Summary
- Release Year: 2011
- Genres: Arcade, Fighting
- Platforms: Xbox 360
- Developers: 5pb., Delta Factory, R.U.N.
- Publishers: 5pb., 7Sixty
Phantom Breaker (2011)
Introduction
Phantom Breaker is a 2D fighting game developed by 5pb. and published by MAGES. in Japan and Aksys Games in North America and Europe. It was released in arcades in Japan in September 2010, and was ported to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in June 2011.
The game is loosely based on characters from the visual novel Chaos;Head, and features a cast of 13 playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves. The game’s story mode follows the events of Chaos;Head, and features multiple endings depending on the player’s choices.
Gameplay
Phantom Breaker is a traditional 2D fighting game with a focus on fast-paced action and combos. Players can use a variety of attacks, including punches, kicks, throws, and special moves, to defeat their opponents. The game also features a unique “Guard Break” system, which allows players to break through their opponents’ defenses and deal massive damage.
In addition to the standard fighting game modes, Phantom Breaker also features a number of unique modes, including:
- Story Mode: A single-player mode that follows the events of Chaos;Head.
- Arcade Mode: A traditional arcade mode where players fight against a series of increasingly difficult opponents.
- Versus Mode: A two-player mode where players can fight against each other.
- Training Mode: A mode where players can practice their combos and techniques.
Characters
Phantom Breaker features a cast of 13 playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves. The characters are:
- Itsuki Amano: The protagonist of Chaos;Head, Itsuki is a high school student who becomes involved in a series of supernatural events.
- Rimi Sakihata: Itsuki’s childhood friend, Rimi is a shy and timid girl who is often bullied by her classmates.
- Nanami Nishijo: A popular idol singer, Nanami is secretly a member of the Phantom Society, a group of people who are trying to prevent the destruction of the world.
- Miki Tohno: A skilled martial artist, Miki is a member of the Phantom Society who is tasked with protecting Nanami.
- Kaito Yasui: A mysterious young man who is also a member of the Phantom Society.
- Yuri Sakaki: A police officer who is investigating the Phantom Society.
- Akira Kiyose: A doctor who is also a member of the Phantom Society.
- Takumi Hayama: A businessman who is also a member of the Phantom Society.
- Reina Kousaka: A high school student who is also a member of the Phantom Society.
- Shouma Sakurazaki: A high school student who is also a member of the Phantom Society.
- Fumio Ninomiya: A high school student who is also a member of the Phantom Society.
- Gaito Ashiya: The leader of the Phantom Society.
- Ark the Lad: A mysterious being who is the true mastermind behind the events of the game.
Story
The story of Phantom Breaker follows the events of Chaos;Head. After the events of that game, Itsuki Amano and his friends are transported to a parallel world where they are hunted by a group of mysterious beings known as the Phantoms. The Phantoms are led by Gaito Ashiya, who is trying to use the power of the Phantoms to destroy the world.
Itsuki and his friends must team up with the Phantom Society, a group of people who are trying to prevent the destruction of the world, in order to stop Ashiya and the Phantoms. Along the way, they will learn more about the true nature of the Phantoms and the secrets of the parallel world.
Reception
Phantom Breaker received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s fast-paced action and unique characters, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation. However, the game was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
Phantom Breaker has spawned two sequels, Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds (2012) and Phantom Breaker: Omnia (2022). The game has also been ported to a number of platforms, including the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Phantom Breaker is a solid 2D fighting game with a unique cast of characters and a fun combat system. While it may not be the most innovative game in the genre, it is still a worthwhile purchase for fans of 2D fighting games.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
