Fighting games attract three breeds of players. First, there are the button mashers. This group is unpredictable and they know it. Second, is the casual gamer, a rare breed who likes to relive that arcade experience. Finally, there are the pros! These guys/girls practice until their fingers bleed and know every combo attack going. Phantom Breaker: Omnia is an Anime beat ’em up that is great for newcomers and veterans alike.
Developed and published by Rocket Panda Games, this is a 2D fighting game. It utilises Manga imagery and subsequently, it’s sexy, stylish, and a little weird. It’s the perfect title for every breed of player as it’s quick, user-friendly, and easy to understand.
Phantom Breaker: Omnia isn’t new.
Residents of Japan will scoff at our fascination with this new fighting title. Why you might wonder? Because it was released around 11 years ago exclusively for a Japanese audience. However, it is new to us, and I’m excited to see what is on offer. In short, it’s a straightforward, fast-paced 2D fighter that blends Dead or Alive with Street Fighter. Consequently, you get a striking title that has many strong stories and some bizarre characters.
The action spans multiple game modes, with the story element being the strongest and most important. To bulk the gameplay out, the developers added a tutorial mode, couch competitive and online competitive options. So far, so good. As you load in, you get the clichéd Asian imagery as well as some mystical nonsense to set the scene. Sadly, it’s very dated, but it works well with the theme.
The solo mode allows you to select from 20 unique fighters who all have a story to tell. This eclectic blend of warriors each has a dream that they are willing to die for. Subsequently, they will fight whoever stands in their way. This forms the basis of the single-player mode and is fascinating to experience. The excellent writing and layers of lore build rapport with each character and make it hard to put down.
A great game for casual players.
I’ve always enjoyed the fighting genre, yet I never excel at it. Fundamentally, I understand what I need to do, but a lack of practice always stands in my way. Luckily, though, Phantom Breaker: Omnia is different. Its easy-to-understand mechanics make it perfect for casual players. Consequently, with little effort, you can challenge global players and stand a chance of winning. However, there still are moments of finesse, therefore hardcore fans will find something to get their teeth into.
Most characters have three combat modes to pick from. There is quick, hard, and Omnia. The quick mode favours jabs and lighter moves. It is perfect for button-mashing gamers and is tough to handle. The hard option is great for methodical players who like to combine combinations and hefty punches. Omnia, on the other hand, is new to this version of the game. It combines elements of the previous approaches and offers a Jack of all trades style.
Depending on the character you select, each of these styles will offer unique tactical advantages. Accordingly, if you select a light, fast, and long reached fighter, you’ll want the quick set-up. On the flip side, if your warrior is hefty and a bit of a brute, the hard mode is probably the right choice. However, you must select what works for you, and I loved the freedom you are afforded.
The AI is good, but fighting humans is better.
Competing against AI is always going to feel robotic. Furthermore, there is always the belief that the result is somehow rigged. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the balance of the difficulty and the challenge of the story mode. Yet, I love battling like-minded individuals and both the online and couch competitive modes were great.
Fortunately, there is an active online community that lacks toxicity. I fully expected to be abused, screamed at, or told to “get guud”. Thankfully, this never happened as it’s an instant turn off. Now, I’m not saying that trolls don’t play this game, but luckily, I never crossed their bridges.
Phantom Breaker: Omnia looks old.
I’m not a massive Anime/Manga fan. It’s not because I don’t appreciate the artistry or the vivid colours. No, I just don’t like the over-sexualised imagery. However, the fighting genre just about gets away with flashing a little more flesh. Subsequently, the grotesquely toned men and big-boobed women don’t look out of place. Phantom Breaker: Omnia has this and more in its 2D fantasy Asian world. Moreover, there is a bizarre blend of backdrops to enjoy and some strange characters to observe. What’s more, the action is smooth, error-free, and great to look at. Sadly, though, it doesn’t have a modern finish. Therefore, it isn’t as striking as I’d expect, as it looks dated. Fortunately, this doesn’t impact the gameplay, I just wanted more.
As expected, the audio is loud, in your face, and a little OTT. The high-energy tunes follow every battle, and this was great. The electro-Asian music adds aggression to each encounter, and was what I hoped for. On top of this, there are some nice soundbites and crazy sound effects. Consequently, you’ll enjoy the crashing of fists and some unusual noises. However, I wasn’t surprised by what I heard, but it was enjoyable and well-considered, nonetheless.
Simple control set-up.
I love how easy Phantom Breaker: Omnia is to play. With a basic layout, simple fundamentals, and awesome combos, you’ll be battling in no time. Yet, things are complicated slightly because of the three combat approaches and the different character styles. Now, this didn’t make it difficult to play. Instead, it adds a layer of depth that is great for hardcore fans. Alongside this, the buttons are extremely responsive and this is perfect to contend with the hectic action.
All fighting games are addictive, but does Phantom Breaker: Omnia have longevity and replay value? In short, yes! Each story has multiple battles that can be cut short. Moreover, the online and couch competitive modes will keep you coming back for more. On top of this, there is a hefty achievement list and an array of combo attacks to learn. Subsequently, it’ll keep you busy for hours.
Phantom Breaker: Omnia is a wonderful fighting game.
This is a saturated marketplace, yet Phantom Breaker: Omnia stands out. Its blend of stories and strange characters is wonderful to see. Though it isn’t as polished as I’d like, it was still well presented and ran smoothly. Furthermore, the audio is great and the controls are responsive and easy to master. All things considered, I enjoyed it and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you fight for what you desire? Choose your warrior, pick a style, and battle for victory.
