A recent Brigandine Abyss PS5 review published by Push Square offers a detailed critical breakdown of the 2026 tactical role-playing game on PlayStation 5. While the title struggles with a rough opening, slow combat pacing, and overwhelming menus, reviewers found that its core empire-building loop eventually clicks into an addictive experience akin to a Civilization or Dragon Quest grind.

Campaign Structure and Early Impressions

Push Square reports that Brigandine Abyss makes a poor first impression, bombarding players in its early hours with superfluous menus and systems. The game begins by asking players to choose one of six faction campaigns, each led by a different character. However, reviewers note this choice is made without context regarding who the factions are, as 95% of the experience plays out identically regardless of the faction picked, featuring the same map conquest and battle structure.

The story moves at a breakneck, unintentionally humorous pace. Push Square points out that major betrayals happen roughly nine seconds into the game before players even know who the characters are, drawing comparisons to starting Game of Thrones at the final season via a YouTube highlights compilation. Character models in combat also draw criticism for frequently failing to match their detailed visual portraits—such as a bearded noble appearing bald on the battlefield.

Combat Pacing and Difficulty

According to the Push Square Brigandine Abyss tactical RPG review, combat is one of the game's biggest hurdles. Skirmishes play out on hexagonal grids with a glacial pace that can wipe half an hour off a player's day, drawing comparisons to a slow-moving steamroller.

Despite being a strategy RPG, reviewers note that very little strategy is required to win due to exploitable mechanics:

  • Automatic Counter-Attacks: Defending units counter-attack automatically, allowing players to front-load tanky units to rack up damage.
  • Leader Sniping: Because enemy monster units vanish if their assigned leader dies, players can quickly swarm commanders to wipe out entire platoons.
  • Overpowered Spells and AI: The charm spell turns most enemies against their own team, and the enemy AI frequently walks straight into prepared traps.

Furthermore, the absence of permadeath, combined with abundant resurrection items and a generous auto-save system, removes nearly all risk from combat encounters.

Player Fit: Who is Brigandine Abyss For?

Despite noting numerous quirks—including the strange logistics of equipping battle axes to unicorns—Push Square emphasizes that the game ultimately clicks after roughly 15 hours. Players who enjoy the methodical satisfaction of conquering cities, leveling up units, and grinding through a grand strategy loop will find the experience addictive, even if the tactical combat itself lacks teeth.