Story

Brandish takes players into a richly woven narrative set in a mythical realm, where the protagonist, Ares Toraernos, finds himself trapped in a labyrinthine underworld. The story begins with Ares being pursued by his nemesis, Dela Delon, a sorceress with a personal vendetta against him. Their chase leads them to the ruins of a city, which collapses, sending them into an underground labyrinth teeming with danger and mystery.

The core of Brandish’s story revolves around Ares’ quest to escape this subterranean maze while contending with the relentless pursuit of Dela. Along the way, players uncover the secrets of the labyrinth, which was once a thriving city that succumbed to dark forces. The narrative unfolds through encounters with various NPCs, each with their own backstories and motivations, adding layers of depth to the game’s world.

Brandish’s story is a blend of action and mystery, offering players a compelling reason to delve deeper into its dungeons. The game masterfully combines storytelling with exploration, ensuring that each level of the labyrinth reveals more about the world and its characters.

Gameplay

At its core, Brandish is a dungeon-crawling action RPG that offers a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. The game is played from a top-down perspective, with players navigating through a series of interconnected rooms and corridors. One of the distinguishing features of Brandish is its rotating camera system, which allows players to change their view by turning the entire dungeon. This mechanic adds an extra layer of complexity to navigation and puzzle-solving, as players must constantly reorient themselves to find their way.

The gameplay is deeply engaging, with a focus on strategic combat and resource management. Players must wield a variety of weapons and magic to defeat the myriad of enemies that inhabit the labyrinth. Each weapon type has its own strengths and weaknesses, encouraging players to adapt their strategy based on the foes they encounter. Additionally, the game features a robust inventory system, where players must carefully manage their equipment and items to survive the challenges ahead.

Puzzles are an integral part of Brandish, requiring players to manipulate the environment to access new areas. These puzzles range in complexity and often involve interacting with switches, levers, and hidden pathways. The game’s design encourages exploration and rewards players for their curiosity with hidden treasures and lore.

Graphics and Sound

Brandish’s graphics, while modest by today’s standards, were impressive at the time of its release. The game features richly detailed sprite-based visuals that bring the labyrinth and its denizens to life. Each level of the dungeon is distinct, with unique environmental themes that range from dark caverns to ancient ruins, enhancing the sense of progression and discovery.

The character and monster designs are particularly noteworthy, showcasing a diverse array of creatures that add to the game’s fantasy atmosphere. The visual style is complemented by the game’s atmospheric lighting effects, which play a crucial role in setting the mood and tension as players delve deeper into the labyrinth.

The sound design in Brandish is equally commendable, featuring a haunting soundtrack that enhances the game’s mysterious and foreboding atmosphere. The music dynamically shifts to match the intensity of battles and the serenity of exploration, providing an immersive auditory experience. Sound effects, from the clashing of swords to the echoing footsteps in the dungeon, further contribute to the game’s immersive quality.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Brandish received a mixed reception, with praise for its innovative gameplay mechanics and criticism for its challenging control scheme. The rotating camera system, while unique, proved divisive among players, with some appreciating the added layer of complexity and others finding it disorienting. Despite this, Brandish carved out a niche following among fans of the dungeon-crawling genre.

Brandish’s legacy is notable for its influence on subsequent games in the genre. It introduced gameplay mechanics that would be refined and expanded upon in later titles, leaving an indelible mark on the dungeon-crawling RPG landscape. The game spawned several sequels, each building upon the foundation laid by the original, and solidifying Brandish’s status as a cult classic.

In recent years, Brandish has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to re-releases on modern platforms. This has introduced the game to a new generation of players, many of whom have come to appreciate its challenging gameplay and innovative design. Brandish’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to offer a unique and rewarding experience that stands the test of time.

Conclusion

Brandish remains a standout title in the dungeon-crawling RPG genre, offering a compelling combination of story, gameplay, and atmosphere. Its innovative rotating camera system and challenging puzzles set it apart from its contemporaries, while its rich narrative and immersive world continue to captivate players. Despite its initial mixed reception, Brandish’s enduring legacy and influence on subsequent games are a testament to its quality and creativity. For fans of the genre and newcomers alike, Brandish offers a unique and memorable journey through a labyrinthine world filled with mystery and danger.