How To Download Games On A Chromebook In 3 Easy Steps
Chromebooks have come a long way and vary in size, performance, and capability. In 2016, Google made Chrome OS compatible with Android apps, allowing users to play and download games on a Chromebook from the Google Play Store. What is more, the latest Chromebooks are also integrated with Linux to give users a more immersive experience. However, that's not the case with all Chromebook models. Some still lack these features due to hardware limitations. You can check if your Chromebook qualifies to run Android apps and games from Google's official website.
So, the question is: "What are some easy ways to download games on a Chromebook?" Well, there are quite a lot of options. You can install them directly from Google Play Store or Chrome Web Store. Another way is to download Steam—a popular gaming marketplace—on your Chromebook to access your favorite games easily. It's also possible to install Windows on your Chromebook to play games, but it's a hassle. Let's look at how you can download games on a Chromebook in detail.
How To Download Games on a Chromebook From Google Play StoreIf you have a Chromebook manufactured in 2016 or later, the Google Play Store will already be installed on your device. You can open the app and browse through various games and applications, just like on your Android phone. Once you locate the icon, follow the below steps to download games on a Chromebook:
Step 1: Find the Game in Play Store © Provided by History Computer Search for your favorite game, or any title. ©History-Computer.ComWait for the Google Play Store's homepage to load. Then, search for the game or app you want to download in the search bar and click on it.
Step 2: Install and Open the Game © Provided by History Computer Download and install the game on your device. ©History-Computer.ComOn the next screen, hit the green "Install" option. If you can't find any app in your Chromebook's Play Store, it means it isn't compatible with your device. Depending on your internet connection's speed, the game will be installed on your device soon. You will see the "Open" button; click on it or close the Google Play Store and launch the game from the Chromebook's Launcher.
Step 3: Give Permissions © Provided by History Computer Grant the app the necessary access permissions. ©History-Computer.ComThe game app will then ask permission to access different features on your Chromebook, such as photos, microphones, or media. Select "Allow" to proceed. If you downloaded an "instant game app," you can try it out before installing it on your Chromebook. That's it.
You can also change an app's permissions later. For that, open Chromebook's Settings, select "Apps," and click on "Manage Your Apps" present on the screen's right. Then, choose the game app you've just downloaded to modify its settings or uninstall it. Now, turn the toggle on or off next to each permission requirement or tap "Uninstall" to remove the app from your device.
How To Download Games on a Chromebook via SteamDon't worry if your Chromebook has no Google Play Store. You can download Steam on your device and enjoy your favorite games by. In case you don't know, Steam is a marketplace for more than 8,000 video games, with most available for free. You can also buy and download games on a Chromebook through Steam.
Steam is available on Google Play Store, but if it's unavailable, you can do it via Linux. For that, your Chromebook must have Linux support. If it has, you will have first to install Linux on your device in the below steps:
Step 1: Open Settings on Your Chromebook © Provided by History Computer Go to settings on your control panel. ©History-Computer.ComFirst, you'll have to install Linux on your Chromebook. For that, click on the wheel icon in the Quick Settings menu.
Step 2: Click on "Developers" © Provided by History Computer Scroll down and click on Developers. ©History-Computer.ComIn the Settings menu, choose "Advanced" from the left pane and then select "Developers." if you can't find this option, your Chromebook is school-issued. So, you'll have to contact the administration.
Step 3: Turn on Linux Beta © Provided by History Computer Enable Linux Beta on your device. ©History-Computer.ComOn the next screen, you will see the "Linux development environment (Beta)" option in the Developers section. Click on "Turn on" to proceed. It will open a setup window. Hit the "Install" button to move forward.
Step 4: Choose the Storage Capacity for the Games © Provided by History Computer ©History-Computer.ComNow, enter your Linux username and click "Customized" to select the disk storage space based on the size of the games you want to play on your Chromebook. Then, hit "Install" to finally install Linux on your device. Once the installation is completed, you can download games on a Chromebook through the Linux Terminal.
Note: Don't forget to enable Linux's GPU acceleration on your Chromebook, as it ensures seamless and enhanced game graphics. However, it's optional.
Step 5: Enter the Command in Linux Terminal © Provided by History Computer Run the command in Linux terminal. ©History-Computer.ComNext, launch the Linux Terminal and enter the below command in it to update your Chromebook's Linux to the latest version:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade -y
Step 6: Download the DEB Setup file for Steam © Provided by History Computer ©History-Computer.ComDownload Steam's DEB setup file for Linux from a reliable source. It will be similar to the EXE format files you download on Windows. Once downloaded, open the "My Files" option on your left panel and tap "Linux files." Then, move the DEB file to this section.
