Hidden gem: New 3D platformer with Zelda vibes hits 100% positive reviews after two weeks
Released on June 2, 2025, Zefyr: A Thief's Melody hit Steam at around $20 – and has been universally praised by those who’ve played it. With 45 reviews so far, the 3D platformer boasts a perfect 100% rating. Still, it’s largely flown under the radar. According to SteamDB, the peak number of concurrent players stands at just 21, making it something of a hidden gem.
Zefyr: A Thief's Melody is the work of solo developer Mathias Fontmarty, also known as Oneiric Worlds, who spent eleven years bringing the project to life. Inspired by early 2000s classics like Zelda: The Wind Waker and Sly Cooper, the game reflects a deep nostalgia for that era. Fontmarty describes it as a love letter to his childhood and the sense of wonder found in early video games.
Story & gameplay
Players step into the role of Eïko, a young thief-in-training living in a magical archipelago. When members of her guild go missing and animals start getting sick, she sets out to uncover the mystery. The game offers open 3D island environments filled with platforming challenges, stealth sections, puzzles and collectible quests. With its fairytale music, cel-shaded visuals and consistently laid-back tone, the platformer delivers a soothing and whimsical experience.
Exploration in Zefyr: A Thief’s Melody happens on foot, by climbing or riding a giant turtle that ferries Eïko between islands. There’s no health bar or fall damage – the game shifts the focus away from danger and toward creative movement and peaceful problem-solving. Along the way, players may encounter massive guardian bosses, but combat is entirely optional. You can choose to engage with them non-violently or avoid them altogether. Those who do rise to the challenge, though, may earn special rewards.
Perfect ratings, yet not without flaws
Zefyr: A Thief’s Melody has been warmly received on Steam, earning praise for its calming atmosphere, diverse gameplay mechanics and nostalgic world design. Despite the flawless 100% positive rating so far, some players have noted areas for improvement – including weak animations, subpar anti-aliasing, a relatively short main story and shallow dialogue.
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