Brain Lord

Brain Lord is a RPG focused on puzzles developed by Produce and published by Enix in 1994. It is lesser-known and less popular than Soul Blazer, Terranigma, ActRaiser, E.V.O.: Search for Eden, Dragon Warrior V and many others all gained far more notoriety.

Brain Lord concentrates heavily on puzzles (hence its name), with combat almost as an aside. Some of the puzzles are stupidly easy while others are very frustrating indeed. It also featured an innovative system of magical helpers known as Jades that could be summoned from various precious stones found or bought throughout the game world. These Jades can light dark areas or fight or perform various other tasks, and can even level up (not unlike Pokémon) after gathering enough XP crystals. This is somewhat odd, given that the main character does NOT level up at all (like Pokémon, indeed). Instead, he becomes more powerful from better equipment and spells, or by using items that increase his power, defense and health meter (as in The Legend of Zelda).