Phantom Brave (2004)

by Ji-yeong September 29, 2019

written by Ji-yeong September 29, 2019 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2004
Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy, Tactical
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii
Developers: Nippon Ichi Software, System Prisma
Publishers: Koei, Nippon Ichi Software, NIS America

Phantom Brave: A Unique and Engaging Strategy RPG

Released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, Phantom Brave is a strategy RPG that stands out from the crowd with its unique gameplay mechanics and charming world. Players take control of Marona, a 13-year-old girl who has the ability to communicate with phantoms, the spirits of the dead. With the help of her phantom companion Ash, Marona sets out on a journey to solve the problems that are occurring in the world of Ivoire.

Gameplay

Phantom Brave features a turn-based combat system that is both deep and rewarding. During battles, Marona is able to attack enemies by herself, and she can also summon phantoms in her party to help out. To summon phantoms, you will need to confine them to an object on the screen (such as a rock or tree). Once confined to an object, you will then be able to control the phantom in battle, though phantoms only remain controllable for a limited number of turns. The object you confine a phantom to will affect its abilities; for example, a rock may make a phantom stronger but move slower.

One of the things that makes Phantom Brave unique is its focus on object placement. In addition to confining phantoms to objects, you can also place objects on the battlefield to create obstacles for enemies or to provide cover for your units. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the combat, as you need to carefully consider the placement of both your units and the objects on the battlefield.

Story

The story of Phantom Brave is equally as engaging as its gameplay. Marona is a complex and well-developed character, and her journey to find her place in the world is both heartwarming and inspiring. The supporting cast of characters is also well-written, and the game’s world is rich and detailed.

Graphics and Sound

Phantom Brave’s graphics are charming and colorful, and the game’s world is full of life and detail. The soundtrack is also excellent, and it perfectly captures the game’s unique atmosphere.

Overall

Phantom Brave is a unique and engaging strategy RPG that is well worth checking out. The game’s deep and rewarding combat system, charming world, and well-written story make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Here are some additional details about the game:

Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
Publisher: NIS America
Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS
Release Date:
- Japan: January 22, 2004
- North America: October 18, 2005
- Europe: February 24, 2006
Genre: Strategy RPG

Phantoms

Phantoms are a major part of Phantom Brave’s gameplay. They are the spirits of the dead, and they can be summoned by Marona to help her in battle. There are over 100 different phantoms in the game, each with their own unique abilities. Some phantoms are better suited for attacking, while others are better suited for supporting their allies.

Confining Phantoms

In order to summon a phantom, Marona must first confine it to an object on the battlefield. This can be done by using the “Confine” ability. Once a phantom is confined, it will become a part of Marona’s party and will be able to be controlled in battle.

Object Placement

Object placement is another important aspect of Phantom Brave’s gameplay. Objects can be used to create obstacles for enemies, to provide cover for your units, or to activate special effects. For example, placing a rock on a pressure plate may open a door or activate a trap.

Leveling Up

As Marona and her phantoms defeat enemies in battle, they will earn experience points. These experience points can be used to level up, which will increase their stats and abilities.

Conclusion

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Ji-yeong

Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.