Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate succeeds in its mission of offering a (currently) definitive version of the Phantom Breaker franchise spin-off. While there are several good beat 'em ups in the Switch library, there's no denying that this young girls fighters' adventure performs well and especially fits the versatility of Nintendo's device. So, if what you're looking for is a new adventure in this genre currently in a recent boom, this is a very solid choice despite not being quite as spectacular as some more modern titles; nonetheless, if you keep your expectations in check, it's perfectly possible to have fun here.

Missing the opportunity of bringing a new chapter to the series, Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate is a basic revisiting of a competent beat 'em up.

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate’s visual upgrades, addition of an English dub, and new co-op action breathe new life into this beat’em up even if it feels like more could have been done.

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate delivers a tight, stylish beat ‘em up that blends arcade action with the depth of a fighting game. Whether you’re in it for the couch co-op mayhem, the deep skill system, or just the chance to wreck bad guys with a giant anime sword, there’s something here for everyone. It’s an easy game to pick up for a quick session and rewarding enough to come back to repeatedly. Whether alone or with friends, this one punches way above its chibi weight class.

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate combines the aesthetic of chibi characters with an addictive beat 'n up, blending fighting game mechanics from the original Phantom Breaker. Despite the constant threat of Phantom and his minions, Mikoto, Waka, Itsuki, and Yuzuha's journey to rescue Nagi is filled with fun and challenging moments, featuring a well-balanced relationship between challenge and reward due to its various difficulty levels.

Phantom Breaker Battle Grounds Ultimate is, overall, an unnecessary remaster. The switch to Unreal Engine 5 doesn't add much to a game of this type, no meaningful content was introduced, and it mainly serves to bring in a remixed soundtrack, the option to play as enemies, and crossplay. For new players, it’s still a valid way to experience Phantom Breaker Battle Grounds, as it remains a fun title on its own. However, for those who’ve already explored the original game, there aren’t many reasons to return to the streets of Tokyo.

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate is undeniably beautifully executed in terms of its aesthetics, and has a real sheen of sparkling, flashy craziness that some will adore.

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds: Ultimate is a loving remaster/reworking of the original title, it is bursting with content and all of the originals wide-eyed excess. For those revisiting this will be everything they could possibly want (bigger roster, more modes, better multiplayer). For hardcore beat ‘em up fans the combat might not be deep enough for them but they aren’t the target audience for this title.

Phantom Breaker: Battlegrounds Ultimate is a charming update to a quirky brawler that's ideal for co-op play, but its grindy progression and shallow narrative might leave solo players wanting more.

Phantom Breaker Battle Grounds Ultimate is a welcome return, a great gaming experience that shows its full potential in Co-op, thanks especially to its large roster. PBBGU's gameplay remains fun and rewarding, even though with some flaws given by an old design. Graphically it has been rebuild from the ground, maintaining its nature in pixel art loved by fans.