Brandish: The Dark Revenant (PSP) [Archive]

jeffx

12-01-2008, 06:08 PM

http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/124/124860/c20081201_blan_01_cs1w1_680x300.jpg

Brandish is BACK with a revenge, bitches!!! Nihon Falcom have finally caved in to my furious emails and put the underrated series back in the spotlight. While I wish this was on the DS (where all roguelikes and dungeon crawlers should belong), I'm still damn happy about today's announcement (and I think kakizaki knows why).

The original (SNES in USA, PC in Japan) Brandish was much maligned for its extreme learning curve, devilish traps and unforgiving difficulty. The confusing controls also drew much ire but this was easily fixed with a trip to the option screen. Other than that, doesn't this sound like one of the Faithful's favorite games? That's right, this is in line with Etrian Odyssey (though more on the action tip) and it would be a crying shame if Atlus USA didn't at least consider picking it up, especially with their recently announced Ys I & II combo.

Comes out for PSP on March 19 2009. USA? Let the speculation begin... September 2009 is my guess! :D

UPDATE: Official Trailer (w/ Gameplay) (http://www.falcom.com/download/movie/Br_psp_demo_web.wmv), Official Website (http://www.falcom.co.jp/br1_psp/index.html), Tons of gameplay screenshots (http://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/03/take-another-look-at-brandish-the-dark-revenant/)

Here are some pictures, but for more background on the series, check out the hardcore gaming 101 (http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/brandish/brandish.htm) article (best site ever).

Sources: Siliconera.com (http://www.siliconera.com/2008/12/01/brandish-revived-with-a-psp-remake/), Dengeki Online (http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/124/124859/)

http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/124/124876/c20081201_blan_17_cs1w1_480x272.jpg
Prepare to get your ass KICKED

http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/124/124862/c20081201_blan_03_cs1w1_512x640.jpg
Yup, this is the bad guy!

http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/124/124875/c20081201_blan_16_cs1w1_480x272.jpg
Giant enemy... something.

http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/124/124869/c20081201_blan_10_cs1w1_480x272.jpg
More dungeon crawling than you can handle?

http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/124/124882/c20081201_blan_23_cs1w1_480x272.jpg
This guy will hook you right up.

Make your voices heard, Atlus Faithful!!!

dragonlife29

12-01-2008, 06:14 PM

Damn! I was hoping DS, too XD

I've never heard of this series, but yeah, Hardcore Gaming 101 is one the coolest sites ever.

Green Card

12-01-2008, 07:13 PM

Heh I always thought this was a Koei game but I am guessing now they just did the SNES port. I had wanted to try it out before but I never got around to it. I would consider picking this up if Atlus brings it over but I will pass if Bandai brings it over (Legend of Heroes had an awful translation which was a real shame).

Baddbear

12-02-2008, 05:24 AM

Full support! I'd love to see Atlus bring this one over!

Kakizaki

12-02-2008, 07:41 AM

Read about this last week. I'm surprised it took you this long to suggest it Jeffx. ;)

Looks pretty interesting.

Sei

12-02-2008, 07:48 AM

Day one. I loved the Snes one. I'm actually glad it's PSP, rather prefer its screen and controls.

Sanctine

12-03-2008, 02:28 AM

I loved Brandish. Day one.

jj984jj

12-03-2008, 03:09 AM

Out of all the games Falcom published for PSP, this not the one I want to see localized most. Brandish was never a favourite of mine, I'd still get it if it came over though.

Gen Eric Gui

12-03-2008, 05:45 AM

I always wanted to try this on the SNES, but could never find it for sale anywhere. I'd be interested in this, probably.

Zachalmighty

12-03-2008, 10:09 AM

Day one, I have come to love all games dungeon crawling thanks to Atlus.

Kaibigan

12-03-2008, 12:43 PM

No thanks.

