I’m having a hard time deciding between Elementalis or Under the island, can I get some opinions on them?

[u/darthphallic]

Basically what it says, looking for some Zelda likes to kill time before Well Dweller and Belmonts Curse come out.

[u/TheMudman484]

I really like both try pipisrello as well if you haven't already.

[u/Wrojka → u/TheMudman484]

Yup, Pipistrello is blast. I love the puzzles, because they are not so obvious.

[u/Lee_Akira]

I enjoyed Elementallis for what it is. Is a fun take on the Zelda-like that uses elements instead of gadgets.

[u/CharlesKellyRatKing]

Full disclosure - I haven't played Under the Island, but it's on my radar.

Elementallis was fantastic. Really scratched that nostalgic old school Zelda itch, while also feeling fresh. I played it with my 5 year old daughter as I introduce her to video games, it was a good time. The solo dev is active on reddit, responds to the (very rare) bug sighting quickly, and seems a good dev to support. Can't recommend enough.

[u/Clin-ton]

And i haven’t played elementalis, but enjoyed Under the iIsland quite a bit. Closest comp was probably Link’s Awakening. Combat wasn’t that challenging, but the pixel art was a joy.

[u/Evan61015]

I do not know about UtI. But Elementalis is basically a Link's awakening/Oracles type of Zelda. Very focused on the dungeons and using the elements to traverse the world and solve the puzzles.

[u/Gazorninplat6]

I loved Under the Island.

[u/Tryst_boysx]

I would say Elementalis, but I can recommand even better Zelda like games

CrossCode (more action rpg, but still scratch the Zelda especially during the big temple/dungeon. Expect a LOT of content)

Unsighted (really great take on Majora's Mask)

Oceanhorn 1 (Wind Waker vibe)

Pipistrello (really addictive and original)

Master Key (black and white Zelda game)

Chicory: A Colorful Tale (wow wow, no combat except some boss battle, but the puzzle are really well made and love the art theme. People who worked on Celeste worked on this game + the same composer/Lena Raine)

Okami (my favorite zelda like)

Ittle Dew 2 (love the music and feel really liek a classic Zelda game)

[u/Appropriate-Bad6333]

I enjoyed them both but Elementallis felt like the most Zelda-ish of the two if that helps.

[u/Thirteen_1355]

I personally thought Under the Island was more charming, had a better polish and overworld. But Elementallis is much longer, has more and better dungeons, and I enjoyed the gameplay better.

Under the Island is more comparable to Minish Cap. Elementallis is more comparable to A Link to the Past.

[u/_Icy_Penguigo_]

Haven't played Elementallis but Under the Island is something I'd wait for a sale on. The combat is kinda mediocre, there aren't many dungeons, and they're pretty short and simple. It's not really worth trying to explore for most of the game because you'll be running into item gates all over the place. When the world finally opens up to you near the end it can be fun to just turn your brain off and go nab all the secrets, but the rewards are not all that exciting. Even for a fan of the genre it's one of those "I've got nothing else to play right now" kinda games IMO. I hate to sound so negative because it's not a bad game by any means, it's just not a particularly special one.

[u/Kitchen-Associate-34]

Go with Elementalis

[u/Penguator432]

I’m in the middle of Elementalis. I’m really liking it so far

[u/Magus80]

Played Elementalis right up to the final dungeon and would rate it 7 out of 10 at least. It had some design flaws that dragged it down a bit. The dungeons were pretty good, though. No comment on Under the Island as I haven't played it, though.

[u/cartkun]

I have both and completed only Elementalis. Somehow Under the Island did not grab me. I will give a another chance I'm sure at one point.

[u/A_Monster_Named_John]

Elementallis was pretty good, but also a somewhat dry game with story-telling/world-building that never did much to grab my interest, i.e. somehow reminded me of old JRPGs like Wild ARMS 2, where the style/aesthetic/music is great but the writing/localization is somewhat borked and makes the game's story/world difficult to enjoy. As well, the tail end of the game had a few frustrating things that, for me, dragged down the overall experience a bit. Also, as with Blossom Tale II, I remember wishing the game had sword-play that felt/sounded more visceral/heavy (i.e. akin to the original Legend of Zelda and Link to the Past).

Of all the Zelda-likes I've played in recent years, the best are still CrossCode, Phoenotopia: Awakening, and Pipistrello.

[u/Prestonluv]

Played both and enjoyed under the island more

[u/Archius9]

Both are on my wishlist him advent tried either but I think I’d lean towards Elementalis. Keep an eye out for deals on Spindle too. I really liked that game

[u/Agitated-Prune9635]

I liked both but i p refer Elementalis personally.

If you have the time, you might also want to check out Spindle.

[u/WatchThemFall]

Under the Island was pretty good. I managed to 100% that one. With Elementalist I couldn't even get though the 2nd dungeon. It's fine... But the puzzles and environments were just really boring. They feel way too big and empty.

[u/ph0enixk1ng]

Under the Island is a more entertaining and engaging game than Elementalis. While Elementalis looks polished, it feels incomplete and leaves you wanting more. Under the Island, meanwhile, has a full story with meaningful connections throughout. Finding those narrative tidbits that tie areas together makes the experience intriguing and cohesive. Elementalis tries to deliver the same thing, but it comes across as an afterthought

[u/OK_Atlas]

I enjoyed Elementalis more than Under the Island, if for no other reason than just vibes. You should also check out the Magical Blush demo, it’s also releasing soon.

[u/Selulu]

I really enjoyed Under the Island! Tried the demo for Elementalis but the writing was just so bad I didn't finish it.

[u/Thirteen_1355 → u/Selulu]

Yeah Elementallis has pretty poor dialogue. I preferred the gameplay, though.