This might sound odd a week after playing the demo, but I’m still not entirely sure what’s happening in Bravery Network Online. I know it’s turn based, and that it has lush art and tunes, but as for the plot itself, I’m a bit flummoxed. There’s something in there about Bravery Network Online taking place in a post-post apocalyptic world where resource management is no longer an issue and the popular sport is a game called Bravery. But everything else was a bit of a blur, and frankly that’s okay. Cause from what little I experienced of the game, there’s a lot to draw in fans.
Some of you may have already pieced together the reason I demoed Bravery Network Online – the art. I didn’t know then that the artist behind the game was named Guillaume Singelin, but I’m not surprised to discover he’s a comic book artist. Because there’s something instantly captivating about the art in the game. In a weird way, the style reminded me a little bit of Scott Pilgrim, and that’s high praise coming from me. But no game is just about the art, so let’s cover the combat.
I was also drawn to Bravery Network Online by the simple fact it’s a turn based brawler. It’s not an RPG like I suspected at first, but more of a turn based Street Fighter, in a way. You select a team of a few combatants, and fight against your opponent’s team. You’re able to swap characters out, but at the expense of using an attack that turn. And by “attack”, I may mean something different than you expect. This gets to my confusion in the game. Yes, it’s a brawler, but it’s also kind of a fashion show? By doing more flashy things you can wear down your opponent’s will to fight, and that’s not the average response. There’s also a bit of a type weaknesses here, though this is far from Pokémon. It’s really it’s own unique thing.
I found the combat quite fun, especially how you have a leader that can do a devastating move if you have enough of a meter charged. The game was flashy, beautiful and interesting. You don’t have to completely understand it to appreciate it. I think that Gloam Collective might have a hit on their hands here. If you like interesting and beautiful games, you’ll be able to check out Bravery Network Online later on Steam.
