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Phobies

Phobies Game Cover
83%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
monetization, story
83% User Score Based on 664 reviews

Platforms

PCTabletAndroidPhoneiPadMobile PlatformiPhoneWindows
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Phobies Game Cover

About

Phobies is a single player and multiplayer tactical turn-based strategy game with a horror theme. It was developed by Phobies Holdings Inc. and was released on March 7, 2022. It received positive reviews from players.

Phobies is a tactical card collecting strategy game where players battle one another in the surreal realm of the subconscious, where fears manifest. Use devious tactics and unleash a dazzling array of attacks and abilities to achieve victory!

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Phobies screenshot
Phobies screenshot
Phobies screenshot
Phobies screenshot
Phobies screenshot
Phobies screenshot
Phobies screenshot
Phobies screenshot
Phobies screenshot
Phobies screenshot
Phobies screenshot
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83%
Audience ScoreBased on 664 reviews
gameplay46 positive mentions
monetization15 negative mentions
  • The game features a unique and charming art style, with fun character designs and animations that enhance the overall experience.
  • Gameplay is engaging and strategic, allowing players to think critically about their moves and utilize various phobies effectively.
  • The asynchronous gameplay allows players to manage multiple matches at once, making it convenient for those with busy schedules.
  • The game has a significant pay-to-win aspect, where players who spend money can gain a substantial advantage over free-to-play users.
  • Daily caps on resources limit progression, making it frustrating for players who want to play more and earn rewards.
  • The tutorial is lengthy and unskippable, which can be off-putting for players who are familiar with turn-based strategy games.
  • gameplay
    101 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of the game is generally praised for its fun, engaging mechanics and unique art style, offering a mix of asynchronous and real-time battles that many players find addictive. However, it faces criticism for its pay-to-win elements and gacha mechanics, which can hinder progression for free-to-play users and introduce randomness that contradicts the game's strategic design. Overall, while the core gameplay is enjoyable and well-designed, the monetization strategies detract from the experience for some players.

    • “Great gameplay, it doesn’t get old and it has great difficulty.”
    • “The gameplay is fun and the mechanics are pretty well thought out.”
    • “The core gameplay loop is unique and takes a lot to master, and the asynchronous games that give you rewards after each turn feel satisfying to play.”
    • “Traps are quite a horrible mechanic that goes against the whole core of the game; they're fine when you have options to actually counter traps, but if you don't, then pay up, give us your money.”
    • “I'm sorry, but I just can't recommend a game which I know will scare away most players with paywalls and greedy mechanics that become obvious once you have put in some hours.”
    • “It's such a shame because I want to really like this game, but I'm like 6 hours in and I'm already hitting the paywall mechanic others have mentioned.”
  • graphics
    68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning visuals, unique art style, and smooth animations, contributing to an engaging and aesthetically pleasing experience. Many players appreciate the charming character designs and vibrant colors, although some feel that the lighthearted theme may not align with the tactical depth of the gameplay. Overall, the graphics are considered a standout feature, enhancing the enjoyment of the game despite concerns about pay-to-win mechanics.

    • “The graphics in this game are freaking amazing but unfortunately, this game is pay-to-win.”
    • “The visuals are stunning and the voice acting for the narrator is spot on.”
    • “Amazing like seriously amazing art style, audio and smooth animations, the way the game is presented is also top notch.”
    • “It may be a question of taste, but the lighthearted theme of 'Phobies' and all the flashy graphics don't feel like they'd fit a TBS game that you'd want to play for a long time.”
    • “They have no special visuals.”
    • “It's different, with crude graphics that work for no reason.”
  • monetization
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players labeling it a "cash grab" that leans towards pay-to-win mechanics, especially at higher tiers. While some appreciate the absence of intrusive ads and find the game enjoyable as a free-to-play experience, others criticize the exploitative nature of the monetization system, particularly regarding loot boxes and the necessity of in-app purchases for competitive play. Overall, players express a desire for a more balanced and fair monetization approach.

    • “Its very balanced, even though there are in-app purchases, the fact that you can defeat an opponent with units almost double your levels using only skill makes it even more interesting!”
    • “Option to make in-app purchases to upgrade characters but not necessary.”
    • “To recap: free game, fresh and interesting design, standard gameplay, light monetization, out-of-the-box game modes and Pokémon vibes.”
    • “Can't believe the audacity of bringing this cash grab mobile game to the Steam store.”
    • “My biggest gripe with this game is the awful monetization scheme that's in place.”
    • “The tactics are actually good, but the monetization absolutely sucks... and for that reason I cannot recommend it.”
  • story
    29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth and narrative, with many players expressing a desire for a more structured campaign or story mode. While the atmosphere and character designs are appreciated, the focus on PvP gameplay and poorly designed quest systems detracts from any potential storytelling. Overall, players find the game enjoyable but feel it misses an opportunity for a compelling narrative experience.

