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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 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC

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 whimsical humor and heartfelt character growth, but its predictable, underdeveloped plot and reliance on tired tropes undermine its potential, offering a nostalgic but unoriginal experience that delights fans yet lacks depth or innovation.

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 reviews for Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero highlight a generally positive reception of its whimsical and lighthearted narrative, with many critics praising its charm and humor. GameGrin and RPG Fan note the engaging story featuring Marona and Ash, emphasizing their emotional journeys and the mix of light-hearted moments with deeper themes. TheSixthAxis and Nintendo Insider commend the game’s focus on character development, particularly Marona’s growth as she navigates challenges and rebuilds her world, while also appreciating the balance between humor and heartfelt elements. Additionally, Multiplayer.it and Pure Nintendo acknowledge the narrative’s adherence to the original’s spirit, with the latter highlighting the "heartfelt" aspects of Marona’s quest to save Ash and the inclusion of colorful, relatable characters. These critiques suggest the story resonates with fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a nostalgic yet accessible experience. However, several critics point to significant shortcomings in the narrative’s depth and originality. Game8 and RPGamer criticize the story for feeling disjointed, predictable, and lacking the emotional weight of the original, with conflicts resolved too hastily and character arcs underdeveloped. COGconnected and Cubed3 (Switch) describe the plot as "forgettable" and "meandering," with forced themes of friendship that fail to connect on a meaningful level. The narrative’s simplicity and reliance on familiar tropes are repeatedly mentioned, with PlayStation Universe and Siliconera noting its lack of uniqueness compared to other strategy RPGs. Some reviewers, like Shacknews, also point to an "aimless" vibe, suggesting the story’s laid-back tone occasionally undermines its structure. These critiques underscore a sense of repetition and missed opportunities to expand the game’s thematic or narrative complexity. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a mixed but largely favorable view of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, acknowledging its charm and nostalgic appeal while recognizing its narrative limitations. While GameGrin, RPG Fan, and TheSixthAxis praise its engaging character interactions and whimsical tone, others like Game8 and RPGamer argue it falls short in emotional and structural depth. The story’s predictability and simplicity are recurring concerns, yet many agree it retains the series’ core appeal through its humor, world-building, and focus on Marona’s personal growth. The game seems to strike a balance between accessibility and familiarity, offering a pleasant but not groundbreaking experience that appeals to fans but may disappoint those seeking innovation or profound storytelling.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero dazzles with its inventive Confine system, strategic depth, and gridless combat, but struggles with complexity, balance flaws, and limited evolution—yet remains a modernized, standout tactical RPG with rewarding depth.

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 is widely praised for its strategic depth, unique mechanics, and engaging systems. Critics consistently highlight the innovative "Confine" system, which allows players to summon spirits into objects for combat, creating dynamic and creative battle scenarios. Game8 and GameGrin emphasize the complexity and adaptability of the mechanics, noting how they cater to various playstyles and offer a satisfying balance of challenge and accessibility. Critical Hits and Noisy Pixel commend the game’s strategic experimentation, with the latter pointing to the evolving nature of its systems that encourage players to adapt their tactics. The gridless tactical combat, as noted by GameGrin and GamersRD, provides freedom in movement and positioning, while the variety of character classes and abilities, praised by Worth Playing and ZTGD, adds layers of customization. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a standout feature, blending innovation with the depth expected from a tactical RPG. However, some critics point to challenges in the gameplay’s complexity and accessibility. Cubed3 and RPGamer note that the numerous systems and mechanics can feel overwhelming, with RPGamer specifically mentioning lengthy tutorials and a steep learning curve. COGconnected expresses frustration with power balance issues, while Final Weapon criticizes limited customization options for Phantoms. Additionally, Cubed3 (on Switch) and others suggest the game lacks substantial evolution from its predecessor, feeling functionally similar to the original. Shacknews and Multiplayer.it acknowledge that the game’s complexity may deter newcomers, though they also highlight that it becomes rewarding with time. Technical issues, such as "jank" mentioned by Movies Games and Tech, and the initial overwhelm of systems like "Confire" and "Confriend," are also noted as potential barriers for some players. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority praising the gameplay as a strong and innovative experience. The unique Confine system, strategic depth, and engaging combat mechanics are frequently cited as highlights, with critics like Game8, GameGrin, and Noisy Pixel emphasizing their satisfaction with the game’s design. While some reviewers, such as COGconnected and RPGamer, point to specific flaws, these are often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise compelling package. The game’s ability to blend accessibility with depth, as noted by PlayStation Universe and Multiplayer.it, reinforces its appeal to both casual and dedicated players. Ultimately, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is seen as a standout title that successfully modernizes its tactical RPG roots while offering a fresh and strategic experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero dazzles with vibrant 3D visuals and nostalgic charm but stumbles on stiff animations, recycled environments, and technical glitches—splitting critics between modernization praise and retro disappointments.

