Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Brandish 4 preserves the tight dungeon-crawling roots of its predecessor while introducing fresh gameplay elements through its two new playable protagonists. Each character—Mermelade and Garahad—now stars in her or his own chapter, giving players distinctive playstyles to master. Mermelade’s ability to transform into a nimble cat opens secret passages and bypasses traps, whereas Garahad’s brute-force fist techniques allow for direct, close-quarters confrontations with dungeon beasts.

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The hallmark rotating camera mechanic returns in full force, challenging players to navigate twisting corridors and solve spatial puzzles from ever-shifting perspectives. Veteran explorers will appreciate the precise controls and tight enemy encounters, while newcomers will find the gradual introduction of new abilities and expanded tutorials helpful in learning the ropes. Both classic and new weapon varieties blend seamlessly, encouraging experimentation—whether you prefer slashing through foes with a sword or pummeling them with Garahad’s street-fighting combos.

Puzzle design remains engaging throughout each chapter, with cleverly hidden switches and block-pushing challenges that demand both patience and ingenuity. Mermelade’s feline form can access alcoves unreachable by others, revealing shortcuts and rare items, while Garahad’s sheer strength can move obstacles that stand in the way of exploration. The added chapters significantly boost replay value, giving players strong incentives to revisit earlier floors with different strategies and unlocked abilities.

Graphics

As a re-release of Brandish VT, Brandish 4 sports slightly improved textures and character models, breathing new life into the game’s atmospheric dungeons. Walls and floors exhibit sharper tile work, and environmental details—such as flickering torchlight and subtle shadow effects—enhance immersion without altering the beloved retro aesthetic. The upgrades are tasteful, preserving the game’s classic charm while delivering a cleaner presentation on modern hardware.

Character sprites for Mermelade and Garahad have been redrawn with a bit more polish, ensuring their animations stand out among the original trio. Mermelade’s graceful cat transformation features fluid motion, complete with tail swishes and feline leaps, while Garahad’s combat poses emphasize raw power through exaggerated impact frames. Enemy designs also benefit from smoother animations and slightly richer color palettes.

Sound quality sees a similar boost, with remastered audio tracks that highlight Falcom’s signature dungeon music. Ambient noises—such as echoing drips of water and the distant growls of subterranean monsters—now come through with greater clarity. Though the soundtrack remains faithful to the original compositions, the modernized mixing gives each melody more presence, making every descent into the depths feel more suspenseful and engaging.

Story

The overarching narrative of Brandish remains a tale of survival and discovery within a sprawling underground labyrinth. Brandish 4 weaves Mermelade and Garahad into this familiar tapestry, fleshing out backstories that were previously hinted at but never fully explored. Each new chapter reveals personal motivations—Mermelade’s search for lost magical secrets and Garahad’s quest for a challenge worthy of his skills—adding emotional weight to the dungeon-crawling grind.

Dialogue is well-paced between action sequences, offering a balanced mix of humor, tension, and character development. Interaction with the original protagonists further enriches the story, as alliances form and betrayals unfold in the shadowy corridors. The new chapters also introduce unique side characters and mini-bosses that tie directly into the heroes’ histories, making every revelation feel earned.

Fans of the series will appreciate how Brandish 4 respects the established lore while expanding its universe. New cutscenes seamlessly integrate into the original plot, ensuring continuity without overwhelming newcomers. By the time players reach the climactic encounters, the stakes feel higher—each hero has something personal to lose, and their intertwined destinies give the final dungeon a satisfying sense of closure.

Overall Experience

Brandish 4 strikes a fine balance between nostalgia and innovation, providing both returning fans and first-time players with a rewarding dungeon-crawler. The addition of Mermelade and Garahad not only extends playtime but also showcases the versatility of Falcom’s level design. Each character’s chapter feels like a unique adventure, yet they all converge organically into the game’s core narrative.

The slight graphical and audio enhancements do wonders for immersion without alienating purists who cherish the series’ retro roots. Controls remain tight and responsive, and the rotating camera mechanic—once a point of contention—has been fine-tuned to reduce frustration while preserving its strategic depth. Puzzles strike a good balance between brain-teasing and fun, ensuring that exploration never feels like a chore.

In sum, Brandish 4 is a must-play for anyone who enjoys methodical dungeon exploration, cunning puzzles, and character-driven storytelling. The new chapters breathe fresh life into a classic formula, making this re-release more than just a nostalgic throwback. Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of uncovering hidden secrets or the challenge of mastering two very different heroes, Brandish 4 offers a richly layered experience that stands the test of time.

Retro Replay Score

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