Review – Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero (PlayStation 5)

Exploring Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero – A Tactical JRPG Adventure

As a dedicated fan of Disgaea since its release on the PS2, I’ve always had a soft spot for tactical JRPGs. Disgaea stood out to me with its unique art style, colorful world, and captivating story. Over the years, the franchise has gained a devoted following, paving the way for similar titles with their own spin on the genre.

One such title is Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, announced in 2024 as part of Nintendo Direct. Serving as a direct sequel to the classic PS2 game, Phantom Brave follows the journey of Marona and Ash, who find themselves embroiled in a conflict with ghost ships known as the Shipwreck Fleet. As Marona tries to escape the onslaught, she encounters a ghost Pirate named Apricot, who seeks to reunite with her father.

A Fresh Start for Newcomers

For those who haven’t played the original Phantom Brave, fear not! The Lost Hero provides an accessible entry point into the series, allowing players to dive into the story without prior knowledge. The game kicks off with an introduction that sets the stage for Marona’s adventure as a Chroma, a special being with the ability to communicate with and summon ghosts like Apricot.

Mastering Tactical Combat

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero presents a tactical JRPG experience that will feel familiar to Disgaea fans yet introduces unique gameplay elements. Unlike traditional grid-based movement, characters can freely navigate the map within a designated area. Marona’s ability to summon allies by confining them into various items scattered on the map adds a strategic layer to battles, as each item provides different boosts to the summoned unit.

Combat revolves around positioning and utilizing skills with an eye on the Remove counter, which dictates how long a unit can stay in battle before being removed. Understanding unit abilities, weapon types, and attack ranges is crucial for success in Phantom Brave’s battles.

Unleashing the Full Potential

Delving deeper into Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero reveals a wealth of intricate systems and features to explore. From the Juice Bar for leveling up units to expeditions for rare items and unlocking new dungeons, the game offers plenty of content for dedicated players.

Building Your Arsenal on Skullrock Island

Skullrock Island serves as the central hub for players to manage facilities, create new Phantoms, unlock skills, and fuse items. As you progress through the game, new facilities unlock, offering more options for customization and growth.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero excels in storytelling, blending humor, charm, and adventure in a captivating world of ghostly pirates and sandy shores. The game’s art style, reminiscent of Disgaea, features chibi characters and vibrant cel-shaded visuals that bring the tale to life.

A PlayStation 5 Review Code was provided by NIS America