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Phantom Fury

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Phantom Fury
Item: Phantom Fury
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Shooter, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableDec 31, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperSlipgate Ironworks

Overview

Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison is back in this highly interactive mix of first person action and road movie adventure. Embark on an adrenaline-fueled journey around the USA. Use an enormous arsenal of weapons and skills to battle treacherous soldiers and vile mutants, all while trying to save mankind.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Phantom Fury has nostalgic charm and a straightforward plot that appeals to fans of classic action movies, particularly through its protagonist, Shelly 'Bombshell' Harrison. However, many critics slam the story for being poorly executed, lacking depth, and filled with plot holes. Overall, while the game delivers entertaining action, its narrative is seen as a shallow backdrop that fails to engage meaningfully.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

36%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of various critics regarding the story of Phantom Fury reveal a few positive aspects that stand out amidst the overall sentiment. Critics like Movies Games and Tech and Try Hard Guides appreciate the nostalgic elements and the classic American action movie feel that the narrative evokes. The straightforward plot, as noted by Movies Games and Tech, is described as enjoyable and unfolds with timely pacing, suggesting that while the story may not be groundbreaking, it delivers a certain charm that resonates with fans of the genre. Additionally, GameSpew and PlayStation Universe highlight the protagonist, Shelly 'Bombshell' Harrison, and her mission to recover the dangerous relic known as the Demon Core, indicating that the character and her journey provide a solid framework for the action that unfolds. However, a significant number of critics express dissatisfaction with the story's execution and depth. CD-Action and GameCritics describe the narrative as poorly conveyed and paper-thin, respectively, indicating a lack of coherent progression and character development. GamingTrend and Hooked Gamers further emphasize the nonsensical nature of the plot and its caricature-like characters, suggesting that the story lacks the necessary depth to engage players meaningfully. Even critics who find some enjoyment in the narrative, such as Ragequit.gr, acknowledge the presence of plot holes and confusion, which detracts from the overall experience. The overall consensus among the critics indicates that while Phantom Fury offers a nostalgic and entertaining action experience, its story is largely seen as a secondary element rather than a focal point. Critics like TheXboxHub and Xbox Tavern note that the narrative, while enjoyable, tends to fade into the background during gameplay, reinforcing the idea that the game prioritizes action over storytelling. In summary, while the game may appeal to fans of over-the-top action narratives, the general sentiment is that the story lacks the depth and coherence needed to elevate the experience beyond a simplistic backdrop for gameplay.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Phantom Fury offers fast-paced action and diverse combat reminiscent of classic shooters like Half-Life and Quake, earning praise for its mechanics and fluid movement. However, critics slam its level design, tedious backtracking, and unreliable hitboxes, leading to a frustrating experience. While it has potential for engaging gameplay, significant flaws may keep it from standing out in the FPS genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

