Platform – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Developer – Stormcloud Games
Publisher – Rising Star Games
MSRP – $14.99 USD
The old computer game classic Rogue is one that has inspired the a few games that have led to the establishment of new genre. Many titles, since its release in 1980, have adopted its concepts of RPG mechanics and procedurally generated dungeon crawling. A lot of games have certainly tried to make their rogue-like titles into more action-oriented experiences that do away with the a lot of the original’s back-end elements. Others have attempted to make something with a more stylized aesthetic look to detract from the original ASCII graphics of Rogue. This is where Brut@l comes in, as it is an action RPG that embraces the systems, mechanics and a unique artistic style that embrace the ASCII look of the original. It is a hardcore dungeon crawl that has an unforgiving nature about it. Some of that is definitely a byproduct of its intent to bring back the old-school difficulty of the forbearing RPG classics, but there are some aspects that seem a bit rough around the edges and unfair at times. Regardless, Brut@l is a solid and addicting multiplayer dungeon crawler with a unique look that somehow makes the idea of trial-and-error gameplay fun.
Brut@l, much like other rogue-likes and rogue-lites, is all about engaging in real-time melee and ranged combat with enemies in a randomly generated dungeon while exploring and looking for useful loot. This is all presented in a three quarter top down third-person format. Brut@l goes some lengths to streamline the formula by making some changes to the mix. The first big thing is that you do not start out in a main hub town with various shops before letting you enter the dungeon. It simply plops the player into the dungeon, forcing him or her to make do with the traits of the character.
The character classes available provide enough different play styles without being an overwhelming proposition. The Warrior is your standard fare fighter character who can deal heavy melee damage and starts out with most health out of the bunch. The Amazon, who has an average amount of starting HP, happens to be a Jack of all trades and can handle melee and ranged combat decently well. The Ranger is the go-to character if ranged combat with a bow is your cup of tea. He starts with the same amount of health as the Amazon. The Mage is adept magic user of Brut@l’s cast and excels in this area where the others do not, but he is the weakest with a meager amount of starting HP.
Regardless of which class you choose, each character starts with a base skill set of abilities that fall under mechanics specific to Brut@l. On top of moving about the environment each champion is able to jump, translates to some platforming sections being sprinkled throughout the game. Also, characters can hurl their shields as if it were a boomerang. This mechanic is useful for getting ranged hits in without wasting arrows, rupturing hazardous containers and even activating remote switches. Though the Mage has no shield, he is able to preform the same functions via a small magic charge and a force field of sorts replacing the shield mechanics.
With how crazy the action can get in these types of games with having to juggle multiple enemies, being able to target and maneuver is key. Thankfully, Brut@l handles this with a targeting system that is much akin to the modern Zelda Z Targeting system. While targeting particular enemies, you can quick dodge and even jump over or slide under enemies to avoid attacks and having your strikes blocked by shields. Melee combat is pretty self explanatory with, but special attacks require specific buttons combinations to fire off. Ranged combat is a bit more interesting, as it controls like an omni-directional shooter. While using a bow, you can pull off weak shots by just pressing the same button for melee attacks. However, holding the right trigger readies a more powerful shot. While ready, you can use the left stick to move around while the right stick aims the shot.
There is lot to digest in terms of agency and it will take a while to acclimate to. After getting all of the mechanics committed to muscle memory, is very rewarding when one is able to employ these tactics ensemble with ease to slay the many denizens of the deep. However, you will probably end up losing a hero or two during this process. Permanently. Much it grandfather Rogue, Brut@l features perma-death, so getting attached to any character is not advised. In this title, death take many shapes and forms. On top of outlasting encounters with the baddies, you will have to keep track of your hero’s hunger. These are very much old-school ideas taken from the RPGs of old, but they are welcome inclusions in Brut@l. It incentivizes you not only to be thorough in exploring the dungeon, but to do so quickly and efficiently. Fortunately, this title offers some levity in the form of crafting weapons and brewing potions.
Upon leveling up your character through combat, you will be awarded skill points that can be used to unlock new abilities and up your proficiency in using specific weapons and spells. One of more interesting aspects of improving your hero is through crafting. Throughout your adventures, you will come across runes in the form of basic and special color-oriented ASCII characters. These runes can be used in conjunction with tomes to craft and enhance weapons with elemental powers. Enhanced weapons can be used to deal more damage to enemies weak against that element. There are also element-specific doors that can only be opened by bashing them with like weapons. Another cool feature is being able to brew potions with ingredients. This also has a random element to it, as there are different color potions and the game starts with each one’s effects being an unknown quantity. You have to, through trial and error, test each type out in order to see what happens. Thankfully, you do not have to test the waters by yourself if you have another controller and a buddy.
Brut@l features local co-op multiplayer for two players and all the action happens within one screen as opposed to using a split-screen format. For the most part, it works quite well and the camera will zoom in and out to keep both heroes in frame. With all the systems previously mentioned, almost feels like a more complex and stylish iteration of Gauntlet.
The artistic style of Brut@l is definitely of the high points and something that makes this game stand out. One of the bigger points of this game is the emphasis on the ASCII character set that made up the graphics of Rogue. Brut@l pays homage to this style by incorporating it into its own minimalist style in a clever way. Environments, world objects and character are predominantly black with their outlines and important details being filled out with ASCII. The character set is ornately worked into everything in way that gives Brut@l a look that is reminiscent of Tron and other high concept depictions cyberspace. In fact, the ranger’s appearance resembles that of Finn from the cyberspace adventure film. It is also consistent in using these characters in It’s definitely something that is pleasantly unique and makes this title stand out among the rest.
The sounds of Brut@l are most certainly appropriate and has impact where it is needed. There is a lot of weight implied with crunches of blows dealt and steel clanging. Also, it is pretty terrifying to hear the manic roar of the explosive berserkers when they charge at you from off screen. The music is appropriate for a fantasy adventure and it is dynamic at times. The bombastic fanfare and eerie melodies kick in to complement the on-screen action. At times, the music can rush in when there is nothing necessarily happening, but it works more than it does not.
Brut@l may not necessarily reinvent wheel mechanically, but it uses proven ideas and implements them with style. Some may not enjoy the punishing difficulty or the trial-and-error nature of the game, but it works within its ethos of thorough dungeon crawling with alacrity. With its ASCII inspired high-concept visuals and addicting gameplay, Brut@l is a dungeon crawler well worth your attention.
Includes several titles.
Which was showcased at E3 2003.