Netmarble's turn-based gacha RPG 'Phantomgate: The Last Valkyrie' is here

Netmarble doesn't have the greatest reputation. Thanks to its heavy-handed use of free-to-play mechanics and plenty of expensive in-app purchases, a lot of shade gets thrown its way, and deservedly so. That's why the release of its latest gacha RPG is a bit of a rare occurrence, it's actually not that bad. After a lengthy soft-launch period Phantomgate: The Last Valkyrie is finally available on the Google Play Store, and despite the expected downsides of a title like this, there's a lot of fun to be had. So if you are a fan of 2D platforming and classic turn-based RPG battles, you're going to want to give this a gander.

Last year (almost to the day) I went hands-on with a soft-launch build of Phantomgate: The Last Valkyrie. It was clear the game leaned heavily on gacha mechanics, but thankfully its solid platforming gameplay mixed with classic turn-based RPG battles makes for an enjoyable experience. There's still plenty of issues to look out for, such as diminishing stamina tied to each fight, not to mention a wide range of in-app purchases that reach up to $99.99 per item. Luckily, for a lot of the gameplay, you can ignore these issues, which is why I recommend checking this title out so that you can make up your own mind.

The graphics are of course a big draw, and I have to give credit where it's due, as this is a great looking game. The gorgeous design is very fitting for something based around Norse mythology. Each stage is a sight to behold, and the 3D character models look great as they traverse the beautiful world.

Getting down to the nitty-gritty. There are over 300 companions to collect, and you can choose how to evolve each one into a powerful new form. Your job is to help unravel the story of the protagonist's mysterious past as you uncover an unforgettable and emotional tale, though I can't say much of it is very memorable. There are six separate regions to make your way through, and each one looks different from the last. Puzzles play an essential role in reaching these new zones, which gives the platforming a slight Metroidvania bend.

Despite the many downsides to playing a free-to-play gacha game from the likes of Netmarble, there is a lot to like about Phantomgate: The Last Valkyrie. The design is beautiful, the platforming is enjoyable, and the turn-based battles should be comfortingly familiar for any RPG fan. Think of this release as a free-to-play version of Child of Light, and you get the picture. It may not offer something wholly original, but it's not bad for what it is.

PRESS RELEASE

EMBARK ON A NORSE MYTHOLOGY-INSPIRED JOURNEY WITH LAUNCH OF PHANTOMGATE: THE LAST VALKYRIE

Original Theme Song and Music Video Produced by Internet Sensation Kurt Hugo Schneider and Recording Artist Macy Kate

LOS ANGELES – SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 – Netmarble Corp., the fastest-growing mobile game company worldwide has launched Phantomgate: The Last Valkyrie, an all-new original free-to-play mobile adventure role-playing game (RPG) inspired by the rich tradition of Norse mythology, and is now available for download on iOS and Android mobile devices.

To celebrate the launch of Netmarble’s latest title, the company partnered with famed music producer Kurt Hugo Schneider and solo recording artist Macy Kate to create an all-new music video utilizing Phantomgate’s theme song. In addition, an instrumental rendition of the game’s theme composed by popular violinist Taylor Davis will be added to the game via an update at a later date. Fans can check out both music videos below:

· Phantomgate Netmarble (ft. Macy Kate, Kurt Hugo Schneider) - https://youtu.be/VqPD8NIw2Ig

· Phantomgate Theme (Starry Eye) Violin Cover - Taylor Davis - https://youtu.be/9zPlWazFn4E

“It was a fun challenge to take the rich visuals of Phantomgate and translate them into a musical experience,” said Schneider. “I hope both players and music fans will enjoy this track!”

Phantomgate is inspired by the rich tradition of Nordic myth as players follow Astrid, a courageous, young Valkyrie who is on a journey to save her mother from the clutches of the mad god Odin after defying the gods to protect Astrid from capture. Astrid must overcome danger and hardship by navigating the land of Midgard, partner with four unique heroes during her journey and purify enemy monsters known as Phantoms to join her party – all in a grand effort to reunite with her mother.

At launch, players can look forward to a mix of side-scrolling adventures with a unique twist of classic turn-based RPG combat with real-time Player-vs-Player (PVP) features, all threaded together with an engaging story that takes Astrid across Midgard with beautiful platforming levels featuring console-quality graphics, challenging puzzles and more. There are also over 300 unique Phantoms that players can discover, fight, collect and evolve to tackle specific missions in Astrid’s journey.

Other key features for Phantomgate include:

· Turn-Based Combat Buffs and Debuffs - During battles in Phantomgate, bubbles with upgrade and downgrade effects spawn randomly for players to tap and drag to appropriate characters on the screen. Effects can include attack increases, defense decreases and more.

· Real-Time PVP System - Phantomgate utilizes real-time synchronization to deliver intense combat between players thanks to strategic use of the buffs and debuffs which appear during battle and can be used by either player. Bubble Combat system.

· Phantom Evolution System - As players explore Midgard and evolve their Phantoms, they will have a choice in how they steer their companion's advanced evolutions. By choosing to evolve with specific items, players will have a number of alternate Phantom evolutions to choose from - all with different looks, elements and abilities to utilize.

"As an all-new IP, the Phantomgate team aimed to provide players an enjoyable story with relatable characters enhanced by some of the best in-game graphics found on mobile devices along with the deep gameplay mechanics fans are used to seeing in Netmarble games. We’re excited to bring Astrid’s journey to life and look forward to supporting her – and the player’s journey – with future updates to the game,” said Jung-ho Lee, Division Director of Netmarble.

Starting today, Phantomgate’s first in-game event – Find the Hidden Easter Eggs! – is available for players to complete until its closure on Oct. 17. Details on the event are below:

· To participate, players can find in-game hints by completing missions as they play. After discovering these hints and finding the Easter Egg, players can add to their score and increase their event rank.

· Players can also increase their score and rank by inviting their friends to play Phantomgate with a special friend code. Rewards can also be earned by logging into the game every day

Phantomgate is now available as a free download (with in-app purchases). To download the game, please visit the App Store or Google Play.