Developer – Nippon Ichi Software, Inc.

Publisher – NIS America Inc.

Platforms –   PS4/5, Nintendo Switch , PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Publisher

When Nippon Ichi Software ran a poll among American fans to gauge their most beloved characters, they fully expected the Disgaea crew (icons of the company’s quirky tactical RPG brand) to come out on top . Instead, it was Phantom Brave’s Marona and her ghostly allies who took the top spots, more than twenty years after the game’s original release. That unexpected surge of fan passion was enough to spark a sequel long thought unlikely. With support from NIS America, the team reunited to craft Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, a follow-up built on the legacy of an underdog that never really left the hearts of its players.

So what is the sequel about ? Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero wastes no time diving back into the oceanic world of Ivoire, setting the stage for a whimsical yet melancholy journey that balances heartfelt emotion with the lighthearted charm the series is known for. Set just months after the events of the original Phantom Brave, the story picks up with Marona and her ever-loyal phantom companion, Ash, setting sail once more to help those in need across the scattered islands. As always, Marona’s ability to commune with the dead—Phantoms—makes her a unique and often misunderstood presence in the world, but her unshakable resolve to do good grounds the narrative in familiar, comforting territory.

The central conflict begins with a bang, quite literally, as ghost ships—collectively known as the ominous Shipwreck Fleet—emerge from the sea fog to attack Marona and Ash mid-voyage. In the chaos, a shadowy antagonist ambushes them, forcing Ash to make the ultimate sacrifice. He manages to save Marona by whisking her away, but at the cost of being left behind himself. This early blow not only reestablishes the stakes but also provides a poignant reason for Marona’s quest—her journey is no longer just about helping others, but also about reuniting with Ash, the closest thing she has to family.

Stranded and heartbroken, Marona washes ashore on an unfamiliar island where she meets Apricot, a ghost girl with a mission of her own. Apricot’s backstory adds a new layer of intrigue: her father, once the captain of a legendary pirate crew, disappeared when the Shipwreck Fleet scattered their forces and plunged the seas into fear. Together, the two girls form a natural partnership, both driven by loss and the desire to reclaim what was taken from them. Their growing friendship provides a sweet emotional anchor for the story, and the decision to pair Marona with another strong female lead feels like a thoughtful evolution of the original game’s themes of compassion and perseverance.

What follows is a sea-spanning adventure filled with haunted islands, lost crewmates, and cursed relics—all steeped in the rich lore of Ivoire. The mission is clear: reform Apricot’s father’s legendary crew and confront the supernatural threat once and for all. But it’s not just about collecting party members; each Phantom recruit has their own past, often tinged with regret, longing, or unfinished business. These micro-stories echo the melancholic tone of the original Phantom Brave, reinforcing the game’s belief that even in death, hope and purpose endure.

The idea of binding Phantoms to physical objects makes a story-based return as well, not just as a gameplay mechanic but a metaphor for connection. As Marona gathers allies and rekindles their sense of identity, the act of giving form to Phantoms once again feels like an act of love—a way to say, you matter, even now. And as she merges with them during combat to unleash awe-inspiring powers, the story leans into a more action-driven fantasy flair, without losing sight of its emotional roots.

Apricot’s personal arc offers a compelling parallel to Marona’s. Where Marona’s journey is defined by her undying loyalty to Ash and her role as a medium for the dead, Apricot’s is shaped by her longing for closure and the truth about her father’s fate. As the two grow closer, their stories begin to mirror each other, ultimately culminating in questions about legacy, loss, and what it truly means to move on without forgetting.

The game also toys with the idea of heroism in subtle but effective ways. The legendary pirate crew, once considered saviors of the sea, are revealed to be more complex than their stories suggest. Some are reluctant to return, others harbor guilt, and a few question whether their past glory was even justified. This moral grayness adds a thoughtful layer to what could have been a straightforward reunion quest, giving weight to the idea that heroism isn’t just about defeating evil—it’s about rising again in the face of sorrow, even when it hurts.

Yet despite all these strong character moments and thematic touches, the way the story is delivered proves to be its Achilles’ heel. While the premise is rich and the characters compelling, key story beats—especially those involving Ash’s fate, Apricot’s father, and the true identity of the Shipwreck Fleet’s leader—are frustratingly withheld unless players purchase additional DLC. This means the emotional payoff, the climactic revelations, and even the full arc of Marona’s growth are locked behind a separate price tag, leaving the base experience feeling like an unfinished prologue.

That’s right ,Although fans eagerly asked for the sequel, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero bears a title that might carry an unintended double meaning. Sure, “The Lost Hero” may refer to some grand narrative within the game’s lore—but it just as easily points to the game’s own missing heart: its story. In a baffling move that undercuts much of the excitement surrounding its return, the majority of the core narrative content has been cordoned off behind a paywall, offered as downloadable content rather than part of the base experience. For longtime fans who waited decades to see Marona’s journey continue, this feels less like a triumphant return and more like a ghost of what could have been.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a charming and enjoyable sequel that captures much of the original’s heart, offering fun tactical gameplay and a touching new adventure for Marona and Apricot. However, its strongest story moments are frustratingly kept behind DLC, which dampens the emotional impact of the journey. It’s sad to say , but the real tragedy of The Lost Hero is that its heart is sold separately.