It seems 8-Bit Legit is hellbent on recreating an NES era in its own right with new games, including Trophy and the challenging NEScape!, which we both reviewed earlier this year. Now we have Roniu’s Tale, which began life as a physical NES cartridge released by MegaCat Studios last year before eventually winding up as a digital Switch release (for a much lesser price) from 8 Bit Legit.
The game looks like a Legend of Zelda 8-bit clone, but it’s anything but, instead relying on puzzle tactics as you try to work your way through the game’s 45+ stages. That can be a stretch, considering the difficult gameplay mechanics here. Still, if you’re up for a good retro time – and have a meager $8 to spend – this Tale might just be worth unfolding.

Ready For Some Difficulty?
The goal of Roniu’s Tale is to make your way through each stage, collecting key items while taking on whatever enemies get in your path. Ah, but there’s a catch. As you make your way through the stage, the floor crumbles from beneath your feet. You’re still able to jump and throw fireballs as needed, but you’re going to run out of space very quickly if you somehow wind up making the wrong move. And, let’s be honest, you will.

There are some neat power-ups that help out, including a rather ghostly move where you can pass through something. You’ll want to be careful, though, as you’ll spend most of the time just trying to figure out how to complete your journey through each stage.
Is it hard? Yep, it sure is. But like the NES games before it, Roniu’s Tale relies on trial-and-error and creative thinking. It’s got the gameplay intact if you bring both of those with you. But if you’re seeking a typical hack and slash adventure, this isn’t exactly it. This Tale is built for the strong set.

A Retro-Riffic Design
Roniu’s Tale is purely 8-bit style design, and for good reason considering that the game initially came out for the NES last year. But, hey, 8 Bit Legit did a great job porting it over to the Switch. The visuals look nice, recapturing the appearance of older games from that era; and there are neat little borders that make it feel like you’re playing on a classic television (not quite CRT, but close). Plus it’s easy to see the whole stage, just in case you need to plan ahead.
Along with that, Roniu’s Tale has a charming soundtrack that plays throughout, akin to the classic stuff like Star Tropics provided. The sound effects are good too, albeit slightly minimal.
But, again, 8-bit release.
Finally, the price isn’t bad at all, with the game going for just $8. Considering the physical release was much, much more at one point, it’s a swell deal.

The Tale For You?
What you get out of Roniu’s Tale depends on what you put into it. It’s much more difficult than other NES fare, but about the speed for challenge solvers and those that love a good maze approach. Those seeking traditional adventure may want to hold off.
However, if you do jump in, you’ll like what you find, with responsive gameplay, some cool stuff to find along the way (as you solve levels), and just the right type of presentation.
It’s not an easy read for everyone, but Roniu’s Tale has a lot going for it.

The Bottom Line:
8 Bit Legit scores again with yet another consecutive 8-bit release for the Nintendo Switch, packed with maze-solving goodness and a classic-styled presentation. Just be prepared to use your brain for this one.