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Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero
Item: Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableJan 30, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperNippon Ichi Software

Overview

Sequel to the 2004 PlayStation 2 classic "Phantom Brave".

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero charms with its whimsical tone and engaging character interactions, but suffers from predictability and shallow storytelling. Critics appreciate its humor and light-heartedness, yet many find the narrative forgettable and lacking emotional depth, leading to a mixed reception. Overall, it’s a pleasant experience that ultimately fails to leave a lasting impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero reflects a blend of charm and whimsy that resonates positively with many critics. Reviewers such as GameGrin and Noisy Pixel highlight the engaging character interactions and the light-hearted tone that permeates the narrative, making it accessible to new players. Critics like Tech-Gaming emphasize the themes of compassion and personal growth, particularly through the character of Marona as she navigates her journey alongside her new ally, Apricot. The whimsical nature of the story, combined with its humorous undertones, is appreciated by several reviewers, including Worth Playing, who describes the narrative as "cute and charming," despite some darker elements. However, the narrative also faces significant criticism for its lack of depth and emotional resonance. Game8 and RPGamer point out that the story feels predictable and disjointed, with conflicts resolved too quickly and character development suffering as a result. Critics such as COGconnected and Siliconera echo these sentiments, describing the story as forgettable and cookie-cutter, lacking surprising twists or emotional connection. The dialogue is noted to be excessive by GamersRD, which detracts from the overall pacing and engagement of the story. This sentiment is further reinforced by reviewers like Cubed3, who mention that the story feels like a retread of familiar beats from the original, lacking the depth that many players might expect. In conclusion, while Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero offers a whimsical and light-hearted narrative that appeals to some players, it is marred by predictability and a lack of emotional depth, leading to a mixed reception among critics. The consensus suggests that while the game may charm with its humor and character interactions, it ultimately fails to deliver a compelling and impactful story, as noted by critics like Game8 and RPGamer. This blend of light-heartedness with a lack of substance leaves the narrative feeling pleasant yet forgettable for many, as highlighted by Worth Playing and COGconnected.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero impresses with its strategic depth and unique mechanics, particularly Marona's spirit-summoning abilities and a refreshing gridless combat system. Critics praise its balance of challenge and accessibility, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans. However, the complexity can overwhelm some players, leading to chaotic gameplay and power balance frustrations. Overall, while it may not be perfect, the game delivers a compelling experience with rewarding combat and customization options that enhance enjoyment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who praise its strategic depth and innovative mechanics. Reviewers like Critical Hits and Game8 highlight the game's ability to engage players through Marona's unique abilities to summon spirits, creating a variety of combat scenarios. The gridless combat system, noted by GameGrin and Noisy Pixel, allows for free movement and strategic positioning, which many found refreshing compared to traditional tactical RPGs. The complexity of the mechanics, particularly the 'Confine' system, has been lauded for encouraging players to experiment with different strategies and character classes, leading to a rewarding gameplay experience. Critics such as RPGamer and Worth Playing emphasize the game's balance of challenge and accessibility, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and seasoned players. However, some critics have pointed out that the gameplay can be overwhelming due to its numerous mechanics and systems. For instance, Cubed3 mentions that while the free-roam battle system is fun, it lacks the deep strategy that some players might expect, potentially leading to chaotic gameplay. GamersRD and RPGamer echo this sentiment, noting that the complexity of the mechanics may confuse players, particularly those who are not familiar with the series. Additionally, some reviews, such as that from COGconnected, express frustration with the power balance in the game, which can lead to feelings of weakness during encounters. This suggests that while the game offers depth, it may also present challenges that could deter some players from fully enjoying the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero delivers a compelling and innovative gameplay experience, with many praising its strategic elements and unique mechanics. Despite some concerns regarding complexity and accessibility, the majority of reviewers agree that the game successfully combines engaging combat with a variety of options for customization and strategy. Critics like Tech-Gaming and TheSixthAxis highlight the game's dynamic nature and the rewarding progression system, reinforcing the notion that, while it may not be perfect, the gameplay is a strong point that contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of the title.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero boasts vibrant, charming visuals praised by PS5 critics for enhancing gameplay. However, the shift from 2D to 3D has sparked mixed reactions, with some finding the new chibi models lacking charm and plagued by stiff animations. Critics on the Nintendo Switch highlight performance issues, further complicating the game's visual appeal. Overall, while the aesthetics are eye-catching, they fall short of fully delivering on their potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions surrounding the graphics and visual design of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero reflect a generally positive sentiment regarding its aesthetic choices, particularly among critics who played on the PS5. Critical Hits commends the visuals as "beautiful and cartoonish," noting that they perform well on the console and enhance the overall gaming experience. Similarly, GameGrin highlights the vibrant and colorful visuals, stating that while some may miss the nostalgic charm of the original pixelated sprites, the new chibi-styled 3D character models are sharp and appealing. PlayStation Universe also praises the charming visuals and detailed battle maps, suggesting that the game successfully captures a visually engaging atmosphere. However, several critics express dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the visual design, particularly the transition from 2D to 3D. Cubed3 argues that the chibi 3D models lack the charm of older sprite designs, describing them as "soulless and dated." RPGamer mentions that while the updated models provide crisper visuals, they suffer from stiff animations and reused environments, which detracts from the overall experience. Worth Playing echoes this sentiment, labeling the graphics as unimpressive and noting issues with asset reuse from newer Disgaea games. Additionally, critics who played on the Nintendo Switch, such as Nintendo Insider and RPG Site, point out performance issues like aliasing and frame rate drops that further detract from the visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a divide between those who appreciate the colorful and charming visuals and those who feel that the transition to 3D has not been entirely successful. While some, like Game8 and GamersRD, acknowledge the vibrant colors and well-executed designs, others, like Cubed3 and RPG Fan, highlight the shortcomings in animation and the sterile aesthetic of the new models. The criticisms regarding performance issues on the Nintendo Switch also suggest that the visual experience may vary significantly depending on the platform. Ultimately, while Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero succeeds in creating a visually appealing world, it also faces notable challenges that prevent it from fully realizing its potential in graphics and visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero wows with a fitting soundtrack that enhances its tropical vibe, praised for charm and thematic relevance. However, mixed reviews highlight inconsistencies in voice acting and a generally forgettable score, leaving critics wanting more. Overall, the sound design is decent but not groundbreaking, suggesting room for improvement in future games.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

