[PREVIEW] Brassheart – Machine Rebellion in an Alternate Reality

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Scenarios where robots and various types of machines decide to rebel against humanity are well-known in pop culture. However, setting those events in 1920s Poland is certainly an original idea. Although the Brassheart demo emphasizes that the plot takes place in an alternate universe, this dieselpunk adventure experience is sure to provide genuine fun.

The Demo is More Focused on Presenting the Story Than the Gameplay Itself

You play as Pola Zagórska, an intelligent and cheerful aviator. After witnessing the abduction of her father by his own invention, the super-machine Valkiria, you must find clues that could help in his rescue and in stopping the rebelling machines. It appears that the key to stopping the machines’ dominance might be a mysterious invention called Brassheart, which affects Valkiria’s will. You will have to embark on a journey to find all the pieces of the mechanical heart, as it is the only way to stop this sinister creation.

The demo is more focused on presenting the story than the gameplay itself. It introduces us to all the important information about the main heroine, her family and friends, her father’s inventions, and the context of Valkiria’s rebellion, which begins at the end of our playthrough. Mostly, our actions revolve around talking to other characters and moving objects from one place to another. It’s more about finding the correct sequence of events or swapping one object for another, rather than solving mechanical puzzles, apart from one that involves connecting wires.

However, it is quite easy to connect all the elements, so problem-solving doesn’t pose a challenge for players. Also, it looks like we will have a companion during our adventure, the robot Pascal, who will help us with puzzles. His assistance will probably be needed in the later parts of the game.

A Game Filled with Polish Motifs

For me, the most intriguing part of the game was its setting, which combines a dieselpunk aesthetic with classic point & click elements. The art style is somewhat specific, being both industrial and cartoonish, but while I was impressed by the scenography (especially the interior of the palace in Sulisław), I am not entirely convinced when it comes to the character design, as they seem a bit static to me.

However, the idea of recording the adventure in a diary filled with drawings seems very interesting and fits the game’s atmosphere perfectly. Speaking of which, I must mention that the background music is solid, but too loud, making it difficult to understand the dialogue, and unfortunately, the volume cannot be adjusted in the options.

I am always delighted when games reference the history and cultural heritage of their country. When it comes to Brassheart, the Polish context is evident from the very beginning: the names, the architectural style, the elements of décor, as well as the first location (the real village of Sulisław) clearly reveal the inspiration for the game’s world.

Although some references will likely be missed by those unfamiliar with Polish culture, such as the character of the painter who resembles the Polish artist Tamara Łempicka, I believe this will not affect the general perception of the story, which takes us on a journey around the world. Despite certain shortcomings, the Brassheart demo managed to spark my interest with its promising plot and unusual environment.