Story

Brandish is an action role-playing game that transports players into a labyrinthine world filled with mystery, danger, and intrigue. Released initially in Japan in 1991 by Nihon Falcom, Brandish tells the story of a cursed kingdom and the adventurous journey of the protagonist, Ares Toraernos, a skilled swordsman. The narrative unfolds in the fictional land of Vittoria, which was once a prosperous kingdom until it was doomed to sink into the depths of the earth.

The game begins with Ares being pursued by the relentless sorceress Dela Delon, driven by a vendetta rooted in past events. Their conflict leads them to the ruins of Vittoria, now a sprawling subterranean dungeon. As Ares, players must navigate through these perilous dungeons, evade or confront Dela, and uncover the secrets that lie beneath the earth’s surface. The story, though straightforward, is compelling in its focus on survival and the struggle against both physical and magical adversities.

Gameplay

Brandish is renowned for its unique gameplay mechanics, which set it apart from other dungeon crawlers of its time. The game is played from a top-down perspective with a distinctive twist: the world rotates around the player as they turn, creating a sense of disorientation that adds to the game’s challenge. This rotation mechanic requires players to constantly recalibrate their orientation, making navigation through the maze-like dungeons a core aspect of the gameplay.

Exploration and Puzzles

The dungeons in Brandish are filled with an array of puzzles, traps, and hidden passages that demand careful exploration and attentiveness. Players must solve various puzzles to unlock new areas, uncover secret paths, and access valuable treasures. This aspect of the game rewards players who exhibit curiosity and a keen eye for detail.

Combat System

The combat in Brandish is real-time, allowing players to engage enemies using a variety of weapons and magical items found throughout the dungeons. Ares can equip swords, shields, and armor to enhance his combat abilities, while magical items can be used to cast spells or provide buffs. The game also features a leveling system that enhances Ares’ skills as he gains experience from defeating enemies, making strategic combat an essential element of progression.

Graphics and Sound

Considering its original release in the early 1990s, Brandish boasts a graphical style that was both innovative and distinctive. The game uses a combination of 2D sprites and tile-based graphics to create its immersive dungeon environments. The rotating perspective, though initially disorienting, adds a layer of depth that enhances the game’s visual experience. Each level is meticulously designed, with unique architectural features and atmospheric elements that contribute to the overall mood of the game.

The sound design in Brandish complements its visual style with a soundtrack composed by Falcom’s legendary sound team, the JDK Sound Team. The music is atmospheric, often eerie, and perfectly captures the tension and mystery of exploring ancient ruins. Sound effects are used effectively to enhance the realism of combat encounters and environmental interactions, providing players with an engaging auditory experience.

Legacy and Reception

Brandish was well-received upon its release, particularly in Japan, where it became a cult classic. Its unique gameplay mechanics and challenging puzzles were praised by players and critics alike. The game’s success led to several sequels and ports to various platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the PlayStation Portable (PSP), each version adding refinements and enhancements to the original formula.

In the West, Brandish gained a modest following, with its release on the SNES bringing it to a broader audience. The game was noted for its challenging difficulty and innovative mechanics, though some players found the rotating perspective difficult to master. Over the years, Brandish has garnered a dedicated fan base that appreciates its depth and the unique gameplay experience it offers.

Conclusion

Brandish stands out as a unique entry in the realm of action RPGs and dungeon crawlers, thanks to its innovative rotating perspective, challenging puzzles, and atmospheric design. It is a testament to Nihon Falcom’s ability to craft engaging and memorable game worlds. The game’s legacy is evident in its lasting influence on the genre and its continued presence through various sequels and ports.

Though it may not have reached the mainstream popularity of other titles, Brandish’s impact on its fans and the genre as a whole is undeniable. For those who appreciate a challenging and immersive dungeon-crawling experience, Brandish remains a compelling journey into the depths of a cursed kingdom, offering a blend of exploration, combat, and storytelling that is both nostalgic and timeless.