Landstalker on the Genesis is one of those isometric action-RPGs that feels like Zelda but with its own weird charm. You play as Nigel, this spiky-haired treasure hunter who jumps around like he’s got springs in his boots, swinging his sword at bats and hopping across floating platforms. The perspective takes some getting used to—sometimes you’ll swear a ledge is right in front of you, but nope, it’s actually one layer back. Frustrating at first, but you adapt.

What stuck with me was the vibe. The music’s got this adventurous, slightly melancholic tone, and the dungeons are packed with puzzles that make you push blocks, flip switches, and occasionally backtrack when you realize you missed a key. Combat’s simple, but some enemies hit hard if you’re careless. And yeah, there’s treasure—gold nuggets, armor upgrades, the usual—but the real draw is exploring these dense, maze-like areas where every screen hides something.

It’s not perfect (the jumping can be janky), but it’s got personality. If you’re into old-school action-RPGs with a bit of platforming thrown in, this one’s worth digging up.