Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Brutish Mine embraces the classic Japanese RPG formula, offering a turn-based combat system that feels both familiar and polished. You lead a party of three characters—Kento, Maki, and an assortment of SPAT recruits—through a series of strategic battles against demons and corporate mercenaries. Each turn is clearly indicated on the action bar, allowing for nuanced decisions about when to attack, defend, or cast spells. This clarity helps new players grasp the mechanics quickly while giving veterans enough depth to experiment with party compositions and skill synergies.

Exploration takes place in fully 3D environments with a fixed camera angle, reminiscent of late ’90s console titles but enhanced with modern detail. As Kento, you can interact with NPCs, uncover hidden treasures, and solve environmental puzzles that often reward you with rare crafting materials. While the world can feel linear at times—primarily funneling you from one mission checkpoint to the next—the level design encourages thorough investigation, especially when tracking down side quests tied to the SPAT organization.

Random encounters are frequent, but the developers strike a careful balance to prevent combat from becoming tedious. The inclusion of a “sprint” function and consumable items that reduce encounter rates helps maintain pacing, particularly when you’re traversing long corridors or backtracking through familiar zones. Boss battles, on the other hand, demand full attention: these multi-phase fights often introduce new enemy mechanics, forcing you to rethink your strategy mid-battle.

Graphics

Graphically, Brutish Mine is a study in contrasts. The in-game graphics leverage real-time 3D rendering with a stylized, slightly gritty aesthetic that fits the post-apocalyptic setting. Character models are well-detailed, and animations—especially those for special attacks and demon transformations—are smooth and impactful. The fixed camera angles sometimes obscure crucial details, but clever framing during combat ensures you rarely miss important visual cues.

The crown jewels of Brutish Mine’s presentation are its pre-rendered cut scenes. These high-definition sequences are richly animated, often rivaling mid-tier anime productions in quality. They bring key story moments to life with expressive character designs and dynamic camera movements. However, it’s worth noting that some scenes depict explicit sexual images and activities, which may not be suitable for all audiences. These sequences are fully integrated into the narrative and play a pivotal role in character development, but they can be jarring if you’re unprepared for mature content.

Environmental details shine in areas like the ruined cityscape of Kannazawa City, where crumbling skyscrapers and overgrown ruins create a haunting atmosphere. Lighting effects—glowing neon signs, flickering lampposts, and demon-infested tunnels illuminated by phosphorescent growths—contribute to the sense of a world on the brink of collapse. While textures occasionally appear stretched on distant objects, the overall visual design remains consistent and engaging throughout the adventure.

Story

Set in the year 2058, Brutish Mine spins a narrative woven from environmental collapse, corporate conspiracy, and supernatural menace. The destruction of Earth’s ecosystems has led to space distortions, birthing demon-like creatures that blend human form with terrifying powers. You step into the shoes of Kento, an ordinary young man whose first encounter with a demon ends in defeat. His rescue by Maki, a dedicated member of SPAT (“Spiritual Attackers”), propels him into a shadow war against the corporation Gaian Global.

The story unfolds through a mixture of dialogue, exploration, and cut scenes. Conversations with SPAT operatives and city inhabitants reveal layers of intrigue, exposing Gaian Global’s experiments and the personal tragedies that drive demon outbreaks. Character arcs are well-paced, with Kento’s evolution from an underdog to a determined fighter feeling earned. Maki serves as both mentor and moral compass, while supporting characters add personality and occasional comic relief.

Although some plot beats follow familiar RPG tropes—secret parentage, betrayal from within, and an ultimate showdown with a corrupted executive—the game underscores its themes with moments of genuine emotion. Side quests often spotlight individuals haunted by demon encounters, lending weight to the broader conflict. In this way, Brutish Mine balances epic world-saving stakes with intimate human stories, making every battle feel like more than just a grind for experience points.

Overall Experience

Brutish Mine delivers a well-rounded RPG experience that will resonate with fans of classic turn-based adventures. Its strong combat mechanics, engaging story, and immersive world-building create an enticing package, even if certain aspects—like fixed camera angles and occasional backtracking—feel slightly dated. The game’s mature themes and explicit cut scenes add narrative depth, though they may not be to everyone’s taste.

Resource management and exploration are satisfying without becoming burdensome, and the choice to offer numerous side activities helps break up the main quest’s momentum. Whether you’re mining materials for crafting or hunting down every hidden demon lair, there’s always something to do beyond the main storyline. The inclusion of multiple difficulty settings also ensures that both casual players and RPG enthusiasts can tailor the challenge to their liking.

Ultimately, Brutish Mine is a compelling modern homage to traditional Japanese RPGs. Its few technical shortcomings are overshadowed by polished gameplay, a memorable cast, and a richly realized setting. If you’re seeking a deep turn-based experience with a dark, futuristic twist—and you don’t mind mature content—Brutish Mine is well worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

null/10