Blood Brothers Review

Our Review by Monica Stevens on September 20th, 2012

Rating:

:: BLOODY GOOD

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Exchange virtual bodily fluids with nymph-like creatures and earn treasures in the process.

Developer: Mobage, Inc.
Price: FREE
Version Reviewed: 1.1
Device Reviewed On: iPad
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The new universal app Blood Brothers developed by Mobage, Inc. is an RPG card game that enchants from the start. The title hooks me in. I also like the immediate prompt to choose a character, which offers female options.

The Green Healer suits me in the moment. My character is nymph-like with large lake-blue eyes and silvery hair. She bears a scepter containing a glowing, ruby sphere. Another character guides me via text as bombastic music bids me to forge on.

I hop with a “tap, tap, tap” down a charming dirt path to greet wild boars and treasure chests. Intermediately, I battle my enemies with warrior force, as I earn coins and other healing bounty.

The directed exploratory nature of Blood Brothers helps me retain my focus without growing bored or frustrated with it. For this type of game, especially in the beginning, easy to spot and easy to follow arrows are encouraging. I like exploration in my gameplay, and I think it’s necessary. Still, a game’s built-in GPS to guide my silvery nymphette makes me feel safe to goof up at the start.

While Blood Brothers' graphics and sound are generic and will likely find an audience with a certain expansive niche of fantasy gamers, Blood Brothers has some more detailed elements that set it apart.

The visuals are painterly and show their beauty beyond surface level. The landscapes more resemble oil paintings. The characters are more typically anime in their design, but they, too, are not overblown anatomical giants of fake flesh and skimpy clothing. They have a spritely, childlike feel, and, for this reason, I think Blood Brothers may find a broader audience with women.

Like any game of its genre, Blood Brothers is predictable. Going in, I can see what I’m going to get. The standard treasure troves, in-app purchases, and upgrades apply accompanied by their standard fees. This will be nothing new to gamers either.

Predictability can be a good thing, though. It’s what helps me to know that I can rely on my first grade bestie/blood sister for life, and, likewise, it sets me on a reliable path of play and exploration in the world of gaming. While Blood Brothers is nothing particularly new, it does offer a steady, virtual stream of rewards and pleasures for a gamer to behold.