Review: Phantom Breaker - Battle Grounds Overdrive (PlayStation 4)

[@luisdiaz1980]

Pixel are worn out? Nonsense. Sure it's used a lot, but it hasn't overstayed it's welcome. This game looks more appealing visually than 99% of the bland brown and green "realistic" games out there.

[@MyBrothersKeeper101]

I only play pixelated games regardless of the system

[@JackCaliber]

If cutesy Shoot 'Em Ups are called Cute 'Em Ups, shouldn't cutesy Beat 'Em Ups like this be called Sweet 'Em Ups?

[@davenwatts8173]

Yes...yes they should

[@Wolfdragon92584]

My favorite genre of video games is still beat em ups. The rush I get out of them never wears out, and I'm always on the lookout for new ones.

[@Medachod]

It's truly an amazing game. Makes me yearn for Scott Pilgrim to return once more. After all, if Phantom Battle can come to the Switch, then I see no reason why they could not bring Scott Pilgrim over as well. These games are renown for their creativity in the genre and singlehandedly renewed the faith of many who lost hope in these games. It would be a pity if one of them is lost in time forever well the other lives on. Also, I am pretty surprised you never mentioned Guardian Heroes, but compare this game to the Saturn. The remaster of that game really needs to come to the Switch as well, but I really expected you to mention that game at least once, given this game is very much inspired from it the most. It really is the perfect amalgamation of Guardian Heroes and Scott Pilgrim that every gamer deserves to play at least once in their lifetime.

[@jarryj1995]

Medachod Hey Bro do you still play this game?

[@crimsonnotion]

Ubisoft is having plans on bringing back Scott Pilgrim and there are many chances for a Switch port and other 8th generation ports.

[@phantomgamer4463]

The stage design reminds me Panzer Bandit

[@matcoffidis1135]

I found this by accident on PS4, but decided to get it on Switch. It's a lot of fun. I prefer brawlers to stuff like Street Fighter, although those are fun to.

[@ColdMetalz]

I will seriously never get bored of pixel art.. Never ever. It's all preference man. One thing I wished you of touched on was the differences in Overdrive. I already have this on PC was considering getting it again on console if the added content (Im assuming they added something) in the overdrive edition. Aside from that nice review.

[@Medachod]

ColdMetalz 360 version has online play.

[@DanielSantosAnalysis]

This looks awesome, I will have to give this a shot!

[@RipvanX]

This is so much like Scott Pilgrim vs the World The Game!

[@Marku912]

RipvanX That's what I was thinking too.

[@MrXabungle]

Faster paced than SP

[@Wolfdragon92584]

And some Fight N Rage as well.

[@tuipulotulavaka1757]

If you guys havent heard of Guardian Heroes, I suggest you give it a shot, or look it up. Thats the most similar to this game than any of the other beat em ups due to the lane switch mechanic, combo system, and rpg system.

[@phantomgamer4463]

And Panzer Bandit

[@nero6499]

Great review!I love the original PB:BG. I'll give it a shot!Thanks!

[@Yokainoko]

SWITCH HYPE!

[@godofsin4604]

Damn I remember playing this on the 360

[@anthonycarter1528]

~Hey... Thanks for reviewing this. Knew I could count on you guys at Defunct ;)

[@mercuryq1144]

I'll give this game a try. Looks fun

[@Gazooo29]

Buying this tomorrow 100%

[@pryncejonn4159]

Dude blkrambo11.... Let's destroy EVERYONE

[@j.d.toragui1520]

I just wonder if we ever will have a Phantom Beaker Battlegrounds 2

[@themblan]

Fantastic review. I am looking forward to this game on NS (Nintendo Switch).

[@MrXabungle]

I like how the man in suit enemy is modeled after former Taiwanese president Ma Ying Jeou. Very savage caricature.

[@DefunctGames]

Great catch. I hadn't even noticed that.

[@SimonPotticary73]

Phantom Breaker is a fantastic PS4 brawler, but I somehow still prefer the Vita version. Plus, love them pixels! [NOTE]: Yet another fantastic Defunct Games vid. Thanks!

[@Medachod]

You will love the Switch version then.

