Nintendo Switch Critic Reviews

With consistently well-designed dungeons and plenty of secrets to discover, this is a fantastic throwback to the likes of Link to the Past and other top-down classics.

Elementallis is one of the most solid and entertaining “Zelda-like” games we've seen in recent years. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but everything it does, it does quite well, and the gameplay is quite enjoyable and entertaining.

I’m just so impressed! So no, as tempting as it is to call this “the missing Nintendo Zelda game” it does of course fall short of the bizarre perfection of A Link to the Past or what have you. But damn, it’s still tempting. This is a spectacular achievement, and a hugely fun and enormous game, packed with original ideas among the appropriately borrowed conceit. It’s a game the whole games press should be – I think the young people say – popping off over. Especially given it’s out for Nintendo Switch, along with other consoles. So let’s sing its praises until it can’t be ignored.

Elementallis is a gem of an indie title and a must-play for any Zelda fan — I truly appreciated its efforts in honoring the series’ legacy while also offering enough variety to avoid stepping on its toes. Elementallis made me feel like the ’90s gamer kid I am at heart, and I’m thankful I got to relive that sense of joy and wonder.

Elementallis is a title that manages to impress above all for its heart, rather than its technical execution. The developers' love for the great classics is evident, and it shines through in every aspect of the game. The influences are clear and, in some cases, quite pronounced. The echoes of the older entries in The Legend of Zelda saga are apparent both in the world's structure and in the dungeon design and skill-based progression. Yet rather than feeling derivative, the game manages to use these inspirations as a foundation for building something personal. It is not a flawless experience — there are a few technical rough edges and controls that could be improved. The lack of Italian localisation is also a missed opportunity, as it would certainly have drawn in more players. And yet, it is hard not to be drawn in by its atmosphere, its eagerness to invite exploration, and the satisfaction that comes from mastering its mechanics. In an increasingly crowded market, Elementallis still manages to stand out. It is a journey that does not aim to dazzle with special effects, but to win you over slowly, step by step, element by element.

Some parts of the game will feel familiar if you’ve played a lot of classic action-adventure games, but that’s honestly part of its charm. If you’re a fan of classic Zelda-style games and enjoy exploration, solving puzzles, and unlocking new abilities, Elementallis is definitely worth a look.