Review
Release Date: 11.12.1998
Platform:
PlayStationDeveloper:
Square Co., Ltd.Publisher:
Square Soft, Inc.Reviewed by
Christian Kontul on 4.28.2003
| Review Rating: 8/10 | User Rating: 8.3/10 |
1998 was a great year for gamers. If nothing else, it was the year that brought us The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Metal Gear Solid, classics that will undoubtedly go down in history as two of the finest videogames ever crafted. Other, smaller games like Xenogears and Tenchu: Stealth Assassins made a lasting mark. And, much like every year, 1998 was witness to some outstanding titles that never got their fair shake. Klonoa: Door To Phantomile is one such game; Brave Fencer Musashi is another.
However, unlike Klonoa, which has since gotten it share of publicity thanks to a string of high-quality sequels, Musashi remains criminally overlooked. At a quick glance, it’s easy to see why. With its childish dialogue and blocky graphics, BFM doesn’t exactly scream “blockbuster.” Appearances can be deceiving.
Admittedly, some aspects leave a lot to be desired. Brave Fencer’s visuals, for instance, aren’t terribly impressive. Everything is sculpted in 3D, but the characters, especially, are low in detail and in polygons. Environments look moderately better, though a large part of their appeal comes from thoughtful design. The same could have been said of the game’s cast if a little more energy went into their modeling. After all, they’re from Tetsuya Nomura, the acclaimed artist behind Cloud, Aya, and Sora. The concept art is spectacular, baring a youthful, super-deformed look that interests audiences of all ages. Unfortunately, their in-game appearances won’t earn as many fans, as Musashi and crew come across as something more akin to inbred children than sleek, sword-wielding heroes.
The story also comes off as being somewhat “under-developed,” if you will, but it’s not bad; it’s just not particularly good, either. The inhabitants of the Allucaneet Kingdom summon the legendary hero, Musashi, to help them fend off the aggressive advances of the evil Thirstquencher Empire. Even though the young, blue-haired boy that appears isn’t what they expected, the princess and her subjects put their faith in the “warrior.” It’s almost like a metaphor for people playing BFM…
Brave Fencer Musashi spans six chapters of varying length. The first part introduced the hero and helps players come to grips with the game’s mechanics. The following four have Musashi helping out around Allucaneet by countering the misdeeds of Thirstquencher goons. The only plot development comes during the final section, when the empire’s true motives are revealed. What happens is rather typical, too, so going into BFM with the idea that you’re getting an engaging narrative is misguided. In fact, the most interesting thing about the story is its script, and not because it’s incredibly well written. Rather, the entire thing is goofy. The writing and voiceovers may instantaneously turn some gamers off by seemingly catering to younger players, but more time reveals that BFM doesn’t take itself very seriously. Whether Musashi is being called a “Sir Little Turd” or he’s getting hit on by the local scribe (who just so happens to share the hero’s sex), the tongue-in-cheek humor points to one simple fact: the creators wanted to make a game that is fun.
They’ve succeeded. If nothing else, Brave Fencer Musashi is a blast to play. Originally billed as the PlayStation’s “Zelda-killer,” BFM more closely resembles an open-ended Crash Bandicoot with role-playing elements. It’s an action/RPG, for sure, but all sorts of minigames and platforming levels are interspersed to mix things up. Sometimes, when a game relies on quirky extras it’s trying to cover up gameplay deficiencies. Such is not the case with Brave Fencer, as its core concepts are as solid as a diamond, and they shine just as much. Musashi wields two swords, Fusion and Lumina. Fusion is a smaller weapon capable of quick attacks and, when charged, stealing the powers of enemies. Lumina is heavier and more powerful; it can unleash elemental attacks, too. BFM isn’t the first game to feature an ability-stealing gimmick, but its execution is impeccable. Every area is littered with nooks and crannies that can only be accessed after borrowing the right skills. They’re like mini puzzles everywhere, with neat collectible items at the end.
Perhaps the coolest thing about Brave Fencer Musashi is the collecting. There are captured citizens to find, rare animals to torment, mysterious items to appraise, and action figures. Yes, BFM has its own series of toys that can be bought in a local shop, which is constantly updating its stock with new merchandise. If you’re getting bored with the plain ol’ Musashi figure, stop in and acquire his rival, Kojiro. Beware, though, because opening the packaging drastically reduces their value. You never have to buy anything, though, and most of the searching is completely optional. It’s hard to imagine anyone not making a couple of impulse purchases.
If all this isn’t enough to pique your interest, maybe knowing that Brave Fencer Musashi has some of the best music on the PSone will convince you. Composed by Tsuyoshi Sekito, the score matches the mood set by the game to a “T.” Some songs are appropriately gallant and frenetic, while others are more laidback and gentle. BFM has one of the few soundtracks that is as pleasurable to listen to when the game is turned off.
So, why doesn’t Musashi get more credit? Who can say. It’s not perfect; sometimes, the perspective can be cumbersome and the control, while jumping, can get shaky. Undoubtedly, a lot of people will get turned off by its less than oustanding appearance. In the end, all its small quirks can be forgiven when considering the amount of joy it’ll bring to any person that is willing to give it a chance. Hunt BFM down. It’s a keeper.