[@phantomgamer4463]

Gameplay wise its look exactly like PS1 Japanese beat em up "Panzer Bandit"

Looks great but I wish it wasn’t lil girls as the main characters so people can’t call me a perv I just wanna play a good game

[@MarceloKamui]

really nice video! Just wanna your opinion, I have this on the xbox 360 and I've played it a lot back then, should I get it on the pS4 or wait for a sale?

[@DefunctGames]

I've seen it pop up on sale a few times, but not recently. If you already own it on another platform, I would probably wait for a sale. But that's just me.

[@MarceloKamui]

thanks

[@ComputerFiguursNetwork]

If i ever make a commercial game, i'd hire you to do the voice in the trailer ;D

[@chrisofrays]

did you ever play Charlie Murder? i think you'll like that beat em up.

[@DefunctGames]

+chrisofrays You're right, Charlie Murder is something I would like. I reviewed it on the Defunct Games website back in 2013, before I started making accompanying video reviews. I gave it a B. It's a fun game. www.defunctgames.com/courant/729/charlie-murder

[@gravesphere7131]

YUS

[@Theshark15z]

The gameplay is very similar to Guardian Heroes and the coins and Gems falling out of the enemies, kind of reminds me of Super Gem Fighter Aka Pocket Fighter.

[@pickleeggs3340]

lapis labrynth

[@Kronos8456]

Amazing review I've subscribed to you

[@DefunctGames]

+Brett Jones Oh wow, thank you for the kind words (and pushing the subscribe button). I hope to not let you down.

[@lilphill8298]

i was wondering why kurisu “probably butchered the name” was on the thumbnail

[@LouerTube]

What do you mean by different routes, is it like guardian heroes?

[@DefunctGames]

+Louie Didcote No, it's nothing that elaborate. They simply added new areas for the PS4 version. Optional routes for bonus points.

[@LouerTube]

Ah, thanks for replying so quickly. Love the channel.

[@garyabernethy2]

id like to know what all those games were in the beginning

[@DefunctGames]

Good question. Here are the games featured before footage of Phantom Breaker starts: 1 - Streets of Rage 2 (Genesis) 2 - Final Fight (Arcade) 3 - Captain Commando (Arcade) 4 - Dragon's Crown (PlayStation 3)

[@RippahRooJizah]

*Watches footage* Well, whoever played this game clearly played Panzer Bandit. That lightning sphere thing looks way too familiar.

[@sudacagamer]

And Guardian Heroes.

[@jarryj1995]

Does anyone have this game on Xbox? I would really like to play. GT : DT CRYSIS

[@noisetank15]

Great review! It was a bit difficult hearing you butcher the Japanese terms, but the gameplay review was solid. do you believe the gameplay roots back to Guardian Heroes?

[@claytongrange2137]

Is there a game similar to this that has a more diverse playable cast?

[@DefunctGames]

Have you played Guardian Heroes?

[@claytongrange2137]

sigh, no :( I've never had a Sega Saturn.

[@DefunctGames]

It got a re-release on Xbox 360. I'm pretty sure it's still on sale in the marketplace and compatible with the Xbox One (though, don't quote me on that).

[@claytongrange2137]

I got no xbox systems either. I've got Sony and Nintendo systems. Dang. I guess I'm really surprised there aren't that many 2D (RPG) brawlers? I'm looking at Phantom Breaker and Code Princess and wanting something...similar, but...better? Both of those two games are easily available on Steam too. Still don't think I'll get either, unfortunately.

[@DefunctGames]

Have you played Foul Play? Odin Sphere Leifthrasir? Both of these games are on PlayStation 4 and Vita.

[@LunaMinuna]

Such like Scott Pilgrim

[@BlackKoshinomi]

Good review

[@DefunctGames]

+Black Koshinomi Thanks for the kind words, it means a lot. I appreciate you watching the video and leaving a comment.

[@jamergamer0076]

Looks fun!

[@DemonChildCC]

With no mention of this being taken from a fighting game of the same name.. it doesn't look any different than the game on 360.. I may get some funds and pick it up friday.. too bad the fighting games were cancelled in the US (though the japanese ps3 game is playable on any ps3)..

[@redrum9369]

Whats the song in the video??

[@DefunctGames]

I had to look it up, because this was before I started noting the music in the reviews. This is the title theme from Phantom Breaker: Battle Ground.

