Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate marks a strong return for Rocket Panda Games’ 2015 title, delivering an upgraded beat-’em-up experience on the PlayStation 5. Rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5, this remaster breathes new life into the original, offering smoother gameplay, enhanced visuals, and a host of new features that cater to both newcomers and longtime fans.
The game’s narrative centers around Waka, Mikoto, Itsuki, and Yuzuha as they traverse parallel worlds to rescue their friend Nagi from the clutches of the enigmatic Phantom. While the story serves as a functional backdrop for the action, it doesn’t delve deeply into character development, which may leave some players wanting more from the plot. However, the game’s strength lies in its gameplay mechanics and replayability, so most will easily forgive this.
Combat in Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate is both accessible and satisfying, featuring a mix of light, medium, heavy, and special attacks that can be chained into impressive combos. The game introduces a leveling system where players can unlock new skills and abilities, adding a bit of extra depth to the beat-’em-up formula. In addition, the inclusion of RPG-lite elements encourages experimentation with different character builds and playstyles.
One of the standout features is the extensive roster of 38 playable characters, including both heroes and villains from the Phantom Breaker universe. This variety ensures that each playthrough feels unique, and the ability to unlock characters by completing the story mode adds an incentive for replaying the game.
Multiplayer modes have been significantly expanded, with local co-op supporting up to four players and online multiplayer accommodating up to six players in co-op and eight in versus mode. Cross-platform play further enhances the multiplayer experience, allowing players to team up or compete with others regardless of their platform. While the chaotic nature of multiplayer battles can sometimes lead to screen clutter, the overall experience always remains enjoyable and engaging.
Visually, the game retains its charming chibi-style character designs while benefiting from the graphical enhancements provided by Unreal Engine 5. The environments are colorful and detailed, and the improved lighting and particle effects add a layer of polish to the presentation. The remastered soundtrack, featuring compositions by The Phantom Breakers, complements the on-screen action and adds to the game’s energetic atmosphere.
Despite its many strengths, Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate isn’t without its shortcomings. The game’s difficulty level may be too forgiving for experienced players, potentially reducing the sense of challenge and accomplishment. Additionally, while the story serves its purpose, it lacks the depth and emotional resonance that could elevate the overall experience and have it tap more into the source material.
In conclusion, Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate successfully revitalizes the original game, offering a compelling blend of fast-paced combat, diverse character options, and enhanced multiplayer features. While the narrative may not leave a lasting impression, the game’s engaging mechanics and replayability make it a worthwhile addition to any beat-’em-up enthusiast’s library – especially if you enjoy playing these in a multiplayer setting.
Score: 7.7/10
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