Brandish
🙂 7.1/10
(Super Famicom - JP, Action & Adventure)
.png)
.png)
Complete
$48.43
Loose $26.14
Manage Collection
Developed_By:
Nihon Falcom Corp.
Published_By:
Koei
Released On:
25 Jun 1994
Also available on:
Brandish is a classic action RPG that takes place in a mystical kingdom hidden deep beneath the earth. According to legend, a powerful dragon once guarded this realm, protecting its inhabitants from harm. However, a greedy king sought to exploit the dragon's power for his own gain and was ultimately transformed into a demon by its wrath.
Many years have passed since the kingdom's downfall, and now you take on the role of Varik ( Ares ), a young traveler accused of murder. Your journey begins with a chance encounter with a woman who accuses you of killing her teacher, leading to a fierce battle that sends both of you plummeting into the underground tunnels where the lost kingdom lies.
The game follows your quest to navigate treacherous mazes, defeat formidable enemies, and collect valuable treasures such as weapons, armor, and magical spells. The automatic camera system allows for fluid movement, while a jump mechanic adds an extra layer of excitement to your journey. Can you overcome the demonic inhabitants and find a way out of this underground world?
eBay Product ID:
214704992 (Japan)
UPC-A:
4988615005084 (Japan)
EAN-13:
4988615006739 (Japan)
EAN-13:
4988615007569 (Japan)
ASIN:
B00019P83Y (Japan)
Nintendo Media PN:
SHVC-AQGJ-JPN (Japan)
Nintendo Media PN:
SHVC-AQIJ-JPN (Japan)
Part #:
SHVC-QF (Japan)
Nintendo Media PN:
SHVC-QF-JPN (Japan)
YouTube
Reddit
Twitch
Wikipedia
DB
IGDB
RG
RAWG
HowLong
GF
GameFAQs
Number of Players Supported:
1 Player
Miscellaneous Attributes:
Battery Backed RAM
Prices as of 30 Jul 2026
Typical $48.80–$48.80 (last 90 days)
New
Complete
Loose
Box
Manual
Smoothed
Log · Auto
Medians
Volume
More Super Famicom Action & Adventure
3x3 Eyes Juma Hokan
$40.00 (Complete)
Dec 1995
3x3 Eyes Seima Kourinden
$20.93 (Complete)
Jul 1992
46 Okunen Monogatari
$202.50 (Complete)
Dec 1992
4 Nin Shogi
$20.92 (Complete)
Jul 1995
4th Super Robot Wars
$9.22 (Complete)
Mar 1995
Accele Brid
$78.75 (Complete)
Nov 1993
Ace o Nerae
$25.12 (Complete)
Dec 1993
🙂 6.1/10
Acrobat Mission
$102.87 (Complete)
Sep 1992
Action Pachio
$69.32 (Complete)
Apr 1993
😊 8.0/10
Actraiser
$57.09 (Complete)
Dec 1990
Manual
Game Guide
Extracted from the original game manual
*Berimya and the Secret Power* is an action-adventure game that follows Varik, a powerful wandering swordsman falsely accused of murder, and Alexis, a sorceress seeking revenge against him. After being pulled into a mysterious, monster-infested crater that swallowed a cursed kingdom a thousand years prior, the two rivals must navigate the treacherous depths. Players control Varik as he braves the dangers of the subterranean ruins, battles deadly creatures, and uncovers the dark secrets of the fallen land.
Story
Berimya and the Secret Power
Many years ago, a magnificent tower stood in the middle of a small, peaceful kingdom called Berimya. Though the people were happy, the land was ruled by an evil and greedy king named Berebus.
King Berebus sought to strengthen his power and became obsessed with a legend about the tower. The saying claimed that a source of ultimate power controlling the world was kept at the top of the sacred tower.
The secrets of this power were guarded by the king's archbishop, Baltus, who refused to break his vow of secrecy. Desperate, the king sent a spy disguised as a priest into the tower to steal an ancient scripture.
The stolen book revealed that a dragon, the protector of Berimya, resided at the top of the tower and controlled the world's power. Under the king's command, the Imperial Army forced their way inside, and King Berebus sentenced Baltus to death for trying to stop them.
