Nippon Ichi Software has announced the release date for Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, the sequel to the 2004 PSP TRPG classic. During the recent Tokyo Game Show, we had the chance to go hands-on with the game and sit down with its scenario writer, Kento Jobana. Jobana discussed the challenges of revisiting a series after so many years, the themes of death and the supernatural prominent in Nippon Ichi Software’s works, and more.
“I have been involved with Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero since the very beginning,” Jobana said. “Initially, I was reluctant to tackle it, especially under the expectation that it would become another pillar of the company, akin to Disgaea.”
At first, Jobana requested to introduce new main characters, but his superiors insisted on bringing back the original ones. They believed Jobana could deliver a compelling story with the returning characters, and he knew they had to live up to the fans’ expectations by ensuring the original voice actors reprised their roles.
Jobana was essentially directed to find ways to work within specific guidelines, which led him to revisit the original game and its novelization with a fresh perspective. He discovered unexplored story elements that he could expand upon. Unlike Disgaea, which features new main characters in each installment, Phantom Brave required Jobana to develop existing characters further while still allowing for new growth.
Ultimately, this has been a valuable challenge, pushing him to innovate as a scenario writer.
Phantom Brave’s legacy explored deeply
Reflecting on what fans loved about the original Phantom Brave, Jobana realized the key was Marona’s journey from an ostracized individual to one who earns the affection of those around her.
Therefore, he created a new character, Apricot, to undertake a similar growth trajectory while delving deeper into Marona and Ash’s relationship. Additionally, Jobana focused on Phantoms, like Henna, who have their own personality and backstory, bringing new narratives and relationships into the mix. After deciding to focus on different Phantoms, he considered what might keep them tethered to the living world.
Themes like unfulfilled wishes or loved ones left behind naturally lend themselves to drama. Death and the afterlife are recurring themes in NIS’s stories. Jobana said the company is genuinely drawn to exploring the darker side of life and human nature.
Many of their creators have their unique perspectives on death and what lies beyond. Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is poised to bring its unique blend of strategy and storytelling back to fans old and new, continuing to explore themes that resonate on both personal and metaphysical levels. The game is set to launch worldwide on January 30, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
A PC release will follow at a later date.
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