Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero - Review

Cloud Dosage reviewed Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero:

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero – Game Review

I never thought we’d see a follow-up to Phantom Brave. The original launched back in 2004, and while it got a few ports over the years, it always felt like one of Nippon Ichi’s forgotten titles. I was in my late twenties at the time, juggling work and gaming when I stumbled onto it. I liked the characters and the strange systems, but I fell off after a few battles. It just didn’t click back then.

Now, two decades later, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero arrives as a direct sequel and a second chance to revisit Marona and Ash. The story picks up just six months after the first game, but you don’t need to remember the details. A quick opening recap sets things up well, even if you’re coming in fresh. The tone is light, the characters are quirky, and the themes hit harder than expected.

What’s more surprising is how closely this sequel sticks to the original’s weirder ideas. You’re still tossing phantoms into rocks and barrels, only now with more mechanics layered on top. That might scare off newcomers, but if you’re curious, the opening hours give you a clear sense of how it plays.

This isn’t just another tactics game. It’s strange, flexible, and deeply rooted in systems that want you to experiment—or get overwhelmed trying.

[...]

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a complex and unconventional strategy RPG that rewards creative thinking and patience. Its systems are overwhelming at first, but flexible enough to support different playstyles. The story offers lighthearted charm with deeper emotional themes, and while the UI and performance need work, there’s still something meaningful here. It’s not for everyone, but if it clicks, it sticks.

Score: 3.7/5

Thanks Couchpotato!