Freeware Game; Guardian of Paradise

This is a lovely little Zelda-like game with big, friendly anime graphics and drawings, very well designed, simple puzzles and satisfyingly thwacky combat. It’s made by a Japanese guy called Buster who has made quite a few awesome little games, all of which for free. Anyone who puts in this much effort on free games is worth a lot of love, and I love Guardian of Paradise quite a lot.

You’re this kid with giant purple hair who’s got to save his sister, or some other adventure nonsense, by getting some mythical water from a place called Paradise. On your way you meet and join forces with elemental spirits who give you a variety of magic which help you solve puzzles, kill the cute little baddies and progress. The whole thing holds together really well; the enemies are tough but never too hard; the puzzles require thought but unless you have the mental age of three you will never get stuck; even the graphics and artworks are incredibly professional for a free game. It should last you about five or so hours, so they haven’t skimped on the size either. A very accomplished little adventure, well worth a download.