Soushi_Grapple

12-03-2008, 06:27 PM

I got this for the SNES awhile back.. Box/game/map combo.. sucks Im missing the manual. I never got around to playing it but I really loved the art. Glad to hear when I read about this that it is related to the SNES game. Id buy this, I prefer the PSP to DS, too.

ceifadorx

12-03-2008, 08:02 PM

The game look nice.
Count me in to support the game :D:D

dunno001

12-04-2008, 01:08 PM

PSP... that's a real shame, as I don't have one, nor will I be getting one, since it doesn't suit my style of portable play. I remember painstakingly getting 100% in the SNES version (and that map picture reminds me a lot of the first floor...), but I think I'd have to pass on this. I'd jump on a DS version in half a second, though!

jeffx

12-05-2008, 12:44 PM

I have updated the OP with a (FANTASTIC!) new trailer as well as link to website.

C'mon, you gotta admit the theme song sounds brutal. JDK band at its finest. The trailer also shows the new playable character in action and the smoother camera rotation.

This looks like a winner to me!

Paranoia Dragon

12-16-2008, 06:52 PM

I actually have the Turbo Grafx CD version of this game:
http://www.pcengine.co.uk/HTML_Games/Brandish.htm

Great game ofcoarse, great music, too bad is was never released in english. Anyhoo, I too would love to see this come over, Atlus, are you listening?:)

jeffx

01-28-2009, 07:27 PM

New gameplay trailer!! (http://www.falcom.com/download/movie/Br_psp_pm_web.wmv)

Same trailer on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qle-OdVvOoI), but without the narration (so you can focus on the awesome BGM!)

Pibbman

01-29-2009, 05:41 AM

Wow. This game looks HOT! I want to play this badly!

I also cast my vote for this one! The art looks great. It is kinda strange to see the character walking sideways like that lol, but its no big deal or anything, actually it's not an issue at all.

Keep your furious e-mail going jeffx (directed at Atlus USA now i guess?) :P

Paranoia Dragon

01-29-2009, 07:43 PM

I'm glad they kept the gameplay the same as the original, where you have to turn the screen to turn the character, gives it some strategy.

slayn

01-30-2009, 05:15 AM

I don't understand why anyone would fight against that badguy. There needs to be a way to join her ;).

jeffx

01-30-2009, 09:06 AM

She's actually a playable character in this version. But yeah she's a bitch.

hanseo

02-03-2009, 10:45 PM

bring it over

triverse

02-04-2009, 09:29 PM

It would be awesome to see more RPG type games on the PSP. I hope it comes out.

kat_ears_kahrain

02-05-2009, 02:17 PM

Support this idea.
I imported the SNES title because I couldn't find a US copy. T_T

At first I hated the game, but since I went thru the trouble of importing it, I kept at it, and before I knew it I was enjoying myself, and loving the game. It just kinda grows on ya like any other dungeon crawl.

Omatic

02-21-2009, 11:28 PM

This game looks great. I really hope this'll get localized. It seems that nowadays, Atlus is one of the few hopes for the U.S. to get even a fraction of the great games Japan is getting for the PSP.

jeffx

02-24-2009, 08:22 PM

This is my 1000th post!

Today is a very good day:

Ys Legacy I&II is released for the DS
SMT: Persona is confirmed for NA PSP
I passed the **** out of JLPT4!! (http://www.atlus.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2476)

So in celebration, I have changed my avatar! I really hope Atlus USA are considering Brandish PSP and Growlanser PSP as we speak.

edit: Looks like my post count was decremented by 40 when they moved out the AtlusOnline forums. Oh well!

Enzeru

02-28-2009, 02:17 PM

Nice avatar, jeffx. xD

Vincent Alexander

02-28-2009, 03:24 PM

I never post in game suggestions, because I'm too cool and too rebellious. But this game grabbed my attention. I would buy this. Twice.

anbu

02-28-2009, 10:04 PM

for some reason the presentation reminds me of nightmare of druaga.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-t6Z4uTqkQ

Damien

03-01-2009, 01:35 AM

Please Atlus get me this game 0-0 the trailer looks awesome and I love it's style!

hibiki_takami

03-01-2009, 01:39 AM

I second any request to bring Brandish to the U.S. I want Atlus to drain my (future) PSP's batteries with both Persona 1 and Brandish!

