I’ve played quite a few of these Chrono Trigger-likes, or Mana-likes if you prefer. And while Shrine’s Legacy may be paying quite a bit of homage to the SNES-era of RPGs that inspired it, it also has some clever Zelda-style puzzles.
Shrine’s Legacy also taps into an element that I feel a lot of these SNES-style indie RPGs miss, which is a world built on thematic variety. It beautifully captures the spirit of those games, where you would go from melodrama to slapstick comedy within a few moments.
Shrine’s Legacy takes pretty clear influence from classic SNES-era 16-bit RPGs, with a fun blend of Zelda-style puzzles and action-based combat. Fortunately, it does an admirable job of using that inspiration to create its own identity, and doesn’t rely too much on the nostalgia of your youth.
Inspired by classic JRPGs, Shrine’s Legacy intertwines an emotional story with fast-paced, real-time combat. Experience the saga in single player mode, seamlessly shifting between Rio’s blade and Reima’s sorcery, or join a friend through local or online co-op. Solve intricate puzzles and conquer formidable foes by combining the duo’s distinct abilities: wield Rio’s mastery of the blade to perform well-timed attacks while conjuring Reima’s vast arsenal of spells from afar.
“As two friends who love RPGs, we have always felt that not enough RPG games have true co-op options,” said Alan Gabbard, Creative Director. “That’s why it was important for us to achieve what Mana games were doing in terms of sharing the experience with loved ones on the couch…or at a computer monitor for Shrine’s Legacy initial release.”
Read the full review on Dualshockers here. Shrine’s Legacy rescues the denizens of Ardemia on PC via Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and Steam Deck today, for $19.99 USD. For more information, check out Positive Concept Games’ official website, join their Discord, and stay up-to-date by following their Facebook, BlueSky, and X/Twitter.
