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Phantom Fury

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

2024

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

AvailableApr 23, 2024

PlatformPC, 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 divides critics: some praise its nostalgic, action-packed narrative as a fun throwback reminiscent of classic American movies, while others slam it for a shallow, poorly executed plot that feels like a forgettable 90s action flick. Fans of campy, bombastic violence might enjoy it, but those seeking depth will likely be left disappointed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

33%

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

The opinions regarding the story of Phantom Fury reveal a mix of positive elements that some critics appreciate. For instance, Movies Games and Tech describes the plot as a "classic straightforward plot with a sci-fi twist," highlighting its nostalgic elements and enjoyable writing. Similarly, Try Hard Guides emphasizes the game’s bombastic violence and quirky humor, likening it to classic American action movies, which could resonate well with fans of that genre. Additionally, GameSpew notes that the narrative combines action with road movie adventure elements, suggesting that there is some engaging content for players who enjoy dynamic storytelling. However, a significant number of critics express dissatisfaction with the story's execution. CD-Action criticizes the narrative for being poorly conveyed, with minimal character introduction and a lack of coherent progression, leading to confusion. GameCritics describes the story as "paper thin," indicating that it serves merely as a backdrop for action rather than offering a compelling narrative. Gamer Escape goes further, labeling the plot as "dumb" and reminiscent of an Edgy 90s Action Movie, while GamingTrend echoes similar sentiments by describing the story as nonsensical and forgettable. Critics like Hooked Gamers also note a "thread-bare narrative" that lacks clear direction, which detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a notable divide between those who appreciate the nostalgic, over-the-top action elements and those who find the story lacking in depth and coherence. While some reviewers, such as Softpedia and GamingBolt, celebrate the absurdity and action-packed nature of the narrative, many others criticize it for being shallow and poorly executed. This dichotomy suggests that Phantom Fury may appeal to a specific audience that enjoys its campy style, but it may leave others wanting a more substantial and engaging storyline.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Phantom Fury offers fast-paced action and innovative mechanics that draw inspiration from classics like Quake and Half-Life, impressing some critics with its dynamic environments and unique features like a bionic arm. However, it suffers from derivative design, tedious backtracking, and frustrating combat due to hitbox issues and weak weapons. While it has potential, critics agree that execution flaws may leave players craving a more satisfying experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

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

The gameplay of Phantom Fury has garnered a mix of praise for its fast-paced action and innovative mechanics. Critics like Try Hard Guides and GameSpew highlight the game’s frenetic firefights and diverse arsenal, with Try Hard Guides noting a blend of influences from classic titles like Quake and Half-Life. Many reviewers appreciate the interactivity of the environments, as seen in Gamer Escape's comparison to Half-Life, which emphasizes the use of health, armor, and alternate fire modes. Additionally, Movies Games and Tech mentions the suspenseful gameplay and evolving stage design, which contribute to a dynamic experience. The inclusion of unique mechanics, such as the bionic arm for melee attacks and object manipulation, is generally seen as a fresh addition that enhances combat and exploration. However, despite these positives, several critics express significant concerns regarding the gameplay's execution. CD-Action criticizes the game for being derivative and suffering from frustrating level design, while GameCritics points out the tedious backtracking and damage sponge enemies that lead to frustrating combat experiences. Hooked Gamers echoes this sentiment, highlighting unreliable hitboxes and weak weapons that detract from player satisfaction. Moreover, while some reviews note the variety of weapons, others, like Gamereactor UK, mention that the weapons themselves can feel dull, which undermines the overall combat experience. GamingTrend also points out that while the gameplay follows the boomer-shooter formula, the boss fights are disappointingly easy, suggesting a lack of challenge that could have elevated the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Phantom Fury presents a mixed bag in terms of gameplay. While there are commendable elements, such as fast-paced action and a variety of weapons, the game is hindered by issues like level design, combat mechanics, and enemy encounters. Critics like PlayStation Universe acknowledge that the gameplay is a strength of the title, yet many others highlight the frustrating aspects that detract from the overall enjoyment. This dichotomy suggests that while Phantom Fury has the potential to appeal to fans of the genre, its execution may leave some players wanting more.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Phantom Fury dazzles with its ambitious graphics and nostalgic flair, blending retro aesthetics with modern tech, earning praise for its cinematic environments and smooth animations. However, a split among critics reveals significant issues: some laud its unique style, while others decry its glitchy execution and outdated visuals. The game captures retro charm but struggles with polish, leaving its broader appeal in question. It’s a visual gamble that could either charm or disappoint.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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 blend of positive sentiments that highlight the game's ambitious artistic direction. Critics like Gamereactor UK and Try Hard Guides commend the game for its visually spectacular environments and smooth animations, suggesting that the game successfully captures a cinematic presentation inspired by Hollywood. The distinct aesthetic, as noted by GamingBolt, merges old-school sensibilities with modern technologies, showcasing impressive lighting techniques and a classical art direction that resonates well with the retro theme. Furthermore, Gamer Escape appreciates the low-poly, pixelated texture look that evokes nostalgia while maintaining well-designed and readable environments, indicating that the game's visual style is both intentional and effective in its homage to classic gaming. However, several critics point out significant shortcomings in the game's visual execution. CD-Action criticizes the attempt to emulate 90s aesthetics as ultimately failing to deliver a polished experience, describing it as outdated and glitchy. Similarly, Softpedia notes that while the game aims for a retro style, it can appear weird at times, particularly during narrative moments where character movements may seem twitchy or unnatural. Movies Games and Tech also mention that the dated, pixelated visual style, while fitting for the retro theme, may detract from the overall experience due to its oppressive environments. This inconsistency in quality leads to a mixed reception regarding the game's visual fidelity. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Phantom Fury is a visually ambitious title that successfully captures the essence of retro gaming while incorporating modern elements. However, there is a clear divide in the execution of this vision, with some critics praising the unique aesthetic and others lamenting the lack of polish and occasional glitches. While critics like Hooked Gamers and GamingTrend celebrate the game's eye-catching visuals and distinct art style, others like CD-Action and Softpedia highlight the need for refinement to enhance the overall experience. This dichotomy illustrates that while Phantom Fury has the potential to resonate with fans of retro aesthetics, it also faces challenges that may hinder its appeal to a broader audience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Phantom Fury delivers standout sound effects and solid voice acting that enhance combat, but its music falls flat. Critics praise the immersive audio during gameplay but criticize the lackluster soundtrack as forgettable and poorly integrated. While combat audio shines, the overall score detracts from the experience, leaving a mixed reception on the game's sound design.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