Fatney

03-01-2009, 03:45 AM

Looks cool. It's similiar to Etrian Odyssey? I haven't really played EO, but I've always wanted to. I know that you draw your own dungeon or something like that, and that it can be extremely hard.

jeffx

03-01-2009, 06:35 AM

for some reason the presentation reminds me of nightmare of druaga.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-t6Z4uTqkQ

You're not too far off. It's almost EXACTLY the same as Nightmare of Druaga, except Brandish is real-time combat instead of roguelike/turn-based.

Looks cool. It's similiar to Etrian Odyssey?

It's similar in terms of punishing difficulty, level grinding and dungeon crawling. Combat couldn't be any more different though, it's more like overhead Zelda / Crystalis in that respect. Also you don't really need to level grind all that much, as long as you don't avoid most of the enemies. I hope the level cap has been raised in the remake however.

Crabman

03-01-2009, 07:50 AM

I read about Brandish on HG101 after jeffx recommended it to me a couple weeks ago...it sounded cool, if not all that stellar (the article was pretty pessimistic), but I'd be willing to try it.

solarnoise

03-02-2009, 07:14 PM

These graphics look great, really looks like it's using some of the PSP's potential.

Please pick this up, Atlus!

Cybolt

03-03-2009, 05:10 PM

Wow, it's Brandish. The only memories I have of this game is from playing the Chinese Version on PC. Think it was the second one too and while I had no idea what was going on, I enlisted the help of a friend to tell me what was happening and together we completed the game. I wouldn't say it was tough to learn everything (in the same way that EO isn't necessarily "difficult" if you eventually learn how to play it) but I did have a lot of fun with the game.

Here's to hoping that it gets brought over. Now for getting a PSP...

Sei

03-03-2009, 08:13 PM

I loved Brandish and I love your avatar Jeffx! I would be very interested in this.

-Oath

03-09-2009, 10:07 PM

Oh man the wait is absolutely killing me! While I never finished the SNES version I still cant wait for this version. That totally kickass trailer sold me.
Time to get a new screen for me PSP.... before the 19th at that....
Heh, and I thought I was the only one around here familliar with HCG101, I was wong :P

jeffx

03-19-2009, 12:39 PM

OUT TODAY IN JAPAN!!!

Of note: there are actually TWO soundtracks within the game! Original which sounds like it's from the 16-bit era but with a little bit more flair (AKA not just a lazy MIDI dump), and arrange, which is just incredible (as expected from the JDK band).

Decept

03-19-2009, 12:56 PM

lucky Japan

Unsavory Maggot

03-19-2009, 02:58 PM

We the Atlus Faithful of Ys have spoken: we want Brandish. In return, we promise to sprinkle you with confectionary sugar and wads of cash! (; We love you, Atlus!

MP83

03-19-2009, 03:45 PM

I'd definitely buy this game if Atlus USA would pick it up for localization.

wyrdwad

03-19-2009, 05:04 PM

I vote for this one as well. I love Falcom, and Falcom + Atlus = ambrosia of the gods. ;)

This is REAL Falcom, too... not that sissy Interchannel Ys I & II DS port. ;) (Not that you guys are to blame - you did a fantastic job localizing it! - but Interchannel did NOT do a good job porting it...)

-Tom

Atma

03-19-2009, 08:57 PM

I too support this. Please?~

Vokkan

03-22-2009, 03:15 AM

The Brandish series have come a long way. It would be a shame if it didn't come to NA too.

MonCapitan2002

03-25-2009, 07:57 PM

http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/124/124862/c20081201_blan_03_cs1w1_512x640.jpg
Yup, this is the bad guy!
She's the villain? And why would I want to fight her? I'd rather join her than attack her.

