Rocket Panda Games has announced a release date for Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate, the new remastered version of their sidescrolling beat ’em up game Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds.
Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate is launchingon February 13th, 2025 worldwide for Windows PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PS4, and PS5.
A physical edition on every console platform is planned and preorders are now available. There’s a $39.99 standard physical edition and a big $109.99 ultimate edition that includes: a Mikoto Figure, Soundtrack CD, Artbook, and Limited Edition Box.
“Fragmented releases across platforms, countries, and languages have frustrated me as a gamer and as someone in the game industry,” said M.Panda, Rocket Panda Games’ CEO, “Who doesn’t want to share an experience with their peers from around the world at the same moment in time? We did everything in our power to deliver a seamless online experience while partnering with physical publishers in every region we could. We may be small and we may be indie, but we will never stop trying to punch above our weight.”
Here’s a rundown on the new remaster, plus a new gameplay trailer:
Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate has been rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5, this remarkable game stands as a complete remaster of the beloved original beat’em up, “Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds,” first introduced in 2013.
Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate revitalizes the classic anime brawler with enhanced visuals, improved gameplay mechanics, and an array of exciting new features, making this the definitive version of the game. Fans of the original and newcomers alike will be immersed in a captivating world of action and adventure like never befor.
Story
A mysterious man known as the Phantom has awakened and hatches a plan to unseal his dark powers. By giving ancient weapons known as the F.A. (Fu-mension Artifacts) to youths with special abilities, he convinces them to battle each other with the promise to grant the wishes of the victors. However, each time the Fu-mension Artifacts are used in battle, they create a rift between parallel worlds, which will inevitably unseal the Phantom’s powers.
Waka, the daughter of the Kumon Family, a clan tasked with protecting the world from the Phantom, and her friend Mikoto, attempt to stop him. However, in an alternate timeline the Phantom manages to escape and kidnaps Waka’s younger sister, Nagi. Waka and Mikoto, along with Itsuki, self-proclaimed “Arbiter of Justice” and Yuzuha, a ninja unpersuaded by the lure of the Phantom, set off to rescue Nagi and stop his nefarious plan.
Key Features
- Revamped Gameplay: Experience smoother, more fluid gameplay with retuned battle system, ensuring that every punch, kick, and special move is executed with precision.
- Co-op and Online Multiplayer: Team up with friends in local co-op or challenge up to 8 fighters from around the world cross-platform.
- Playable Enemy Characters: Take on the role of powerful adversaries from the Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds universe, each with their own distinct combat styles and abilities in Arcade Mode.
- Original Soundtrack Remastered: An all new soundtrack has been added to immerse yourself in the game’s dynamic atmosphere and also includes all of the tracks from the original and Overdrive.
- Phantom Breakers All-Girl J-Rock Band Debut: All new opening song performed by the Phantom Breakers consisting of the in-universe characters, Mikoto, Waka, Itsuki, Yuzuha and Maestra.
