Brigador

77%
Game Brain Score Based on 3,263 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
Brigador Game Cover
Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding them back. Won't astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash.
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Brigador is an isometric roguelite featuring tactical combat in a destructible environment. As a mercenary pilot, complete contracts, earn money, and unlock a variety of mechs, tanks, and hovercraft with different weapons. With an expanded campaign mode, freelance mode, and a deep dark science fiction universe, the game offers engaging gameplay and over 2 hours of synth music.

  • Mac OS
  • Windows
  • Linux
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

77%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,263 reviews
story117 positive mentions
grinding26 negative mentions
  • Brigador features stunning artwork and a well-crafted synthwave soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience.
  • The game offers a variety of vehicles and weapons, allowing for diverse playstyles and strategies in both campaign and freelance modes.
  • The destructible environments and rewarding gameplay mechanics create a satisfying experience as players engage in chaotic battles.
  • The campaign can feel repetitive, with missions often lacking variety and depth in objectives.
  • The controls, particularly for mechs and tanks, can be awkward and may take time to get used to, which can frustrate new players.
  • Some players may find the lack of a coherent narrative in the campaign disappointing, as the story is primarily conveyed through unlockable lore.
  • story976 mentions

    The game's story is largely minimal and presented through mission briefings and unlockable lore, which many players find interesting but not deeply engaging. While the campaign consists of a series of missions with preset loadouts, it lacks a coherent narrative, leading to a feeling of disconnection between missions. The real depth of the story and world-building is often buried in optional texts, leaving players who seek a more narrative-driven experience somewhat disappointed.

    • “I want to know more about this sci-fi pseudo-cyberpunk planetary war story the developer has crafted.”
    • “The story and lore that's in this game is unexpectedly excellent and fun to read; normally I just skim over flavor text but what's in this game adds so much grit and atmosphere to the game.”
    • “The writing is gorgeous and jet-black funny - every mech, weapon and pilot has its own story and there are a lot of each.”
    • “The overall writing is good, but the campaign is really not coherent and there is no story, which is a shame because the game includes a ton of fluff and information.”
    • “There's no story whatsoever, you just get to know why you are doing what you are doing in every short briefing.”
    • “The campaign isn't much of a campaign and instead it's more like a collection of loosely associated missions with limited loadouts and one or two unique challenges.”
  • music934 mentions

    The music in Brigador has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its outstanding synthwave soundtrack by Makeup and Vanity Set, which perfectly complements the game's cyberpunk aesthetic and intense gameplay. Players often find themselves immersed in the music, noting that it enhances the overall experience to the point where they enjoy listening to it outside of the game. While some mention occasional repetitiveness in the tracks, the majority agree that the soundtrack is a standout feature, elevating the game's atmosphere and enjoyment significantly.

    • “The music complements the action and gameplay in an excellent way; I am a player who usually listens to my own music while playing other video games, but I never felt the need to do that playing Brigador.”
    • “The soundtrack is a synth masterpiece and something definitely worth it if you're into any sort of dark synth or electronic music.”
    • “The soundtrack is fantastic, just feels like a whole collection of influences coalescing together created this gem.”
    • “The only gripe I have with the game on this front is that it seems like during particularly long missions, the music has a tendency of cutting off entirely, leaving me many times with dozens of minutes of nothing but the in-game sound effects.”
    • “The music does not seem to have any sort of playlist or loop, so what this means is that if you're taking your time in a mission you will hear one track play to the end from the start of the game and then play the rest of the level in silence, which is actually a bummer since the game has very nice music that adds to the experience.”
    • “While it may have somewhat confusing controls, and can be a bit hard at times, this game is truly an amazing experience, made better by the 1980s retro sci-fi camp and synth music pumping through it.”
  • gameplay629 mentions

    The gameplay of Brigador is characterized by its fast-paced, tactical vehicular combat set in a destructible isometric environment, offering a variety of vehicles and weapons that encourage strategic play. While many players praise its depth, customization options, and engaging mechanics, some note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, particularly due to similar mission objectives. Overall, the combination of satisfying controls, a vibrant aesthetic, and a compelling soundtrack enhances the experience, making it a standout title for fans of the genre.

    • “It wins on both the gameplay and presentation fronts: a combat vehicle pseudo-simulator in an isometric 2D world with gorgeous and detailed artwork, rippling firepower at your disposal and oodles of destruction to inflict while accompanied by a well-crafted synthwave soundtrack.”
    • “The gameplay has a lot of depth, the lore is extremely interesting and well written, the music rivals in quality some of the heaviest hitters in the indie genre, and the amount of customization both in terms of settings and gameplay can really personalize the experience.”
    • “The gameplay is fun and satisfying, and it is just the right mix of fresh and nostalgic.”
    • “I can see why this game flopped - it's because it's good for about 2 hours of gameplay and then it gets repetitive and boring.”
    • “While the pixel art is gorgeous and the heavier weaponry gives that feeling of power, the gameplay is quite repetitive and doesn't offer much variation.”
    • “The gameplay loop outside of unlocking more things to play with can get old fast.”
  • graphics493 mentions

    The graphics of Brigador have been widely praised for their stunning, detailed 2D artwork and vibrant retro-futuristic aesthetic, reminiscent of classic games from the 90s. Reviewers highlight the effective use of isometric perspective, dynamic lighting, and destructible environments that enhance the overall experience, while the accompanying synthwave soundtrack complements the visuals beautifully. Despite some critiques regarding the retro style and occasional graphical limitations, the game's artistic presentation is considered a standout feature that captivates players.