Step 7: Install Steam © Provided by History Computer Use Steam launcher to download the latest Steam on your Chromebook. ©History-Computer.ComDouble-click Steam's setup file and select the "Install" button to install the app. Once completed, open Steam. You can also launch it from your device's App Drawer. Steam will automatically start downloading the necessary files, such as libraries and dependencies, required to run the app on a Chromebook.
Step 8: Sign In To Steam © Provided by History Computer Sign up for a Steam account on your Chromebook. ©History-Computer.ComAfter downloading Steam, you have to create an account. Choose your unique name and enter the password to use it for future log-ins. Steam will start running, allowing you to choose and download games on a Chromebook.
Step 9: Modify Steam's Settings To Support Different Games © Provided by History Computer Customize your Steam settings to play different games on your laptop. ©History-Computer.ComLastly, you'd also have to change Steam's settings on your Chromebook to ensure smooth gameplay. For that, launch Steam, open Settings, click Steam Play, check the box next to "Enable Steam Play for all other titles," and tap "OK."
Don't forget to select "Proton Experimental" in the "Run other titles with" option. Doing so will enable your Chromebook to run various Windows games, which might not be available for Linux.
Can You Download Games on a Chromebook From the Chrome Web Store?Yes, you can. While Google Play Store is the easiest way to download games on a Chromebook, you can install them from Chrome Web Store. It hosts many applications and games to add to your Chromebook's browser.
Can You Install Windows on a Chromebook To Play Games?Chromebook is a versatile laptop. While the device naturally comes with Chrome OS, you can install other operating systems, like Windows, Ubuntu, and CloudReady. If you want to download Windows, you can do it by using third-party drivers.
You will have to open up your Chromebook (for real) during the process, so you may damage anything if things go south. For this trick, you will need a USB flash drive, keyboard, mouse, and another Windows computer. So, collect all these things before moving forward.
Once done, follow the below steps to install Windows and download games on a Chromebook:
As you can see, installing Windows on a Chromebook isn't a piece of cake. You must be extra careful when removing its bottom shell and the "Write Protect Screw." Not only that, but you must also prepare yourself to invest a lot of time and effort in this technique. You can only be successful if you follow every step carefully.
Wrapping UpIf you have the latest Chromebook with Google Play Store, you can easily play and download any game. The process is the same as your Android phone. Just open Google Play Store, search for the game app, and install it. However, things can be tedious if your Chromebook doesn't support Google Play Store.
In such a case, you must set up the Linux operating system on your Chromebook to support the Steam app. Alternatively, you can install Windows on your device to download games on a Chromebook. We listed all these steps in detail in this guide!
The post How To Download Games on a Chromebook in 3 Steps appeared first on History-Computer.
15 Best Action Games For Android Phones, Ranked
SlashGear 1 day ago Nathan P. Gibson
© Miguel Lagoa/Shutterstock The characters from Among UsAs mobile gaming becomes more and more popular, the library of games available to players on Android devices continues to grow as well. It is not just simple puzzle games, either, as was the case during the early days of the industry. The high-end specs that modern smartphones come equipped with mean that Android games can be complex titles with visuals to match their console counterparts.
The Google Play Store is a treasure trove of games of all kinds. There are brilliant strategy games to test your thinking skills, narrative-based experiences that aim to tell the best story possible, and frantic action games that are all about fast-paced gameplay and quick reflexes. The relatively simple nature of action games, which often only require a few buttons, makes them well-suited for mobile devices and they have become one of the dominant types of games available in the Play Store.
Here are the best of the best when it comes to action games on Android, all of which are worth checking out for any fan of shooters, platformers, or beat 'em ups.
T3 Arena © XD Entertainment Shooting at enemies in T3 ArenaMobile games often tended to avoid shooters during the early days of smartphones in favor of puzzle titles and platformers. These types of releases seemed like a more natural fit for small screens as the quick pace of shooters and the need for precise controls didn't go well with touchscreen controls. Things have changed more recently and there are now a wide array of shooters available on Android, including the entertaining "T3 Arena."
