Phantoms
- December 8, 2023
- Solitude Software
Get on SteamBehold the moon! Be my harbinger, and you shall be rewarded with miracles! Phantoms is a first-person horror game that takes place on a strange train. You're on route to see your old friend Floyd, but all of a sudden, you sense something's not quite right. What was a simple, relaxing train ride mere moments ago, transforms into a hunting ground in a blink of an eye... and you're the prey. The…
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 layouts and item placements, keeping gameplay fresh.
- The engaging narrative with multiple endings encourages exploration and adds depth to the gameplay.
- Level 4 is considered nearly impossible to beat, leading to frustration and a sense of unfair difficulty.
- Technical glitches, such as crashes and input lag, disrupt immersion and gameplay.
- Limited enemy variety and repetitive gameplay elements can diminish the overall sense of fear and urgency.
- graphics14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Phantoms" are characterized by a nostalgic retro aesthetic that evokes the classic PS1 era, reminiscent of titles like Silent Hill. The pixelated visuals create an atmospheric and unsettling environment that enhances the horror experience, appealing to fans of low-poly graphics and retro gaming. While the visuals are well-received, some players feel that the gameplay does not match the quality of the graphics.
“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, like me, you love obscured pixelated graphics and the cling clang that game offers, you're gonna love this!”
“The retro PS1 style graphics felt very reminiscent of the original Silent Hill.”
“Phantoms is basically Silent Hill visuals on a train.”
“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.”
- gameplay13 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Phantoms" is a mix of simplicity and challenge, keeping players on edge with dynamic mechanics and the constant threat of phantoms. However, technical glitches, repetitive elements, and reliance on luck can lead to frustration, diminishing the overall experience. While the retro aesthetic and engaging atmosphere are praised, the gameplay may become tedious and unpredictable as players progress.
“The gameplay was relatively simple but challenging enough.”
“In conclusion, 'Phantoms' delivers a compelling horror experience that blends retro aesthetics with dynamic gameplay.”
“Everything in this game is spot on - from the menus, the gameplay loop on a train, the walk animation of the horror conductor stalking you, the font.”
“Some players have reported encountering technical glitches, such as crashes and input lag, which can disrupt immersion and gameplay.”
“The core mechanics, while engaging, may become repetitive over time, potentially diminishing the sense of fear and urgency.”
“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.”
- story8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story is characterized by an engaging narrative with multiple endings and hidden secrets that encourage exploration and impactful choices. While some players appreciate the interesting storyline and sound design, others find the overall execution lacking, with criticisms aimed at the clarity and variety of missions. Despite mixed feelings about gameplay, the story is generally seen as a strong point, particularly in its horror elements and unfolding mystery.
“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.”
“I wish there was a bit more variety in the different missions.”
“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.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by its atmospheric retro aesthetics, utilizing pixelated graphics that evoke classic PlayStation titles. This nostalgic yet unsettling environment significantly enhances the horror experience, immersing players in a uniquely eerie setting.
“The game masterfully employs pixelated graphics reminiscent of classic PlayStation titles, creating a nostalgic yet unsettling environment that enhances the horror experience.”
“The haunting sound design and eerie visuals combine to create an immersive atmosphere that keeps you on edge throughout the game.”
“Every corner of the game world is filled with intricate details that contribute to a rich and immersive atmosphere, making exploration a thrilling experience.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players have reported various technical glitches, including crashes and input lag, which can negatively impact immersion and overall gameplay experience.
“Some players have reported encountering technical glitches, such as crashes and input lag, which can disrupt immersion and gameplay.”
“The game suffers from frequent crashes that make it nearly unplayable at times.”
“Input lag is a persistent issue, making it frustrating to control characters during critical moments.”