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 graphics and visual design of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero receive generally positive feedback, with many critics praising its vibrant and charming aesthetic. Critical Hits and GameGrin highlight the "beautiful and cartoonish" visuals, noting that the chibi-styled 3D character models are "sharp and appealing" and "vibrant and colorful," respectively. GamersRD draws comparisons to Super Mario RPG Remake, commending the "attractive cell-shaded graphics" and detailed battle maps, while Game8 appreciates the "well-executed transition to 3D" and expressive character designs. COGconnected and PlayStation Universe also laud the "clean aesthetic" and "adorable Chibi character models," emphasizing the game’s ability to maintain a distinct, nostalgic charm despite its 3D shift. These reviews suggest that the visual overhaul successfully modernizes the series while retaining its whimsical appeal, particularly on the PS5 where performance is noted as smooth and technically robust. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks, particularly in animation quality and environmental design. Cubed3 (PS5) and Cubed3 (Switch) both criticize the chibi 3D models as "soulless" and "sterile," arguing they lack the charm of the original 2D sprite art. RPG Fan and Worth Playing highlight "stiff animations" and "reused environments," with the latter noting that the game "suffers from frame rate issues" and "reuses assets from newer Disgaea games." Multiplayer.it and RPG Site mention that the cel-shaded visuals, while distinct, feel "overly simplified" or "unimpressive," and Nintendo Insider and Pure Nintendo point to technical flaws like aliasing, frame rate drops, and performance hiccups on the Switch. These criticisms underscore a disconnect between the game’s artistic direction and its execution, particularly in terms of fluidity and originality. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting a divide between appreciation for the game’s aesthetic and concerns about its technical and design shortcomings. While Critical Hits, GameGrin, and GamersRD celebrate the visual upgrades as modern and appealing, others like Cubed3 and RPG Fan feel the transition to 3D sacrifices the nostalgic appeal of the original. Performance issues on the Switch, noted by Nintendo Insider, RPG Site, and Pure Nintendo, further complicate the experience, even as COGconnected and PlayStation Universe praise the clean, colorful presentation. The game’s visual design is seen as a polarizing evolution—embracing a fresh, stylized approach for some, but falling short in animation and environmental variety for others. Ultimately, it’s a case of "style over substance," with the technical and artistic choices leaving room for both admiration and frustration.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero’s sound design and music nail tropical vibes with charming, simple tracks and bilingual voice acting, but forgettable melodies, inconsistent performances, and technical glitches drag down an otherwise functional audio experience.

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 receive generally positive feedback, with several critics highlighting their ability to enhance the game’s atmosphere and thematic elements. GameGrin praises the soundtrack for its excellent fit with the tropical themes, noting the effective balance between relaxing and action-oriented tracks that enrich the experience. Noisy Pixel describes the music as “charming” and well-suited to the island setting, while COGconnected commends its “simple yet catchy” quality. PlayStation Universe and Multiplayer.it also acknowledge the solid sound design, with the latter specifically praising the inclusion of both English and Japanese voice acting, which adds depth to character interactions. These reviews suggest that the music and sound elements are functional and contribute meaningfully to the game’s immersive world, particularly in supporting its adventurous and whimsical tone. However, the consensus on the music’s memorability and consistency is more mixed. GamersRD and RPGamer both describe the soundtrack as “forgettable” or “serviceable,” emphasizing that it fails to stand out compared to other titles. Noisy Pixel critiques the unnatural fade-ins in some tracks, while RPG Fan notes that the overall quality is inconsistent, with “forced” performances detracting from the experience. Game8 and Worth Playing point to issues with voice acting, citing uneven emotional depth and repetitive one-liners that can feel tiresome. These criticisms indicate that while the music and sound design fulfill their basic roles, they lack the polish or originality to leave a lasting impression, and some technical or performative flaws undermine their effectiveness. Overall, the reviews suggest a lukewarm reception to the Sound Design and Music, with many acknowledging their adequacy but not exceptional quality. While critics like GameGrin and Noisy Pixel appreciate the thematic cohesion and charm, others, including RPGamer and Worth Playing, find the soundtrack unremarkable and the voice acting uneven. The lack of standout musical moments or memorable melodies is a recurring concern, though the game’s tropical and pirate-inspired themes are generally well-represented. The sound design’s strengths—such as the variety of tracks and bilingual voice acting—are tempered by technical shortcomings and inconsistent performances, resulting in a presentation that is functional but ultimately underwhelming. This mixed feedback reflects a game that meets expectations but struggles to elevate its audio elements beyond the ordinary.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero’s voice acting is a mixed bag—Japanese tracks shine, boosting immersion and narrative depth, but English voices stumble with inconsistency, forced delivery, and repetition, leaving it functional yet underwhelming.

