Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a brand-new sequel to the original Phantom Brave, set just a few months after the first game’s events. You play as Marona, a young girl with the unique ability to communicate with spirits – called “phantoms” in this world. Her special power of “confine” lets her bind these souls to everyday objects.
Fans of the original will remember Ash, Marona’s trusted phantom companion. The game opens with them getting separated during an attack by the mysterious Shipwreck Fleet. Marona washes up on a strange island where she meets new phantom allies, including Apricot – a spirit waiting endlessly for her father, the lost captain of a pirate crew that also fell victim to the Shipwreck Fleet.
The story follows Marona’s journey to reunite with Ash in the land of Ivoire. Along the way, she recruits powerful phantoms to her cause, all while working to uncover the secrets of the dangerous Shipwreck Fleet.
My first impression of the game was how great it looks visually. The chibi art style gives the characters a cute, charming appearance that I really liked. While there’s some obvious asset overlap with the Disgaea series (some NPCs share nearly identical designs), I can overlook this given what was probably a limited budget. Where the game really shines is in its tactical RPG gameplay. Unlike traditional grid-based systems, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero uses free movement – you can go anywhere on the map within your movement range. The key to success lies in strategically using your Phantoms during battles.
The battle system packs three clever mechanics that work together seamlessly: Confine, Confire, and Confriend. Confine lets Marona bind Phantom souls to objects – and this actually matters. Choose a sword for attack boosts or armor for defense. Confire allows explosive Phantom-Gadget combos – these take time to charge but absolutely wreck enemies. But my favorite? Confriend. Watching Marona fuse with a Phantom, transform, and unleash powerful abilities never gets old. It’s every bit as satisfying as it sounds.
Don’t worry if you missed the original – this sequel stands strong on its own. After 20 years (and a successful fan poll that finally convinced Nippon Ichi), we’ve got a proper follow-up. The game quickly introduces Marona and Ash, establishing their bond and the phantom mechanics so smoothly that newcomers will feel right at home.
The game’s writing strikes a perfect balance between humor and heartfelt moments. Apricot is a standout new character – she might seem as innocent as a bunny at first, but her development arc quickly proves she’s much more. This is classic Nippon Ichi: characters who deliver laughs while also showing real depth and maturity. Apricot fits this mold beautifully.
With nearly 50 unit types available, party customization offers tons of possibilities. Marona herself isn’t much of a fighter, but her Phantom-based abilities make her invaluable in battle – a system that fits perfectly with the story. While the mechanics have depth (as you’d expect from the Disgaea team), it’s surprisingly accessible. Don’t expect anything as punishing as Disgaea’s Item World here.
That said, this feels more like an expanded side story than a full-blown sequel. The narrative is lighter and more intimate – not necessarily a bad thing, just different from what some might expect. It’s a charming, smaller-scale adventure rather than an epic saga.
The PC port took longer than expected to arrive—surprising, given how common simultaneous releases are these days—but the wait was worth it. The port is well-optimized, running smoothly on a wide range of hardware, including the Steam Deck (a personal favorite). It looks fantastic on the Deck’s smaller screen, but also shines when maxed out at 4K—not that you’ll need a powerhouse rig to hit that target.
For Phantom Brave fans, this sequel delivers. The combat offers deep customization, and the lighthearted story is backed by a charming cast. While the tutorials could be more beginner-friendly, the gameplay isn’t overly punishing. It might take a bit for the combat to “click,” but once it does, it’s a joy—approachable enough for casual players without sacrificing depth.
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero Game Information
- Price: $59.99
- Publisher: NIS America
- Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
- Platform: PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
