< Back

Brave Fencer Musashi (PS1, 1998)

Subgenre: 3D ARPG (towns and shops, exp point/action-based hybrid leveling system), Rescue mission (you must rescue at least four specific villagers to continue with the main quest but it's very easy)

Perspective: TP view/SV (some segments) hybrid

Movement Mechanics: Bouncing/hopping (pogo jumping over thorny bushes or steep slopes)

Other: Some dungeons and some linear segments

Mostly linear structure (chapter-based, a few optional areas and optional paths in hostile areas)
Steal enemy abilities (often used for minor puzzles or progression similar to Zelda or Metroid (bouncing over thorny bushes or steep slopes, enemy shrinking (some block your way), bowling ball attack for breaking cracked walls (also goes through enemies), protection from certain enemies, lamp, steel form for destroying spikes, ghost form for scouting (shows some hidden paths) while Musashi lies in place), Sometimes they're nonsensical like the map ability gained from flower enemies in the beginning of the ice palace, Some are arguably just obstacle removers/keys)
One optional boss
Learn sword combos, throws (can also carry enemies around) and some other moves
Musashi reminds you of where to go or what you were doing when pausing (sometimes it's too vague to be helpful though)
Save feature (in town or inside dungeons, save points are somewhat far between in dungeons but they did put one before bosses), Infinite retries at the trolley ride and first part of the final boss
No world or town map (makes navigating in town a bit of a chore and the zoomed in view doesn't help)
Some good puzzles
Day/night cycle and fatigue mechanic (Musashi gets less agile when tired - eventually can't run and a bit later falls asleep on the spot, you actually have to watch Musashi sleep unless you're in the castle or an inn, can't choose exactly how long you want to rest at the inn or castle, alertness can be increased temporarily with mints at least, you have to let Musashi rest indoors once in a while or he'll become slow and weak)
Some invisible walls - you can only jump down certain ledges
Some sequence breaking possibilities (more with glitches)
No fast travel (one shortcut)

Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review

Influenced by: Probably Mystical Ninja (N64), possibly Mega Man Legends (and the 2D series), Final Fantasy series, Ultima VII or Dragon Quest III (day/night cycle)

Influenced: Possibly Threads of Fate, Mega Man Zero