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 receives generally positive feedback, with several critics highlighting its strengths. GameGrin notes that most performances are strong, particularly praising the Japanese audio for significantly enhancing the experience. RPGamer commends Marona’s voice actor for being well-suited to the role, while PlayStation Universe appreciates how the plentiful voice acting enriches the narrative and is complemented by engaging character portraits during dialogue. Multiplayer.it also emphasizes that the voice acting in both English and Japanese is good, effectively boosting character interactions and immersion. These reviews suggest that the voice work contributes meaningfully to the game’s atmosphere and character development, especially when paired with visual elements. However, several critics point out notable flaws. Game8 criticizes the inconsistency, noting that some emotional scenes feel flat and disrupt immersion, while GameGrin highlights Ash as a less convincing character. RPG Fan describes returning actors for Marona and Ash as delivering "forced and rigid line reads," which detracts from the experience. COGconnected contrasts the Japanese voice acting with English lines that are "a bit screechy," and RPGamer mentions repetitive lines from units that become grating over time. Worth Playing adds that the voice acting is merely adequate, lacking standout moments despite aligning with the game’s overall sound design. These critiques reveal technical and expressive shortcomings, particularly with certain characters and dialogue repetition, which can undermine the game’s storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging the voice acting as a solid, if unremarkable, component of the game. While many praise its presence and the quality of Japanese audio, others point to inconsistencies, forced performances, and repetitive lines as significant drawbacks. GameGrin and RPG Fan emphasize the variability in quality, with some characters standing out and others falling short, while COGconnected and RPGamer note specific issues with the English voice work. Despite these criticisms, the voice acting is generally seen as functional and supportive of the game’s narrative, though it fails to elevate the experience to exceptional levels. The reviews collectively suggest that while it meets expectations, it lacks the polish or depth to leave a lasting impression.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero shines on PS5 with smooth 60fps and no major hiccups, but the Nintendo Switch and PC versions are plagued by frame drops, crashes, and buggy AI—especially in action scenes. While the PS5 feels polished, Switch and PC ports are frustratingly unstable, making the console version the clear winner for technical performance.

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 across platforms, with some positive aspects noted. On the PS5, several critics, including Critical Hits, Game8, and GamersRD, highlighted that the game runs smoothly with stable frame rates, often at 60fps, and features instant texture loading. Cubed3, who reviewed the Nintendo Switch version, also praised its ability to maintain a stable 60fps, which is a strong positive for that platform. While some reviewers like ZTGD and Worth Playing pointed out specific technical issues, such as frame rate dips and AI problems, the general consensus for the PS5 appears more favorable, with most noting that the game performs well overall despite minor flaws. However, the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch is more problematic. Critics like Final Weapon, God is a Geek, and Nintendo Insider all reported significant frame drops and crashes, especially during intense combat sequences or when using projectile attacks. Multiplayer.it and RPG Site echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that these issues detract from the experience and may require patches to resolve. Pure Nintendo also mentioned the need to choose between Quality and Performance modes, adding to the frustration. Meanwhile, Siliconera noted performance dips during crowded battles, and while the PC version was generally considered fine, Movies Games and Tech pointed out that it suffers from crashes, physics bugs, and AI glitches, making it less polished than the console versions. Overall, the critics show a mixed but somewhat more positive outlook for the PS5, where the game runs smoothly with few major technical issues, while the Nintendo Switch and PC versions face more significant performance challenges. The Switch port, in particular, is criticized for its instability and frame rate problems, which are more pronounced in action-heavy scenarios. The PC version, though playable, is noted for its technical bugs and crashes. Despite these issues, some reviewers acknowledged that the game is still Worth Playing, especially on the PS5, where the technical hurdles are less severe. The consensus suggests that while Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero has potential, its technical performance is a key factor in the overall player experience, with the PS5 offering the most refined version.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero thrives on deep systems, endless customization, and post-game grind that reward strategic RPG lovers, but its complexity, tedious mechanics, and paywalled DLC risk alienating less patient players.

