On This Day in Gaming – June 17, 2020
When Alwa’s Legacy launched on digital stores on June 17, 2020, the gaming world was adjusting to life without an in-person E3. At the same time, Steam’s Summer Sale was in full swing, giving indie games more visibility as big AAA announcements moved online. Interestingly, June 17 is also the anniversary of classic releases like Tomb Raider II (1997), reminding us just how long 2D and 3D platformers have sparked our imagination. In the middle of that summer excitement, Elden Pixels quietly delivered a love letter to retro adventure with Alwa’s Legacy.
About Alwa’s Legacy
Alwa’s Legacy is a fresh take on retro adventure. It follows Zoe, a brave young hero, who returns to the magical—but dangerous—land of Alwa. As she unlocks new spells, she explores tricky dungeons, discovers hidden items, and uncovers ancient secrets. The game’s open structure lets you choose your path—whether you want to focus on exploring, fighting, or mastering magic. Every decision you make shapes how the world reacts around you.
Storyline
Long ago, Alwa was a shining land full of light and magic. However, after a disaster threw everything into darkness, Zoe set out on a mission to bring back balance. As she journeys through the land, she finds mysterious runes, lost temples, and the echoes of forgotten guardians. These pieces slowly build the tale of Alwa’s glory and downfall. The story unfolds naturally—each boss you beat and each hidden room you find adds another clue to this beautifully told retro story.
Gameplay and Mechanics
- Non-Linear Exploration: You can explore dungeons in different ways. As you gain new abilities, earlier areas reveal fresh secrets.
- Upgrade System: You choose how Zoe grows. Go for powerful spells to control crowds, or boost her dash and jump to master tough platforming.
- Puzzle Integration: Most rooms test both your reflexes and your thinking. You’ll solve puzzles with blocks, light, and shadows.
- Accessibility Options: With easy difficulty changes, both casual players and completionists can enjoy the adventure their own way.
Visuals and Audio
Alwa’s Legacy mixes sharp pixel art with modern lighting. Backgrounds move subtly to add depth, and enemies stand out in the moody dungeon scenes. Meanwhile, the chiptune soundtrack by RushJet1 brings it all to life. The music ranges from calm village tunes to fast-paced boss tracks, perfectly matching every jump, puzzle, and battle.
Reception and Community Feedback
On Steam, Alwa’s Legacy has earned a “Very Positive” rating—88% of 434 reviews recommend it. Here’s what players love and what they think could be better:
Strengths:
- Fun level design that rewards exploring
- Flexible upgrades for different playstyles
- Beautiful pixel art and catchy music
Areas for Improvement:
- Some backtracking feels repetitive
- A few navigation issues in large areas
- Some players wanted a stronger main story
Even though major review sites haven’t given it an official score yet (“Rating: N/A out of 10”), the community’s verdict is clear: Alwa’s Legacy is a polished, heartfelt Metroidvania. It combines the charm of old-school games with just enough new features to keep both newcomers and longtime fans hooked.
Impact and Legacy
While many big-budget games were adjusting to a changing world in 2020, Alwa’s Legacy showed how much creativity indie studios can bring. Its success helped Elden Pixels become a respected name for players who enjoy cozy yet challenging games. Even more, it inspired other small teams to try open-ended design and polished pixel art.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a relaxing but rewarding platformer, Alwa’s Legacy is a true hidden gem. With upgrade paths that let you play your way, hidden secrets everywhere, and music that stays with you, it shows how retro games can still feel fresh. If you missed its launch back in June 2020, now’s a great time to dive in and see why players still talk about this magical journey.
