Cardinal Points

Issue date: 4/20/07 Section: Fuse

Based on a foundation of Native American mythology, which is a nearly untouched cove of material in the realm of video games, "Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer" is a misleading game.

At first glace "Brave" looks like a child's game. The cover of the game presents the main character, Brave, in a Disney-esque manner that fits the rest of the game style. The rest of the characters, as well as the scenery and music, fit this same theme.

These themes are constant as you take the young Native American, Brave, as he completes the journey to manhood.

Don't be deterred from this, however, because this game is anything but a child's game.

Rather than thinking of it as a game meant for a younger crowd, think of it as game that has gone back to the roots of gaming which focus more on the quality of the gameplay itself rather than solely focusing on creating a game that is only visually pleasing.

But, that's not to say this game is not visually pleasing. Anyone who was introduced to video games during the "Zelda" era would appreciate what "Brave" offers in its vast, colorful environments, eye-catching characters, creative creatures and bizarre enemies.

The downfall of this game comes in the area of controlling Brave and guiding him throughout the game.

Going back to the comparison to early adventure games like "Zelda", Brave could quickly become repetitive. The basics of movement and action revolve around a single combination.

However, this single action becomes the building block for everything the young warrior learns on his way through the Native mythology and tradition of the game.

This is at least a small offset to the redundant form.

What surpasses any other aspect of this game is the plot.

"Brave" takes an ever popular coming-of-age story and twists in into a truly interesting epic with the use of Native American history which is unique to the genre and almost unique to gaming in its entirety.

It's easy to get past cheesy voice acting and simplistic visuals when you are itching to find out what hurdle you are going to have to overcome next.

"Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer" is a fast-paced game with enough direction and variety to keep players interested if only for a short time, but it's inevitable that at some point you will want to take a break.

This game isn't something someone should look to for a quick play through and completion. It's better in reasonable doses.

Still, it would be a suitable addition to the collection of anyone who is a fan of adventure games new and old or someone who might be looking for a new genre to play.

"Brave" is enough to spark an interest in a skeptical gamer who is looking for something new but likes what works.

three stars out of five

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