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 majority of critics highlight the strong replay value of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, emphasizing its rich systems and content that encourage multiple playthroughs. Reviewers like Critical Hits, GameGrin, RPGamer, and Worth Playing all praise the game’s extensive character evolution options, customization features, and deep mechanics, which provide long-term engagement for strategic RPG fans. Noisy Pixel specifically points to the Create Dungeon system and Juice Bar as unique elements that add hours of additional gameplay beyond the main story. Multiplayer.it and Tech-Gaming also commend the game’s post-game content, including extra missions, characters, and difficulty settings, which allow for varied strategies and challenges. Movies Games and Tech notes that the randomly generated dungeons and side content cater to completionists, further enhancing the game’s replayability. However, some critics express concerns about the game’s replay value due to its complexity and grind-heavy nature. COGconnected and Shacknews voice doubts about replayability, with COGconnected citing struggles during gameplay as a potential deterrent. GamersRD acknowledges the game’s mechanics and base development as contributing to replayability but warns that the complexity might discourage some players from revisiting the game. Tech-Gaming (on PC) also mentions that certain post-game content requires additional purchases, which could limit the appeal for players seeking a fully self-contained experience. These critiques suggest that while the game has a lot to offer, its accessibility and design choices may not resonate with all audiences. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, with most agreeing that Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero provides substantial replay value through its depth, customization, and post-game content. While some reviewers, like GamersRD and COGconnected, note potential barriers to replaying, the majority—such as Critical Hits, Noisy Pixel, and Tech-Gaming—see the game as a strong contender for fans of strategic RPGs who enjoy grinding, experimenting with mechanics, and exploring varied content. The game’s appeal seems to be strongest for those who appreciate complexity and long-term engagement, though its difficulty and cost-related content may temper its replayability for others.

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.

The overall sentiment toward Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero leans positively, with many critics praising its strategic depth and engaging gameplay. Critical Hits and GameGrin highlight the game as a "superb SRPG" and "deep customization" experience, respectively, emphasizing its tactical combat and rewarding mechanics. GamersRD and Noisy Pixel commend its unique systems, adjustable difficulty, and innovation, noting that it successfully blends nostalgia with fresh elements for both fans and newcomers. ZTGD and TheSixthAxis describe it as a "fun and tactically satisfying" sequel, while Tech-Gaming (on PC) calls it one of the best tactical RPGs, lauding its "heartfelt story" and strategic elements. These reviews collectively underscore the game’s strengths in gameplay design, offering a satisfying experience for SRPG enthusiasts despite some minor flaws. However, several critics point to notable drawbacks, including dated mechanics, technical issues, and narrative shortcomings. Cubed3 (PS5) and Cubed3 (Switch) criticize the game for "dated systems" and "lack of innovation," with the latter calling it "dull" and failing to meet expectations after two decades. RPGamer notes a "lack of narrative depth" compared to its predecessor, while Final Weapon and Nintendo Insider mention the story’s tone and technical hiccups on the Switch, respectively. Siliconera and Shacknews point to a "steep learning curve" and "predictable story," and Movies Games and Tech highlights "technical issues" and a controversial DLC strategy. These critiques suggest the game struggles with modernization and accessibility, particularly on the Switch, where performance and quality-of-life features are frequently cited as weaknesses. Despite mixed feedback, the consensus among critics is that Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a solid, if niche, entry in the SRPG genre. Game8 and RPG Fan acknowledge its appeal to fans of the series and Nippon Ichi titles, while PlayStation Universe and Multiplayer.it praise its balance of complexity and accessibility. However, the game’s reception is split by platform: Tech-Gaming (PC) and RPG Site (Switch) note technical issues that detract from the experience, with the latter advising players to opt for other platforms. While some critics, like COGconnected, find it hard to recommend for Disgaea fans, others see it as a worthwhile return for strategic RPG lovers. The overall verdict suggests it’s a must-play for genre devotees but may not resonate with broader audiences due to its steep learning curve, dated systems, and occasional technical flaws.

TL;DR

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a tactically rich SRPG with deep customization and nostalgic charm, but outdated mechanics, technical hiccups, and a steep learning curve let it down—critics split on modern appeal, calling it a niche must-play for strategy fans despite 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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