Story

Brandish immerses players in a fantastical world where they assume the role of Ares Toraernos, a skilled swordsman on the run from a powerful sorceress named Dela Delon. The game begins with a dramatic confrontation between Ares and Dela, resulting in both being trapped in an ancient underground labyrinth known as the Ruins of Vittoria. The story unfolds as Ares must navigate this maze of danger and mystery, seeking a way to escape while contending with various creatures and traps that inhabit the labyrinth. Throughout his journey, Ares discovers the history of the Ruins and the secrets of the civilization that once thrived there.

The narrative of Brandish is somewhat minimalistic, focusing more on environmental storytelling and exploration than on dialogue-heavy cutscenes. This approach allows players to piece together the lore of the world at their own pace. As players delve deeper into the labyrinth, they encounter remnants of the past, including ancient scripts and artifacts that provide context to the world outside and the conflicts that have shaped it.

Gameplay

Brandish stands out for its unique gameplay mechanics, especially for its time. It is a dungeon crawler that employs a top-down perspective with a twist—players can rotate the camera in 90-degree increments. This rotation mechanic is pivotal to the game, as it allows players to view the labyrinth from different angles, revealing hidden paths and secrets that are not immediately visible from a static viewpoint.

The labyrinth is divided into multiple floors, each with its own set of puzzles, traps, and enemies. Players must solve these puzzles to progress, often requiring careful observation and manipulation of the environment. Combat is real-time, requiring players to use strategy and timing to defeat enemies. Ares can equip various weapons and armor, each with its own attributes and effectiveness against different foes.

In addition to combat and exploration, Brandish includes an inventory system where players must manage their items carefully due to limited carrying capacity. This adds an element of strategy, as players must decide what items are essential to carry and which can be left behind.

Graphics and Sound

Brandish was first released in 1991 for the NEC PC-9801 before being ported to other platforms like the SNES. Given its era, the graphics of Brandish are relatively simple, yet they are effective in creating an immersive dungeon environment. The top-down view is complemented by detailed sprite work that brings the labyrinth and its inhabitants to life. The use of color and shading is particularly notable, contributing to the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the game.

The sound design in Brandish further enhances the immersive experience. The soundtrack, composed by renowned video game composer Falcom Sound Team jdk, features a mix of haunting melodies and intense battle themes that match the on-screen action perfectly. Sound effects are used sparingly but effectively, with the clashing of swords and the echoes of footsteps adding to the tension and ambiance of the labyrinth.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Brandish received a mixed reception. Critics praised its innovative camera rotation mechanic and atmospheric setting, but some players found the controls and camera system challenging to master. Despite this, Brandish developed a cult following, particularly among fans of dungeon crawlers and action RPGs.

The game’s unique mechanics and design have influenced subsequent dungeon crawlers, contributing to the evolution of the genre. Brandish’s success led to the development of several sequels, each expanding on the original’s concepts and introducing new features and stories. The series has maintained a dedicated fan base, with re-releases and remakes bringing Brandish to new audiences over the years.

In recent years, Brandish has been recognized for its role in pioneering camera mechanics in video games, serving as an example of early innovation in game design. Retrospective reviews often highlight its challenging yet rewarding gameplay, with many appreciating the depth and complexity of its labyrinthine puzzles.

Conclusion

Brandish is a noteworthy entry in the history of video games, offering a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Its inventive camera system and atmospheric setting have left a lasting impact on the dungeon-crawling genre, influencing both game design and player expectations. While it may have been a challenging experience for some, its depth and innovation have earned it a place in the annals of gaming history. Brandish remains a beloved classic, fondly remembered by those who braved its labyrinthine challenges.