Dec 2020
In a world ruled by Rune Knights and their underwhelming monsters, Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia serves up a healthy portion of turn-based strategy with a side of existential dread. For those who skipped the original 1998 title, it's sort of like Fire Emblem got lost in a fantasy warehouse and emerged with a big-ass sword and questionable life choices. Let’s dive into the chaos, shall we?
Pick one of six nations and battle it out across a continent that has seen more drama than a high school musical. You'll be commanding Rune Knights – basically glorified action figures with portfolios – to lead armies made up of adorable monsters. Each battle is a classic game of ‘who can retreat faster without ruining their reputation.’ You spend a lot of time plotting strategies and engaging in turn-based action, which is perfect for those moments when you want to make the person playing next to you question their life choices. The decisions you make in the Organization Phase determine your success in the Attack Phase, which makes strategy not just a suggestion but a requirement for victory. Engaging battles occur when the turf wars heat up. If one of your Rune Knights is defeated, they go into recovery, which is basically game-speak for ‘hey, you might want to take a break and grab a snack.’ You can also revive fallen monsters – just like you would at any well-implemented buffet. Competent in-depth customization is a bonus, allowing you to upgrade, swap, and juggle classes more than an unqualified circus performer. The Challenge Mode lets you pick your army and tailor your strategies, giving you the option to create a heinous mashup of characters from different nations. Just don't be surprised if this leads to character interactions that sound more like they belong in a soap opera than a tactical RPG.
In terms of aesthetics, call your therapist and grab a box of tissues. The graphics won't shock anyone on a next-gen platform – we're talking about visuals that are pretty acceptable but might not lead to any Instagram fame. The 3D models are charming, albeit somewhat generic. Think of it like a mediocre pizza; it's still pizza, but you wouldn't brag about it at your next dinner party. The animations are serviceable enough to keep you engaged but don’t expect a Pixar level of finesse here. As for the music, well, it’s as epic as a bunch of monsters and knights squaring off can be, but you won't be adding any tracks to your top 100 playlist.
Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia is a delightful turn-based romp for fans of the genre that scratches that strategic itch while simultaneously letting you unleash charming yet utterly ridiculous monsters into battle. You're never quite sure if you're playing a tactical masterpiece or just indulging in some nostalgia-fueled chaos. It’s a game that will either solidify your love for strategy games or make you question what you did to deserve sitting through endless turns of monster mayhem. If you can overlook its flaws and embrace its campy heart, you might just enjoy leading your Rune Knights into another almost-heroic battle. So, whether you’re looking to conquer the realms of Runersia, or just want to distract yourself from the real world, give this game a try. Just don't forget to hydrate – you might get a bit parched laughing at your underlings trying to save the day!
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