"T3 Arena" is played from a third-person perspective in the same manner as the popular Nintendo Switch title "Splatoon" and also takes inspiration from hero shooters like "Overwatch." Matches generally involve teams of three battling it out, where each player chooses a particular hero and has to complete different objectives. These can range from traditional deathmatches to Escort and Payload game modes that involve guarding a particular object or planting a bomb.
With a focus on speed, rounds in "T3 Arena" only last a few minutes but are intense and action-packed affairs that will provide plenty of entertainment crammed into that time. With its diverse set of heroes and the ability to upgrade them over time, there's also a lot of variety to keep things interesting even after an extensive amount of playtime.
Nameless Cat © Kotoba Games The kitten exploring an ice cavernIn "Nameless Cat," players assume the role of an adorable unnamed kitten who finds themself in a mysterious location. It is up to you to journey through the fantasy world and get the kitten back home to its loving owner. Doing so is no easy task, though, with various obstacles and enemies standing in the way. The game includes a touching story that unfolds as the cat interacts with the world and discovers other animals, eventually providing the information needed to get home and escape. The Android title even puts a heavy emphasis on exploration to find every little secret.
"Nameless Cat" has been praised for its challenging gameplay. Exactly how you die is always obvious, and this encourages players to come up with new strategies and try novel techniques to overcome particularly troublesome areas. Other players have noted the smooth animations, cute visuals, and the focus on storytelling. Meanwhile, there's also a high-quality musical score that the developers explain was designed to create a "sense of loneliness and indifference of the cat's journey," all of which works together to make "Nameless Cat" an unforgettable mobile game.
Neon Chrome © 10tons Ltd. A battle scene in Neon Chrome"Neon Chrome" may be one of the older action games in this list, but it is easily among the best action games available on Android devices. Originally launching in 2016, it came to mobile devices a few months later, bringing the twin-stick shooter gameplay to touchscreens for the first time. Players are thrust into a cyberpunk world to guide a seemingly inexhaustible supply of human clones with one purpose -- to ascend the tower and kill the Overseer located at the very top.
Like many mobile games, "Neon Chrome" features procedurally generated levels and easy-to-navigate controls. The action revolves around going through each area and dispatching the enemies within, although it requires a more methodical approach than many other games in the genre. Quickly running and gunning through each level will only end in death and losing all your accumulated bonuses.
Where "Neon Chrome" really shines is in its variation of different playable characters. Each run starts with the player choosing from one of three clones with randomly generated skills and abilities. This encourages a degree of experimentation to come up with a play style that suits you best that keeps the game in a constant state of evolution.
Streets Of Rage © Sega Heroes fighting criminals in Streets of Rage"Streets of Rage" is a classic side-scrolling beat 'em up game that first arrived on Sega Genesis way back in 1991. Players choose between three playable heroes who attempt to stop a gang led by the evil Mr. X from taking over the city, which is made up of eight different levels. An Android port of this legendary title arrived in 2022, bringing the classic gameplay to the Play Store. Using touch controls for a game like this may not be ideal for everyone, but those controls can be customized to a certain degree and don't get in the way of the action too much.
The release is part of the Sega Forever campaign to bring a wide range of retro Sega games to mobile devices. This means that while "Streets of Rage" is completely free to download and play, the game does feature relatively non-intrusive ads.
The game supports multiplayer both online and locally through Wi-Fi, and Sega has also added support for controllers for those who don't want to have to get used to the touch controls. Finally, the new edition of "Streets of Rage" also includes leaderboards and the ability to save your progress at any time -- an essential feature for a mobile game.
Rocket League Sideswipe © Psyonix Cars playing soccer in Rocket League Sideswipe2015 saw the release of Psyonix's vehicular soccer game "Rocket League" for the first time. It has since been ported to every major gaming platform and led to the development of a mobile spin-off named "Rocket League Sideswipe" in 2021. At its heart, the new game offers a scaled-back and streamlined version of the original game that is played with a 2D perspective rather than in 3D. Matches are also shorter and feature fewer players, typically consisting of either just two to four competitors in total.
This new side-on view switches things up somewhat, with opposing vehicles no longer able to crash into each other and the goal area being raised in the air. Thankfully, these changes make the game work well on touch screens and keep the same frantic energy of the original game. This is thanks in large part to the responsive controls that are controlled with buttons or gestures, allowing players to pull off the precise maneuvers that are necessary for a game like "Rocket League." In addition, "Rocket League Sideswipe" also carries many of the features from its predecessor, including the ability to customize vehicles and compete in online multiplayer matches.