80%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero have garnered a mix of positive feedback from various critics. Many reviewers, such as GameGrin, praised the music for its ability to fit the game's tropical themes, enhancing the overall experience with a range of tracks that vary from relaxing to action-oriented. Noisy Pixel also highlighted the charm of the soundtrack, noting that it aligns well with the island setting, while COGconnected described the music as simple yet catchy, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere. Additionally, Multiplayer.it recognized the inclusion of both English and Japanese voice acting, which many critics found to be a beneficial aspect of the sound design. Despite these positive remarks, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the sound design and music. Game8 noted inconsistencies in the voice acting, with some performances lacking emotional depth, while RPGamer referred to the soundtrack as serviceable but forgettable, suggesting that it does not stand out compared to other titles. Worth Playing echoed this sentiment, describing the voice acting and music as "good enough but not exceptional," leading to an overall disappointing presentation. GamersRD also remarked that while the music sets the atmosphere, it is not particularly memorable, indicating a lack of standout tracks. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero features a soundtrack that effectively captures the game's atmosphere, it falls short of creating a lasting impression. The music is generally well-received for its thematic relevance, as noted by GameGrin and Noisy Pixel, but many critics, including RPGamer and Worth Playing, found it lacking in memorability and emotional depth. The voice acting received mixed reviews, with some praising its contribution to character development while others criticized its inconsistency. Ultimately, the sound design and music are viewed as adequate but not exceptional, leaving room for improvement in future iterations of the franchise.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Voice acting in Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a mixed bag. Critics praise strong performances, especially in Japanese audio, enhancing character depth and immersion. However, some emotional scenes fall flat, and certain English line deliveries feel forced or screechy. While it adds value, there's significant room for improvement in consistency and impact among the cast.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

