Tecmo Secret of the Stars

[Darko]

I've seen this game here and there from time to time and always considered picking it up. It sounds intriguing enough but I just couldn't ever pull the trigger. Am I missing out on something great?

[Zoe F]

The general consensus is that the game is average at best. While a few people do really love the game, they're definitely in the minority. The most common complaints are that the game has a very poor translation and requires excessive amounts of leveling.

[kainemaxwell]

Average cookie-cutter rpg. Nothing really special...except for the wtf box art.

[Steven]

The general consensus is that the game is average at best. While a few people do really love the game, they're definitely in the minority. The most common complaints are that the game has a very poor translation and requires excessive amounts of leveling.

ditto.

its reputation is actually worse than Brandish, I feel.

I never bothered to play it or pick it up. Doesn't seem worth my while.

I do, however, recommend Brandish, as if you like it, I think you'll really like it. It's one of those love or hate games, but when you love it you really enjoy it.

[Darko]

I actually found a CIB copy of Brandish last week. I only gave it about an hour because unfortunately, I hate it. I see the appeal but I can't handle the controls.

[exit]

I remember this game getting criticized pretty harsh back in the early days of emulation, at the time a lot of people considered it "worst game ever", but I guess as time went on people realized it really wasn't all that bad. I remember playing it for a bit, but stopped because of the grinding factor and the insane amount of random encounters.

[Steven]

I actually found a CIB copy of Brandish last week. I only gave it about an hour because unfortunately, I hate it. I see the appeal but I can't handle the controls.

Try switching the controls to IIRC "Lateral." This allows you to strafe your way through much of the game, only rotating when necessary. Once I made this switch, I found Brandish much more playable, and as a direct result, much more enjoyable.

Also, the game gets much better in the 2nd stage, the Towers. Even has Zelda-esque music. I suggest going back and at least making it to the Towers before throwing in the towel for good. Brandish is not really an instant gratification game. It builds up slowly, but if you let it get into you, you will find yourself immersed in a rather unique and atmospheric adventure.

at the very least, feel free to rummage through my thoughts on Brandish below. I explain why I like the game as much as I do pretty in-depth there, plus I have a ton of pictures for you to see as well. If you give up on it, at least you can check out some of the later shots from the game. It does get pretty cool IMO... but again, I know Brandish is not for everyone.

www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/577801.html

[mobiusclimber]

I'd say it's a third-tier RPG. Not drek like Drakkhen, not awesome like FF6 or Breath of Fire 2, and not a hidden gem like Spike McFang or Illusion of Gaia. It's a perfectly service RPG once you've exhausted the first two tiers. It's another Paladin's Quest, basically.