At the top of the tower, the soldiers found a giant stone dragon statue that came to life in a pale blue light. When the fearless king demanded the source of its power, the dragon cursed him for his impure heart.
The dragon curled into a ball and radiated an intense light. King Berebus ordered his soldiers to attack, and the dragon did not resist. It let out a great cry of pain, releasing all of its power in exchange for its life.
The force of the released power transformed the king into a grotesque monster. The curse also affected the citizens, isolating the city and sinking the entire kingdom and tower deep into the ground in a single night.
Bavalya: A Desperate Land
One thousand years later, the forgotten past of Berimya would be unveiled in the Land of Bavalya. On the outside, Bavalya appeared to be a peaceful and charming country, but it was actually in turmoil.
To make the country richer, King Beryx placed large bounties on criminals and taxed the rewards. While this stabilized the country's wealth, it turned Bavalya into a corrupt, violent place where criminals hunted one another.
The Wandering Swordsman
A mysterious and powerful swordsman named Varik arrived in Bavalya. Though he looked like a filthy beggar, he carried a long, intimidating sword and was the most wanted criminal, earning his living by collecting bounties.
While visiting a local bar, Varik overheard patrons talking about a large hole filled with hidden treasures, demons, and monsters. The patrons recognized Varik, noting that his massive bounty was not worth the risk of fighting him.
Varik questioned the bartender, who explained that people had been disappearing since the hole was discovered. Rumors spoke of strange groans and monsters crawling out of the hole to attack people. Despite the warnings, the fearless Varik decided to investigate the crater.
The Curious Hole
As Varik climbed down into the crater, he was confronted by Alexis, a sorceress who had been hunting him for five years. She sought revenge for the murder of her master, Balkan, a crime of which Varik was falsely accused.
Before they could fight, a strange magnetic force from the hole began to pull them in. Varik jumped toward the opening, and Alexis pursued him, launching fireballs at him.
Varik dodged the first explosive blast. Alexis then threw a second fireball, which fell directly into the hole.
How to Play
The Story
The ground shook and cracked, opening a wide hole at the bottom of the crater. Rocks and dirt showered Alexis and Varik as the crater rumbled violently. Varik lost his grip on the crater walls and fell, while Alexis was thrown into the dark hole with no magical power to save herself. They both fell into the dark, curious hole with no idea how to escape.
Your Goal
You will role-play the main character, Varik, starting as he falls down the hole to Ruins Area 1. Your goal is to escape the intricate underground mazes and return to civilization. You must defend yourself against monsters, find hidden treasures, solve puzzles, and evade Alexis, who is hot on your trail for revenge.
Game Flow
There are five main stages in the game:
•
1. Ruins Area 1-10
•
2. Tower 1-9
•
3. Cave B10-B1
•
4. Dark Zone 1 & 2
•
5. Fortress 1-7
Each floor has passageways leading to other floors. You must discover treasures, solve puzzles and riddles, and battle monsters to find your way out. Watch your step, as falling through traps may drop you to lower floors.
Key to Play
•
1. Make sure the power is turned OFF.
•
2. Insert the BRANDISH game pak.
•
3. Turn the game system on.
•
4. The introduction will begin. Push START to skip to game set-up.
Starting a New Game
•
1. Select NEW GAME in game set-up.
•
2. Select which game slot you would like to use. Use the Control Pad to answer YES to begin, and press Button A. Any previously saved game in the slot will be erased.
Resuming a Saved Game
Select CONTINUE at game set-up to resume a previously saved game. Choose which game to load and press Button A. Answer YES to loading this game by pressing Button A. The selected game will be saved automatically.
Auto Save
Each time you advance to a higher floor, the game will automatically save. However, if you do not save periodically during the game and you die, the treasures and rooms you discovered on that floor will not be saved.
Game Over
The game ends when Varik's HP (HIT POINTS) reaches zero.
Options Menu
Press the START Button to view the Options Menu. Push the RIGHT or LEFT Button or use the Control Pad to scroll through the menu to MAP, STATUS, SAVE and CONFIGURATION. Pushing Button B or the START Button again will cancel the Options Menu.
The game will pause while you view the Options Menu.
