Developer: Positive Concept Games
Publisher: indie.io, Levelup Games
Genre: Action RPG
Price: $19.99
Release Date: Oct 7th, 2025
Where to buy: Steam
Shrine’s Legacy, the debut title from Positive Concept Games, is a heartfelt action RPG that manages to feel simultaneously like a lost SNES-era classic and a polished modern indie title. It successfully blends the top-down action combat and puzzle-solving of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past with the co-op feature and emotional storytelling flair of games like Secret of Mana and Chrono Trigger. While not every system is perfectly refined, the game’s overall charm, aesthetic, and sheer passion make it an adventure well worth undertaking.
Visuals and Presentation
The game’s 16-bit pixel art is a standout feature, immediately transporting players back to the golden age of JRPGs. Sprites are detailed and fluidly animated, and the environments of Ardemia are varied and expressive, from lush forests to cozy villages. The presentation is rich with vibrant colors and excellent tile work. The score is equally strong, delivering an outstanding soundtrack that perfectly captures the adventurous and sometimes dramatic tone of the journey. While some map elements and UI screens can feel a little clunky or busy, the overall art direction is an undeniable love letter to its inspirations.
Story and Characters
Shrine’s Legacy follows the journey of young hero Rio and the mysterious mage Reima as they seek to unite the eight elemental gems and restore the legendary Sword of Shrine to defeat the rising evil, Aklor. The story, while treading familiar ground for the genre, is well-paced and driven by a delightful, memorable cast of characters. The narrative masterfully blends melodrama, emotional depth, and unexpected slapstick comedy, echoing the tonal variety of classic SNES RPGs. The growing relationship and banter between the two main protagonists, a key feature, gives the adventure genuine heart and personality.
Gameplay and Exploration
Exploration of the vast world of Ardemia is a highlight, filled with secrets, treasures, and side quests that reward curious players. The dungeon design is strong, combining real-time action combat with satisfying, Zelda-style elemental puzzles. Players must cleverly use elemental magics—like freezing blocks to slide onto switches or burning away vines—to progress. The game offers both single-player (with easy character-swapping) and an excellent local co-op option, a feature often missed in modern titles. The implementation of frequent save points and a fast-travel system helps to modernize the experience and alleviate retro-era frustrations.
Combat System
Combat is real-time action RPG fare, utilizing basic attacks, a dodge mechanic (unlocked relatively early), and a variety of elemental spells. While the system is functional and engaging, it can occasionally feel a bit stiff and repetitive, mainly relying on spamming attacks until elemental weaknesses are exploited. The Jewel and magic system, which allows for stat boosts and perks via equippable gems, offers a layer of character customization, but is sometimes criticized for being slightly clunky or over-complicated. Boss battles, however, are a high point, delivering the classic “learn the pattern, exploit the weakness” satisfaction.
Legacy and Overall Appeal
At its core, Shrine’s Legacy is a passion project developed by a two-person team, and that dedication shines through in its respectful yet original homage to the 16-bit era. It not only scratches that deep retro itch but also brings a fresh, modern perspective, particularly with the inclusion of polished co-op gameplay. It successfully synthesizes elements from different classics (e.g., Zelda puzzles, Secret of Mana co-op, Chrono Trigger’s charm) into a cohesive and memorable adventure. It’s a testament to the enduring magic of the SNES-style action RPG.
Verdict: A delightful, sincere, and successful love letter to 16-bit action RPGs, making it an essential pickup for fans of the genre.
