Obscure Nokia N-Gage JRPG Shines on Steam Deck

Xanadu Next, a Diablo-inspired action RPG developed by Nihon Falcom for the Nokia N-Gage handheld, has emerged as a surprising standout during Steam's Autumn sale at a 70 percent discount. The game's unusual origins and strong community reputation make it worth investigating for players seeking lesser-known gems.

The title traces its lineage back to 1985's Xanadu: Dragon Slayer 2 on the PC-88, a game often recognized as one of the earliest action RPGs. Development of a spiritual successor took two decades, with Xanadu Next finally arriving in 2005 as a Japan-exclusive release. The game initially launched on the Nokia N-Gage before a PC port followed several months later, also confined to the Japanese market. The PC version reportedly played significantly better than its mobile counterpart, though the game's core design was engineered to function across both platforms. A 2016 English localization eventually brought the PC version to Steam, making it accessible to Western audiences for the first time.

After approximately six hours of play, the game reveals itself as a meditative action-RPG experience with genuine charm. The isometric perspective and combat mechanics draw clear inspiration from Diablo, with a central village serving as a hub where the player character can rest, purchase upgrades, and acquire keys needed to progress through the world. Beyond this safe zone, exploration unfolds through light puzzle-solving, straightforward but satisfying melee combat, and the gradual unlocking of new areas using increasingly expensive keys purchased in town. The structure mirrors Metroidvania design, with the interconnected world rewarding players who discover how different regions connect and overlap. This sense of spatial discovery creates moments of recognition comparable to Dark Souls' interlocking level design.

The game's atmosphere blends cheerful JRPG aesthetics with a more somber, melancholic undertone. Rather than punishing or intense, the gameplay loop feels peaceful and even meditative—a grind that invites relaxation rather than stress. The blocky, reassuring visual style supports this tone, creating an environment that feels both inviting and mysterious.

Prospective players should be aware of several technical considerations. The game lacks comprehensive controller support, though community-created controller profiles exist. Mouse input remains necessary for some functions like equipping items. The Steam store page lists the game as unsupported on Steam Deck, but this designation appears overly cautious. Running the separate graphics configuration executable before launching the game and applying a community controller profile enables smooth Steam Deck play.

Xanadu Next's reputation among fans of Nihon Falcom's catalog places it alongside the developer's more celebrated series, including Ys, Trails, and The Legend of Heroes. The game's success in balancing accessibility with depth has sparked renewed interest in exploring the studio's broader catalog, many of which are currently discounted during the Steam sale.