Phantom Brave

 PlayStation 2
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
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  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, 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 excellentPhantom 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.… Expand
  2. 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 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 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.… Expand
  3. 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 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 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.… Expand
  4. WilliamM.
    Jan 22, 2005
    10
    Nice game.
  5. RoyJ.
    Jan 20, 2005
    10
    This is the best RPG I've played in a long time. Instead of concentrating on a dramatic entrancing storyline like Final Fantasy, Phantom Brave creates depth in gameplay. Despite the dated graphics and the clumsyness of some of the gameplay this game proves to be rewarding.
  6. TryptoniteVancouver
    Sep 5, 2004
    9
    I've logged just over 15 hours of gameplay on Phantom Brave so far. Once you get down the game mechanics which is easy if you've played any of Nippon Ichi's other releases, the gameplay becomes very in depth. Here's a quick breakdown: Story: N/A Won't comment on something like this until I finish a game. Graphics: The graphics for this SRPG is the most colorful I've logged just over 15 hours of gameplay on Phantom Brave so far. Once you get down the game mechanics which is easy if you've played any of Nippon Ichi's other releases, the gameplay becomes very in depth. Here's a quick breakdown: Story: N/A Won't comment on something like this until I finish a game. Graphics: The graphics for this SRPG is the most colorful and vivid of all NIS's games. Battle effects and sprite animation are well done. Gameplay:If you enjoy tactical combat and team management, you'll fall in love with the plethora of things to do. No-more grid system takes getting used to, but overall its been a positive addition. "Confine" system of managing your roster adds an excellent challenge to battles. Unlimited random dungeons generated is a must-have for SRPG titles and Phantom Brave does it well. Audio: Music is pretty good, but its basically similar to their past titles. Not quite as catchy/memorable as the Disgaea music. Voice audio for both Japanese and English is well done. My personal prefernce is Japanese, but surprisingly the English voice acting is pretty good when compared to the rest of the market. Tons of stuff to do and having your own little island that you can kind of customize with your "employees" is fun. Definitely an excellent addition if you've enjoyed Disgaea and La Pucelle. Even if you're new to this game and genre, try it out, you'll be hooked. peace Tryptonite … Expand
  7. bunnymaster3000
    Jul 27, 2009
    10
    I loved this game, not because of the story which was very mediocre but because of the gameplay and fighting mechanic. How you were not confined to little squares but instead had a full 360 range of motion, great art style too.

Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Best PS2 Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Warcry
    87
    As for best in the pseudo-series, it's a tossup between this and "Disgaea," and will likely come down to a debate over the free-roaming battle system and the confinement system.
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  2. Inside Gamer Online
    86
    Nippon Ichi strikes again with one of the most charming, creative, and fun games on the Playstation 2 this year.
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  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    85
    This mind-boggling sequel to cult hits "Disgaea" and "La Pucelle: Tactics" is easily the most overwhelming game I've ever played, with almost infinite aspects to consider. [Oct 2004, p.108]
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