Kazander13

03-25-2009, 08:19 PM

Another vote for this one. I got this game for my 13th birthday and still remember the horror of that pillar puzzle in the fortress that made me pull my hair out when I couldn't solve it and it was one of the few games I refused to cheat on at the time.

I still play it once every other year or so, it was fun times.

jeffx

03-25-2009, 08:20 PM

@MonCapitan2002: I really don't want to spoil it... but the entire Brandish plot has a nice twist that isn't actually revealed until the 3rd game, which would answer your second question.

BTW I'm playing the **** out of this game right now, which is why I haven't been posting as much. Let's just say that it ruuuuuuuules and that Falcom have definitely not done their fans a disservice with this game. It actually feels like a brand new entry that was built from the ground up, not just "yet another portable remake".

Seriously Atlus USA, you need to evaluate Brandish PSP. THIS GAME IS HARDCORE. Getting serious Nightmare of Druaga vibes from it, too.

chronaos

03-29-2009, 06:40 AM

Please do a localisation of this too I saw the trialer and thought that it looked way cool. It seems very good.

AbsyntheDelacroix

04-10-2009, 03:14 AM

Yes, please, Atlus. It looks awesome, and my PSP has been collecting dust for quite some time.

peasantman

04-10-2009, 10:55 PM

Yes! please!

henbayward

04-11-2009, 07:18 AM

I would seriously consider buying a PSP if I saw more stuff like this. Crimson Gem Saga, Class of Heroes, and Steambot have me thinking, though...

ReaperX30

04-18-2009, 07:00 PM

I just learned about this game and it would definitely be a day one purchase for me. Atlus you need our money well we need this game so please hear our calls and bring us this game in english.

Edit: Oh and for those interested who didn't know you can get nice Brandish themes for your PSP on the official website.

Dave3

04-19-2009, 03:13 PM

This would be a day one purchase for me

RivalShadeX

04-24-2009, 05:25 AM

I'd get this game Day one...

ECNM

04-29-2009, 12:52 PM

This is definitely a game I would purchase.
Twice, even; an extra copy to guilt my roommate into playing it.

Modern English gamers need to have a chance to play the deliciousness that is Brandish.
The PSP is in dire need of a good single-character old-school dungeon crawl.
You know, aside from just Ys.

adoru

05-11-2009, 11:29 PM

Didn't see this mentioned, but the game was on the top sellers on Amazon Japan's list.

does want!

Thray-Sama

05-12-2009, 10:37 AM

I imported mine even though it cost me a pretty penny and it was definitely worth it even with my minimal skills in Japanese.

I've even got the PSP theme of the main female character as my PSP theme right now and I would definitely buy this as well as any other Falcom games that Atlus pick up for English release

RivalShadeX

05-12-2009, 02:25 PM

This game looks good, does it have any English like the Growlanser PSP game does, or is it all Japanese?

jeffx

05-12-2009, 04:06 PM

There's a new Brandish article (http://www.siliconera.com/2009/05/12/delving-into-brandish-the-dark-revenant/) up on Siliconera.com.

AdrianMorales

05-13-2009, 07:02 AM

Interesting article. Maybe someone will pick it up:)

ReaperX30

05-16-2009, 12:12 AM

Ok, the PSP need good games badly. I still have mine because of FFVII Crisis Core and Monster Hunter Freedom 2. I've got Class of Heroes pre-ordered and I'm very looking forward to it. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is also on my wanted list as soon as it comes out. Now this game would be a great addition to keep the PSP flame going so c'mon Atlus get it over here so we can keep using our PSP's for something else than a paperweight.

perron

05-20-2009, 08:58 PM

Great looking game. Atlus, do it, do it!

RivalShadeX

05-20-2009, 08:59 PM

I'm RivalShadeX, and I support this ad...

ZomDizae

05-21-2009, 07:16 AM

So this is the famed thread that jeffx mentioned in his PM (-_^)

Nice work on this... And yes people, if this by any chance gets localized just get it. Really, best dungeon crawler out there along with Baroque, King's Field, ST: Abyss & Demon's Souls(IF you want to call these games 'dungeon-crawlers'...)

