Anodyne is a 2D, top-down action/adventure game. The player collects items and cards, solves puzzles and fights enemies to progress through Young's subconscious. The game is somewhat similar to The Legend of Zelda and other action/adventure/puzzle games of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Basic Gameplay
The player controls the character by moving up, down, left and right and explores areas such as towns, nature, and dungeons. The gameplay consists of the use of two items, a broom for attacking/puzzle solving, and shoes for jumping. The player must find keys to progress through the game and a certain number of cards to reach the end sections.
Young encounters several characters along the way including merchants, sages and animals. A central hub area makes traversing the land in Anodyne much easier with the use of teleports out to the various areas and dungeons.
Dust
Along with being Young's primary form of attack, the broom is also used for puzzle solving by sweeping up and placing dust. Dust piles are picked up by the broom by "attacking" them and then placed in front of Young with the next attack. Dust piles can also be used to block certain hazards as well as used in water to create platforms for Young to stand on.
Upgrades
The Widen upgrade expands the attack of the broom from a single square space to a three square line. The Extend upgrade allows Young to attack enemies and use dust from further away.
The Swap upgrade is used to find all of the remaining cards and secrets after the main game is completed.
Collectibles
There are several collectible items for Young to find in Anodyne including cards, secret items and health upgrades. Some of these items can only be obtained after completing the main game.
