Brave Sword

Description
In the flurry of PlayStation titles of the late 90s came Brave Sword, a game that should definitely not be overlooked by any action RPG fan. Released in 2000, this game attempts to captivate with its engaging combination of dynamic combat, thoughtful story, and emotionally charged characters.
February 2000 wasn't a very glamorous month for epic PlayStation adventures, but Brave Sword got off on the right foot. This game benefits from a robust story that immerses players from the first few minutes. The story follows a young hero who must confront an evil empire, and playfully combines familiar genre clichés with its own original elements. The characters are well-drawn and their motivations are believable and often touching.
Graphically, the game does very well for its time. While it may look a little dated today, especially when looking at the greater detail of textures or animation, its charm is hidden in the creative design of the world and characters. The game's environments are colorfully animated and varied, providing the player with a visually satisfying experience even after several hours of play.
Brave Sword's soundtrack is a pleasant surprise. The soundtrack perfectly complements the atmosphere and often underlines the emotions of individual scenes. Unfortunately, what could be considered a weak link are the sound effects, which sometimes feel somewhat monotonous and lack the depth we are used to from other games of the time.
Brave Sword's gameplay is its biggest attraction. The combat system is both intuitive and complex, meaning that even if beginners quickly grasp the basics, veterans will enjoy the varied combo and strategy options. The game also includes a character development system that allows the player to customize the hero to their own fighting style.
One of the game's shortcomings is the sometimes lengthy progression through the game and occasional problems with the camera system, which can cause frustrations, especially during frenetic battles. Despite these minor flaws, however, Brave Sword offers many hours of fun and keeps players coming back again and again until they reach their desired goal.
As a result, Brave Sword is an excellent example of what PlayStation games from the turn of the millennium can be. It emphasises a carefully told story, well-designed characters and engaging gameplay. While some aspects may put off the modern gamer, for any action RPG fan, Brave Sword remains a gem worth playing again and again.