Summary
- Release Year: 1991
- Genres: Arcade, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Platform, Puzzle, Strategy
- Platforms: Amiga, Arcade
- Publishers: Image Works
Brat (1991): A Challenging and Rewarding Isometric Action Puzzle
Brat is an isometric action puzzle game developed by Psygnosis and released in 1991 for the Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS. The player controls Nathan, the titular brat, through a series of twelve levels, using items to bypass obstacles and avoid deadly traps. The game is known for its challenging difficulty and its innovative use of isometric graphics.
Gameplay
Brat is played from an isometric perspective, with the player controlling Nathan as he walks automatically forwards through each level. The player must place icons on the level to guide Nathan’s movement, such as arrows to change his direction or blocks to build bridges. Nathan can also collect items, such as lead weights to suppress deadly spring toys or keys to unlock doors.
The isometric landscape scrolls up-screen, imposing a time limit on each level. If Nathan falls behind the screen, the player loses one of three lives and must restart the level. The player can also lose lives if Nathan touches an enemy or falls into a hazard.
Levels
Brat features twelve levels, each with its own unique challenges. The early levels are relatively easy, but the difficulty ramps up quickly as the player progresses. Later levels introduce new enemies and hazards, such as moving platforms, conveyor belts, and laser beams.
Some of the most memorable levels in Brat include:
- Level 1: A simple introduction to the game’s mechanics, with Nathan having to collect keys to unlock doors and avoid spring toys.
- Level 5: A more challenging level that introduces moving platforms and conveyor belts.
- Level 9: A maze-like level with multiple paths and hidden secrets.
- Level 12: The final level, which is a gauntlet of traps and enemies.
Graphics and Sound
Brat’s isometric graphics were groundbreaking for their time. The game’s world is rendered in 3D, giving it a sense of depth and realism. The character sprites are also well-animated, and the game’s environments are full of detail.
The game’s soundtrack is composed by Tim Follin, and it is one of the best soundtracks of the Amiga era. The music is catchy and atmospheric, and it helps to create a sense of urgency and excitement.
Critical Reception
Brat was released to critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics. It was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Brat has been ranked among the best Amiga games of all time by several publications, including Amiga Power and Retro Gamer. The game has also been included in several compilations of classic Amiga games.
Legacy
Brat is remembered as one of the best isometric action puzzles of all time. The game’s challenging difficulty and innovative gameplay have made it a favorite among retro gamers. Brat has also been cited as an influence on several later games, including Lemmings and The Incredible Machine.
Conclusion
Brat is a challenging and rewarding isometric action puzzle that will test your wits and reflexes. The game’s innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