Map
The map helps you determine your location and identify the rooms you have discovered on that floor. Open space on the map may indicate areas you have not yet discovered.
The markers on the map indicate the following:
•
Blinking Red X: Where you are in the maze.
•
Blinking Purple Square: Discovered treasures.
•
Blinking Yellow and White Spots: Staircases.
•
White Boxes: Doorways.
•
Blue Squares with White Dots: Shops.
Battling Monsters
You automatically switch to a defensive mode when you confront a monster.
•
ATTACK: Press Button A to attack the monster with your weapon or bare hands.
•
DEFEND: Press Button A while moving to defend with your shield.
Restoring HP
There are two ways to revive your HP when it is reduced by monster attacks and traps: Rest and Medicine.
•
REST: Press LEFT and RIGHT Buttons simultaneously to Rest. Press LEFT and RIGHT Buttons simultaneously again, or press Button B to cancel resting.
•
MEDICINE: Use H. Potion or Heal Magic to restore HP.
The game does not pause while you are resting. If you are attacked by monsters while resting, you will suffer significantly more damage than when you are active.
Action Commands
•
Toggle a switch.
Dump
Throw away an unnecessary item. Open the Item Window with the SELECT Button, select the item you want to throw away, and press Button Y. To throw away an item that is in the Dimensional Box, you must first transfer it to the Item Window.
You can only throw away an item if there is space in front of you or in an empty chest.
A trash can will be displayed to indicate you have thrown the item away, and the dumped item will turn into a green pot. To pick it up again, close the Item Window and press Button Y. Green pots are placed randomly throughout the game as items dropped by people before you.
View
View information on your possessions or objects in front of you, such as items, treasure chests, doors, people, and monsters. You can check if treasure chests are locked, see the contents of green pots, and view the ground in front of you to see if it is safe.
To view information on your possessions, open the Item Window, select the item, and press Button Y and the LEFT or RIGHT Button together. To view an item in the Dimensional Box, you must first transfer it to the Item Window.
This action displays the name, value, and characteristics of an item in your possession, such as:
•
Short Sword
•
Type: Weapon
•
Value: 900
•
Atk Strength: 2
•
Def Strength: -
You cannot display the name and value when the Dimensional Box is open.
Shops
The labyrinth is full of Weapon shops, Tool shops, and Magic shops
Controls
START Button
Skip through the introduction to game set-up.
SELECT Button
Display the Item Window.
Button A
Enter a selection.
Button B
Cancel a selection.
Button X
Use items.
Button Y
Pick up items, open doors and chests, and toggle switches.
Button Y (while the LEFT or RIGHT Button is pressed)
View an item of your selection.
LEFT plus RIGHT Buttons
Rest.
Control Pad
Move the cursor in windows.
Control Pad (UP and DOWN)
Move forward / backward.
Control Pad (LEFT and RIGHT)
Turn ninety degrees left / right.
Control Pad (LEFT and RIGHT while LEFT or RIGHT Button is pressed)
Shift left / right.
Button Y + LEFT or RIGHT Button
Stand in front of the object
Tips & Maps
SAVE
Allows you to save the room you were last in, the treasures you've discovered and the organization of your items during the game.
CONFIGURATION
The game speed, message speed, the color of Varik's armor, lateral or rotation walking pattern, and button settings can all be altered in the CONFIGURATION screen.
Floor Switches
Walking over these switches in a certain direction will open doors.
Wall Switches
Flipping the switch up or down will open doors and make it easier to get through mazes.
Broken Walls
Use a sledgehammer to break through walls and discover more of the maze.
Floor Keys
There are special keys hidden to open doors and treasure chests.
EMERGENCY ESCAPE
An option that allows you to move yourself to a different part of the map if you save in a dangerous spot, which will lower your level by one.
MAP KEY
A list of symbols representing elements such as Mystery Items, Shops, Doors, Treasure Chests, Traps, Walls, Stairs, Water, Warp Zones, and Switches.
RUINS AREA 1
The starting level of the game containing a Weapons shop, Magic shop, Item shop, and a waterfall on the west side that increases your HP.
TOWER 8F
A challenging level with abundant treasures and traps where you must fight Gargoyles to get special keys.
