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Indie developer reveals NES-style game

Benji announces Azaran: The Demon Bottle, a spin-off inspired by classic Zelda games.

July 30, 2025 at 02:00 PM

Developer Of Upcoming 'Ocarina Of Time' Homage Announces NES-Style Spin-Off

Indie developer Benji reveals plans for a NES-style game connected to Azaran: Islands of the Jinn.

Developer launches NES-style spin-off of Azaran game

The indie game Azaran: Islands of the Jinn, inspired by Ocarina of Time, is set to debut soon on PC. Created by solo developer Benji, the game is described as blending elements of 90's adventure titles with Arabian Nights themes. Alongside this project, Benji is working on a NES-style spin-off named Azaran: The Demon Bottle. This game aims to pay homage to the 1987 Legend of Zelda. Designed in about three weeks, it features dungeon crawls filled with monsters and puzzles. Azaran: The Demon Bottle is expected to release before mid-August, while the main title has a target launch in late 2026.

Key Takeaways

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Azaran: Islands of the Jinn is inspired by Ocarina of Time.

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Benji is a solo developer creating these interconnected games.

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The spin-off Azaran: The Demon Bottle pays tribute to the original Legend of Zelda.

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Demon Bottle is a short dungeon crawler designed quickly for nostalgic appeal.

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The main game targets a late 2026 release while the spin-off is set for mid-August.

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Indie games are increasingly blending retro aesthetics with modern themes.

"I wanted Demon Bottle to be a short project, only a few weeks of development."

The developer explains the motivation and quick turnaround for the spin-off.

"I thought it would be cool to imagine what the equivalent game to the original Legend of Zelda might look like."

Benji discusses his creative inspiration behind the game designs.

The growing trend of indie games leaning into nostalgic styles continues to gain momentum. Benji's approach highlights how smaller developers can leverage traditional gaming formats to capture modern audiences. This focus on homage and nostalgia not only appeals to older gamers but also introduces new players to classic gameplay styles. As the gaming industry experiences rapid growth and evolving tastes, projects like Azaran may redefine how we view nostalgia in game design. The era of indie games is paving the way for innovation while respecting classic influences, marking a unique moment in gaming history.

Highlights

Nostalgia meets innovation in Benji's new game.
A fresh take on classic gaming awaits with Azaran.
Indie gaming pays tribute to the legends of the past.
Prepare for a journey back to the NES era of gaming.

Potential concerns over project funding and market reception

With the increasing competitiveness in the gaming industry, maintaining audience interest in indie titles like Azaran could be challenging. Additionally, the nostalgia factor may not resonate with all players, which poses risks to the commercial success of games. Developers like Benji may face pressures regarding budget limitations as they aim for the game to make an impact in a crowded market.

Gamers eagerly await the unique combination of nostalgia and fresh gameplay in Benji's creations.

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azaran indie gaming zelda retrogaming gaming indie development

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