[@redrum9369]

Defunct Games THANK YOU, I SUBBED

[@rubengonzales9857]

two player?

[@DefunctGames]

Yes, it supports up to four player co-op.

[@rubengonzales9857]

thank you

[@darren2e]

What is the name of the game at 0:41 ???

[@DefunctGames]

That's a game called Dragon's Crown. You can find a recent review of Dragon's Crown Pro, the updated version that came to PlayStation 4 earlier this year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqWymmmnbNmknJY

[@FrankWestOffTheRecord]

What game is at 0:38?

[@DefunctGames]

That's a game called Dragon's Crown. I recently posted a new review of the updated PlayStation 4 version, which you can find right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqWymmmnbNmknJY

[@FrankWestOffTheRecord]

Defunct Games thank you

[@InoSense85]

00:37 What game is that?

[@DefunctGames]

+David White (Mr. No Chill) It's Captain Commando, a 1991 arcade game from Capcom. It was ported to Super NES, and then recently got a re-release on Capcom's Classic Arcade Collections on PSP and PlayStation 2. It's a fun (and forgotten) gem with some truly original characters.

[@InoSense85]

Defunct Games No, I know who Captain Commando is. I meant the game after that. Looked like Alucard but I'm not sure.

[@DefunctGames]

+David White (Mr. No Chill) Oh, my bad. That's a game called Dragon's Crown, which was released in 2013 on PlayStation 3 and PS Vita. It's a deep and involving brawler in the spirit of Dungeons and Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara.

[@InoSense85]

Defunct Games Cool, thanks bro!

[@VGHOST008]

I was really disappointed. Unlike SoR it's battle system is NOT deep and comes down to smashing ONE SINGLE BUTTON. You can finish the game without learning the combat system and, unlike Double Dragon Neon, the game doesn't punish you for doing so. What a shame...

[@bayuputrapriyatna2742]

are u cheating when fighting the boss ?

[@VGHOST008]

Dendenden What do you mean?

[@Medachod]

It's definitely deep. If you spam a lot, Phantom Battle will screw you over for it. Learning the defense system really pays off near the end. By using precise dodging maneuvers, I made a comeback on one of the bosses once and it was the most gratifying thing ever felt since it felt like I was the boss.

[@DatBoiRatchet]

Medachod hey I know your comment is 4 months old but I just brought this game like yesterday on ps4. It's a awesome game & i love beat em ups. I just wanted to know by any chance do you know what the characters pro/cons are? I'm trying to learn how to play the shrine maiden but I just don't know where to start. If you can reply I would greatly appreciate your time in replying

[@cd4playa1245]

This game looks like an imminent seizure.

[@PhinioxGlade]

So more pixelated character designs. I'm quite sick of this style. This art was clearly drawn than pixelated

[@brux357]

Phiniox Glade Really? I couldn't be more different! I don't think I'll ever get sick of high quality pixel art. This game's art style really hit the spot for me, and I thought the animation was top notch too.

[@PhinioxGlade]

Brooks Cannon I'm just a little sick of pixel art. There was a joke in webcomics with this beautifully rendered game and a producer say make it more indie. Then panel is it just pixelated. I want more graphical variety in more indie titles. When every developer is doing pixel art it loses a lot of its charm.

[@DefunctGames]

Phiniox Glade Although I largely enjoy pixel art (and the look of this game, more specifically), I completely understand where you're coming from. Out of curiosity, do you see a distinction between the look of this game and, say, Axiom Verge? Is it all pixel art you're sick of, or just this variety?

[@PhinioxGlade]

Defunct Games it's the over abundance of pixel art. Once novel now has become a little generic. I lack the nostalgia buttons of the 16 bit generation, jumping from NES to PS1. I'm really for the nostalgia to move forward to the mid to late 90s. Bring on the rap rock inspired x games fuelled fun :) I brought Axem Verge, it looks ugly as hell. Controlled well.

[@brux357]

Phiniox Glade Yeah I understand where you're coming from. Pixel art is starting to feel a little worn out by now, but at least there are still visually unique games like Ori and the Blind Forest and Cuphead to keep the look of indie games from feeling too stagnant.