor reception.
Alundra 2's story is set in the kingdom of Varuna. A powerful sorcerer Mephisto is using magical wind-up keys to control humans and turn animals into powerful killing machines. You play Flint, a young hero and Pirate Hunter who is wanted for treason, and is after the pirates that caused his parents' death.
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[edit] Gameplay
The gameplay to Alundra 2 is very similar to the Legend of Zelda series, and indeed, the original Alundra, though there were some major changes. There is much emphasis on puzzle solving and dungeon exploring.
[edit] Major characters
- Flint
His family was killed by a group of pirates, and he's been hunting them ever since. He's also a wanted man in the Kingdom of Varuna. In a strange turn of events later in the game, he will be forced to work together with the pirate family to save the Kingdom from Mephisto.
- Alexia
Princess of Varuna. She's searching for her father, the King of Varuna. Follows Flint around most of the time and, like most Princesses, gets kidnapped pretty often. Carries a sword even though she doesn't seem to have a clue on how to use it.
- Lord Prunewell
The old servant of Alexia, appears near the start of the game to coach you in the ways of the game.
- Zeppo
The leader of the pirate family. He, like the rest of the pirate family, is there for comic relief. He's unstable, violent, but pretty dumb.
- Ruby
Daughter of Zeppo. Extremely bossy and hot-tempered (just like dad). She's basically there to annoy the hell out of everyone else. Later in the game she develops a crush on Flint.
- Albert
Son of Zeppo. Quiet and calm. The brains of the pirate family, but then that's not really saying much. Later in the game he becomes friend to Flint.
- Mephisto
The master of the magic screw. His screws, when attached to a living organism,turns them into killing machines. His name is a reference to the devil, making it no coincidence that he's the main villain of the game.
- Baron Diaz
He's taken over the throne after the disappearance of the King of Varuna; is secretly collaborating with Mephisto. Desperately wants to marry Princess Alexia.
- Nunugi
Assistant/bodyguard to Baron Diaz. Strong and silent type.
- Natasha
The Baron's well-meaning daughter; she's not a crook unlike her father.
- Mileena
The pirate queen, and also the mother of Ruby and Albert. Has a deal with Mephisto.
- Belgar
Mileena's assistant/bodyguard; looks suspiciously like Flint's dad. Another strong and silent type.
- Children of the Crown
A bunch of royal kids who follow Prunewell's orders and help Flint occasionally.
- King Varuna
The muscle-for-brains ruler of Varuna Kingdom who gets kidnapped and replaced by a wooden doll. Alexia is traveling the land looking for him.
[edit] Reception
Reception was mixed - many felt it was a let down as a sequel to the original game. The lack of weapons (the player could only use a sword, shield and one of four magic rings), lack of a fully explorable world map, and the ease of gameplay were all criticised, all changes made to the formula from the original game. Despite overall poor reception, the game had some fans. They praised the game's bright and colourful, if clichéd, fantasy world, and the soundtrack, despite being similar to the soundtrack from the original game, was well received. They stated that the puzzles, while nowhere near as difficult as some of the seemingly impossible puzzles from the first game, still occasionally proved a challenge. It is thought that the game would have been better received had it not been named as a sequel to Alundra, as fans of it were expecting something much darker and more difficult than what they received. The game received a positive average review of 71% at Game Rankings.
