If this title means something to you, it's because Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds was first released on Xbox 360 in 2013 before making its way to PS Vita (2014), PC (2015), PS4 (2015) and Switch (2017). A fragmented distribution that will not be found for this Ultimate version, proud to announce its worldwide and simultaneous release on all major platforms on the market: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Switch, Steam and Epic Games Store. To appeal to those who have already played the game, Rocket Panda Games is highlighting a complete overhaul with the Unreal Engine 5 engine. If the game seems to have exactly the same face, we are told that the gameplay has been reworked and that the special effects will be flashier. Add to that the presence of a local co-op mode (up to 4) and online (up to 6) as well as Versus modes that can accommodate up to 8 players with crossplay support.
Already enriched over the ports by Kurisu Makise (Steins;Gate) and Frau Kôjirô (Robotics;Notes), Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate will still gain a few additional playable characters, including villains to play as in Arcade mode. The game's soundtrack has also been completely remastered, with players having the option to choose between the classic version chiptuned to the tips of your nails or the brand new soundtrack composed by the fictional female J-rock group, the Phantom Breakers.
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Pre-orders are already open for this remaster which will be released at a price of 25 dollars for download, but also commercially in standard edition (40 dollars) and Ultimate (110 dollars). This collector's item includes a set of items including a Mikoto Nishina figurine, a soundtrack CD, an artbook and a limited edition box set. Note that to date the European distributor of these physical editions is not yet known.
The Phantom Breaker saga began in 2011 with a 2D fighting game developed by Mages released in Japan on Xbox 360. The beat'em up Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds appeared in 2013 on the same console before being ported almost everywhere until 2017. A long break followed until the global launch of Phantom Breaker: Omnia in March 2022 by the young label Rocket Panda Games, which immediately finalized the acquisition of the franchise. In anticipation of the launch of Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimateprevious versions of Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds were withdrawn from sale last March. The official website of the game is available here.