Phantom Trigger
- August 10, 2017
- Denis Novikov
Get on SteamPhantom Trigger is a fantasy-themed action game where you, as a duplicate personality, explore a surreal world based on the dreams of Stan, a drugged office worker. The game features fast-paced combat with combos, spells, and traps, and includes roguelike elements. There are four different endings based on your choices and how you help Stan understand his reality.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
Xbox One
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The pixel art and animations are stunning, featuring vibrant colors and smooth effects that enhance the overall aesthetic.
- The game offers a unique combo-based combat system that encourages players to master their skills to survive against various enemies.
- The soundtrack and sound effects are well-crafted, providing an engaging audio experience that complements the gameplay.
- The gameplay is plagued by bugs and inconsistencies, making it frustrating and unenjoyable for many players.
- There is a lack of tutorials and guidance, leaving players confused about mechanics and objectives.
- The game suffers from repetitive enemy types and a weak narrative, leading to a lack of engagement and immersion.
- gameplay20 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing it for being repetitive and derivative, despite the presence of a solid combo-based combat system. While some find potential in the mechanics, they feel that improvements are needed, such as smarter enemy AI and less repetitive gameplay, to elevate the overall experience. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a significant drawback, overshadowing the game's artistic merits.
“Gameplay-wise, the game is solid and relies on a heavily combo-based combat system that you are forced to master as soon as possible in order to survive the waves of enemies that try to make your life miserable right from the get-go.”
“I was very much ready and willing to overlook the blatantly derivative nature of this game in return for some fun and rewarding gameplay.”
“Good art with bad gameplay.”
“If the developer makes the gameplay less repetitive, tunes the battle system a little, makes enemies a bit smarter, and fixes bugs like enemies hitting you while you talk with NPCs, this game could be perfect.”
“There is a good game in here somewhere; a little love and attention given to the mechanics and various features would do wonders.”
- story10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as cryptic and atmospheric, enhanced by beautifully crafted environments and effective visual effects. However, opinions are divided, with some players finding the narrative weak and unsatisfying, leading to mixed overall impressions.
“The story is cryptic, the environments are beautifully crafted, and the effects of distortions and glitches are really well done, adding a lot of atmosphere to the game.”
“The fact that the game has a story makes me happy.”
“8/10 for story.”
“What I got from the story was... weak.”
“Garbage, lame story, lame controls, weak characters.”
“Garbage, lame story, lame controls, weak characters.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews; while some players praise the amazing art style, others find it lacking in originality and charm, comparing it unfavorably to "Hyper Light Drifter." Overall, the aesthetic appeal seems to resonate with some, but not all players are impressed.
“If you, like me, ended up on this store page thanks to the art style, I can assure you won’t be disappointed.”
“- Amazing art style!”
“The graphics are stunning and truly enhance the overall experience of the game.”
“Aesthetically speaking, it's not terribly interesting.”
“Art style is identical to Hyper Light Drifter without any of the charm.”
- music8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game features well-crafted synth compositions and sound effects that enhance gameplay, particularly during boss battles, creating an epic atmosphere. However, some players find the ambient score to be repetitive and lacking variety, with similar tracks used across different areas. Overall, while the sound design is praised for its precision and fit, the music may not leave a lasting impression.
“The sounds are spot on with nice synth music and fitting effects that offer very precise feedback of both your and your opponent’s attacks.”
“The entire title is almost entirely focused on collecting stuff that eventually gives you access to that area boss battle, and this, with the nice addition of appropriate sounds and music, helps give the moment you face a boss a very epic tone.”
“Gorgeous animations and perfectly matching sound and music!”
“The music is a very familiar ambient mush that is both unobtrusive and yet boringly repetitive. I'm reasonably sure the first and second areas had the exact same score.”
“The music is a very familiar ambient mush that is both unobtrusive and yet boringly repetitive. I'm reasonably sure the first and second areas had the exact same score.”
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is criticized for being short and buggy, with frequent glitches that can disrupt gameplay. However, some players appreciate the atmospheric effects created by these distortions, despite the overall experience being described as boring.
“Short, buggy, and boring.”
“The story is cryptic, the environments are beautifully crafted, and the effects of distortions and glitches are really well done, and add a lot of atmosphere to the game.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by beautifully crafted environments and effective use of distortions and glitches, creating a cryptic and immersive experience. Overall, players appreciate the unique style and atmospheric depth it offers.
“The story is cryptic, the environments are beautifully crafted, and the effects of distortions and glitches are really well done, adding a lot of atmosphere to the game.”
“It's a very nice game that has its own unique atmosphere and style.”