Archero © Monduz Games The lone archer shooting an enemyCompared to some of the other games discussed here, "Archero" is a rather simple title that doesn't do anything fancy. Users take control of an archer who has to venture through a wide array of different locations, such as dungeons and forests, each of which holds countless enemies. Played from a top-down perspective, players in "Archero" have to attack and kill enemies using a bow that automatically fires as they control the movement of the unnamed hero.
Even with the simplistic premise, "Archero" never gets stale. That's largely the result of the sheer amount of upgrades or boosts available and the hundreds of areas available to explore. Add to that the procedurally generated levels in addition to the large variation in enemies and the game always feels fresh.
The gameplay revolves around avoiding enemy fire and getting into good positions to fire back and deal out damage. "Archero" encourages experimentation, as different combinations of special abilities can have unexpected effects, while it also demands quick reflexes to face off against the ever more difficult hordes of enemies. Ultimately, "Archero" is a perfect action game to pick up and play in short bursts where you don't have to worry about storylines or other distractions.
Skullgirls: Fighting RPG © Reverge Labs A multiplayer fight in Skullgirls: Fighting RPG"Skullgirls: Fighting RPG" is essentially a mobile port of the fighting game "Skullgirls." However, in an attempt to optimize the experience for mobile devices, this version has a heavier focus on RPG elements and story than its mainline counterpart. That means the large cast of characters can be upgraded with new abilities and their backstories are explored as they search for the powerful Skull Heart item, all of which adds a real sense of progression.
Praised for its quick combat, tag team battles, and stylish visuals, "Skullgirls" on Android loses none of what has made the franchise successful. The game contains a variety of modes, from online multiplayer to single-player objectives, and distinctive features like the infinite prevention system to stop players from being completely overwhelmed with never-ending combos. Easily among the best fighting games on Android, it doesn't shy away from keeping some of the more complex mechanics from the series -- such as air juggling -- and makes them easy to pull off using touch controls.
Immortal Rogue © Kyle Barrett Attacking enemies with an ax in Immortal RogueDeveloped by Kyle Barrett, "Immortal Rogue" is a free-to-play roguelike game that originally launched in 2019. The game puts players into the shoes of a vampire who is able to regenerate over time by taking an extended hibernation to regain their strength. This immortal blood-sucker wakes up once a century to feed and must journey through a variety of different historical eras before encountering Dracula and his underlings.
With a wide array of perks to unlock as well as a diverse range of enemies from each area, "Immortal Rogue" carries plenty of replay value, especially considering that each decision the player makes can affect how events unfold in future timelines. It can even lead to drastically different gameplay styles in each playthrough depending on how you choose to upgrade your stats.
Everything is controlled through simple taps and swipes, with longer presses causing heavy attacks and directional swipes changing the direction of the character. The end result is that "Immortal Rogue" is an incredibly accessible game -- one which can be played entirely with a single hand in portrait mode. As such, even those who might not be big gamers should at least give it a try.
Call Of Duty: Mobile © Activision A gunfight in Call of Duty: Mobile"Call of Duty" no longer just dominates the first-person shooter market on PC and consoles, as the series has now made its way to mobile devices. "Call of Duty: Mobile" combines elements from many recent "Call of Duty" games to create a popular and hugely successful shooter on Android. In fact, since its launch the mobile game has generated more than $1.5 billion from microtransactions and other sales.
As you would expect, "Call of Duty: Mobile" follows the standard gameplay model of other entries in the franchise. Using maps and weapons drawn from across the series as a whole, players compete to eliminate the other team in deathmatches and objective-based modes. There's also a battle royale mode, as well as a single-player aspect for those who might not always have access to an internet connection.
This slimmed-down version of the popular franchise has won praise for the way it has transferred the action of the "Call of Duty" series to mobile devices and still provides an experience that feels very much like it does on other platforms thanks to its slick controls and fast-paced gameplay.
Brawlhalla © Ubisoft Fighters battling in Brawlhalla"Brawlhalla" is a free-to-play game from Blue Mammoth Games and Ubisoft that pits players against each other in 2D arenas filled with ledges, hazards, and bottomless pits similar to Nintendo's "Super Smash Bros." series. Like other platform fighters, the ultimate aim is to knock opponents out of the arena and into the deadly blast zone. The more damage a character suffers, the further they are likely to fly when hit or thrown by another player.
