Phantom Brave

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Edge Magazine
    70
    Nippon Ichi’s disregard for the cult of stagnated updates is at once exhilarating and unnerving. It’s exhilarating because it leaves the player wondering exactly where these craftsmen of the strategy minutiae will go next, and it’s unnerving because Phantom Brave’s reworking is a bridge too far for all but the most dedicated of videogame strategists. [Nov 2004, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. GamerFeed
    70
    The graphics are dated, and the game could've easily been done on the original PlayStation. Still, graphics don't make a game, and Phantom Brave more than makes up for it in gameplay.
  3. Gamenikki
    70
    Innovates itself into a corner. Tactical RPG fans are going to dig on the creative character development but they'll be the only ones interested in putting up with the awkward controls and even more awkward gridless combat.
  5. RewiredMind
    70
    But if you are tempted by it’s smooth retro, isometric 16-bit leanings and complex combat-mechanics, then it’s as good as a starting point as any in the Nippon Ichi catalogue.
  6. Computer and Video Games
    70
    But for those who are prepared to persevere, there are well over 100 hours of turn-based heaven in store. [PSW]
  7. Cheat Code Central
    50
    Phantom Brave is a game of methodical persistence. There's very little here to reward smart players.
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Best PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 30
  3. Negative: 3 out of 30
  1. thedarkorb
    Sep 22, 2010
    7
    Phantom Brave has a great battle system, nice visual style, and the story had a lot of potential. Unfortunately it's battle system, visuals,Phantom Brave has a great battle system, nice visual style, and the story had a lot of potential. Unfortunately it's battle system, visuals, and music are too similar to that of other (better) games and the story ends up being extremely weak. Die hard fans of tactical RPGs will likely find a things to enjoy here, especially fans of similar games like Disgaea, La Pucelle, or the excellent Soul Nomad & The World Eaters. If your new to strategy RPGs you'll have to put up with the steep learning curve pretty much every game in the genre has. Veteran players of games like Disgaea and Final Fantasy Tactics will likely be disappointed by it's poor story and it's close resemblance to other (better) NIS games. That said if your new to Strategy RPGs or want another game to scratch your strategy RPG itch your better off playing Disgaea or NIS's 2007 Soul Nomad and the World Eaters which is superior to Phantom Brave in literally every way.… Full Review »
  2. EricL
    Oct 10, 2009
    0
    This game is SO MONOTONOUSE!! The summoning of characters feels redundant, and the removal of the grid system makes it so everyone just makes This game is SO MONOTONOUSE!! The summoning of characters feels redundant, and the removal of the grid system makes it so everyone just makes a beeline for the enemy. The story is somewhat boring. I can't believe these are the same people who made the Disgaea series. There are some simmilar elements like the random dungeon maps (which I never liked) and the vast character selection (which i did like!). Look elsewhere for a fun SRPG, the only reason to own this is because it's rare.… Full Review »
  3. keller
    Apr 17, 2005
    2
    Ugh. Big Disgaea fan, couldn't wait for this, but sorely disappointed. Imagine regular battles, but your characters vanish after 5 Ugh. Big Disgaea fan, couldn't wait for this, but sorely disappointed. Imagine regular battles, but your characters vanish after 5 turns. Keep in mind it'll probably take you that long to walk across the map and suddenly the whole thing seems pointless. The story is atrocious, a mess of cutesy little-girl's-princessy-story nonsense and poor VA. It's as if aimed at 4 year olds. None of Disgaea's charm or humour, pointless battles as your army vanishes way before the real fight, and a story so bad it isn't worth continuing on.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »