Phantom Train

Phantom Trains, also known as Ghost Trains, are a recurring feature in the Final Fantasy series. The Phantom Train first appeared in Final Fantasy VI as a location and as a boss, which has returned in the remake of the original Final Fantasy and in the sequel to Final Fantasy IV, Final Fantasy IV: The After Years. Other phantom trains have also appeared in the series.

Final Fantasy


The Phantom Train appears as a boss in the Whisperwind Cove dungeon, which is exclusive to the Dawn of Souls and 20th Anniversary remakes. It is a direct reference to the Phantom Train of Final Fantasy VI.

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
The Phantom Train reappears as a boss in Final Fantasy IV: The After Years as the Ghost Train, again as a reference to the Final Fantasy VI Phantom Train.

Final Fantasy VI
This is the very first appearance of a Phantom Train (originally translated as Ghost Train on the US SNES release), one which would inspire references in later games and remakes. It appears as a location which serves as the carrier of dead souls over to the afterlife.

Despite being a train, it is very much alive and actually talks during the game. The playable characters get stuck there and have to fight their way out. Once they have escaped, the Phantom Train itself attacks them in a boss battle.

Final Fantasy VIII
Doomtrain is a GF which inflicts negative statuses when summoned.

Final Fantasy XIV
During the main story quest "Escape from Castrum Centri", Yda and Y'shtola snuck into the Imperial stronghold on a Phantom Train.

Final Fantasy Tactics
The Phantom Train is mentioned as one of the wonders in Final Fantasy Tactics.

It bears the following description:
 * The Phantom Train became so known for its primary purpose during an ancient war—the transport of battalions of the ghastly Enthralled. It is also called the Chariot of the Damned.

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
The Phantom Train from Final Fantasy VI appears as a location in Dissidia 012. It is a very small and closed-in arena, with a low ceiling and narrow walls. The seats can be stood on or destroyed, and the camera swings through the walls and ceilings, turning them transparent to allow the player to view the fight from all angles.

In a scene in the Reports, the Onion Knight and Vaan rest here. The Onion Knight, having had Vaan appoint himself his "brother" to watch out for him, tries to tell Vaan his protectiveness isn't needed, but Vaan doesn't listen.

In another scene, Firion tries to ask Lightning about his Wild Rose that she found, but is too embarrassed to continue once Kain arrives.

Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade
The Phantom Train appears in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade as an enemy during an event called "Showdown". In battle, Phantom Train uses Acid Rain.

Final Fantasy Unlimited
The Interdimensional Train, also called the Ghost Train, is the transportation used by the main characters during the first half of the series to go to different locations in Wonderland. Unlike other Phantom Trains in the series, this is not a living entity, but rather a mechanical creation of Cid.

Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Portable
Phantom Train appears in Itadaki Street Portable both as an area and as a card, with its original Final Fantasy VI appearance.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
The Final Fantasy VI Phantom Train appears in the background of the Field Music Sequence for Terra's Theme.

Etymology
refers to a phantom vehicle in the form of a locomotive or train.

Trivia

 * The Phantom train is possibly inspired by the song "Spanish Train". Both trains are a gateway to the afterlife.

Phantomzug