PlayStation Plus Subscribers Should Play This Short Inside-Like Platformer

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Imagine a beautifully dark platforming game where you play as a young boy navigating a dangerous and unsettling world, forced to confront things no child should ever see. That’s the core of Bramble: The Mountain King, a short but impactful game from a Scandinavian studio. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the critically acclaimed Inside – a difficult comparison considering how good that game is – Bramble is a worthwhile experience and a great addition to the PlayStation Plus library.

Unlike many games set in sterile, unsettling environments, Bramble takes place in a vibrant world inspired by Scandinavian folklore. Players will encounter charming gnomes, terrifying trolls, mischievous fairies, wicked witches, and other mythical creatures – many of whom are quite dangerous. Young Olle, the main character, is often the target, and a lot of the game involves him desperately running away from enormous beasts trying to eat him. Bramble adds an extra layer of fear by shrinking Olle down to just a few inches tall, making these already frightening enemies even more intimidating and increasing the tension.

Bramble: The Mountain King’s Scandinavian Lore Serves It Well

I have to say, Bramble really isn’t afraid to show some gruesome stuff, which is why it’s rated Mature. But it doesn’t feel gratuitous – it actually uses the darker imagery really well. There are moments that are genuinely disturbing, like when you’re scrambling over decaying flesh crawling with maggots, and one boss fight where you just have to relentlessly attack. But it’s not just about the gore. There’s a burial scene that hit me hard, tackling themes I rarely see in games. It feels like a modern take on classic stories like Aesop’s Fables and Pinocchio – it doesn’t shy away from difficult lessons or ‘sugarcoat’ things just because it’s a game that features a child protagonist. Some scenes are more unsettling and atmospheric than outright bloody, and that really shows how mature and thoughtful the storytelling is.

Despite being filled with disturbing violence, Bramble also offers moments of genuine happiness. The gnomes sometimes play with Olle, giving him a welcome distraction. The story contrasts the darkness of night with the beauty of the sunlit landscapes, showing how unspoiled nature can be when not corrupted by trolls and witches. This creates a powerful back-and-forth between despair and peace, where each extreme enhances the other. The truly dark moments make the joyful ones feel even brighter.

Bramble: The Mountain King Takes Inspiration From Inside

What really makes Bramble stand out is its unique atmosphere and how it’s presented. While the actual gameplay – running, jumping, climbing, and hiding – is typical for this type of game, it doesn’t offer much beyond the basics. It’s a cinematic platformer, meaning the mechanics serve the story rather than being a complex focus, and it doesn’t reach the level of innovation seen in games like Super Mario Odyssey. Combined with some frustrating sections that require a lot of trial and error, it’s clear that Bramble prioritizes atmosphere over challenging or intricate gameplay.

The game’s shortcomings become clear when compared to masterpieces like Inside and Reanimal. Those games represent the highest level of skill in the industry, so it’s understandable that most others, including titles like Stela, White Shadows, and even Little Nightmares 3, struggle to reach the same standard.

Despite being overlooked at launch, Bramble is a worthwhile adventure game inspired by Scandinavian folklore. It tells a dark and mature story through a fairytale lens, and doesn’t shy away from difficult themes, even with its young main character. Bramble may have been lost in the shuffle due to its release timing near Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, its unusual name, or the fact that it came from a small, relatively unknown developer. However, games like Bramble are perfect for subscription services like PlayStation Plus, where they can reach a wider audience and finally get the attention they deserve.

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2026-05-23 18:11