Phantom of Zana

About

Phantom of Zana is a single player casual hack and slash game. It was developed by snugglefry and was released on June 30, 2023. It received positive reviews from players.

Swing, dash, slide and slice your way through this retro style 2D side scrolling platformer! Blast, hack and slash your opponents or bounce off their heads! Power up Fantastic Fania to finally confront the Phantom of Zana!

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

81%

Audience ScoreBased on 21 reviews

gameplay6 positive mentions

The game features smooth and responsive controls, making movement and combat enjoyable.
Phantom of Zana offers a surprising amount of content for a free game, including 13 large levels and a variety of unlockable abilities that keep gameplay fresh.
The pixel-art graphics and animations are well done, contributing to an engaging visual experience.

The level design becomes frustratingly difficult in later stages, with precision platforming that can lead to repeated deaths and loss of progress.
Many boss battles feel repetitive, as they often reuse similar attack patterns, which can diminish the excitement of these encounters.
The overall art style is inconsistent, and some visual elements, like character portraits, do not match the quality of the pixel art.

gameplay
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
18%
27%
The gameplay in "Phantom of Zana" is praised for its rich mechanics and the seamless introduction of new abilities that enhance the experience without overwhelming players. While some players prefer a greater focus on combat over platforming, the game successfully maintains interest through its engaging level design and challenging boss battles. Overall, the fluidity and complexity of the gameplay contribute to a well-crafted experience that keeps players invested.
- “I think it does a good job of constantly adding more mechanics without feeling forced, and they surprisingly stay useful throughout the game, which is something I find a lot of these kinds of games struggle with.”
- “Phantom of Zana is a game rich in mechanics; seriously, with each level, you unlock new abilities.”
- “The game does a very good job of introducing you to its mechanics without overwhelming you; the bosses were very fun and enjoyable to battle.”
- “I feel like the dash mechanic should have been there from the word go, but maybe I'm just too accustomed to things having a certain speed to them.”
- “Every time you unlock a new ability in the next level, you are put to the test, having to use these new mechanics as if it were a 'trial' to see if you are truly worthy of such skills.”
- “The mechanics of the game include learning new abilities as you progress, but rather than being one-off or single-use powers, they function simultaneously to create some interesting fluid gameplay as the levels get more complex and involved.”
graphics
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
43%
The graphics feature appealing pixel-art, particularly in the player sprites, but suffer from inconsistencies in art style and mismatched character portraits. While the overall aesthetic evokes a nostalgic SNES feel and maintains a quality indie-retro style, the absence of parallax scrolling and some conflicting visuals detract from the experience. Overall, the graphics are considered decent but not outstanding.
- “The pixel-art graphics are nice in general, and the player sprites are especially well done.”
- “The audio and visuals are great and gave me a very SNES feel.”
- “Despite a few conflicting visuals, the overall appearance is consistent and showcases a quality indie-retro artistic style, with each stage having its own theme.”
- “However, the overall art style felt a bit inconsistent, as if different artists had worked on the game's art assets.”
- “Another graphics-related issue is the lack of parallax scrolling in most levels.”
- “Despite a few conflicting visuals, the overall appearance is consistent and reflects a quality indie-retro artistic style, with each stage having its own theme.”
music
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
80%
60%
The music in the game is generally well-received, with an energetic synth-based soundtrack that complements the gameplay and enhances the overall experience. While some find it catchy and enjoyable, others feel it lacks memorability. Overall, the combination of pleasant music and well-designed levels contributes positively to the game's atmosphere.
- “The music and sound effects are nice, and the synth-based soundtrack is energetic and fits the tone of the game.”
- “The music is catchy, and the dialogue was funny enough to make me laugh a few times.”
- “The music was fantastic, and at around 3 hours, there was plenty of content.”
- “The music isn't that memorable.”
- “The soundtrack fails to leave a lasting impression.”
- “The audio design lacks creativity and variety.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is described as hit or miss, largely depending on personal taste, but many players found it enjoyable and funny, with some moments eliciting genuine laughter. Additionally, the intriguing story and catchy music complement the humorous elements, making it a recommended experience for those seeking a blend of challenge and comedy.
- “If you're looking for a beautiful, humorous game with a fun level of challenge, Phantom of Zana is my recommendation of the week.”
- “Humor is fun and the story is intriguing, making you wonder what will happen in the sequel.”
- “The music is catchy and the dialogue was funny enough to make me laugh a few times.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the replayability of the game, noting that the inclusion of a store for purchasable upgrades adds strategic depth and encourages multiple playthroughs.
- “The game features a store for purchasable upgrades, adding strategy and enhancing replayability.”
- “Each playthrough offers new challenges and experiences, making you want to dive back in for more.”
- “The variety of choices and paths available ensures that no two runs feel the same, greatly increasing replayability.”
story
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The story received mixed reviews, with some finding it lackluster while others appreciated its intriguing elements and humor, leaving them curious about potential sequels. Overall, it appears to be a secondary focus compared to the game's other strengths.
- “The humor is fun and the story is intriguing, making you wonder what will happen in the sequel.”
- “The story seemed kind of meh, but everything else was smooth as butter. I would have paid a couple bucks for this.”