    • “It's storytelling and atmosphere make it a standout, though it lacks the depth found in titles like 'Amnesia'.”
    • “That took me by surprise and I thought it was the start of an interesting story.”
    • “The only thing missing would be a narrative story, but considering the game's PvP focus genre, I don't mind it being lacking.”
    • “I wish there was a campaign or story of some kind because I really like the character designs.”
    • “But despite this, the quests you usually receive don't make any sense whatsoever.”
  • grinding
    19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and time-consuming, often feeling that it limits their ability to progress without spending money. While some appreciate the daily and weekly tasks that offer rewards, many express frustration over caps on in-game currency and experience, which can make grinding feel less rewarding. Overall, the game is seen as fun but heavily reliant on grinding, with a notable pay-to-win element for those who choose to spend money.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
    • “The grind is satisfying and offers a real sense of progression.”
    • “It's not *that* pay to win if you get the right events, but the grinding during free-to-play is a bit annoying to deal with.”
    • “You stop earning tears (in-game currency) after like 4 wins, so there isn't a point to keep grinding away when you can't earn more currency to get newer cards.”
    • “Its too tedious... oh and after like an hour of playtime you reached the max rewards for that day unless of course you pay real money.”
  • music
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised, with many users highlighting its quality and how it enhances the overall experience. Reviewers appreciate the thematic elements of the soundtrack, noting that it complements the game's art and gameplay effectively. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere and enjoyment.

    • “The art, music, and core gameplay are too good to ignore.”
    • “I love the music and the strategy side of this game.”
    • “This game is an absolute masterpiece; the art style, the music, the gameplay, and overall feel of the game are absolutely incredible.”
    • “The soundtrack is just alright.”
    • “The music is enjoyable, but it doesn't elevate the overall experience.”
    • “While the thematic music is present, it lacks the depth and engagement needed to enhance the gameplay.”
  • humor
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding it both hilarious and cleverly integrated into gameplay, from quirky concepts like "sheeping gas" to amusing character designs and sound effects. Many reviewers noted that the game successfully combines strategic elements with comedic moments, making it enjoyable and entertaining throughout. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm that enhances the gaming experience.

    • “I mean, how did they get the funny idea for sheeping gas?”
    • “It's actually quite hilarious too, definitely had some chuckles during the tutorial - not a lot of games offer this.”
    • “This game is not only fun, it's genuinely funny.”
  • replayability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers significant replayability, particularly for fans of turn-based card games, thanks to its engaging mechanics and enjoyable design. While it may not appeal to everyone for extensive play, many players find it addictive and worth revisiting.

    • “A friend introduced me to it, and while it isn't a game that I'd dedicate a lot of time to, it definitely has the potential to be a game with a lot of replayability and enjoyment for some people.”
    • “A very well-made game with great sounds, great SFX, and great art. Everything in this game is just fun and replayable... truly addicting for people who enjoy a turn-based card game.”
    • “The game lacks meaningful choices, making replayability feel pointless.”
    • “Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to play again.”
    • “The limited variety in gameplay mechanics means that replaying the game feels more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
  • atmosphere
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is highlighted as a standout feature, with engaging storytelling, excellent narration, and a captivating musical score that enhances the overall experience. While it may not reach the depth of titles like "Amnesia," the vibrant personality of each unit/card contributes to a lively and immersive environment.

    • “Everything feels nice and snappy; the narration, music, and atmosphere in general are great. Every single unit/card has so much personality that I can't in good conscience wish them anything but the best.”
    • “The atmosphere is lacking, making it hard to immerse myself in the game world.”
    • “While the visuals are decent, the overall atmosphere feels flat and uninspired.”
    • “The game tries to create a tense atmosphere, but it often falls short and feels more tedious than thrilling.”
  • optimization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is highly praised, with smooth performance and no bugs reported, thanks to its simple 2D sprites and basic visual effects.

    • “The performance is as expected; it's a game with 2D sprites and simple VFX, so the game runs extremely well. I also experienced zero bugs during my playtime.”
    • “The optimization is top-notch, allowing for smooth gameplay even on lower-end devices.”
    • “I appreciate how well the game is optimized; it loads quickly and runs seamlessly without any noticeable lag.”
  • character development
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development is highlighted through the presence of unique units, each with special abilities and distinct advantages and disadvantages, enhancing gameplay depth. The game's outstanding art style and character designs further enrich the experience, making each character memorable and visually appealing. Additionally, the arena mode encourages quick, engaging gameplay, allowing players to explore character dynamics in a fast-paced environment.

    • “The ability to play multiple games at once, an arena mode where turns have a short timer so you can play one game to completion all at once, units that are unique with special abilities and different pros and cons.”
    • “The outstanding art style, with great character designs and animations.”
  • emotional
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game elicited a strong, uncomfortable reaction from some players, with one describing it as an unsettling "itchiness" in their skull, indicating a negative emotional impact.

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24h Median play time
616h Average play time
2-200h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 6 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Phobies is a tactical turn-based strategy game with horror theme.

Phobies is available on PC, Phone, iPad, iPhone and others.

On average players spend around 616 hours playing Phobies.

Phobies was released on March 7, 2022.

Phobies was developed by Phobies Holdings Inc..

Phobies has received positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its monetization.

Phobies is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Phobies: PVP Card Battle, Stormbound: PVP Card Battle, Duelyst, Battle Legion: Mass Troops RPG, Dicast: Rules of Chaos and others.