Already well established as one of the best fighting games on consoles, "Brawlhalla" made the leap to mobile devices in 2020 to great success. Players can pick from a variety of different Legends to act as their avatar. These range from original characters developed for the game to licensed figures from other franchises such as Rayman.
Although "Brawlhalla" was originally designed to be played with a controller, it doesn't suffer too much when being transferred to touchscreens. Pulling off impressive combos and escaping from a devastating attack is still achievable using the touch controls, which can be customized, but a Bluetooth-connected controller will definitely make it a more enjoyable experience than it already is.
Soul Knight © ChillyRoom The knight moving around a dungeon in Soul KnightDescribed by developer Chilly Room as a pixel roguelike RPG, "Soul Knight" blends many different genres together to create a compelling action title that has the potential to keep players entertained for countless hours. Users take on the role of a hero that ventures forth to retrieve a stolen magical stone responsible for keeping balance in a strange fictional world. Essentially, it is a dungeon crawling shoot'em up where the aim is to defeat enemies and clear as many levels as possible while searching for the legendary artifact.
Where "Soul Knight" stands out is in its replay value and the sheer amount of content. Each run is procedurally generated, so you'll never have the exact same experience twice. There are dozens of different environments, each with its own set of enemies to battle and more than 20 heroes to unlock -– from mages to archers and everything in between. Add in the 400+ weapons as well as hundreds of additional items, and "Soul Knight" will keep players coming day after day.
The Android port includes an auto-aim system to make playing on touchscreens easier and supports online multiplayer. Even more impressive is the inclusion of a slower and more methodical tower defense mode to add even more content.
Pascal's Wager © TipsWorks Fighting an enemy in Pascal's WagerFromSoftware changed the landscape of action RPGs with its "Dark Souls" franchise. Focusing on incredibly difficult combat, tough-as-nails boss fights, and exploration, the series has inspired numerous clones and introduced new mechanics to the genre. As such, it shouldn't come as a surprise that various mobile developers have tried to replicate the game on Android in recent years. The most accomplished of these efforts is "Pascal's Wager."
This game from TipsWorks will certainly feel familiar to any fans of the "Dark Souls" series. There's a dark medieval setting, specific save points that heal you but reset enemy spawns, and the fact that every single monster or enemy is capable of killing the player swiftly. However, "Pascal's Wager" does do some things to differentiate itself, including featuring a deeper focus on a more explicit narrative, NPCs that you can interact with, as well as lots more dialogue and item descriptions.
Challenging gameplay and impressive visuals make this action RPG a must-play for any fan of games such as "Elden Ring." The only real downside is the control system, which utilizes a virtual joystick and swipes, as it can take some getting used to. However, those who want to use a Bluetooth controller will probably find it much more satisfying.
Dead Cells © Motion Twin The prisoner navigating a stage in Dead Cells"Dead Cells" is a roguelike-Metroidvania game first released in 2018 that is available on almost every major platform, including Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Its success and popularity led developer Motion Twin to team up with Evil Empire to port the game to Android and iOS in the following years. Players take control of a mysterious figure known only as the Prisoner, who is capable of taking control of dead human bodies and using them on his quest to kill the king. The 2D side-scrolling gameplay is reminiscent of classic platformers while the game's combat resembles "Dark Souls" as it requires careful timing and precision to take out enemies.
A wide variety of weapons and items are available to the player -- ranging from swords, bows, and shields -- as well as traps that can be placed to automatically damage enemies. Each run features a procedurally generated island filled with mutant monsters that must be defeated to make progress and locate the king. Cells collected from dead enemies can be spent to upgrade the protagonist, while mutations are also available in runs to provide added bonuses and keep the action feeling fresh. All of this makes it for a gorgeous-looking action game that is jam-packed with content and a rewarding gameplay loop.
Ronin: The Last Samurai © Provided by SlashGear A samurai battle in Ronin: The Last SamuraiWith more than 10 million downloads to its name on Android, "Ronin: The Last Samurai" has already established itself as one of the best action games available through the Google Play Store. Released by Dreamotion, "Ronin: The Last Samurai" is a roguelike game where players take control of a samurai facing off against waves of enemies. The more enemies that are defeated and waves completed, the better the loot rewards will be, which provides valuable resources that can upgrade weapons and equipment to make your samurai an even more formidable fighter.