    • “The graphics are gorgeous, the lighting is like nothing you’ve seen in a 2D game, the vehicle designs are top notch, the soundtrack is genuinely memorable and the lore is cryptic and reminds me of Syndicate.”
    • “The visuals are stunning and the sound design is top notch.”
    • “The graphics technique (3D masked 2D graphics, like SimCity 4 kind of) is really impressive and the game plays really well with a high skill ceiling.”
    • “Mediocre graphics at best.”
    • “If you're looking for AAA fidelity, shiny graphics (in an isometric game lmao) or anything fancy, look elsewhere or be disappointed.”
    • “The graphics and engine stuff seem like it's from the heyday of PC gaming, the Half-Life era, and that really works in Brigador's favor.”
  • replayability110 mentions

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, driven by a vast array of customizable vehicles, weapons, and mission types that encourage varied playstyles and strategies. Players can engage in both a campaign mode and a freelance mode, with numerous unlockables and challenges that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. Overall, the combination of tactical depth, random missions, and a high skill ceiling ensures that players will find themselves returning to the game frequently.

    • “Infinite replay value with the random missions.”
    • “With infinite combinations of pilots, vehicles, and weapons to pick from, this game has endless replay value!”
    • “The large selection of pilots, vehicles, weapons, and freelance operations gives the game a good margin of replayability too.”
    • “The game would really benefit from a progression system or an 'open contracts' type system to keep the replayability up.”
    • “If you can't find ways to challenge yourself, this game will probably have rather limited replayability for you.”
    • “My only complaint is the fact the game's single player only, I feel this game would be perfect for co-op play, and co-op allows much more replayability even if single player starts to get boring.”
  • atmosphere90 mentions

    The atmosphere of Brigador is widely praised for its immersive and unique blend of cyberpunk aesthetics, moody visuals, and an exceptional soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to create a gritty, dystopian world filled with rich lore and engaging environments, making it a standout feature despite some criticisms regarding story depth and gameplay variation. Overall, the atmospheric design, combined with its vibrant graphics and compelling sound, captivates players and draws them into its chaotic universe.

    • “The music by Makeup and Vanity Set really does wonders for the atmosphere of blasting your way across Solo Nobre.”
    • “The strong lore, in conjunction with the moody aesthetics and soundtrack, give Brigador a wonderfully dark atmosphere and an immersive quality that is perhaps unexpected in an isometric game.”
    • “The atmosphere is of extreme cynicism and insanity while performing these terrorist acts.”
    • “The atmosphere and the music and the lighting bury you in the Brigador universe and keep you thinking about this game and the world it lives in when you're not playing it.”
    • “The atmosphere is all-consuming, the lore and writing is compelling, and I can't help but get lost in the world of Solo Nobre and its struggle.”
  • grinding31 mentions

    Overall, reviews indicate a mixed experience with grinding in the game. While some players appreciate the lack of excessive grinding and find the progression system generous and rewarding, others criticize certain aspects, such as tedious movement and training missions, which can detract from the enjoyment. The game generally avoids repetitive grinding, but some players still find elements of it to be taxing or tedious, particularly when unlocking new content or navigating difficult missions.

    • “Incredible, not very grindy and very easy to pick up and play, good balance. The only issue I have with it is I wish the different pilots were more unique.”
    • “Mech game with crispy graphics, baller soundtrack, and varied weapons, mechs/tanks/hovercraft, pilots, maps... despite all the unlockable content, the game is not grindy and pretty fun with the basic stuff.”
    • “Unlocks also come really fast, so there is pretty much no grinding involved in getting to try out new stuff.”
    • “Don't recommend, unless you like poor level design and endless grinding.”
    • “The campaign forces you to start with several very tedious training missions, only to limit you to a measly 4 vehicles (with pre-set loadouts) when you do finally get through the tutorial.”
    • “Grinding for new levels and pilots can be taxing at times and the game's difficulty can be discouraging, especially for casual gamers; however, the risk/reward system the game presents compensates for this, provided the player is skilled enough and can establish a proper strategy that complements a vehicle loadout.”
  • humor22 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of dark, self-deprecating wit and satirical elements, often juxtaposed with the grim realities of its mechanized warfare setting. Players appreciate the well-written lore and character descriptions that deliver both laughs and a sense of absurdity amidst the chaos, making for an engaging and immersive experience. Overall, the humor enhances the gameplay, providing a unique contrast to the serious themes while maintaining a lighthearted tone.