CAVE B6
A dark cave where you fight Medusa and Arachness, featuring a wall clue on how to escape from the rolling rock.
FORTRESS 2F
This maze is much trickier than the others, so be careful which switches you flip on this floor. The plaques throughout this room will give you hints to help you escape from this underground world.
Items & Weapons
H. POTION
Increases your HP.
M. POTION
Increases your MP.
INVISIBILITY POTION
Allows you to become invisible for a brief period of time.
RING OF LIFE
When your HP gets down to zero this increases your HP and brings you back to life.
SLEDGEHAMMER
Use this to break through deteriorating walls.
STEEL BALLS
Check whether the space in front of you is a hole, or a pit by dropping these on the ground.
MASTER KEYS
Find these keys to open doors and treasure chests throughout the labyrinth.
GOLD BAR
Can be converted at the Shops for a 1000 or more pieces of gold.
FIRE MAGIC
Shoots fireballs straight ahead to attack against monsters.
DIMENSIONAL BOX
There are three boxes A, B, and C which you can use to store up to 12 items each.
SHORT SWORDS
About 24 inches in length and has low attacking strength. This is the sword you begin with at the start of the game.
RAPIER
This long sword is useful for thrusting monsters. You can find this sword in the RUINS AREA.
LEATHER ARMOR
It is light and easy to move in leather armor. This is the armor you are equipped with at the start of the game.
CHAIN MAIL
This armor is made of gold links. You can find this armor halfway through the RUINS AREA.
LEATHER SHIELD
This shield is made of stretched leather. It is the shield you are equipped with at the start of the game.
SMALL SHIELD
A small gold shield. It is circular and will not be easily destroyed by swords.
Enemies & Characters
SLIME
This monster is a blue amoebae-type creature that moves slowly and is easy to attack. Its Defense and Attack strengths are low.
IMP
The small blue body and glowing red eyes are the main characteristics of this monster. It carries a short sword and moves slowly, so it is easy to attack.
COELACANTH
This monster is a prehistoric fish that floats in mid-air. It will attack you from far away at random.
BLACK MAGIC
This monster floats in mid-air and usually attacks with Fire Magic. When you approach it, a barrier is put up in its defense.
ARCHER
This monster attacks from a distance with its bow and arrow and you can suffer severe damage.
VARSARKA
This brawny monster has fought in over a hundred wars and has sharpened his combat technique. His Attack and Defense strengths are high.
GARGOYLE
It attacks by spitting fireballs, which you can defend by using your sword or magic. This monster walks around inside the tower very slowly.
SKELETON
This monster carries a shield and a long sword. Even if you slay it, it has the ability to reappear.
THIEF
This monster waits for you at the top of the tower and will steal your items. You will do best if you quickly run away from this monster.
MEDUSA
This Greek monster is half woman and half snake. If you get to close to her, you will turn into stone and not be able to move.
MINOTAUR
This Greek monster is half man, half bull. He is known to be the caretaker of the maze.
IRON KNIGHT
This giant is suited in strong armor and has high Defense and Attack strength. Your ordinary sword will not be enough against it, but it moves slowly.
WIZARD
This is the first Boss Monster you will fight. This monster is an old man who can disappear and reappear before you, while throwing fire.
GIANT CRAB
This monster crawls around laying eggs. If it is attacked and hurt, it will eat the eggs to regain strength.
RAKSHAHSA
This monster has four arms and carries a machete in each hand. It has strong Attack strength an, so use Invisibility Potion in your battle.
HEADLESS MONSTER
This is an ancient Roman soldier who was beheaded in war. He has no weapons except for his strong and forceful punches.
NINJA
This Japanese Ninja can kill you with one swipe of his dagger or attack with Throwing Stars. In order to attack the Ninja you must save up your Defense strength.
GIANT LOBSTER
This monster moves slowly but resides in the highest level. You will suffer a lot of damage if you are attacked by its powerful claws.
ARACHNESS
This monster is half woman and half spider. She can kill you by trapping you in her deadly web, just like a fly.
Search Games
Popular Consoles
By Year
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
© 2026 RetroGold. All rights reserved.