Fortunately, combat in "Ronin: The Last Samurai" works surprisingly well, with two buttons on the screen used to control slashing and parrying. The main skill needed is the ability to master the precise timing required to land blows and defend against incoming attacks. There's also a wide range of equipment that can be unlocked to increase various stats and customize the experience. With clear inspiration from traditional Japanese art, the stunning visuals have a handcrafted look to them that gives "Ronin: The Last Samurai" not only a distinctive appearance alongside a compelling gameplay hook.
Among Us © Innersloth An imposter killing a enemyDespite being available since 2018 on mobile devices and PC, "Among Us" became a surprise hit in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. After an array of Twitch streamers showcased the game it quickly grew in popularity. Before long, "Among Us had become something of a pop culture phenomenon, inspiring memes, merchandise, and various copycat games. Ports were eventually made for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and even virtual reality headsets, although much of the success came through its original platforms of Android, iOS, and PC.
Gameplay in "Among Us" centers around a group of between four and 15 players trying to complete tasks on a large open map. These can range from carrying out basic maintenance such as emptying garbage, rewiring electrical systems, or downloading information from a datapad. At the same time, a smaller team of randomly chosen imposters attempts to sabotage their efforts and murder the innocent workers.
This creates a sense of panic and suspicion that few games have ever been able to capture as everyone tries to work out who the imposters are. It requires gamers to not just play the game well but also engage in social deception and act as a detective all at once, experiences that are usually only available in board games such as "One Night Ultimate Werewolf."
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The 9 Best PC Games Like Zelda
The Legend Of Zelda has always been one of my personal favourite series over the years, but being a Nintendo game, it's obviously never graced the PC in any kind of official capacity. But while we may never get to play a mainline Zelda game on PC, there's no denying it's inspired countless other developers to have a stab at it themselves, hence why we've put together this list of the best PC games like Zelda you can play right now. Whether you're looking to scratch that Tears Of The Kingdom itch or get stuck into something more retro-facing like A Link To The Past, we've got you covered. These are the best Zelda-likes on PC we'd recommend playing today.
Before Breath Of The Wild came out, it would have been quite easy to distil what makes a game 'like Zelda'. You'd have action-packed dungeons, exploration, puzzles based around a variety of different items and secrets aplenty. But now that Breath Of The Wild and Tears Of The Kingdom have ditched the classic dungeon formula and gone more open world and immersive sim-like in their design, what we'd now class as a 'Zelda-like' is a little harder to pin down.
This list covers both schools of the Zelda-like. Below, you'll find games that hark back to the classic SNES and Game Boy Zeldas of yore, homages to the 3D Zeldas such as Ocarina Of Time and Twilight Princess, and a couple of open world entries that capture more of that Breath Of The Wild and Tears Of The Kingdom vibe. We'll also flag up which Zelda game it's most like in the words that follow, helping you decide which game you might want to try first. As always, if there's a great game like Zelda you think we've missed, do tell us about it in the comments below.
Developer: Tunic TeamRelease date: 2022What Zelda game is this most like?It takes the biggest inspiration from Zelda I and Zelda II on the NES, but there are also elements of A Link To The Past here, too.Where can I buy it? Steam, GOG, Humble, Epic Games Store, Itch, Game PassYou can't talk about Zelda-likes without talking about Tunic. This deep homage to classic Zelda games has a very small touch of Dark Souls about its combat, but its approach to puzzle design, secrets and the way its world unfolds is Zelda through and through. Developer Andrew Shouldice has spoken at great length about his love of NES-era Zelda games (and Zelda II: The Adventure Of Link in particular), and it all shines through in this charming, isometric hack and slash adventure that casts you as a strange fox creature who washes up on the shore of a mysterious island.
But Tunic is so much more than just a modern Zelda-like. It's also a love letter to that feeling of playing NES-era Zelda games as well, when you're figuring out the rules of its world with little to no hand-holding, and trying to puzzle out how its instruction manual relates to what you're seeing onscreen. Indeed, part of Tunic's genius is how it tasks you with piecing together page by page its own in-game manual to figure out its many, many secrets. It's beautifully done, and by far the best Zelda-like I've played that captures what Zelda's about, both from a technical perspective in how it's designed, and the kinds of feelings it evokes when you're actually playing it. It might not feel quite as significant to those who never played those older Zelda games, but for people of a certain age, there's really nothing better.