53%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Phantom Fury has garnered a mixed response from critics, with several praising its fast-paced action and engaging mechanics. Reviewers like Gamer Escape and Try Hard Guides highlight the game's frenetic gameplay, drawing comparisons to classics like Half-Life and Quake. The inclusion of a wide array of weapons, including unique alternate fire modes, adds depth to combat, as noted by Ragequit.gr and GameSpew. Critics from GamingBolt and Xbox Tavern also commend the fluid movement mechanics and well-designed arenas that encourage chaotic encounters, suggesting that the game successfully captures the essence of 90s-era shooters while incorporating modern elements. However, the gameplay is not without its significant drawbacks. Many critics express frustration with various aspects of the level design and combat mechanics. CD-Action points out the derivative nature of the gameplay, while GameCritics mentions tedious backtracking and damage sponge enemies that detract from the overall experience. Hooked Gamers and TheXboxHub echo these sentiments, criticizing unreliable hitboxes and confusing navigation that hinder player progression. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Gamereactor UK and GamingTrend, note that while the game features interesting mechanics, it suffers from dull weapons and disappointing boss fights, leading to a sense of frustration rather than satisfaction. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Phantom Fury has the potential for engaging gameplay with its fast-paced action and varied combat mechanics, it is marred by significant issues in level design and combat execution. Critics like PlayStation Universe recognize the gameplay as a strength, yet many others highlight the frustrating elements that detract from the experience. The mixed reviews suggest that Phantom Fury may appeal to fans of the genre who appreciate its chaotic action, but the lack of polish in certain areas may prevent it from being a standout title in the crowded first-person shooter landscape.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Phantom Fury garners mixed reviews for its retro-inspired graphics, earning praise for its nostalgic low-poly aesthetic and well-designed environments that evoke late 90s vibes. Critics laud its lighting and Hollywood-style presentation, yet many highlight serious technical flaws like glitches and awkward animations that detract from the experience. Overall, while the game successfully taps into nostalgic visuals, it struggles with polish and execution, suggesting a need for improvement to fully realize its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Phantom Fury reveal a notable appreciation for its retro-inspired aesthetic. Critics like Gamer Escape and GamingBolt highlight the game's deliberate low-poly and pixelated textures, which evoke nostalgia for late 90s and early 2000s gaming. This stylistic choice is complemented by well-designed environments that maintain readability, as noted by Gamer Escape. Additionally, the game has been praised for its impressive lighting techniques and classical-inspired art direction, with Hooked Gamers describing it as having an eye-appealing visual aesthetic that merges modern graphics with a cartoony art style. The cinematic presentation inspired by Hollywood, as mentioned by Gamereactor UK, further enhances the overall visual experience, creating expansive and complex environments that contribute positively to the game's atmosphere. However, not all feedback is favorable, as several critics point out significant shortcomings in the game's visual execution. CD-Action expresses disappointment, stating that the visual design attempts to emulate 90s aesthetics but ultimately feels outdated and glitchy. Similarly, Softpedia notes that while the game aims for a retro style, it can appear weird during narrative moments, with issues like twitchy enemy movements and clipping through cover spots. TheXboxHub describes the visual design as disappointing, lacking inspiration and suffering from problems with level routing and scenery. These critiques suggest that while the game has a solid foundation in its retro homage, it struggles with polish and technical execution. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, balancing between admiration for the nostalgic visual style and frustration over its technical shortcomings. While many reviewers, such as GamingTrend and Try Hard Guides, appreciate the homage to classic shooters and the distinct visuals, others, like TheXboxHub and CD-Action, highlight the need for refinement to elevate the experience. This dichotomy indicates that Phantom Fury successfully captures a retro essence but may falter in delivering a polished and cohesive visual experience, leaving room for improvement in future updates or iterations.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Phantom Fury's sound design and music receive mixed reviews; while combat audio and voice acting are praised for enhancing immersion, the soundtrack is largely criticized as forgettable and muted. Critics highlight a disconnect between the music and the action-packed gameplay, with calls for a more engaging audio experience. Improvements are needed for a cohesive auditory impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Phantom Fury have garnered a mix of opinions among critics, with several praising certain aspects. CD-Action highlighted the satisfying audio effects during combat, which adds a layer of enjoyment to the gameplay experience. Similarly, Gamer Escape commended the voice acting and sound effects, noting that they enhance the overall immersion. Movies Games and Tech offered a more enthusiastic perspective, describing the audio as eccentric with an upbeat soundtrack and impactful sound effects that complement the gameplay effectively. Xbox Tavern also found merit in the battle music, stating that it heightens excitement during encounters, contributing positively to the overall experience. However, the criticisms surrounding the sound design and music are significant and varied. Many critics pointed out that the soundtrack is lackluster and forgettable. Gamer Escape described the music as highly muted, while Try Hard Guides expressed disappointment that the soundtrack could have benefited from a more engaging 80s synth-wave style. TheXboxHub criticized the sound design, stating that gun sounds felt limp and the voice acting was bored, which detracted from the overall experience. Ragequit.gr also mentioned issues with low music volume and problematic physics interactions, indicating a lack of cohesion in the audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while there are some positive elements in the sound design and voice acting, the music and sound effects suffer from a lack of impact and memorability. Critics like GamingTrend and Softpedia noted that the soundtrack does not fit the action-packed gameplay, further emphasizing the disconnect between the audio and the game's atmosphere. The mixed reviews indicate that while some aspects of the audio experience contribute positively to gameplay, significant improvements are needed to create a more cohesive and engaging auditory experience in Phantom Fury.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Phantom Fury suffers from major technical issues across all platforms, with PC facing the brunt of bugs and crashes, while PS5 and Xbox Series X report choppy gameplay and glitches. Some reviewers found enjoyment amidst the flaws, but the overall consensus is that the game is not ready for prime time and desperately needs polishing to meet player expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

