The setting is 160 years ago, and a great tension is brewing between two rival nations: the Yaquinik Kingdom and the LeCoir Empire. The LeCoir Empire stages a surprise attack on the Yaquinik Kingdom, with the intent to steal Reygund, the legendary sword of light. Yaquinik was not prepared for such an encounter and was, consequently, in great danger. At the moment of their greatest distress, the supervisor of the kingdom decided it was time for the "hero summoning." So 160 years after he had last saved the world from complete destruction, Musashi was called upon once more to serve the kingdom.
Musashi. Legendary warrior of ancient Japan. Originator of the Ni TenIchi Ryu method of sword fighting. Philosopher. Samurai. Poet. He's also the star of Square's new action/RPG, Brave Fencer Musashi. Touted by some as Square's Zelda killer, Brave Fencer Musashi is really a much different game. Sure, it's an action/RPG in the sense that there's a lot of action, and there are RPG elements in the game, but at its core, Brave Fencer is really more of an action/platformer than anything else.
Imagine, if you will, a game that looks like a cross between Klonoa and Gex: Enter the Gecko, and you'll have a fair approximation of Brave Fencer's stylistic approach. The game is made up of polygonal characters and fully 3D backgrounds. Some backgrounds can be rotated 360 degrees, like when you're exploring towns. Other times, the backgrounds remain fixed, so as to let you concentrate on solving the matter at hand, and since problem-solving is a main fixture in Brave Fencer, it becomes apparent that lots of thought went into the design. Each level has its own logical set of challenges that careful thinking will solve every time. It's very rewarding to escape the perils of the first few stages, which neatly sets the tone for the game.
Control in the game is very good. If you have a Dual Shock pad, you'll be glad to know that Brave Fencer fully supports both analog mode and Dual Shock vibrations. In an RPG of this nature, it's fun to feel the hits and spell effects in action. However, if you don't have a Dual Shock pad, digital control is just fine, too. In any case, the L2 and R2 buttons control the camera angle, while the square and triangle buttons perform such functions as checking treasure chests, attacking, using the Book of Five Rings, and reading signs. The X button is used for jumps, while the circle button activates the "get in" technique. More on that later. Lastly, the R1 button is used for blocking, which, if you want to get anywhere in the game, must be used effectively or else your numerous enemies will make quick work of you. Musashi, when he has the appropriate equipment, can perform all sorts of functions. For example, when you first start the game you must embark on a mission to recover Lumina, Musashi's powerful Sword of Light. Additionally, when he finds a certain item, he'll be able to climb rock walls using his two swords.
One technique that gamers will find particularly useful is the get-in technique. By holding down the block button, a gauge on the side of the screen begins to fill. When the gauge is full, you'll press the square button to throw Raikoumaru (your short sword) in the direction you're facing. Assuming you threw it at an enemy, once it hits he will be immobilized for a few seconds. While your enemy is trapped in this attack, quickly press the square button to absorb his power. Your enemy will disappear, and you will have temporarily gained a new get-in attack, which can be used, at the expense of BP points, by pressing the circle button. Later in the game you will find different spell books. Each book has different attributes, such as the Book of Earth, which can cause earthquakes when properly powered up. Additional sword techniques, like the Ni TenIchi Ryu Slash, may also be learned as the game progresses. Each of these skills will become necessary to overcome the increasingly difficult challenges the game will provide. --James Mielke
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