    • “The tagline isn't kidding, this game hands you as many machines to fit your destruction as you can handle, with weapons that range from simple to hilarious.”
    • “A great synthwave soundtrack and well-written (often darkly hilarious) lore are extra bonuses.”
    • “This love letter to the 80's not only has a bombastic synthwave soundtrack, it lives and breathes it: dark humor sci-fi that laughs at the absolute carnage that a mechanized war machine can wreak upon densely populated urban areas.”
  • optimization17 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with many users noting it runs smoothly even on low-end hardware, showcasing impressive graphics and performance. However, some players experienced occasional performance issues, particularly related to specific levels and the impact of graphical settings on gameplay. Despite these minor drawbacks, the game is considered well-optimized and enjoyable, making it accessible to a wide range of systems.

    • “The game's great, runs smoothly even on a potato laptop with beautiful graphics and, above all else, is fun to play.”
    • “The game runs silky smooth and is optimized very well.”
    • “It's not an unoptimized mess, and it still manages to have a lot of pretty features for those who want the most to look at out of their game (the aiming path is rendered to make the 2D look 3D, and there is a lot of dynamic lighting to do the same).”
    • “The destructive terrain seems like a big selling point, but all it does is add to performance issues.”
    • “Feels like an old console game with modern performance and shaders.”
    • “My only major complaint is that the performance is a bit spotty.”
  • emotional7 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, recalling nostalgic feelings reminiscent of their youth and excitement for gameplay. The use of language and cultural references also enhances the emotional experience, making players feel validated and engaged. Overall, the game evokes a sense of joy and enthusiasm that resonates deeply with its audience.

    • “Heartfelt recommendation here, absolutely buy this.”
    • “It made me feel like a high school kid again, excited to come back home to try to tackle those late game missions in commandos.”
    • “I haven't played a game that made me feel like that in a long time.”
  • stability7 mentions

    Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability, running smoothly on various systems, including lower-end hardware, with users reporting no significant glitches or performance issues. While some minor graphical glitches were noted, they did not detract from the overall immersive experience, and the gameplay maintained a consistent frame rate and responsive controls.

    • “I've encountered no glitches, and even though it's 2D isometric, I've quickly found myself immersed in this universe.”
    • “The game runs great even on my old laptop; the soundtrack is fantastic, and the combat is so satisfying.”
    • “144fps nonstop, snappy controls, and bug-free gameplay.”
    • “Ask yourself these questions: do you love mech games but have been disappointed by the amateur, buggy mess that is MechWarrior 5 and the 'eh' gameplay of Battletech?”
    • “The game offers some pleasant graphics and really vibrant colors, although there are some ugly glitches here and there. It is pleasant all the same; the game's graphics remind me of the classic SimCity games with its 2.5D perspective. However, the game does suffer from some really confusing and awkward gameplay mechanics.”
    • “Explosions and sounds never once paused the game or had any weird glitches.”
  • character development3 mentions

    Character development in the game is minimal, with no significant story progression or voice acting to enhance the experience, leaving players feeling detached from the stakes. However, the character designs are praised for their quality, and the inclusion of well-written backstories in the lore section adds depth to the characters, enriching the player's imagination during gameplay.

    • “The solid character designs, along with well-written backstories in the 'lore' section, expand your imagination while playing in 'freelance mode'.”
    • “The character development is engaging and adds depth to the overall experience.”
    • “Each character's journey is thoughtfully crafted, making their growth feel authentic and rewarding.”
    • “But no story or character development is there to get in the way of your action.”
    • “The tank controls and cursor aiming system don't feel good; the cursor is tiny and feels off (you have to aim at the tile the enemy is situated on specifically rather than the enemy). Menus, mission selection, and briefing screens are bad, and with no voice acting or character development, nothing feels at stake.”
    • “However, the solid character designs with well-written backstories in the 'lores' section will only expand your imagination while playing in 'freelance mode'.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization strategy is designed to enhance player enjoyment rather than prioritize profit, allowing users to maximize rewards through specific missions while still providing opportunities for in-game purchases and achievements. Overall, the developers appear to have aimed for a balanced approach that avoids the pitfalls of a typical cash grab.

    • “The monetization system feels fair and rewarding, allowing me to enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend.”
    • “I appreciate that there are multiple ways to earn in-game currency, making it accessible for everyone.”
    • “I can exploit two missions for maximum payout to unlock both in-game purchases and achievements.”
    • “It's noticeable that the devs wanted to create a game that's enjoyable and not just an easy cash grab.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

75% average critic score

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Play time

4hMedian play time
3hAverage play time
2-4hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 6 analyzed playthroughs

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