Phantom Crash

Infobox VG
title = Phantom Crash


developer = Genki
publisher = Phantagram
distributor = Encore
designer = Sangyoun Lee
engine = N/A
version = 1.0
released = November 11, 2002
genre = Action, Mech Simulator
modes = Single-player, Multiplayer
ratings = vgratings|ESRB= Teen
platforms = Xbox
media = DVD-ROM

requirements = None
input = Controller

Phantom Crash is a high-speed Mech combat simulator released by Genki in 2002 for the Microsoft Xbox console. It allowed for large amounts of customization for the weapons, from the AI controlling the mech all the way down to the paintjob. The game rights were sold to Konami and a sequel, , was released exclusively for the PlayStation 2 console.The Phantom Crash series stands out from other Mech combat games in that it focuses very heavily on stealth tactics. Gameplay is not strictly about maneuverability and aim, but about ambush, hiding, and escape. This is largely caused by the inclusion of the ability to become invisible for a short period, which is usable by both the player and enemies.

Plot

The game takes place in a cyberpunk universe, and starts in the year 2031. Old Tokyo is a deserted ruin, but a haven for Rumbling, a form of combat in mecha for sport. You play a recent arrival (who you name), and climb the ranks of this sport. You meet many characters and animal-like computers known as chips throughout the game as your progress through the rankings and subtle sub-plots involving character actions become apparent. While they are not a primary feature of the game the storylines and sub-plots provide an interesting distraction.

Companies in the Game

Altrough they're fictional, they based on real companies. They manufacture the Mechs in the game.

All Profiles taken from the Wallpapers from the Official Site of Phantom Crash.

Kojima Industries [http://www.genki.co.jp/games/phantomcrash/download/wp21_ll.html]

Founded 1969 in Tokyo as a steel manufactoring plant, began constructing SV's in the early 2020's.Produce the lightweight Photon SV Mech. It based on the real Company Kojima Iron works. [http://www.kojimatekko.co.jp/e/index2.htm]

American Stars [http://www.genki.co.jp/games/phantomcrash/download/wp23_ll.html]

Founded 1991 in the United States as a conglomerate of several american corporations.Creator of the second SV, the Soldier boy in 2012. Their in-game mech is the heavyweight-class Aeron.

Ventuno Gruppo [http://www.genki.co.jp/games/phantomcrash/download/wp22_ll.html]

Founded 2001 in Italy as a conglomerate of Italian Carmakers, manufactured the first SV in 2008, the Holy Mk1.Their current in-game model is the middleweight Holy Mk4.

OMSK

Although this russian company hasn't been included in Phantom crash, their SV, the Charga, can be unlocked by beating the first ranker, Yuki.

In , OMSK has been fully integrated as a SV manufacturer.

Gameplay

The primary focus of the game is to rumble with a mech called an SV. Rumbles are large scale deathmatches which involve several SVs fighting in the same arena. Rumbles can take place in three arenas, all of which have multiple entry points for various strategies. Every in-game day, the three standard arenas will have various types of rumbles to compete in, especially rumbled which are specified for certain ranks. Much of the game requires advancement through the ranking system of rank D (lowest) through to rank A (highest), though the player has the option of jumping straight into rank A. However, with a new profile, immediately entering an A rank rumble would most likely result in immediate destruction. In a rumble, generally after every enemy has been defeated at least once, an area ranker (equivalent to a boss) appears on the battlefield. Defeating the ranker results in defeating the rank itself. Opponents will respawn through the entry points of the battlefield after being killed, players will not. Once the player is destroyed by an opponent his part of the rumble is over and he will be forced to repair everything destroyed, which is generally the entire SV. To avoid repairs, players can exit the arena at any time by leaving via the entry points. NPC opponents will not leave after entering the battlefield, save for respawning after being destroyed.

There are three primary forms of SVs which can be used in rumbles. Each class has its own SVs and parts which can be purchased either from the original dealer or from a secondhand shop nearby. SVs all have a certain capacity for weight, and will become overweight and unusable if equipped with too much or too little. However, weight of various items can be changed for a very high price. There are many items to choose from, though because some of the payment system is semi-randomized, several SVs will be far more or less expensive than the actual worth of the model on any given day.

ound track

The game has a large soundtrack of both real-world music and songs composed for the game. Most songs are available from the in-game music store, Sonic Amp, and song settings can be changed from the Garage.

Reception

Although sales were fairly poor, the game has a small cult following. The game is translated from the original Japanese, and has a moderate level of engrish. Most in-game conversations have relatively good spelling, however many item names suffered from engrish. The primary example is the case of "apple" being spelled "aple" and "ample" in various cases of stickers.

Xbox Backwards Compatibility

It has been found to be highly incompatible with the Xbox 360. Scratches on the game disk make the game somewhat or entirely unplayable, as well as having serious slow down issues and several cases of the game freezing. The framerate is low and Microsoft will most likely not release updates for this game, due to low sales.

Phantom Crash has been tested on both the Xbox and Xbox 360, and it has been found in few cases that the game will only suffer in framerate on the Xbox 360 where it would with the standard Xbox. There have not been several cases of crashing, and the game runs significantly better on the Xbox hard drive. However, most cases will still have significant problems with the game if played in the Xbox 360.

All levels, except area ranker fights and trial mode for a scoobee lag, even if the disc used is brand-new, with no scratches. Slowdown is most common during large-scale battles involving three of more SVs battling, and lag is most common in night-time battles. Unfortunately, it will still run slowly unless if microsoft releases a better emulator.