Video Game Review: No Place For Bravery

Developer: Glitch Factory

Publisher: Ysbyrd Games

Reviewed For: Nintendo Switch

Also Available On: PC

When a game can combine engaging gameplay with a compelling narrative, you usually find yourself with something special. The game gets bonus points if the narrative is full of emotionally impactful moments and payoffs. No Place For Bravery is an indie game that is so close to checking all of the boxes, but is held by performance issues and dull combat.

In No Place For Bravery, players take on the role of a great warrior who stumbles upon a lead as to where his missing daughter is. Of course, to find her there needs to be a quest full of dangers. This action-filled 2D top-down experience tells about the journey of the protagonist and all of the life he extinguishes on the way.

Combat in No Place For Bravery is intended to be fast-paced and hectic, and it never gets too difficult. Players can attack, dodge, block, and parry enemy blows. Well-timed parries stun enemies allowing players to get a few extra hits on their enemies. It’s the usual dance that you’d expect from this genre, and frankly, it isn’t innovative. It works but isn’t exciting. The lack of difficulty and satisfying finishers upon stagger (Like you’d find in Sekiro or Blasphemous) puts a damper on everything.

If one is going into No Place For Bravery for the combat alone, they will be disappointed. No Place For Bravery’s appeal lies in the visuals and narrative. The protagonist is easy to connect to, and the way he interacts with his child and the world around him feels sincere. Those who like stories like God of War or The Last of Us will certainly appreciate this one.

For players who aren’t invested in gameplay, No Place for Bravery can be a memorable experience. The strong narrative is only held back by buggy and repetitive gameplay.