Phantom Breakers: Battle Grounds Overdrive
- July 23, 2015
- MAGES. Inc.
A fantastic beat em up with varied gameplay that plays great in both handheld and docked modes.
'Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds' is back, and it's powered up! With new skills and equipment, there's even more fun to be had. Battles are even more visually impressive, and each one will have you on the edge of your seat. Plus, now you can play co-op with up to three other players, online or offline! Why save the world alone when you can do it with your friends?
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
PlayStation
Reviews
- Beautiful animation and art style that enhances the gaming experience.
- Offers a large cast of characters and various difficulty modes, providing significant replayability.
- Local co-op mode allows for enjoyable multiplayer gameplay with friends.
- Repetitive gameplay and lazy stage design can lead to tedium.
- Overly complex battle system creates a steep learning curve and can be frustrating.
- Lacks online co-op features, limiting multiplayer options until a future update.
- gameplay6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a mix of organized chaos and complexity, featuring a steep learning curve that can be frustrating for new players. While the unique fighter mechanics and quirky enemy designs add depth, the repetitive nature of the genre is evident. However, the game shines in its varied gameplay options and traditional fighting mechanics, making it enjoyable in both handheld and docked modes, especially in local co-op.
“It can take a little getting used to, but once the mechanics are down, the depth and uniqueness in terms of each fighter is second to none, and the outlandish and just plain weird enemy designs give it its distinct personality.”
“A fantastic beat 'em up with varied gameplay that plays great in both handheld and docked modes.”
“Pretty repetitive gameplay for a title that exudes organized chaos.”
“Its overly complex battle system clashes with its bustling moment-to-moment gameplay, and the result is an often frustrating fighter with a deceivingly steep learning curve.”
“The traditional fighting mechanics offer some variety with how you can play the game and help to divert attention from the repetitive nature of this genre.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is consistently praised for its wonderful quality, complementing the beautiful animation and art. Players appreciate how the soundtrack enhances the overall experience, particularly in local multiplayer settings.
“Beautiful animation and art, local 4-player, wonderful music.”
- story2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game's story is criticized for being overly melodramatic and clichéd, which contrasts awkwardly with its whimsical chibi characters and humorous elements, such as pie-throwing foes. Additionally, the narrative is perceived as lacking depth, with repetitive battles and limited multiplayer options until 2018 further diminishing its appeal.
“The story is a beautifully woven tapestry of emotions, drawing players into a world filled with rich characters and unexpected twists.”
“I was genuinely invested in the narrative; it kept me on the edge of my seat with its clever plot developments and heartfelt moments.”
“The character development throughout the story is exceptional, making each interaction feel meaningful and impactful.”
“An overly melodramatic and hackneyed story just feels out of place in a game populated with chibi characters and big fat guys who throw pies.”
“The short story lacks depth, and the repetitive battles make it hard to stay engaged.”
“The absence of online co-op and matches until 2018 further diminishes the overall narrative experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability due to its diverse character selection, multiple difficulty modes, and the ability to level up and unlock new moves. Additionally, features like leaderboards and multiplayer battles enhance the experience, setting it apart from other brawlers.
“There are plenty of characters to choose from and make available through various difficulty modes, and the ability to level up, unlock moves, and build stats, compete in leaderboards, and battle in multiplayer means there is huge scope for replayability that not many other brawlers have.”
Critic Reviews
Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Overdrive
Pretty repetitive gameplay for a title that exudes organized chaos.
65%Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Overdrive Review
Looking lovely and colourful on the TV or portable Switch screen, Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Overdrive is a quality little chibi beat 'em up that deserves a chance by any genre fan. There are plenty of characters to choose from and make available through various difficulty modes, and the ability to level up, unlock moves and build stats, compete in leaderboards, and battle in multiplayer means there is huge scope for replayability that not many other brawlers have. It can take a little getting used to, but once the mechanics are down, the depth and uniqueness in terms of each fighter is second to none, and the outlandish and just plain weird enemy designs give it its distinct personality. The one major pitfall is keeping online play at bay until Nintendo launches its paid service, which hopefully won't backfire when the time comes.
70%Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Overdrive Review
Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Overdrive has all the components of an addictive, satisfying beat-'em-up, but it just doesn't harmonise them as well as it should. Its overly complex battle system clashes with its bustling moment-to-moment gameplay, and the result is an often frustrating fighter with a deceivingly steep learning curve. That said, there's no denying that there's still fun to be had with this great looking brawler, especially if you join forces with a couple of capable players.
60%
