Months after a teaser announcement, 5pb. has finally taken the veil off its original fighting game Phantom Breaker. This week's Famitsu reveals the platform for the game to be Xbox 360 and shares first gameplay and story details.
For its first fighting game, the adventure masters at 5pb. are promising simple controls and a deep combat system. You can select between "Quick" and "Hard" fighting styles for your fighters. It's unclear what the different modes do, but regardless of the mode, the game's special attacks will be performed with a single button press -- no need to input commands. Despite this simplicity, the game does include advanced elements like countering and guard breaking.
The game screen (which those without access to Famitsu probably won't see until later in the week) displays two gauges. Your Burst Gauge is built up by beating up on your foe. It can then be used to strengthen your specials and to escape combo attacks. Your Tension Gauge is built up by countering enemy attacks. Once full, you can use a powerful "Critical Burst" special.
The game's cast of fighters are known as "Duelists." As the story goes, they've all been invited to Tokyo by a mysterious person known as Phantom to take part in the "Duel." The prize for the winner is an item known as F.A, capable of granting a wish.
Characters introduced in the magazine include:
MikotoA black haired bishojo who makes use of large sword known as "Maestro." She attends music college as a violinist.
RenA hot blooded male fighter who uses a gauntlet as his weapon. He's joined in the fight to help his sister, who has an incurable disease.ItsukiA former high society girl who now works at a restaurant. She uses a "battle hammer" named "Maggie" as her weapon.YuzuhaYuzuha hopes for a revival of the shogunate. She makes use of a kunai and Ninjaken as her weapons.MeiA 14-year-old idol who got her break playing a witch. As her weapon, she makes use of a magical stick known as "Candy."WakaA maiden at a shrine. She's fighting to stop the duels.RiaA girl who's pursuing her mother's rival. She makes use of a dual sword called Ardina.EmuA duelist who makes use of a weapon called "Humangasu." She's lost her memory and is taking part in the duel to fulfill her impulse to destroy things.The characters were designed by Hiro Suzuhira. Suzuhira's artwork will be featured prominently in the game, which offers crisp HD visuals and cut-ins for special attacks.
5pb. CEO Chiyomaru Shikura shared a short message with the magazine. "5pb.'s original fighting game Phantom Breaker. We've at long last been able to unveil it. And not only that, but it's not a port from arcades or other platforms, but a completely new Xbox 360 title. In addition to the 5pb-esque world setting, character design and high level voice cast, we're developing it with a focus on the enjoyment of a fighting game. However, the hurdles are not high, so those who aren't accustomed to fighting games will be able to enjoy themselves as well. By the way, I'm making the lyrics for the opening theme song myself."
Development on Phantom Breaker is currently at 68%, with a release is set for Spring 2011. Further details will be coming when the game's official website opens in late November.
5pb. also reveals in Famitsu plans for a January 8 press conference. The focus at this event, which will also be attended by some lucky fans, will be Phantom Breaker and Xbox 360 shooter Bullet Soul
