Brave : The Search for the Spirit Dancer

Reviewed by Norman Canseco
June 5, 2007

Developer: Vis Entertainment Publisher: Evolved Games Platform(s): PS2 Players: 1 ESRB Rating: Everyone Website: Click Here

Screenshot from Brave: The Search for the Spirit Dancer. Courtesy of Playstation. Click image to enlarge.

Brave: The Search for the Spirit Dancer is a great platformer that is entertaining and fun for all. It's like playing a storybook.  The game begins when Brave, the main character, discovers that his friend is trapped by a sleeping bear.  The player is immersed into the story immediately as you have to figure out how to free her and escape.

The story goes on as Brave learns he must discover the ways of his tribe in order to save his village.  The game is based on Native American folklore, with nature and its many spirits. Elements such as shamanism and totems give the game more substance.  Brave learns to swim by obtaining the totem of the fish and many other attacks by mimicking survival tactics used by the animals.

The inner workings of the game are well done for this type of 3D platformer.  There are well detailed landscapes and clever level designs that have players exploring every corner and looking into the distance.  The animations of the animals flying above the forest are breathtaking and the boss battles are quite satisfying when completed.  Brave also incorporates a great soundtrack and sound effects that bring out the feel of forests and streams.  Animal sounds can be mimicked to interact with targets.

The game is challenging.  There are many riddles and puzzles to complete, with entertaining rewards.  The game also has realistic AI along with hints to guide you through areas without the frustration of what to do next.

This unsung hero in the gaming industry has a lot to offer.  Easy to play and entertaining for someone to just watch, Brave: The Search for the Spirit Dancer gives gaming enthusiasts something else to play.  It is a great introduction to Native American culture with a twist of entertaining objectives and quests.  If you like 3D platformers similar to Spyro or Crash Bandicoot, then definitely give this one a try.

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