Steam’s algorithm surfaced a strange relic for PC Gamer’s Shaun Prescott last week: Xanadu Next, an action RPG originally developed by Nihon Falcom for the Nokia N-Gage. The game had been discounted heavily during the Autumn sale, and Prescott grabbed it. He wasn’t expecting greatness, but he was curious. What he found was a game with a lot of charm, even if it isn’t brilliant.
From PC-88 to N-Gage
Xanadu Next is a spin-off to Xanadu: Dragon Slayer 2, a 1985 PC-88 game sometimes credited as one of the first action RPGs. It took Nihon Falcom nearly two decades to follow it up, releasing Xanadu Next in 2005 exclusively in Japan.
A PC version followed a few months later, still limited to Japan. The game’s design was conceived to work across both the N-Gage and the PC, which is what drew Prescott’s attention. He also noticed that many people online claimed the PC version — the one on Steam — was among the best of Nihon Falcom’s catalog.
That catalog includes Ys, Trails, and The Legend of Heroes. Prescott found that the PC version, which is the version available on Steam, is right up there with the best of Nihon Falcom’s games.
The Dungeon Crawler Formula
Xanadu Next is an isometric dungeon crawler built around grinding. Players control a knight protagonist who rests, upgrades, and trades in a central village. Outside that safe zone, the world unfolds through light puzzles, simple combat, and key-based door locks.
The structure is reminiscent of Diablo: a hub, radial corridors, and a steady drip of loot and enemies. Prescott describes it as “isometric slash ‘n’ grind” with a “fun metroidvania structure.”
He found the grind peaceful rather than punishing. “Discovering new ways the world is interconnected is also a pleasure,” he writes, adding that the game’s overlapping levels gave him moments of recognition similar to Dark Souls.
The atmosphere blends cheerful JRPG trappings with something mistier and more melancholy. Prescott calls it “richly atmospheric.”
Why the Discount Matters
Xanadu Next is currently 70% off for the Steam Autumn sale. Prescott recommends jumping on it, though he notes a few quirks.
Because it is a rare PC-only JRPG, Xanadu Next lacks thorough controller support. A decent community controller profile exists, but players will likely need to use the mouse at times to equip items.
There is also a separate configuration executable that Prescott strongly recommends loading before starting the game. It won’t automatically adjust to your display settings, so setting them up first is a good habit.
The Steam page says the game is unsupported on Steam Deck. Prescott dismisses that warning. Boot the config first, use a community controller profile, and you’ll be good to go.
The Charm That Carries It
Prescott’s verdict is clear: Xanadu Next isn’t amazing, but it’s endlessly charming.
The grind is meditative rather than frustrating. The pleasure of pressing further into the labyrinthine, blocky world is ample incentive to keep going. Finding new connections between areas is rewarding, and the game’s cleverly designed world gives players a sense of discovery.
The game’s history adds to its appeal. It started life on the N-Gage, then found a second life on PC. Its pedigree among Falcom’s catalog suggests it belongs alongside the studio’s best work.
The Deal at a Glance
| Game | Original Platform | Price Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Xanadu Next | Nokia N-Gage / PC | 70% off |
- Game: Xanadu Next
- Developer: Nihon Falcom
- Original Platforms: Nokia N-Gage, PC (both Japan only)
- English re-release: 2016
- Discount: 70% off Steam Autumn sale
Why It Matters Now
Prescott’s review has a practical benefit beyond the game itself. It turns out that many other Nihon Falcom titles are on sale at the moment. His curiosity about Xanadu Next has led him to explore the wider Falcom library, a collection he admits he has only sampled through a couple of Ys instalments.
For players who have ignored Falcom’s output, this is a chance to catch up. The Autumn sale offers a low entry point.
Xanadu Next is a small slice of that history. It started on a defunct handheld, got a second life on PC, and now sits at a discount price that makes it easy to try.
The game’s flaws are real. The controller support is thin, and the grind is real. But Prescott’s enthusiasm is genuine. He found a game that rewards exploration and discovery, and he wants others to see what he saw.
The sale is live. The discount is on offer. The game is waiting.
It is worth your time.
Source material: “Steam sale deep cut alert: this ARPG originally developed for Nokia N-Gage is brilliant on Deck,” PC Gamer.
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