Brandish 2: The Planet Buster Expert represents the pinnacle of Nihon Falcom’s dungeon-crawling experimentation on the Super Famicom. Retaining the divisive "rotating world" perspective of its predecessor, this sequel refines the controls and expands the scope of Ares’ journey from a mere prison break into a grand fantasy epic. While the mechanic of the camera spinning 90 degrees with every turn can be disorienting for newcomers, it creates a unique tactical rhythm that separates Brandish from traditional top-down RPGs like Zelda or Ys, demanding a different kind of spatial awareness.
The "Expert" edition specifically targets veterans, offering a significantly higher difficulty curve and redesigned floor layouts that punish the unprepared. Magic management is more critical than ever, and the auto-mapping feature—a godsend in the 16-bit era—becomes a vital survival tool as you navigate increasingly labyrinthine corridors. Combat remains a rhythmic dance of blocking and striking, requiring players to master the timing of the shield and the reach of their weaponry to survive the relentless onslaught of traps and boss encounters that define this expanded version.
Visually, the game pushes the Super Famicom with detailed sprites and atmospheric environments that capture the grim, claustrophobic feel of a dark fantasy dungeon. The soundtrack is classic Falcom excellence, utilizing the SNES sound chip to deliver driving, melodic synth tracks that keep the momentum high even during the more grueling segments of backtracking. Despite never receiving an official Western localization, Brandish 2 Expert remains a high-water mark for import enthusiasts looking for a deep, challenging experience that defies the standard conventions of the 16-bit era.
