Xanadu Next
2005
- role-playing (rpg)
- hack and slash/beat 'em up
- action
- fantasy
- single player
- multiplayer
The story
Xanadu Next is an exploration-centric action RPG from Nihon Falcom, the acclaimed creators of the Ys and The Legend of Heroes RPG franchises. A late entry in their immensely popular Dragon Slayer series and a spiritual follow-up to the late ‘80s cult classic Faxanadu, Xanadu Next puts players in the shoes of a gravely injured knight given a new lease on life through ancient magic who must now seek a legendary sword called “Dragon Slayer” to ensure his survival.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated fantasy with a polygonal, slightly toylike cast of hand-drawn anime portraits and chunky 3D worlds: sun-warmed grasslands, mossy dungeon stone, glowing crystal caverns and bluish ruins lit by torch and sunlight. The camera follows a small, mobile knight from a high angle, so you see a lot of terrain at once and the sense of a world opening up is the point. Its soundscape leans on bouncy J-pop-flavoured melodies and brass-tinged battle tracks, with a steady, arcade-like pulse that makes the wandering feel light. Vibe: nostalgic, busy, adventurous, with a warm late-2000s handheld charm. Pacing is exploratory and non-linear, built around backtracking, quicksaves, and gradually unlocking routes, with real-time combat that stays brisk and never grim. Emotionally it's earnest and upbeat, following a wounded young man who slowly regains his strength and footing. Intensity is mild: sword fights and monsters, cartoonish rather than gory, with no sexual content and little real menace. It suits a relaxed weekend session, a comfort replay, or a mellow hour of wandering with a handheld in hand. It is for players who love exploring at their own pace, collecting things, and the friendly sprawl of old-school action RPGs.
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