Brandish

"If you overlooked this game, then look again"

KOEI really did a fine job with this action RPG dungeon crawler. With its slight learning curve it seems to have gotten a bad rap. However, it would make a big mistake in overlooking this title based on its obscurity and learning curve.

GRAPHICS: 8/10

This game wasn't stunning, but for a mid-generation SNES title is wasn't bad. The occasional cut-scenes were fairly well drawn and each new area had a very distinct feel to it. Enemies felt and looked very much alive.

SOUND: 7/10

Sound in this game wasn't anything spectacular, but it wasn't bad either. Each area had its own background music that didn't get overly tiresome. The sound effects were just average, but it didn't detract any from the fun aspect of the game.

CONTROL: 9/10

This game definitely has a learning curve, but after about 15 minutes of play it becomes second nature. The movement is all very linear, having only the ability to move in squares and not any pixel on the screen. For the most part you only move up and down, but what is so unique about this title is that when you turn Varik (the hero) the entire maze turns. This aspect adds an entirely new experience to the action RPG.

GAMEPLAY: 10/10

Honestly, this is where the game really shines. The game is chock full of puzzles that are not too hard, but hard enough to give you pause for a little while. The fighting never gets tiresome and the bosses had the same difficulty no matter how much I leveled up. This is one of the aspects that makes this a solid title.

STORY: 6/10

The story wasn't anything spectacular. You play Varik, a guy who murdered the teacher of this girl Alexis. You both fall into a cave and now you are trying to get out. However, the game's mystery wasn't that big of a mystery, and I didn't feel that they fully explained certain things. Over all it was a good basis for a great game, but nothing to build sequels from.

All in all, this is an extremely solid title from KOEI that deserves more recognition than it got. I don't know that I really want to play it again, but that first time through was great. Maybe just rent this one if you still can, but definitely play it.

Recap:

GRAPHICS: 8/10
SOUND: 7/10
CONTROL: 9/10
GAMEPLAY: 10/10
STORY: 6/10
TILT: 10/10

TOTAL: 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/10/03, Updated 02/10/03