During Anime Expo 2024, we had the opportunity to play through a shore demo of the newly announced Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero from Nippon Ichi Software. Slated for release in 2025, the Phantom Brave series returns with another entry, full of new and returning systems.
A New Chapter in Ivoire
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is set in Ivoire, a world where islands dot a vast ocean, and it’s here that our adventure unfolds. Marona, a young girl with the rare ability to speak with Phantoms—the spirits of the deceased—partners with her loyal Phantom friend Ash to solve problems as Chromas. However, their routine shatters when their ship is attacked by the ghostly Shipwreck Fleet. Amidst the chaos, a masked man robs Marona of her powers, and Ash, in a bid to protect her, dives into the fray, resulting in their separation. I know that’s quite the introduction, but there’s a bit more to this setup.
The Confine system is back, allowing players to summon Phantoms by binding their souls to objects in the environment.
Stranded on an isolated island, Marona meets Apricot, a Phantom girl on a quest to reunite with her father, the former captain of the Argento Pirate Crew. Together, they embark on a mission to revive the pirate crew, navigate treacherous waters, and fend off ghostly threats, all while seeking to rescue Ash and uncover the mysteries of the Shipwreck Fleet.
Innovative and Classic Mechanics
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero stays true to its roots with the gridless, freeform tactical RPG gameplay that fans would remember from the previous entry, but it also spices things up with some new mechanics. The Confine system is back, allowing players to summon Phantoms by binding their souls to objects in the environment. The type of object used affects the Phantom’s stats, adding a strategic depth to each battle.
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is shaping up to be a delightful addition to the series, blending classic mechanics with innovative features.
The game also introduces the “Confriend” system, where Marona can merge with Phantoms to gain special abilities and alter her appearance. Additionally, Phantoms can combine with gadgets for powerful attacks, delivering some new elements of strategic planning while navigating the battlefield. There are over 50 unit types to choose from, allowing players to create diverse teams and experiment with tactical combinations.
A Nostalgic Journey with Fresh Twists
For those familiar with the original Phantom Brave, The Lost Hero offers a comforting sense of nostalgia. The charming art style and heartfelt narrative focused on friendship and courage remain intact. However, the experience is elevated by the vibrant oceanic setting and sense of system depth. Here, Apricot and the Argento Pirate Crew introduce new dynamics, enriching the storyline and offering fresh challenges.
Visuals and Audio
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero features stunning hand-drawn visuals that bring the world of Ivoire to life. The game supports English and French text languages, along with English and Japanese audio, giving you a choice, but knowing me, I’ll be playing using the English voice-over.
Final Thoughts
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is shaping up to be a delightful addition to the series, blending classic mechanics with innovative features alongside a narrative full of vivid imagination and the promise of fun battles. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this game offers a rich, engaging experience. Navigate the high seas, form new alliances, and uncover the secrets lurking within the Shipwreck Fleet when the game releases on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam in 2025. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to setting sail on this magical adventure.