80%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero has garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, highlighting its contribution to character development and immersion. GameGrin notes that while the quality is mixed, there are strong performances that enhance the experience, particularly when the Japanese audio option is utilized. Noisy Pixel appreciates how the English voice-over effectively captures character personalities, especially in the interactions between Marona and Apricot, which adds depth to the narrative. Additionally, PlayStation Universe emphasizes that the abundance of voice acting, complemented by delightful character portraits, enriches the overall gameplay experience, suggesting that the voice acting plays a significant role in engaging players. However, the critiques also reveal notable shortcomings in the voice acting performances. Game8 mentions that while the voice acting is generally solid, some emotional scenes feel flat, disrupting immersion. RPG Fan echoes this sentiment, stating that the returning actors for Marona and Ash deliver forced and rigid line reads, detracting from the overall experience. Furthermore, several critics, including Worth Playing, describe the voice acting as adequate but not exceptional, indicating a lack of standout performances that could elevate the game's narrative impact. COGconnected also points out that while the Japanese voice acting is well-received, the English lines can come off as screechy, which may detract from the overall enjoyment for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a mixed bag, with both commendable and disappointing elements. While some performances, such as those of Marona and the character interactions, are praised for their effectiveness, others, particularly Ash's portrayal, are criticized for lacking depth and conviction. The option for Japanese audio is frequently highlighted as a significant improvement, suggesting that players may benefit from exploring this alternative. Ultimately, while the voice acting adds value to the game, it appears that there is room for improvement to achieve a more consistently high standard across all character performances.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero delivers mixed technical performance across platforms. The PS5 version boasts stable 60fps and quick loading but suffers from frame rate dips and AI issues. The Nintendo Switch achieves commendable frame rates but is plagued by severe frame drops and crashes during gameplay. PC performance is the weakest, with numerous crashes and bugs. Despite some positives, significant flaws on all platforms highlight a need for optimization and patches.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero varies significantly across platforms, with some positive aspects noted by critics. On the PlayStation 5, several reviewers, including GamersRD, praised the game for its stable 60fps performance and instant texture loading. Critical Hits and Game8 acknowledged that, despite some camera issues and occasional frame rate dips during elaborate animations, the game generally runs well. For the Nintendo Switch, Cubed3 highlighted that the game maintains a stable 60fps, which is a commendable achievement given the hardware limitations. This positive note is somewhat overshadowed by the overall sentiment from other critics, but it demonstrates that there are moments of technical success on this platform as well. On PC, the performance was less favorable, but no specific positive aspects were highlighted, indicating a more universally negative reception. However, the negatives for each platform are significant and cannot be overlooked. On the PS5, Worth Playing pointed out frame rate issues and AI problems, particularly in dungeons, which detracted from the overall experience. ZTGD noted significant slowdowns during skill usage, indicating that the game is not entirely free from technical flaws. The Nintendo Switch version, on the other hand, faced considerable criticism for its performance issues. Final Weapon and Multiplayer.it reported significant frame drops and crashes, particularly during intense moments, which severely impacted gameplay. God is a Geek and Nintendo Insider echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the stability issues were distracting. On PC, Movies Games and Tech reported crashes, physics bugs, and AI glitches, suggesting that the technical performance was marred by multiple issues. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed reception regarding the technical performance of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero across all platforms. While the PS5 version has some redeeming qualities, such as stable frame rates and quick loading times, it is marred by camera issues and occasional slowdowns. The Nintendo Switch version, despite some stability, suffers from significant performance problems that detract from the experience, with multiple reviewers noting frame drops and crashes. The PC version appears to be the least favorable, plagued by technical issues that affect gameplay. The overall sentiment suggests that while there are moments of technical success, the game requires further optimization and patches to enhance the experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero boasts strong replay value, especially on PS5 and PC, thanks to its rich content and character systems. Critics praise features like Create Dungeon and random dungeons for strategic depth. However, concerns arise from Switch players about grindiness and post-game content costs, which may deter some. Overall, while it appeals to strategic RPG fans, individual experiences will vary based on player preferences.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is predominantly positive among critics, especially those who played on the PS5 and PC. Reviewers like Critical Hits and Game8 highlight the game's extensive content and character evolution systems, which encourage players to engage with the game beyond the initial playthrough. Noisy Pixel and RPGamer emphasize the replayability offered through features like the Create Dungeon system and randomly generated dungeons, appealing to those who enjoy deep mechanics and strategic gameplay. Furthermore, critics such as Worth Playing and GamersRD note the game's potential for grinding and character development, which adds layers of engagement and keeps the gameplay fresh for dedicated players. However, there are notable concerns regarding replayability, particularly from critics who played on the Nintendo Switch. COGconnected expresses doubt about replayability due to the struggles experienced throughout the game, suggesting that the grind may deter players from returning. Shacknews echoes this sentiment, indicating that while the game may appeal to fans of the original, its grindy nature could negatively impact replay value for others. Additionally, while some critics mention the various difficulty settings and character classes, they also note that certain post-game content may require additional purchases, as pointed out by Tech-Gaming, which could be a barrier for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero offers a rich and engaging experience with substantial replay value, particularly for fans of strategic RPGs. The game's depth, customization options, and post-game content are frequently praised, as seen in the reviews from GameGrin and Multiplayer.it. However, the concerns raised by some critics, particularly regarding the grind and potential barriers to accessing additional content, suggest that while the game has a lot to offer, it may not appeal to every player. Thus, while many reviewers encourage exploration of its replayable features, they also caution that the experience may vary significantly based on individual player preferences and gaming styles.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero has garnered a largely positive reception among critics, particularly for its engaging gameplay and strategic depth. Reviewers such as GameGrin and ZTGD highlight the game as a superb tactical RPG that is both rewarding and enjoyable, making it a must-play for fans of the genre. Critics like Noisy Pixel and RPG Fan appreciate the unique mechanics and deep customization options, which cater well to seasoned players. Additionally, Game8 notes that the game successfully expands on its predecessor's mechanics, providing a satisfying experience for dedicated fans of the series. The charm of the gameplay and its innovative elements are frequently mentioned, indicating that the game has successfully captured the essence of what makes tactical RPGs appealing. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers point out issues such as dated systems and confusing design choices, as noted by Cubed3, who felt the game was weighed down by these aspects. Critics like Worth Playing and RPGamer mention unimpressive visuals and performance issues, which detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the excessive dialogue and complexity cited by GamersRD and Noisy Pixel may hinder newcomers from fully enjoying the game. Critics also express concern over the narrative depth, with RPGamer stating that the sequel falls short in this regard compared to its predecessor. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a commendable sequel that successfully appeals to fans of the genre while offering a mix of charm and innovative gameplay. While there are notable drawbacks, including technical issues and a steep learning curve, the game is generally recommended for those who appreciate strategic combat and are willing to invest time in mastering its systems. Critics like Tech-Gaming and Multiplayer.it emphasize that despite its imperfections, the game is a worthwhile experience, particularly for fans of tactical RPGs. The mixed sentiments regarding accessibility for newcomers suggest that while the game shines for veterans, it may present challenges for those less familiar with the genre.

TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero impresses critics with its engaging gameplay and strategic depth, making it a must-play for tactical RPG fans. While it offers unique mechanics and customization, it faces criticism for dated systems, performance issues, and a steep learning curve that may alienate newcomers. Overall, it's a solid sequel with charm and innovation, but be prepared for some flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

59 reviews found

GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is described as a superb SRPG that is engaging and rewarding, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

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RPG Fan

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero may not be the most unique JRPG, but it captures the charm of its gameplay and is enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans of Nippon Ichi RPGs.

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God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Jan 23, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a deep and unique tactics game that may overwhelm new players but offers rewarding gameplay for those who invest time in understanding its systems.

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Tech-Gaming

Apr 28, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is praised as one of the best tactical RPGs on PC, despite some flaws and the need for additional purchases for full content. It successfully combines engaging gameplay with a heartfelt story.

Game8

PlayStation 5

Mar 22, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a solid sequel that expands on its predecessor's mechanics while catering to a niche audience. It may not appeal to everyone, but it offers a satisfying experience for fans of the series.

Tech-Gaming

Nintendo Switch

Jan 27, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is praised as one of the best tactical RPGs on Switch, despite some imperfections. It successfully combines engaging gameplay with a heartfelt story.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a rewarding experience for SRPG fans, with unique mechanics and deep customization, though its slow pacing and complexity may deter newcomers.

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ZTGD

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a great sequel that improves on the original, providing a fun and tactically satisfying RPG experience.

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Critical Hits

PlayStation 5

Apr 8, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a positive RPG experience with a light story and deep gameplay, despite some tutorial and camera issues. It is recommended for those who enjoy strategic combat.

TheSixthAxis

Nintendo Switch

Jan 23, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is praised for its inventive gameplay and engaging story, making it a standout title in the strategy RPG genre despite a steep learning curve.

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