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The tactical RPG genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, and Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia stands as a testament to its enduring appeal. This game, a sequel to the cult classic Brigandine: The Legend of Forsena, returns after 24 years, bringing with it a blend of grand strategy and tactical turn-based combat. Available on multiple platforms, including PC, Runersia aims to recapture the magic of its predecessor while adding its own unique flavor. Does it succeed? Let’s delve into this comprehensive review.

Recapturing the Essence of a Classic

Brigandine: The Legend of Forsena was a pioneer in blending grand strategy with tactical RPG elements. Its innovative gameplay allowed players to command armies across a vast map while engaging in deep, turn-based battles. Runersia stays true to this core formula, offering a seamless blend of strategic maneuvering and tactical combat. Players control one of six factions vying for control of the continent of Runersia, managing their territories, recruiting troops, and leading their forces in battle.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia – Review

This blend of gameplay styles, while more common in modern titles like the Total War series, was groundbreaking in the late 90s. Runersia wisely retains this core strength, creating a compelling experience where strategic decisions directly impact tactical battles, and vice versa. A strong strategic position can translate into a tactical advantage on the battlefield through superior numbers and equipment.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia – Review

The game shines in its cohesive narrative, which weaves together the strategic and tactical layers of gameplay. Unlike games where narrative can become disjointed or lose momentum, Runersia maintains a strong narrative thread throughout, immersing players in the world and the struggles of their chosen faction. This interconnectedness enhances the overall experience, making every decision feel meaningful and impactful.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia – Review

The strategic layer involves managing resources, recruiting and training units, and deploying them across the map. Meanwhile, the tactical layer focuses on turn-based battles where terrain, unit abilities, and strategic positioning are crucial for victory.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia – Review

Runersia expands upon its predecessor’s foundation with a deeper, more branching narrative. Multiple storylines and unexpected events unfold based on player choices and faction interactions, adding replayability and intrigue. Hidden factions and secret quests further enrich the narrative experience, rewarding exploration and strategic thinking.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia – Review

The game also boasts a diverse roster of characters and units, each with unique abilities and skills that go beyond simple rock-paper-scissors mechanics. This depth adds a layer of tactical complexity reminiscent of classic tactical RPGs like Disgaea. Understanding unit synergies, terrain advantages, and skill combinations is essential for success in challenging battles.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia – Review

Visually, Runersia blends detailed character portraits in a vibrant, almost flamboyant style with 3D battlefield graphics. While the battlefield can become visually cluttered at times, the overall presentation is appealing. The soundtrack, while not extensive, effectively sets the tone for the game’s epic battles and strategic maneuvering. The voice acting, featuring talented Japanese voice actors, adds another layer of polish to the already impressive presentation.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia – Review

Minor Shortcomings

Despite its strengths, Runersia suffers from a few drawbacks. The pacing can feel slow, especially for players accustomed to faster-paced games. Lengthy dialogue sequences, while contributing to the narrative depth, can become tedious, particularly in later stages. The user interface, while functional, can be overwhelming for new players, especially with its abundance of menus and statistics. Finally, the game’s controls are optimized for controllers rather than keyboard and mouse, requiring some adjustments for PC players.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia – Review

Conclusion

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia successfully revives a classic formula while adding its own unique touches. The deep strategic and tactical gameplay, coupled with a compelling narrative and impressive presentation, make it a worthy successor to Forsena. While the slow pacing and occasionally cumbersome interface might deter some players, those willing to invest the time will be rewarded with a rich and rewarding tactical RPG experience.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia – Review