Developer: Clover Studio, CapcomRelease date: 2017What Zelda game is this most like?Ocarina Of Time and Twilight Princess - classic 3D Zelda.Where can I buy it? Steam, HumbleBefore Breath Of The Wild came along and ruined action adventure games forever, Okami was the closest thing we ever had to a true 3D Zelda successor. Steeped in Japanese mythology and portrayed in a timeless woodblock painting art style, this tale of a wolf goddess rescuing the land of Nippon from a bevy of evil demons takes you on a wild and wonderful journey that stretches from picturesque mountain villages and bustling cities to dungeons set beneath the ocean waves and inside an emperor's belly. It's positively stuffed full of brilliantly written characters, engrossing sidequests and charming environmental details, and it remains a deep, enthralling adventure almost two decades on from its original release.
This HD version is still locked to 30fps, admittedly, but don't let this minor detail stop you from enjoying one of the best Zelda-like games of the last 20 years. Its 4K resolution support now means Okami has never looked better, and its mouse and keyboard controls are absolutely perfect for its brushstroke-based puzzle solving, easily making this the definitive version of Clover Studio's stonking Zelda-like.
Developer: Vigil Games, Gunfire Games, THQ NordicRelease date: 2015What Zelda game is this most like?Another 3D Zelda-like, this is very much in the vein of Ocarina Of Time and Twilight Princess.Where can I buy it? Steam, GOG, Humble, Epic Games StoreWhen you actually sit down and think about it, there are surprisingly few games out there that have taken the ideas laid down in Zelda's N64 masterpiece Ocarina Of Time and tried to make them their own. Ocarina has always been a tough act to follow, of course, but Vigil's first pair of Darksiders games were the rare exceptions, transposing Zelda's spoke-like hub worlds and intricate dungeon design to an altogether more fantastical setting of angels versus demons where you're cast as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
I've chosen Darksiders II here, as it hews slightly closer to that Ocarina Of Time experience of big, meaty dungeons to puzzle your way through, (not to mention its obsession with upgradeable loot now feels very in keeping with Breath Of The Wild), but the first game is worth playing as well, especially if you're a fan of the older God Of War and Devil May Cry games. The two games take place in parallel, too, so you don't need to worry about missing out on the first game's back story if you decide to jump straight in with II. Personally, I also think Death is a more jovial presence than his dour brother War, and his journey through the dwarven Maker's Lands and Realm of the Dead feel like a better parallel for Hyrule compared to his brother's trudge through a demon-morphed New York stand-in. Both games have aged remarkably well, too, thanks to their recent remasters. They're well worth tracking down if you're hungry for a more traditional Zelda-like adventure.
Developer: Bytten StudioRelease date: 2020What Zelda game is this most like?Link's Awakening with the creepypasta weirdness of Majora's Mask.Where can I buy it? SteamBefore Cassette Beasts, there was Lenna's Inception. Bytten Studio's debut game might not look quite as swish as their recent Pokemon-like, but their take on The Legend Of Zelda plays with established Nintendo conventions in very much the same way. Here, the Link-style hero Lance is killed almost instantly right at the start of the game, as your NPC character Lenna fails to give them a proper tutorial. Thus, it falls to you to delve deep into its procedurally generated world, defeat some very cursed-looking archangel monsters in its eight dungeons, and find out why your world is glitching all over the place so you can save your school of students.
It's got big Pony Island vibes - and big Daniel Mullins vibes in general - with its eye for meta commentary, but it's also a fun, strange and slightly creepypasta hack and slash in its own right. I mean, you can have a flaming chicken as a companion, or a flock of blood-sucking bats. What's not to like? Plus, if you have played Cassette Beasts, you'll also appreciate its similar sense of humour, and the same distaste it has for bankers and capitalist scumbags.
Developer: Drinkbox StudiosRelease date: 2022What Zelda game is this most like?A Link To The Past meets the mad body-hopping of Majora's Mask.Where can I buy it? Steam, GOG, HumbleIn Nobody Saves The World, Drinkbox Studios have supercharged Zelda's dungeon structure with intense, procedural monster fights, and hitched it to a top down overworld stuffed with smart, body-swapping puzzles. You begin as a weird, naked grub man, but after finding a wizard's magic wand stuffed in a drawer, you gain the ability to transform yourself into multiple different forms, from a teeth-gnashing mouse to an archer, snail, bodybuilder, mermaid and even an egg. It's a madder, more unhinged version of the transformations you get in Majora's Mask, essentially, and it's all wrapped up in the stylish presentation you'd ex
