Delightful Zelda 2-inspired indie Sheep Lad promises "engaging close-quarters combat" in an expansive world

gamesradar.com:

Modern Zelda titles are all about giving the player the freedom to explore a massive open world and, in the case of Tears of the Kingdom, build anything you like by sticking together whatever objects you can find. They're revolutionary for sure but far removed from the series' roots. 

So if after exploring the bright skies and darkest depths of Hyrule in Link's latest adventure, you've found yourself longing for a more old-school Zelda experience, then this upcoming indie from developer Robin Poe is definitely one you'll want to keep on your radar. 

Delightfully named Sheep Lad, it's described by its creator as a "spiritual successor" to Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link. Like the beloved 1987 NES game, it features 2D platforming action mixed with RPG elements and is packaged in delightful pixel art graphics. 

A short video posted on Twitter shows the game's protagonist, Basil the Sheep Lad - clad in a green outfit no less - navigating a cave with some fancy flips and taking down skeletons with a few strikes of their trusty sword.

Hello! im Robin poe, Making a game Called Sheep Lad inspired by Zelda 2, my last account exploded Making this Post to tell everyone that im HERE for the time being!! it would mean a lot if you could help spread the word#pixelart #gamedev #indiegame #indiedev #ドット絵 #sheeplad pic.twitter.com/ETxQodyBREAugust 10, 2023

According to the developer, one of the main focuses for Sheep Lad has been to "create an engaging close-quarters combat system." Rather than a series of flashy combos, fights are considered and involve "finding gaps in your opponent's defenses before they find a gap in yours." To emerge unscathed, you'll have to maneuver around shields, parry and deflect attacks, and counter when you