Ary and the Secret of Seasons is shaping up to be a Zelda-inspired action/adventure which can actually hold a candle to its obvious inspiration thanks to strong mechanics, stunning visual design, and innovative gameplay systems. There are no shortage of games inspired by the iconic Legend of Zelda franchise, but a new title from Belgian indie studio eXlin looks like it might have what it takes to truly stand peer-to-peer with classics like Ocarina of Time.
The demo begins with Ary in her home, which remains emotionally devastated by the loss of her brother. Ary's father is practically catatonic with grief, a theme which Sebastien promises will be explored in the full game, though it's not the focus of this demo. Nevertheless, even in a non-story setting, the world is rife with personality, while Ary herself is charming and relatable; steadfast and determined, but also curious and even a little goofy, she has all the makings of a timeless video game hero.