Blending the familiar gameplay mechanics of The Legend of Zelda franchise with the stunning HD-2D pixelated visuals of Octopath Traveler, The Ballad of Bellum transports players to a picturesque world where they must gather strange artifacts to save their friend and become a hero. Early comparisons to the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and the upcoming Octopather Traveler 0 are certainly apt, yet The Ballad of Bellum manages to set itself apart from its spiritual predecessors with several unique twists.
A number of games inspired by The Legend of Zelda have caught the attention of action-adventure fans over the years, with many blending nostalgic elements with refreshing stories to create brand-new experiences that hearken back to the golden age of retro console titles. In a similar vein, The Ballad of Bellum brings old-school vibes, not only for its similarities to Zelda but with its striking aesthetic style that evokes the same quaint vibe of Octopath Traveler and other HD-2D video games.
The Ballad of Bellum Trailer Showcases Zelda Gameplay with Octopath Visuals
The Ballad of Bellum is a pixelated action-adventure game that sees players taking on the role of a young adventurer who must gather a number of secret artifacts in order to save their dear friend and, perhaps, the world. Players will be able to explore a vast map, as they journey from the grand port city in the West to a dangerous desert in the East, then onward to a snow-covered mountain in the North and traversing through the deep, dangerous forests in the South. Hidden dungeons will hold unique items and the coveted artifacts, though surprise obstacles, challenging puzzles, and fierce foes will block the way. Players will need to strategize their attacks and perform close-quarters combat to overcome the challenges ahead and save their friend. The free demo of The Ballad of Bellum is available now exclusively for PC via Steam.
Some of the more unique elements of The Ballad of Bellum that set it apart from other video games like Zelda include a full dynamic day and night cycle with changing weather mechanics and character customization with a range of clothing options. While the central story of The Ballad of Bellum may seem insignificant at first, players will experience an unexpected evolution in the game’s storytelling as they progress. From traveling across the world in a steam locomotive to gathering the artifacts in the hope of becoming a hero, plenty of secrets lie in store in the vibrant world of The Ballad of Bellum.
As audiences gear up for the launch of Octopath Traveler 0 and others keep their fingers crossed for another new game in the Legend of Zelda franchise, The Ballad of Bellum may be just what fans are looking for with its nostalgic gameplay and eye-catching graphics. Interested players can stay tuned for any updates on an official release date for The Ballad of Bellum and news on upcoming games like The Legend of Zelda, Octopath Traveler, and other beloved adventure titles.
- Released
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December 4, 2025
- ESRB
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T For Teen // Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Suggestive Themes
- Franchise
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Octopath Traveler
