The fantasy realm of Runersia is currently experiencing a territorial war of mythic proportions. Might you be the one to liberate the land of this strategy-driven JRPG? If you are convinced of your skill and cunning, then I implore you pledge allegiance to one of Runersia’s six nations, assemble your troops and summon vicious monsters as you seek to decorate each enemy base with your own beloved flag.
Furthermore, be sure to plan your invasions well as failure carries dire consequences. Again, I ask you, can you be the one to liberate Runsersia? Should you require additional information to reach an informed decision, then I urge you to read on.
The Vistas of Runersia
Visually, Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia instills me with mixed feelings. When operating in menus, players are blessed with gorgeous, hand-drawn characters that are each visually unique. This persists in the game’s cutscenes which, in addition to the character drawings, feature detailed fantasy backdrops that succeed in drawing the eye.
In fact, fantasy fans such as myself will not be left wanting for the incredible iconography of the genre. Whether it’s knights’ armour, medieval settlements or mythic items (including the titular Brigandine armour relics), there is undoubtedly something to suit all fantasy connoisseurs.
For some, the exaggerated eastern representations of these elements provide this title with a unique sense of style. Others may desire a more grounded interpretation of the fantasy genre’s established conventions. Fortunately, the UI remains in keeping with the title’s visual style while refusing to sacrifice legibility.
My only visual gripe lies with the cel-shaded graphics. The in-game character models are perfectly serviceable so far as graphical fidelity is concerned. Yet they appear as though they stumbled in from the previous generation without much effort made to doll themselves up. Although the environments are boring and barren with colours and textures that appear vile to the eyes.
I suppose this was done to allow for more on-screen characters per battle, but my mind could not help but wander to the beautiful visuals of Octopath Traveller. A title that transitioned between its hand-drawn cutscenes and in-game graphics in a much less jarring manner.
The Runersian Mountains Are Alive
Unfortunately, Brigandine could not produce a flawless visual experience. However, it scarcely takes a false step when dealing with the sonic sensations of gaming.
In fact, this is truly when the game comes alive. Each monster sounds as they should, every slash of a sword or shot from a bow releases a devastating impact noise that assists the power fantasy of the title and the Japanese voice acting is passionately delivered. Not to mention, all of the on-screen action is scored by music that carries with it a vast degree of grandeur that fits the fantasy aesthetics and prepares one for battle against rival nations.
Much to my delight, this was not the only occasion where the visual aspects synergised effectively with the game’s audio. Upon landing a critical hit, the sound associated with the strike rings out wonderfully in the ear while the action slows for a moment for dramatic effect. Before resuming the pre-established pace. With the additional implementation of screen shake, it provides a gamic moment that never fails to thrill.
Other Minor Gripes
Unfortunately, much like the remainder of the game, I do have other minor complaints. For example, every troop leader spouts the same dialogue when their opportunity to advance in the turn-based combat system arises. Since players are required to dedicate many hours to the game in order to achieve liberation, being subjected to these lines so often is enough to drive one to the brink of madness.
As an aside, I personally adore the fact that the Japanese developers have included their mother tongue as the default voice language. Though some may not be so thrilled with the lack of additional voice options.
The Fabled Brigandine
Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia does not weave its narrative into the gameplay via methods we have become accustomed to. Instead, players are immediately greeted with an expository series of text, set against resplendently realised, hand-drawn locales that detail part of Runersia’s history. And, of course, why the Brigandines discover themselves worthy of making up the former portion of the game’s title.
From there, cutscenes are saved for sparing use, only ever cropping up every now and again to inform players of important developments within in the world of Runersia. To explain how an unaffiliated knight decided to join their cause. To elaborate further on certain elements of the world that once remained mysterious by delving deep into the game’s lore.
While it is technically more effective to maintain the mystery of these elements, I myself am partial to reading up on the lore of detailed, fictional worlds and so was pleasantly surprised on every occasion where these cutscenes appeared.
A Mite Overambitious
Though Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia attempts to tell a grand tale of knights, lords, monsters and conflict, it very often displays signs of a budget that is unfit to relay such a narrative. When immersing itself into its lore, the game relies on pockets of text overlaid on different angles of the same few select images. Although awe-inspiring to behold, these do not provide a sufficient degree of variety
Furthermore, when dialogue is exchanged between two or more characters, all we get is two static characters sharing the screen. Only for a scarce quantity of expression shifts and vibrant backgrounds there is little to keep us enthralled. Mercifully, these scenes reach their conclusion before boredom sets in and returns to the gameplay. While on the topic of gameplay, does it offer superior entertainment?
Command and Conquer
Brigandine thrusts itself into the conventions of strategy-driven JRPGs with gleeful abandon. How much this game will delight you is dependent on your thoughts towards this genre.
Though I derived immense pleasure from upgrading my monsters and knights to more powerful class types, trying reach my enemy before they were able to attack me was wearisome. However, there is a fast-forward feature to mitigate this issue.
A great many players may relish the opportunity to meticulously plan each action to ensure victory. Whereas those like myself may very well be overwhelmed by this necessity for excruciatingly detailed planning.
Irrespective of preference, landing that final and vital hit to claim victory for your home nation is invigorating. Witnessing your empire expand throughout the land easily etches a smile onto your face. Encountering a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique aesthetics and personalities, is nothing short of a pleasure.
A Fairy Tale Ending
Though there are a great many aspects of Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia that can be considered niche, those who reside outside of that niche may still find something to entice them to at least sample the game and decide for themselves if liberating Runersia is a task they wish to dedicate themselves to.
