Item: Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire
Rating: 93
Author: Dinsun

Dinsun Review

Dinsun here. Now this is a game that respects the player's intelligence. Ditching the 'draw from a deck' mechanic for cooldowns is a bold move that pays off. It removes the 'I lost because of a bad draw' excuse and puts the blame squarely on your shoulders. The anime art is high-quality, though maybe a bit too much for a conservative old guy like me at times. Still, the gameplay is rock solid.

It’s challenging, it’s fair, and it has a distinct identity. It doesn't feel like a Slay the Spire clone, which is a miracle in 2024. The progression is rewarding, and the tactical depth is significant. This is a real game for real gamers. Highly recommended if you have the patience to learn its systems.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Unique cooldown mechanic
Gorgeous art
High tactical depth

Steep learning curve
Anime aesthetic is niche
Can feel repetitive

Technical Report

Performance: Excellent performance on modern iOS devices.

Accessibility:

Subtitles
Button Remapping

Audience Fit

Buy if: You love Slay the Spire but want something more tactical and less random.

Skip if: You want a simple game or dislike anime-style visuals.

Similar Games:

Slay the Spire
Monster Train

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPad Pro
Playtime: 10 hours
Status: Cleared several runs

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad

6502919566

Free13+★4.9 348 reviews

Author : Studio Maka LLC

Pubish Date : Wed Aug 14 2024

Last Update Date : Wed Apr 08 2026

Support Languages : English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese

Genres :

Version 1.1.7Wed Apr 08 2026

Thank you for playing Phantom Rose 2!
#Fixes
- App optimizations
Requires iOS 16.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
A roguelike deckbuilder with no random draws. Master the cooldowns, build your deck, and defeat the Phantoms.
Experience a roguelike deckbuilder with a unique twist: No random card draws in battle.
In Phantom Rose 2, you manage your card's cooldown to strategically defeat foes. The decision is in your hands.
◆ A Special Card Adventure
Phantom Rose is an indie game by solo developer & artist makaroll. Fight and collect powerful cards as Aria, trying to survive in her cherished school that’s being ravaged by evil creatures.
◆ Defeat and Collect
By defeating Phantoms and rescuing other students in distress, you can collect over 200+ cards to craft your ideal deck and a slew of powerful items to aid your journey.
◆ Multiple Difficulties, Modes and Ways to Play
Play through the adventure in increasing levels of difficulty to experience the story and world of Phantom Rose 2. The Arcade mode lets you rush through bosses for attractive rewards and you can even create your own challenges in Custom mode.
◆ New Class System for More Varied Gameplay
Unlike the previous game, Phantom Rose 2 comes with two playable classes, the Blade class and the Mage class. Each class has their own unique cards and mechanics, allowing you to experience the game in more ways than one.
◆ Encounter Other Survivors and Events
Explore and discover other survivors along your adventure. Take time to interact with them, learn their stories, and carefully decide on your actions in each event. Who knows, you may receive a helping hand when least expected.
Languages:
English
日本語 (Japanese)
한국어 (Korean)
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Official Twitter:
https://twitter.com/phantomrosegame
Official Discord:
https://discord.gg/phantomrose

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5 with 348 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 13+

Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire is the sequel to the acclaimed indie hit. Unlike most deckbuilders, Phantom Rose 2 removes the 'luck of the draw' by utilizing a cooldown-based card system. You have access to your entire deck, but playing a card puts it on cooldown, requiring you to think several steps ahead. Play as Aria or the new Mage class, each with unique mechanics, and navigate a branching path filled with dangerous Phantoms and powerful relics.

Features

No random card draws: gameplay based entirely on cooldowns.

Multiple playable classes with distinct card sets.

Beautiful anime-inspired art and atmospheric story.

Adjustable difficulty levels for all skill types.

Dozens of unique relics to find and equip.

Tips

Managing Cooldowns

The core of the game is timing. Don't use your most powerful shield card too early; if the enemy isn't attacking for another two turns, you'll be left defenseless when you actually need it. Always look for cards that 'Reduce Cooldown' to keep your high-impact abilities in rotation.

Promotion Videos

Phantom Rose 2 Trailer

Gameplays

Class Mechanics and Exploration

Choosing between the Blade and Mage classes drastically changes your playstyle. The Blade focuses on physical combos and parries, while the Mage manages a separate Mana pool. During exploration, prioritize 'Rose' rooms to gain permanent upgrades to your maximum HP.