74
MONSTER
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
73
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero earns praise for its whimsical narrative and character development, making it accessible and enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans. However, critics argue the story is predictable, with excessive dialogue and a cookie-cutter plot that lacks emotional depth. While initial impressions may be mixed, there’s potential for a richer experience as players explore Marona’s journey, though it ultimately feels charming yet forgettable for those craving originality.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
73
Positive (80-100)
39%
Mixed (50-79)
50%
Negative (0-49)
11%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero earns praise for its whimsical narrative and character development, making it accessible and enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans. However, critics argue the story is predictable, with excessive dialogue and a cookie-cutter plot that lacks emotional depth. While initial impressions may be mixed, there’s potential for a richer experience as players explore Marona’s journey, though it ultimately feels charming yet forgettable for those craving originality.
Gameplay Mechanics
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87
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero impresses critics with its innovative, gridless tactical combat and unique Confine mechanic, fostering creative strategies and deep customization. However, the complexity and lengthy tutorials can overwhelm newcomers, leading to frustration. While some find the chaotic battles lack depth, the game's fresh ideas and dynamic combat are largely praised, promising a rewarding experience for those willing to master its systems.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
87
Positive (80-100)
72%
Mixed (50-79)
28%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero impresses critics with its innovative, gridless tactical combat and unique Confine mechanic, fostering creative strategies and deep customization. However, the complexity and lengthy tutorials can overwhelm newcomers, leading to frustration. While some find the chaotic battles lack depth, the game's fresh ideas and dynamic combat are largely praised, promising a rewarding experience for those willing to master its systems.
Graphics and Visual Design
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71
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero wows with vibrant chibi visuals and charming battle maps, winning praise from outlets like GameGrin and PlayStation Universe. However, criticism arises over technical flaws, uninspired animations, and a loss of nostalgic pixel art, with some reviewers deeming the chibi models soulless. The consensus? A colorful aesthetic meets uneven execution, leaving fans divided on the game's visual evolution.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
71
Positive (80-100)
42%
Mixed (50-79)
50%
Negative (0-49)
8%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero wows with vibrant chibi visuals and charming battle maps, winning praise from outlets like GameGrin and PlayStation Universe. However, criticism arises over technical flaws, uninspired animations, and a loss of nostalgic pixel art, with some reviewers deeming the chibi models soulless. The consensus? A colorful aesthetic meets uneven execution, leaving fans divided on the game's visual evolution.
Music and Sound Design
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72
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero’s audio experience gets mixed reviews: while some critics hail the music as excellent and fitting for the tropical setting, others find it forgettable and lacking distinctiveness. Praise comes for its charm and atmosphere, but many agree it falls short of memorable moments, leaving the overall sound design as merely adequate rather than exceptional.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
72
Positive (80-100)
11%
Mixed (50-79)
89%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero’s audio experience gets mixed reviews: while some critics hail the music as excellent and fitting for the tropical setting, others find it forgettable and lacking distinctiveness. Praise comes for its charm and atmosphere, but many agree it falls short of memorable moments, leaving the overall sound design as merely adequate rather than exceptional.
Voice Acting
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72
The voice acting in Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is mostly praised for enhancing the narrative with both English and Japanese tracks, showcasing character dynamics effectively. However, criticisms arise over mixed performance quality, particularly for characters like Ash, leading to forced and repetitive lines. While the dual language options are a plus, inconsistencies and some irritating deliveries hold the voice acting back from being truly exceptional.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
72
Positive (80-100)
22%
Mixed (50-79)
78%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
The voice acting in Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is mostly praised for enhancing the narrative with both English and Japanese tracks, showcasing character dynamics effectively. However, criticisms arise over mixed performance quality, particularly for characters like Ash, leading to forced and repetitive lines. While the dual language options are a plus, inconsistencies and some irritating deliveries hold the voice acting back from being truly exceptional.
Technical Performance
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59
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero shows varied technical performance across platforms. The PS5 version generally runs smoothly at 60fps with quick texture loading, but suffers from frame rate dips, AI issues, and lengthy loading screens. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch struggles with severe framerate drops, crashes, and requires compromises between visual quality and performance. While the PS5 offers a more stable experience, the Switch's significant performance problems make it less desirable. Players should weigh their options before diving in.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
59
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
88%
Negative (0-49)
13%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero shows varied technical performance across platforms. The PS5 version generally runs smoothly at 60fps with quick texture loading, but suffers from frame rate dips, AI issues, and lengthy loading screens. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch struggles with severe framerate drops, crashes, and requires compromises between visual quality and performance. While the PS5 offers a more stable experience, the Switch's significant performance problems make it less desirable. Players should weigh their options before diving in.
Replay Value
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81
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero garners mostly positive reviews for its rich mechanics, extensive content, and high replay value, especially for dedicated fans. Critics praise the engaging story, customization options, and features like the Create Dungeon system which extend gameplay. However, some express concerns about its complexity and grindy nature potentially deterring casual players. Overall, while there's acknowledgment of accessibility issues, the game's depth and variety make it a rewarding experience for those ready to commit.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
81
Positive (80-100)
73%
Mixed (50-79)
27%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero garners mostly positive reviews for its rich mechanics, extensive content, and high replay value, especially for dedicated fans. Critics praise the engaging story, customization options, and features like the Create Dungeon system which extend gameplay. However, some express concerns about its complexity and grindy nature potentially deterring casual players. Overall, while there's acknowledgment of accessibility issues, the game's depth and variety make it a rewarding experience for those ready to commit.
Overall Verdict
74
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
74
Positive (80-100)
68%
Mixed (50-79)
32%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a solid tactical RPG praised for its engaging gameplay, charm, and strategic depth, making it a hit for genre fans. However, it faces criticism for dated designs, excessive dialogue, and technical issues that may overwhelm newcomers. While not revolutionary, it offers a rewarding experience for dedicated players.
74
MONSTER
Reviews
44 reviews found90
GameGrin
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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86
RPG Fan
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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85
God is a Geek
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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81
Tech-Gaming
Jan 27, 2025
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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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80
TheSixthAxis
Jan 23, 2025
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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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80
ZTGD
Jan 23, 2025
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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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80
Siliconera
Jan 23, 2025
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Overall, the reviewer enjoyed the game, appreciating the strategic elements and character development, despite some predictability in the story and a lack of quality of life features.
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80
Noisy Pixel
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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80
Pure Nintendo
Jan 31, 2025
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Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a unique and memorable SRPG that may overwhelm players initially but rewards those who invest time in mastering its depth.
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80
Nintendo Insider
Jan 23, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a charming and complex SRPG with solid systems, though it is hampered by technical issues on the Switch. It remains an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.
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