Also +1 to jeffx for having Ketsui related stuff in his sig.

fatedsoul

06-07-2009, 10:33 PM

Correction: +2. I bought the damn import, I couldn't wait. But still, if Atlus decided it was a good idea to see this thing to the 'States and spiffy it up with their wonderful localization team, I'd pre-order and buy it again in a heart beat. Day one.

vgslo

08-28-2009, 02:21 PM

(Like I metioned in the forum thread for YS BOOK I&II for PSP...)

Okay - Atlus if you release BRANDISH on the PSP for the USA... please provide these goodies in the photo!!! I would like to be able to read the book and ingame in EGNLISH... I only know a bit of Japanese - SO PLEASE RELEASE THE GAME IN ENGLISH with the goodies (MUSIC CD) like I purchased in JAPAN!!!

PS. Another idea - add a artbook and a strategy guide too!!!

WHY NOT HELP THE PSP gain more sales in the USA - RPG FANS spend money on classic RPG games!!! WE need more RPG games!!!

PLEASE - COME ON EVEYONE tell Atlus to talk with Falcom and make this happen!!! :idea:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/diablo2cain/br.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/diablo2cain/br2.jpg

jeffx

10-15-2009, 07:24 PM

Alright, still no Brandish PSP news (SAD), but take a look at this!!

Brandish 2: The Planet Buster (ENGLISH) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrqXaAk-EPk)

ZomDizae

10-16-2009, 11:33 AM

Alright, still no Brandish PSP news (SAD), but take a look at this!!

Brandish 2: The Planet Buster (ENGLISH) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrqXaAk-EPk)
Nice stuff, thx for the info! But why waste time on that horrible super fami port instead of translating the real deal?

EDIT: Hmm... apologies to the translation team, that was a bit harsh - just a bit disappointed, that's all. I really appreciate their effort to at least translate one version and will play it with a big smile on my face. (tho the smile would be way bigger if it were the PC-98 renewal version)

Paranoia Dragon

10-16-2009, 09:11 PM

I'd actually like to see the PC Engine version of Brandish one in english just cuz I have it, &, well, would like to see ALOT of PC Engine games in english!

ZomDizae

10-16-2009, 09:44 PM

Einherjar

10-17-2009, 08:21 AM

Played the Chinese translation. The story is minimal and mostly dungeon crawling, pretty interesting game, but quite.... old-school.

Paranoia Dragon

10-17-2009, 02:00 PM

I'd actually like to see the PC Engine version of Brandish one in english just cuz I have it, &, well, would like to see ALOT of PC Engine games in english!
I'd rather have Kaze no Densetsu Xanadu I AND II in english than Brandish PCE...
I agree with you, those are pretty high up on my list! I've actually beaten the 2nd one, it's in general alot easier to play thru with little to no knowledge of Japanese. The first one is more difficult in that regard. Well, there is a guy working on some tools for translating(he's hacking Far East of Eden Ziria) that IIRC might be able to be used for other games as well so that other people have access to them, unless I misunderstood him.

ZomDizae

10-19-2009, 09:09 AM

jeffx

11-04-2009, 02:10 PM

A Brandish 2 English patch was released today!!! (http://tinycartridge.com/post/233134151/brandish-2-sfc-english-patch-released)

Archie55

11-08-2009, 03:20 PM

HOPE THIS COMES HERE!! WITH SMT: STRANGE JOURNEY, PERSONA PSP, AND KENKA BANCHO, ATLUS CAN KEEP THEIR ROLL GOING!!!! please?

jeffx

11-20-2009, 12:29 AM

Falcom are currently making a global push for their 2009 PSP titles. Siliconera should have the story soon.

AdrianMorales

11-20-2009, 01:06 AM

Why is it that Falcom hasn't received any love lately? Zwei!! will probably never see the light of day outside of Japan, Brandish is M.I.A. and the Ys games - Ys Chronicles I & II
and Ys SEVEN - have droped off the radar. These are all PSP titles and we all know that the PSP could use some quality games that aren't PS2/3 ports.

