Phantoms
- December 8, 2023
- Solitude Software
Get on Steam"Phantoms" is a first-person horror game set on a randomly generated, creepy train. You're traveling to meet your friend Floyd, but the journey quickly turns into a terrifying hunt for survival. With retro PlayStation™-inspired graphics, five story levels, a custom level mode, and two possible endings, "Phantoms" promises a unique and thrilling experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features atmospheric retro aesthetics reminiscent of classic PlayStation titles, enhancing the horror experience.
- Dynamic level design ensures unique experiences with randomized train layouts and item placements, keeping players engaged.
- The narrative is engaging with multiple endings, encouraging exploration and decision-making.
- Level 4 is considered nearly impossible to beat, leading to frustration and a sense of unfairness in gameplay.
- Technical glitches, such as crashes and input lag, disrupt immersion and gameplay.
- The gameplay can become repetitive over time, and the limited enemy variety may reduce the challenge and suspense.
- graphics28 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Phantoms" are widely praised for their nostalgic PS1-style aesthetics, evoking a sense of classic horror reminiscent of the original Silent Hill. The pixelated visuals create an atmospheric and unsettling environment that enhances the overall horror experience, although some players feel that the gameplay does not live up to the visual appeal. Overall, the retro graphics contribute significantly to the game's charm, appealing to fans of vintage gaming.
“The game masterfully employs pixelated graphics reminiscent of classic PlayStation titles, creating a nostalgic yet unsettling environment that enhances the horror experience.”
“The game has good-looking nostalgic graphics from the low poly PlayStation era, which provides some Silent Hill vibes.”
“As a big fan of the first Silent Hill game, this immediately caught my attention, and if you love obscured pixelated graphics, you're going to love this!”
“While I appreciate the visuals, story, and sound design, I cannot recommend this game based on how not fun and bad this felt to actually play.”
“Phantoms is basically Silent Hill visuals on a train.”
“If you are looking for simplistic PS1-era graphics, looping, item retrieval, and loud noises, then look no further.”
- gameplay26 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Phantoms" is described as simple yet challenging, with a blend of engaging mechanics that can become repetitive over time. Players experience a mix of tension and frustration due to technical glitches and unpredictable mechanics, which can lead to sudden deaths without warning. While the retro aesthetic and atmosphere are praised, the reliance on luck and the potential for immersion-breaking bugs detract from the overall experience.
“In conclusion, 'Phantoms' delivers a compelling horror experience that blends retro aesthetics with dynamic gameplay.”
“Then the gameplay gets more complicated: you need to bring more items and you can't stand in one place for too long (after a few seconds, phantoms attack you anywhere in the carriage).”
“The gameplay keeps you on edge at all times; you never know when the train conductor will spawn and start running after you.”
“Some players have reported encountering technical glitches, such as crashes and input lag, which can disrupt immersion and gameplay.”
“The gameplay loop is alright, but after level 1, you can just die at any moment without being able to do anything about it.”
“I appreciate the setting and the look of phantoms, but the gameplay quickly transforms into frustration as you hope for a lucky attempt where everything works out.”
- story16 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The game's story is noted for its engaging narrative and multiple endings, which encourage exploration and impactful choices. However, some players find the storyline to be somewhat standard and not entirely clear, with mixed feelings about the overall gameplay experience overshadowing the narrative's potential. Despite these critiques, the sound design and visuals are praised, contributing to an intriguing atmosphere.
“Engaging narrative with multiple endings: the storyline is enriched with hidden secrets and two possible endings, encouraging players to explore thoroughly and make choices that impact the outcome.”
“Phantoms is a back-and-forth fetch quest with an actually interesting storyline.”
“The sound design was done really well; I enjoyed how the story was unfolding with each level, plus learning more information from Floyd as you go.”
“While I appreciate the visuals, story, and sound design, I cannot recommend this game based on how not fun and bad this felt to actually play.”
“The story isn't really a strong suit and isn't all that understandable from my point of view, but it seems fairly standard horror.”
“I wish there was a bit more variety in the different missions.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features atmospheric retro aesthetics, utilizing pixelated graphics that evoke classic PlayStation titles. This design choice creates a nostalgic yet unsettling environment, effectively enhancing the overall horror experience.
“The game masterfully employs pixelated graphics reminiscent of classic PlayStation titles, creating a nostalgic yet unsettling environment that enhances the horror experience.”
“The atmospheric retro aesthetics draw players into a world that feels both familiar and eerie, amplifying the tension throughout the gameplay.”
“With its haunting sound design and immersive visuals, the game crafts an atmosphere that keeps players on edge, perfectly complementing the chilling narrative.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players have reported stability issues, including technical glitches like crashes and input lag, which can significantly disrupt immersion and gameplay experience.
“Some players have reported encountering technical glitches, such as crashes and input lag, which can disrupt immersion and gameplay.”
“Technical glitches have been a common issue, with players experiencing crashes and input lag that significantly affect their gaming experience.”
“Many users have noted that technical glitches, including crashes and input lag, can severely disrupt both immersion and overall gameplay.”
