BrownDust2 – PC & Mobile Game Review

BrownDust2 Review

BrownDust2 is an adventure RPG developed by GAMFS N and published by NEOWIZ. Neowiz is probably more known in the PC Gaming industry for Bless Online. BrownDust2 features story-driven gameplay with multiple storylines to explore, each separate from the others1. It offers high-end 2D graphics with overwhelming detail, providing a console-level experience2. The game was globally released on June 22, 20233. Players can enjoy a mix of strategic turn-based combat and engaging narratives set in a world filled with magic and conflict.

Combat

BrownDust2 features team turn-based combat. The player always gets the first turn, and you can drag and drop characters on the turn order list to sequence your attacks. You can freely move your characters around on your turn to avoid enemy attacks and re-target skills. Properly sequenced actions are key to executing effective strategies and maximizing damage. An overview of its mechanics are the following

1. Turn Order: Players always get the first turn. You can drag and drop characters on the turn order list to sequence your attacks.
2. Grid-Based Layout: Combat takes place on a grid with three lanes. You can move your characters around to avoid enemy attacks and retarget skills.
3. Chain Damage: If you hit an enemy more than once in a turn, you stack “chains” on that enemy. Each chain increases the damage of the next hit by 10%.
4. Skills and Buffs: Utilize various skills, buffs, and debuffs to maximize damage and defend against enemy attacks.
5. Strategic Positioning: Properly sequenced actions and strategic positioning are key to executing effective strategies.

Pretty much your standard gacha game nowadays, there is also auto-combat, and semi-auto-quest in this game.

Elements

As one would expect from any kind of collecting gacha games, there will always be elements involved. BrownDust2 also has elements and it follow a rock-paper-scissors formula:

• Fire is strong against Wind but weak against Water.
• Wind is strong against Water but weak against Fire.
• Water is strong against Fire but weak against Wind.
• Light and Dark are strong against each other.

Attacking an enemy with an element you’re strong against gives you a bonus damage, while attacking an enemy with an element you’re weak to results in a damage penalty.

PVP

BrownDust2 offers an engaging PvP mode called Mirror Wars. In this mode, players can compete against each other using their teams and strategies. Here are some key aspects of the PvP content:

1. Character Costumes: Each character can have multiple costumes, which can be used together in PvP. Some costumes are more effective when paired with others.
2. Tier System: Characters and costumes are ranked based on their effectiveness in attack and defense teams. The tier list helps players understand which combinations are currently the most powerful.
3. Meta Shifts: The PvP meta can change over time, with new characters and costumes being introduced. Players need to adapt their strategies to stay competitive.
4. Strategic Depth: PvP in BrownDust2 requires careful planning and strategy. Players must consider their team’s composition, the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, and the best use of skills and buffs.

With Mirror Wars , players can earn various rewards based on their performance. You can expect the following rewards be to constantly available each season

1. Character Costumes: Each season, you can purchase 1 costume that is on rotation.
2. Daily Quest Rewards: By participating in at least one battle per day, you can collect daily quest rewards.
3. Static Goodies Rewards: Goodies such as Slimes, contracts, rank-up stars even UR/SR Gear Guarantee tickets are statically available for purchase.

Cash Shop

As with what you will expect from any gacha game, BrownDust2 is no exception here, the store at first glance doesn’t offer much you can buy with the cash shop currency. However, on a much closer look, what you are purchasing is either, additional pulls, or additional gear grind which will skyrocket your account’s power above non-paying users. Making the game effectively extremely pay2win. However, I personally haven’t spent a single dollar on BrownDust2 as I really haven’t felt the need to and fully enjoying myself as you are able to get gem currency easily by just playing the game.

State of Game

The steam game runs very smooth on my PC , so much more smooth than my Google Pixel 6 Pro phone. I haven’t tested it on my iPhone 15 Pro yet but I would assume it would have an similiar experience making the PC client superior. As the game isn’t on Steam, we can’t see any Steam DB player count however, base on the GachaRevenue chart instead, the game itself looks very healthy. In fact, BrownDust2 has an exciting new upcoming Collab with Shinobi Master Senran Kagura on October 2nd 2024.

Artwork

BrownDust2 features high-end 2D graphics with exquisite detail. The art style is reminiscent of classic console games, evoking a sense of nostalgia while providing a modern, visually stunning experience. The characters are beautifully designed, with intricate costumes and expressive animations that bring the game’s world to life. The environments are richly detailed, enhancing the immersive experience as players explore various storylines and quests. While the small mini spites, you are able to view the full version of them in your home background or character screens.

Fun

I really enjoy playing BrownDust2! The engaging storylines and strategic turn-based combat keep me hooked. Collecting characters is a lot of fun, and the high-end 2D graphics make the game visually stunning. One of the best parts is that the daily tasks are quick and easy to complete, so I never feel overwhelmed or like I can’t do other things I want. There’s also a roguelite mode called Tower of Salvation, where you get a random selection of characters (whether you own them or not) and battle to climb the tower and earn rewards. If you’re looking for a game with a nostalgic console-level experience and a promising future, BrownDust2 is definitely worth a try. Since I found it by stumbling on Reddit, it has been a fantastic addition to my gaming library.