This compilation features T&E Soft's original Hydlide trilogy of '80s action-RPGs. Both the '84 original and Hydlide 3 (aka Super Hydlide) have been remade for Windows users, with new graphics, audio, and quality-of-life additions. These remakes are available via the Arrange Mode option for each game, except Hydlide 2 which lacks said upgrades. Beyond the games themselves, there's a detailed manual with both hints and full answers for tricky puzzles. You can also enjoy the "Hydlide Museum", an included website containing developer commentary, concept art, and other goodies detailing the series' history.
Reviews View More
Game Review - originally written by Gideon Zhi
My initial preconceptions about Hydlide was that the game stank. Upon trying this, they were reaffirmed.
Then I read the docs.
I proceeded to have a decently fun amount of time with a fairly aimless Ys-like game, once I figured out I had to change my character to “Attack” mode for him to actually, you know, hurt the enemies. Then I hit level 3, and half the enemies stopped giving me experience, while the other half continued to kill me in one hit. And I stopped, nearly frustrated back to my initially reserved opinion.
So! In Hydlide, you're this guy Jim, and you run around killing things, looking for three fairies, three jewels, and a big bad demon guy to kill. Hey, it's not particularly deep, but it's an old game, so it's excused. The total lack of any aim is a real problem, though; I constantly found myself going one screen too far in what was apparently the wrong direction, and getting reamed by monsters. Your mileage may vary.
My initial preconceptions about Hydlide was that the game stank. Upon trying this, they were reaffirmed.
Then I read the docs.
I proceeded to have a decently fun amount of time with a fairly aimless Ys-like game, once I figured out I had to change my character to “Attack” mode for him to actually, you know, hurt the enemies. Then I hit level 3, and half the enemies stopped giving me experience, while the other half continued to kill me in one hit. And I stopped, nearly frustrated back to my initially reserved opinion.
So! In Hydlide, you're this guy Jim, and you run around killing things, looking for three fairies, three jewels, and a big bad demon guy to kill. Hey, it's not particularly deep, but it's an old game, so it's excused. The total lack of any aim is a real problem, though; I constantly found myself going one screen too far in what was apparently the wrong direction, and getting reamed by monsters. Your mileage may vary.