For fans of classic JRPGs, The Chronicles of Nesis is a real Proust madeleine. Developed solo by the AllByte studio, the game is openly inspired by the aesthetics and gameplay of iconic titles from the 90s like Final Fantasy IV or The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
The good news is that a free demo has just been released on Steam. A boon for the curious who wish to discover this retro project without waiting for its official release scheduled for sometime in 2026. “The demo represents years of work,” explains the developer on the game’s official page. And it shows.
A faithful homage to the 32-bit console era
Graphically, The Chronicles of Nesis uses a combination ofpre-rendered backgroundsof pixel art sprites and of isometric perspectives features of PlayStation and Sega Saturn games. This unique visual style offers a nostalgic immersion faithful to the spirit of the great classics. The game system is based on a turn-based tactical combattypical of fifth generation RPGs.
A promising demo while waiting for the full release
For now, The Chronicles of Nesis does not yet have an official release date. But the publication of the demo allows players to test the game in preview, and to provide their feedback to its creator. The first feedback praises the atmosphere, the graphic style and the quality of writing. A great start for a solo project.
The successful bet of an independent developer
Creating an RPG alone is a colossal challenge. But AllByte seems to be on the right track. The attention to detail in the artistic direction, the homage paid to major licenses and the passion that shines through on each screen suggest great success.
If you’re a fan of old-school RPGs, or if you grew up with a PS1 or Nintendo 64, this game is for you. Download the demo now on Steam, and immerse yourself in a world where Zelda and Final Fantasy merge for a stunning result.