GoemonEbis

11-23-2009, 12:21 PM

rpgamer.com just posted an article about Falcom's North American psp push! This gives me hope that some great stuff may be coming down the line!

http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2009/112209a.html

AbsyntheDelacroix

11-23-2009, 12:37 PM

rpgamer.com just posted an article about Falcom's North American psp push! This gives me hope that some great stuff may be coming down the line!

http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2009/112209a.html

If that piece of news is wrong, I'll haunt you in your nightmares.

Paranoia Dragon

11-23-2009, 05:38 PM

I want all of those games in english!!! Hands down, this deffinitly excites me!

Zoltor

11-25-2009, 10:53 AM

If this gets ported, I may be forced to get a PSP sigh(I have a DS already, I can't afford the insane amount of money needed, to buy all the PSP/DS, and the Wii games I want.

PS. Holy ****, is that really the game's main theme, if so that's awesome(there hasn't really been a main them that good, since the old school era)?

Also, is it me or are we in the middle of a maze crawler revival? Seriously companies are poping them out left, and right :)?

However I would strongly suggest localizing Wizardry before this game, but after that, sure localize this.

ExitDose

12-23-2009, 11:21 PM

The game I'm most curious about. I'd get it first day.

wyrdwad

01-03-2010, 11:58 AM

PS. Holy ****, is that really the game's main theme, if so that's awesome(there hasn't really been a main them that good, since the old school era)?

Clearly, you don't play a lot of Falcom games. ;) Check YouTube for the openings or trailers to Vantage Master Portable, Ys Seven, Ys Origin, Zwei II, Xanadu Next, or pretty much any other Falcom game from the last decade... they all have amazing opening themes just like this one. (:

Falcom definitely needs more love in the English-speaking world!

-Tom

marto_motoko

01-04-2010, 01:18 AM

Looks like a light hearted Demon's Souls in terms of atmosphere in the dungeons, mixed with Disgaea's cute designs, and some of the flare of a korean RPG like Ragnarok. :\

I want it! ^^

Sardien

01-12-2010, 06:48 AM

The Demon's Souls comparison is definitely justified as I bought Demon's Souls mostly because of how it reminded me of Brandish with it's more methodical approach to battle and exploration.

Brandish: The Dark Revenant is just a masterpiece of game design. Every map and mechanic is fine-tuned to perfection, and even the interface is totally natural. I love this game so much, and it being in English would give more people a chance to discover the beauty of the Brandish series.

Einherjar

01-12-2010, 05:07 PM

Playing this game oddly gives me the feeling of playing nethack. Maybe it's the tiles.

BanditKing

01-21-2010, 03:08 PM

wyrdwad

01-22-2010, 01:51 PM

I got to say Jeffx, you must be reading my mind with these. Every game in your sig I would love to see brought over. Seen this game and its skimpy heroine's art a while back and liked what I saw. Though I dont know much about the game other then (like most Falcom games) they are mostly PC releases and I never played the SNES one.

It's probably for the best that you never played the SNES one. Brandish is a great game, but back when the only version of it I'd ever played was the SNES game, I thought the opposite... I thought it might be the one and only Falcom game I couldn't get into.

Then, the PSP version came out, and all of that changed! The game went from confusing and cumbersome to atmospheric and amazing, all in one fell swoop. And playing the PSP version has actually given me a newfound respect for the SNES game, too! For the first time ever, I can play the SNES game, and appreciate it for what it is. Basically, the PSP game has shown me what the original version was trying to do, and now that I've seen it, it's impossible for me to miss, and I can appreciate it in the original just as well.

I think general dislike for the SNES game is a big obstacle that anyone who licenses this for North American release would be forced to overcome... but hopefully, the PSP game would stand on its own, and those who hated Brandish on SNES would be more apt to give it another shot.

-Tom