Zelda without Nintendo? This is exactly what a little-known game available for free for PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers offers. Originally released on PS2, Dark Cloud is reborn from its ashes via Sony’s retro catalog, and it ticks all the boxes to appeal to those nostalgic for Zelda-style epics.
Available at no additional cost, this action-adventure RPG seduces with its hybrid gameplay, mixing dungeons, dynamic combat, and village reconstruction. An unexpected but extremely effective mix for fans of immersive quests.
Dark Cloud, the retro alternative to the kingdom of Hyrule
Developed by the Japanese studio Level-5to whom we also owe Ni No Kuni, Yo-Kai Watch or even Fantasy Life i, Dark Cloud marked the studio’s debut on PS2 in the early 2000s. The game is now playable at no additional cost with a subscription PS Plus Extra or Premiumand offers a complete adventure of approximately 30 hours.
Its visual atmosphere, its artistic direction and its dungeon system very early on evoked parallels with the Nintendo universe. “Dark Cloud feels like a Zelda game, especially ones from that era like Twilight Princess.”
But the game doesn’t just imitate: it innovates in its own way.
An RPG with a Zelda atmosphere, but with its own identity
Beyond its similarities, Dark Cloud offers a unique system of reconstruction of citieswhere the player shapes each village as they progress through the adventure. This “life simulation” aspect adds an unexpected depth to the gameplay, which contrasts with classic Zelda games.
And for those who are wondering: no, it is not a simple copy. “Dark Cloud is best thought of as an RPG with a Zelda feel, but one that has its own identity.” With its endearing characters, its simple but effective combat mechanics, and its enchanting universe, the game offers a complete experience, even two decades after its release.
A forgotten jewel to (re)discover for free
Certainly, Dark Cloud has aged a little. The graphics are dated, and the gameplay sometimes shows its age. But the whole remains particularly pleasantespecially for those looking for a solid RPG without spending a cent. “If you’re looking for a good RPG available on PlayStation Plus without spending a dime, give this a try.” And for the most curious, its sequel, Dark Cloud 2is also available in the PS Plus catalog. Less known, but even more accomplished, it also deserves its place in your game library.