60%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Phantom Fury has garnered a mixed reception across various platforms, with some reviewers highlighting certain positives. On PC, Movies Games and Tech noted that despite the presence of minor bugs, the game was a "raving success," suggesting that the overall experience was enjoyable for some players. Additionally, PlayStation Universe did not focus heavily on technical performance but mentioned customizable controls and camera sensitivity adjustments, indicating a level of polish in user experience on PS5. For Xbox Series X, however, no specific positives were mentioned, but the absence of severe praise suggests that the performance may be on par with the other platforms. Conversely, the negatives surrounding Phantom Fury's technical performance are significant across all platforms. On PC, multiple critics, including CD-Action, GameCritics, and GamingTrend, reported various issues such as crashes, bugs, and critical progression items failing to load, which detracted from the overall experience. Ragequit.gr highlighted a plethora of technical grievances, including physics issues and a softlock bug, indicating a rushed release. On the PS5, GameSpew pointed out performance issues, including choppy gameplay and problematic tutorial pop-ups, while on Xbox Series X, Xbox Tavern reported numerous bugs and crashes that halted progression and affected objective tracking. These issues collectively paint a picture of a game that struggles to deliver a smooth technical experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Phantom Fury suffers from significant technical performance issues across all platforms, with PC being particularly criticized for its myriad of bugs and glitches. While some reviewers, like Movies Games and Tech, found the game enjoyable despite its flaws, the overwhelming feedback suggests that the game is in dire need of polish and fixes. The issues reported by critics on PS5 and Xbox Series X further reinforce the notion that the game is not yet ready for a full release, as the technical problems have led to frustration and diminished enjoyment for players. The sentiment across the board indicates that while Phantom Fury has potential, it currently falls short due to its technical shortcomings.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

replay value

Description unavailable

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding "Phantom Fury" showcases a blend of appreciation for its nostalgic elements and engaging gameplay. Critics like GamingBolt and Movies Games and Tech highlight the game’s homage to classic action films, praising its art direction and engaging mechanics. GamingBolt specifically notes the "excellent gameplay" and "fantastic art direction," while Movies Games and Tech describes it as a "fantastic blast from the past" with engaging gameplay and nostalgic story elements. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Gamer Escape, find the game to be a fun experience despite its shortcomings, indicating that there is enjoyment to be had for players who appreciate action-packed gameplay. However, the criticisms surrounding "Phantom Fury" are significant and cannot be overlooked. Many reviewers, including CD-Action and Hooked Gamers, express disappointment with the game's execution, citing technical problems, confusing level design, and lackluster gunplay. CD-Action describes it as a "disappointing attempt at a boomer shooter," while Hooked Gamers refers to it as a "confused game" with frustrating gameplay. Technical issues are a common thread, with GamingTrend and TheXboxHub also pointing out problems that detract from the overall experience, leading to a sense of frustration among players. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, with a divide between those who appreciate the nostalgic elements and engaging gameplay and those who are frustrated by the game's technical shortcomings and design flaws. While some, like Ragequit.gr, acknowledge the game's potential and recent developer support, others, such as GameCritics and Xbox Tavern, suggest that the game falls short of expectations. Ultimately, "Phantom Fury" seems to resonate well with a subset of players who enjoy retro-inspired shooters, but its technical issues and design inconsistencies leave a significant portion of the audience feeling disappointed. This dichotomy reflects a game that, while having its merits, struggles to fully realize its potential in a competitive genre.

TL;DR

TL;DR: "Phantom Fury" charms with nostalgic vibes and engaging gameplay, earning praise for its art direction and classic action homage from some critics. However, significant technical issues, confusing level design, and lackluster gunplay have left many frustrated, marking it as a "disappointing attempt" in the boomer shooter genre. While it appeals to retro fans, its shortcomings prevent it from reaching its full potential.

MONSTER

Reviews

49 reviews found

Movies Games and Tech

Apr 23, 2024