Brandish

"One of the most under-rated games ever!"

Why isn't this more well known? I wouldn't have known about this if my friend had not found this at a yard-sale! X( IMO, this is a great game! Apparently, KOEI didn't make very many copies. I don't know why.

Graphics: 8/10
Pretty much just standard fare, but it's OK for a 16-Bit game. Most of the graphics are generic, but at least they're not ugly. You can tell what something is, unless they not want you to know what is.

Sound: 8/10
It's ok. Some of the musics are annoying, especially the Ruins music, but there's cool music too, like most of the boss musics, and the Tower music. As for sound effects, there aren't many, but what there is is good.

Control: 7/10
This is the weakest point, IMO. Varik always faces forwards, so when you turn, you actually turn the maze. But there's no graphical transision to this, making it look like you just changed what maze you were in. This takes a little getting used to, but once you do, it's easy. As for other controls, they're simple enough. X is use item; Y is activate; B is jump; A is Attack/Defend; ''Start'' is: See map, view status, save, and configure; and ''Select'' is see items.

Gameplay: 9/10
Like I said, this game takes a little getting used to, but once you do, it's fun. Each maze is unique; I.E. no two are alike, adding some good variety. As for battling, it's pretty much like most RPG/Action games. And some of the puzzles (strikingly similar to Brain Lord) are pretty devious!

Story: 9/10
You are Varik, who has been framed for the murder of a teacher. The teacher's top student, Alexa(I think that's her name), has come after you seeking revenge. Finally she tracks you down, and has you cornered, when all of a sudden, the ground collapses below the two of you, sending you both plummeting down a deep pit! When you awaken at the bottom, Alexa is nowhere in sight. You see you are in some kind of ruins. You have only one choice: to get out.
That is the basic story. On its on, it would be about a 7/10 story. However, the story gets deeper the more you progress, so plus 1 point. (And another plus 1 point for originality. :) )

Recap:
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 8/10
Control: 7/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Story: 9/10
Total(not an average!): 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/04/02, Updated 10/04/02