I dove into Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore on its release day, eager to discover its speedrunning potential and design secrets. Developed by Seedy Eye Software and published by Limited Run Games on February 14, 2024, this game quickly grabbed my attention with its promise to revamp the notorious CD-i Zelda legacy. As SpeedyGamer99, I always seek games that hide deep mechanics and offer rewarding challenges for speedrunners. Arzette did not disappoint.
Overall Impressions
Arzette stands out by taking known, flawed mechanics from past CD-i adventures and transforming them with improved design and smart changes. The game honors some of the famous titles of the past while replacing clunky elements with smooth controls and clear progression systems. As soon as I started speedrunning through its levels, I felt that every change was made on purpose. The game encourages players to revisit each area multiple times while unlocking power-ups—a clear nod to classic platformers and metroidvania design. Its artistic style recalls the quirky cutscenes and exaggerated animations of the old Zelda CD-i games, yet it builds its own modern identity.
While the game impresses with its fresh twist on familiar ideas, it remains a niche experience. It assumes some background in the CD-i games and the era of Youtube Poops. The narrative and character design include layers of meta humor and a deep respect for game history. For speedrunners and design fans, these references add value. However, for players new to the source material, the references might seem unclear or even confusing at times.
Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay in Arzette is solid and finely tuned. The combat feels sharp and aggressive, making every encounter satisfying. I appreciated how the movement mechanics let me quickly move through environments while perfecting my speed. Every upgrade and power-up unlocks new strategies to reduce completion times. For example, early in the game I struggled with certain enemy patterns until I found a power-up that boosted my agility. This change completely transformed the experience and opened up new speedrunning tactics.
The game design encourages replayability. You are prompted to replay cleverly crafted levels to master every detail. I found that the linear level design hides many layers of secrets and shortcuts. Some levels may seem repetitive at first, but they reward careful observation and smart planning. While the combat remains engaging, some enemy encounters can feel a bit unbalanced. There were moments when a swarm of enemies made it hard to use the precise tactics a speedrunner needs. However, these challenges push you to improve your strategies and find ways to enhance your run.
Story and Characters
Arzette offers a story that is both playful and surprisingly serious as it explores unexpected themes. The narrative follows Arzette on a quest to challenge the evil Daimur and draws on vintage gaming lore. The characters are designed to remind you of those from older CD-i games. Many even feature the original voice actors. This choice deepens their personality, giving them an endearing quality. The mix of humor and seriousness keeps you engaged. The game smoothly shifts from tongue-in-cheek moments to truly memorable character interactions. I liked how the story weaves in meta references to the old gaming era, appealing to both casual fans and those who love gaming history.
Even with its clever references, the story sometimes leans too much on nostalgia. Some parts assume you know about CD-i and YTP culture. For someone new to these ideas, this might lessen the emotional connection. But if you are familiar with that legacy, the experience feels touching and refreshing. This two-layered narrative adds to the overall excitement of the game.
Visuals and Graphics
The art direction in Arzette is a bright tribute to its predecessor works. The visuals combine hand-drawn art with modern animation techniques. The game uses a clear, animated style that feels both retro and polished. I was impressed by how the design team kept the quirky, exaggerated animations of the old CD-i titles while refining every detail for modern tastes.
Each level is carefully designed with a nod to pixel art and classic platform layouts. The cutscenes are especially memorable. They capture the lively spirit of influential Youtube Poops while fitting neatly into the game’s story. Although the art has a playful edge, there is a strong sense of quality in every frame. This balance boosts both the game’s replayability and overall charm.
Sound and Music
The sound design in Arzette is equally impressive. The game blends a catchy chiptune-inspired soundtrack with updated modern sound effects. Each track is composed to match the fast pace required by speedrunning and the dramatic turns in the story. The voice acting, which intentionally echoes the CD-i era, balances humor with sincerity. This approach enhanced the immersion, even in the most intense moments.
Sound effects are crisp, making every attack, jump, and power-up activation feel meaningful. The music shifts easily between light-hearted tunes during exploration and urgent melodies during challenging sequences. This dynamic soundtrack lifts the overall gaming experience and makes it a treat for both the ears and the eyes.
Difficulty and Replayability
Arzette offers a unique challenge that keeps both casual players and speedrunners hooked. The early levels have a moderate difficulty that gradually ramps up, requiring quick reflexes and precise timing. The slow reveal of upgrades and new mechanics creates a smooth learning curve.
The game encourages multiple playthroughs by asking you to replay linear stages that hide secrets and shortcuts. When I found powerful upgrades through side quests, it became exciting to replay levels with enhanced abilities. Some players have noted that the progression can feel repetitive if you do not focus on perfecting your run, which can be challenging for those who prefer a strictly linear story. However, I found that the strategic element of optimizing movement and combat rewards repeated play.
The game even offers god mode moments when you gather certain combinations of power-ups, giving a thrilling rush that lets you beat challenges at record speeds. For a speedrunner, these moments are very satisfying. However, they may change the balance for traditional players who prefer a steadier progression. Overall, the solid mechanics and replayability raise Arzette to a high level in the platformer genre.
Behind-The-Scenes
Seedy Eye Software does a great job of fixing what made the CD-i games infamous. They reworked problematic elements into something excellent. It is clear the developers made the game with both passion and a deep understanding of game design. This effort shines through every carefully crafted level and every smart gameplay feature.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore is a captivating mix of retro tribute and modern design. It is a fun experience for both speedrunners and gamers who enjoy a unique story steeped in gaming history. The improved gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and atmospheric visuals combine into an experience that challenges you and rewards your skill.
Even if the game relies on niche references that may confuse those not familiar with its roots, it offers an unforgettable journey filled with fast gameplay and smart design changes. As a passionate speedrunner, I found great satisfaction in discovering new tactics for optimizing my run. I rate Arzette 4 out of 5 stars. The game succeeds in reinventing an old formula with care and heart.
Arzette resonates with anyone who appreciates the intricacies of game design and the thrill of perfecting their run. I strongly recommend this title for those who value both nostalgia and innovation. Speedrunners, in particular, will find rich, satisfying rewards in every exhilarating dash through the Kingdom of Faramore.
