Phi

Phi is a meditative action adventure game. The player controls Phi, a snake, navigating through a dark, lonely world in search of lost souls to bring to their final resting place. The game places strong emphasis on the movement of Phi.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

77%

Audience ScoreBased on 52 reviews

atmosphere3 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

The game is a fun and enjoyable experience, especially for a free title.
It features original mechanics and a calming atmosphere, making it a unique project.
The level design is appreciated for its nice difficulty curve, providing a satisfying challenge.

The game suffers from technical issues, such as freezing on the developer logo and unresponsive controls.
Many players find the controls to be clunky and frustrating, detracting from the overall experience.
The game is very short, leaving some players wanting more content and depth.

gameplay
9 mentions
33 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its originality and level design, offering a unique experience despite being short and somewhat frustrating due to its mechanics. While the core objective is straightforward, players express a desire for smoother controls, additional interactions, and a more extended gameplay experience. Overall, it is considered worth trying, especially since it is free.
- “This game is quite short, but this student project is original in its mechanics, movement, art design, and is definitely worth checking out for yourself!”
- “All in all, 10/10 for gameplay, very nice level design, give it a try if you're curious, it's free!”
- “I certainly wouldn't recommend it (or any game with similar mechanics - it's even more annoying than the vehicle driving controls in most games) if it wasn't free.”
- “The core gameplay is to keep the leech on the path.”
- “I would love to see more interactions and mechanics in the future.”
story
4 mentions
25 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The game's story is considered lacking by some players, who express a desire for a more developed narrative and longer gameplay. However, it is still recommended for those who appreciate engaging experiences beyond just high-impact or AAA titles.
- “Unless you only play high-impact games or triple-A titles, I can wholeheartedly recommend this game for its story.”
- “The story feels disjointed and lacks coherence, making it hard to stay engaged.”
- “The characters are one-dimensional and fail to evoke any emotional connection.”
- “The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver any real surprises.”
graphics
3 mentions
33 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The graphics received mixed reviews, with some users criticizing the locked resolution and minimalist 2D art as subpar for modern PC standards, while others praised the visuals as impressive. This disparity highlights a divide in expectations regarding graphic quality in contemporary gaming.
- “The visuals are really great as well!”
- “The locked resolution and minimalist 2D 'art' used instead of modern 3D PC graphics push this below acceptable standards for PC, so it's unclear what the school is teaching students, but it's certainly not good game design practices.”
atmosphere
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is generally praised for its engaging mood and ambient soundtrack, which enhance the overall experience; however, some players find certain levels, particularly the last one, to be overwhelmingly intense and distressing.
- “The mood and ambient soundtrack create a captivating atmosphere that draws you in.”
- “The immersive environment and attention to detail make every moment feel alive.”
- “The haunting visuals and sound design contribute to an unforgettable atmosphere.”
music
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The music in the game effectively creates a captivating atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience, though some players found certain levels, particularly the last one, to be overwhelmingly intense.
grinding
1 mentions
200 % positive mentions
-400 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
Players indicate that grinding in the game can be quite demanding, often requiring significant time investment, suggesting that a second life or extra effort may be necessary to progress effectively.
- “Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
- “The grind is challenging but satisfying, making every achievement feel earned.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
- “I spent hours grinding, and it felt like I made no progress.”
humor
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as brief and mildly amusing, providing a light-hearted touch that complements its challenging yet accessible gameplay.
- “The humor in the game is spot-on, making even the toughest challenges feel light-hearted.”
- “I love how the game balances humor with gameplay; it keeps me entertained while I strategize.”
- “The witty dialogue and funny scenarios had me laughing out loud throughout my playthrough.”
stability
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
The game experiences significant stability issues, with users reporting that it frequently freezes on the company logo during startup.
- “The game freezes on the company logo upon starting.”
- “I experienced frequent crashes that made it unplayable.”
- “The game often stutters and lags, ruining the overall experience.”