Phantom Brave PlayStation 2
Metascore
81 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
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  1. Just RPG
    93
    It is amazing how many different stats go into the Phantom Brave.
  2. Worth Playing
    92
    The dungeon can keep you occupied for ages, so there is really no end to the game, yet one thing to note is that there is no new game.
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    92
    A fantastic turn-based tactical fighting RPG. [Apr. 05]
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  4. Eurogamer
    90
    Nippon Ichi has crafted yet another stunning game with Phantom Brave - accessible, flexible, and as deep as the player wants it to be.
  5. AltGaming
    90
    Just like "Disgaea," Phantom Brave is an innovative, and superb gaming experience from start to finish.
  6. IC-Games
    90
    The soundtrack is catchy and at times, especially when the plot turns darker, extremely haunting as well.
  7. GamePro
    90
    May not have the best control scheme or huge production values, but it does have heart - this one pays like a labor love. Crazy, wacky, weird, mad love. [Oct 2004, p.110]
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  8. Adrenaline Vault
    90
    If Nippon Ichi’s last three releases can be considered a trilogy, then Phantom Brave is without a doubt "The Empire Strikes Back" of the series.
  9. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    90
    The awesome combat system throws out most strategy-RPG genre conventions. [Oct 2004, p.110]
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  10. Game Over Online
    89
    One of the deepest, most entertaining strategy games to come out in quite some time.
  11. 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.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 2 out of 7
  1. thedarkorb
    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 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
    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 (which i did like!). Look elsewhere for a fun SRPG, the only reason to own this is because it's rare.… Full Review »
  3. bunnymaster3000
    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.… Full Review »
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