Few things evoke a sense of Swedish identity as profoundly as a Swedish summer. Following a particularly protracted winter, anticipation is high for the arrival of the warmer months. Coinciding perfectly with the season is the release of Bramble: The Mountain King, a Swedish-developed title best described as a midsummer night’s nightmare interwoven with elements of Swedish folklore, music, and the artistry of John Bauer.
Bramble centers on Olle and his sister, Lillemor. One night, Olle embarks on an adventure with his sister, sneaking out of their small wooden home nestled deep within the Swedish forest. Their journey leads them to encounters with gnomes, trolls, sprites, the Neck, and ultimately, the Mountain King himself. (The evocative strains of Edward Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt might well accompany your experience).
Developed by Dimfrost Studio from the Norrköping area, the game showcases a clear passion for Swedish mythology and folklore. The meticulously rendered environments, from swaying flowers to beautifully blurred vistas, are reminiscent of the visual style found in the Unravel games. However, Bramble shares more thematic commonalities with titles like Little Nightmares, reflected in its 18+ rating and occasionally graphic and unsettling content. The Neck, in this rendition, is a far cry from a benign figure, presenting instead a genuinely terrifying presence. The game presents challenges in the form of monstrous trolls and menacing butchers, alongside malicious bramble thickets that must be repelled with light.
The game’s structure is straightforward, indicative of its indie roots. While the playtime is relatively concise, clocking in at just over two hours for an experienced player, the immersive atmosphere and interactive narrative provide a compelling experience. The fixed camera perspective ensures that navigation and objectives remain clear throughout. The simplified control scheme evokes comparisons to the Danish classic Inside, although Bramble lacks the responsive controls and fluid playability of that title. Olle’s movements can occasionally feel unwieldy, with leaps that sometimes defy expectations in terms of distance and trajectory.
The graphics and art direction are key strengths of Bramble, creating a captivating experience. Virtually every scene evokes the idyllic imagery of a Swedish summer, reminiscent of classic fairytale illustrations. The visual presentation is both beautiful and atmospheric, although occasional limitations in animation quality betray the game’s budget. The soundtrack is exceptional, and the inclusion of traditional Swedish songs, such as “Den blomstertid nu kommer…” sung by a choir, is particularly evocative. The Playstation 5 version is recommended, as it leverages the DualSense controller’s speaker and light features to enhance the atmosphere.
In terms of narrative, the game could benefit from a more in-depth exploration of its characters. A deeper understanding of Olle and Lillemor would enrich the overall experience.
Bramble is a noteworthy release in a gaming landscape that is increasingly homogenized. Not all games need to be expansive, open-world experiences. This title is visually striking, personal, and distinctive. While the experience is relatively brief and has some minor shortcomings, its affordable price point makes it a worthwhile midsummer night’s venture for those who dare to explore its dark fairytale.
Wendros provided a review code for this assessment. Provision of materials does not influence editorial objectivity.
