Phantom Breaker Battle Grounds Ultimate - Full Story, No Deaths (Nightmare Mode)
153Phantom Breaker Battle Grounds was originally released on the 360 back in 2013. It's a 2D side scrolling beat em' up that takes a lot of inspiration from Guardian Heroes, especially. Now in 2025, they've completely rebuilt the game for this Ultimate version, which has expanded movesets for the playable characters, playable enemy characters, a remastered soundtrack and online multiplayer for up to 8 people.
Much like Guardian Heroes, this also has the two plane format, instead of totally free movement, an RPG-like progression system where you can increase your character's attack/defense/speed, and combat that plays a bit like an anime fighting game, with long combos, air dashing, special and EX attacks, counters, a heat mode, etc. All the different mechanics makes it fairly complex, but it's actually pretty simple to play. Your strategy doesn't have to change much, you can just run up on a group of enemies and burn through them with a big combo. It's fun to play, especially with such a huge cast of characters to use, but don't expect a lot of strategic depth or challenge. I'd say it's a more casual beat em up that you can pick up and easily start having fun with.
It's also worth mentioning that for Steins;Gate fans, this includes Kurisu as a playable guest character. Her combos call in assists from some of the other SG characters, and others appear during her intro animation and such. I liked Steins;Gate a lot, so being able to play as Kurisu is one of thr coolest things about the game, for me at least.
I'll make a video with her next, but she's only playable in arcade mode - she doesn't have a story like the 4 main protagonists.
Thanks to Rocket Panda Games for sending me a code for review! The game is currently available on Steam, Switch, Xbox One and Series, Playstation 4 and 5, and the Epic Games Store for $24.99, so you can play it just about anywhere! Personally, I think it's a perfect fit for a portable system like the Switch and Steam Deck.
0:00 Intro
2:13 Stage 0 - Akihabara
15:39 Stage 1 - University of Music
25:50 Stage 2 - Ship Shaped Pavillion
35:29 Stage 3 - Ikebukuro
45:50 Stage 4 - Shinjuku
59:05 Stage 5 - Shrine
1:09:16 Stage 6 - Magic Sky
1:23:52 Stage 7 - Escape
1:31:30 Ending & Credits
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Beat 'em Ups (e.g. Final Fight): • Beat 'em Ups
2D Action (e.g. Metal Slug): • 2D Action
STG/Shmups (e.g. Dodonpachi): • STG Replays