Xanadu Next: The N-Gage Cult Classic That Shines on Steam Deck
By Adrian Singh for Guyana Herald
If you are hunting for a hidden gem in the Steam Autumn sale, look no further than Xanadu Next, a Diablo-esque action RPG originally built for the ill-fated Nokia N-Gage. Now 70% off, this quirky Japanese title has found a second life on PC and Steam Deck, and it is well worth your time and money.
Developed by Nihon Falcom, the studio behind beloved franchises like Ys and The Legend of Heroes, Xanadu Next is a belated spin-off of the 1985 PC-88 classic Xanadu: Dragon Slayer 2. That original game is sometimes credited as one of the first action RPGs, so this spiritual successor carries real pedigree. Released in Japan in 2005, the game hit the N-Gage first, with a PC port following months later. Both versions stayed in Japan until a 2016 English re-release landed on Steam.
Why is Xanadu Next worth playing in 2026?
After spending about six hours with the game, I can see why fans rank it among Falcom's best. The isometric combat is simple circle-and-slash fare, but it is satisfying. The real hook is the metroidvania structure: a central village serves as your safe hub for upgrades and trading, while the surrounding world unfolds through light puzzle-solving and key purchases that open new paths. It is a grind, but a peaceful, meditative one.
The blocky, labyrinthine world rewards exploration with clever interconnections. Discovering how areas loop back on each other gave me the same thrill I get from Dark Souls, even if the game predates that series by years. The atmosphere is also a standout, blending cheerful JRPG village vibes with something mistier and more melancholic.
Does Xanadu Next work on Steam Deck?
The Steam page claims Xanadu Next is unsupported on Steam Deck, but do not believe it. With a little tweaking, it runs great. You will need to launch the separate config executable first to set your graphics, as the game will not auto-adjust to your display. Controller support is also limited, but a solid community profile exists on Steam. Expect to use the mouse occasionally for equipment management.
For the low sale price, the minor quirks are easy to forgive. The game offers a cozy, atmospheric experience that is rare in modern action RPGs.
Is this a good entry point into Falcom's catalog?
Absolutely. Xanadu Next is a perfect gateway for newcomers. It is shorter and more contained than the sprawling Trails series, yet it showcases Falcom's knack for world design and atmosphere. And if you enjoy it, you will be glad to know many other Falcom titles are also on sale right now.
For a few dollars, you can own a piece of gaming history that was once trapped on a failed handheld. That is a bargain any liberal-minded gamer should appreciate: free markets and competition brought this cult classic to a global audience at a fair price.
Photo: pcgamer