NIS America shared new details for Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero revolving around its battle system. Learn how the environment can be used to the player's advantage; gain new allies at any given point through the current surroundings.
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When it's a player's turn, they can move a character freely within a set radius. Through Marona's power, people can choose to Confine with any object around them whether it be a tree, a rock, or even a sword; the act of confining has an allied Phantom possess the chosen object to become a playable ally right then and there! The stats of the possessed object, now turned an ally, is respective of the aspects of the object itself - for example, a Phantom that possessed a rock will have high defense but low speed.
Be wary of the limitations of the Confine mechanic though. It only lasts temporarily and once it ends, that character will be removed entirely from the current battle. Removed characters cannot confine to another object again for the rest of the battle.
On the other hand, Marona has the unique power to utilize a special form of Confine called Confriend! This allows Phantoms to possess Marona, which raises her stats, grants her special skills, and changes her appearance. Confriend may even allow Marona to act again in the same turn if certain conditions are triggered.
Apricot in Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero has the ability to airdrop special objects and gadgets, such as tanks, robots, and cannons. Utilizing the Confine system on them expands a player's attack range and other special effects.
Learn more about the battle system in Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero down below. Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is set to release in 2025 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam). The Steam version will follow the console versions later in the year.
Battle System
A free-movement Strategy RPG
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero features unrestricted movement in combat. Characters can move freely within a radius during battle.
The game is turn-based, with friends and foes alike taking turns based on their Speed stat. You can check the turn order on the upper right corner of the screen. Plan your strategy based on who's up next!
Confine
Transform Objects like trees, rocks, and swords into ally units
Thanks to Marona's power, allied Phantoms can possess (Confine) objects on the map, like trees and rocks, to participate in battle.
The deployed character's stats will change based on what they're Confined to. For example, if Confined to a rock, their defensive power will increase, but their speed will decrease. If Confined to a weapon, their attack power will increase.
A system with unfathomable strategic depths
After a few turns, an ally's Confinement will end and the character will be Removed—or withdrawn—from battle. Removed characters cannot be Confined again in the same battle, so think carefully about who you Confine, and when!
You can Confine objects deep behind enemy lines, objects around Marona to keep her safe, and more. The choice of who, what, when, and where to Confine makes this system rich with near-limitless possibilities!
Confriend
The power of bonds that can drastically turn the tide of battle
Marona can use a special version of Confine called Confriend to allow an allied Phantom to possess her. By Confriending allies she has a close bond with, her stats will greatly increase!
In addition, special skills unique to Confriend will also become available. Unleash powerful attacks to completely turn the tide of battle!
Marona's appearance will also change, depending on the ally she Confriends with!
Again: An Additional Attack
If certain conditions are met when Marona uses Confriend to Confine Phantoms within herself, it will activate the multi-turn Again!
This allows Marona to take additional turns and gain stat boosts. The deeper the bond between Marona and the character she has Confriended with is, the more Agains she will activate, resulting in even bigger stat boosts! It’s even possible to completely wipe out the enemy in one go by chaining multiple Agains!
Feel the thrill of defeating enemies in succession, all by yourself!
Unlock New Actions with Confine!
Trees and rocks aren't the only things you can Confine to!
If Apricot is with you, she can airdrop robots, tanks with gigantic cannons, and flying Gadgets onto the map! "Confiring" to these can increase your attack range, let you suck in all kinds of objects, and perform a variety of other actions. Think of the strategic possibilities!
Gadgets can be developed and enhanced at your base on Skullrock Island.
Different maps have different Gadgets
On some maps, you'll find Gadgets like cannons, catapults, fans, and even slot machines. When approaching these Gadgets, the player will be able to perform a variety of actions, and if a Phantom is Confined to one, additional special actions will become available. Gadgets could be the key to conquering these maps!
Abundant character growth and post-game challenges
At the pirates' hideout on Skullrock Island, your base of operations in the game, you can access a variety of features such as character creation to prepare for battles and challenges.
In addition to the familiar “Reincarnation” character customization feature from the Disgaea series, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero also offers an “Awakening” option, which allows for easier character enhancement than Reincarnation, as well as the “Juice Bar,” which enables you to transfer EXP to the character of your choice.
Whether you want to dig deep into Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero's systems, or are looking to enjoy everything the game has to offer in a more casual way, these features are sure to satisfy!
There are many other things available for players at Skullrock Island, including pirate ship customization and random dungeons!
Play it your way!
There are even more options to play it your way left to explore in Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero! Equip items found on the battlefield, throw enemies in your way off the map entirely, and stack characters on top of each other to reach high places, and more!