86%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design in Phantom Fury has garnered a mix of positive feedback from various critics, highlighting certain aspects that enhance the overall gameplay experience. CD-Action commends the sound design for its satisfying audio effects during combat, suggesting that the game successfully delivers immersive audio elements that resonate well with players. Similarly, Gamer Escape praises the voice acting and sound effects, noting that they add depth to the gameplay despite the music being described as muted and forgettable. Movies Games and Tech also provides a positive take, mentioning an eccentric audio design complemented by an upbeat soundtrack and impactful sound effects, which they believe effectively enhance the gaming experience. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the music and sound design that cannot be overlooked. Several reviewers, including GamingTrend and Try Hard Guides, express dissatisfaction with the soundtrack, describing it as lackluster and not fitting the action-packed nature of the game. GamingTrend specifically mentions that the somber soundtrack detracts from the immersive experience, while Try Hard Guides suggests that an 80s synth-wave OST would have been a better fit. Ragequit.gr also points out issues with low music volume and problematic physics interactions, indicating that these technical flaws further diminish the audio experience. Softpedia adds to this sentiment by labeling the soundtrack as generic and noting that enemy barks do not always align with their actions, which can lead to a disjointed experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Phantom Fury excels in certain areas of sound design, particularly with its combat audio and voice acting, it suffers from significant shortcomings in its musical composition. Critics like CD-Action and Movies Games and Tech highlight the strengths of the sound effects, yet many also echo concerns about the music being forgettable or poorly integrated into the gameplay. This dichotomy suggests that while the game has the potential for a rich auditory experience, it ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and impactful soundtrack, leading to a mixed reception in this aspect of the game.

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 faces heavy criticism for technical issues on PC and PS5, with the PC version suffering the most from glitches, crashes, and overall poor performance. Despite some redeeming qualities like customizable controls, the overwhelming consensus is a need for major updates to address bugs and enhance the gaming experience—currently, it's a rushed release that leaves players disappointed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

56%

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

The technical performance of Phantom Fury has garnered a mix of opinions across different gaming platforms, particularly focusing on the PC and PS5 versions. On the PC side, while many critics have highlighted significant issues, there are some positive notes. For instance, Movies Games and Tech acknowledged that despite the presence of minor bugs, the game was largely a success, suggesting that there are redeeming qualities in the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, the customizable controls and camera sensitivity adjustments mentioned by PlayStation Universe for the PS5 version indicate some attention to player comfort, which could enhance the overall experience. However, the negative feedback for both platforms is quite pronounced. The PC version, in particular, has been criticized heavily for a myriad of technical issues. CD-Action pointed out character glitches and unresponsive enemies, while GameCritics reported crashes and bugs that led to significant frustration. Gamereactor UK echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the game requires considerable polish to meet the standards set by its predecessor. GamingTrend further emphasized critical progression issues, and Ragequit.gr listed a plethora of grievances, including physics issues and a softlock bug, which collectively paint a picture of a rushed release. On the PS5, GameSpew noted performance issues like choppy gameplay, which detracts from the overall experience, although PlayStation Universe did not delve deeply into specific technical problems. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Phantom Fury suffers from substantial technical performance issues across both platforms, with the PC version facing the brunt of criticism. While there are some positive aspects noted, particularly in terms of gameplay success and control customization, the overwhelming sentiment is one of disappointment due to the game's technical shortcomings. The reviews indicate a need for significant updates and patches to address the various bugs and performance issues before the game can be fully recommended to players.

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)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding Phantom Fury reveals a mix of appreciation and enjoyment, particularly from critics who value its nostalgic elements and engaging gameplay. For instance, GamingBolt praises the game as a "refined boomer shooter" with excellent gameplay and fantastic art direction, suggesting that it successfully captures the spirit of classic action games. Similarly, Movies Games and Tech highlights the title as a "fantastic blast from the past," emphasizing its nostalgic story elements and engaging gameplay, despite minor bugs. Critics like Gamer Escape also find merit in the game, describing it as a "legacy throwback" that offers lightweight fun for action enthusiasts, indicating that there is a segment of players who can appreciate what the game has to offer. However, the criticisms of Phantom Fury are significant and cannot be overlooked. CD-Action expresses disappointment, stating that the game fails to capture the essence of its predecessors and offers little enjoyment. GameCritics echoes this sentiment, describing the overall verdict as mixed and noting that the game is more irritating than enjoyable. Other critics, such as Hooked Gamers and GamingTrend, point out technical shortcomings, frustrating gameplay, and obscure level design, which detract from the overall experience. These negative aspects suggest that while the game has potential, it is marred by issues that prevent it from reaching its full capabilities. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Phantom Fury is a divisive title that elicits a range of reactions. While some reviewers, like Ragequit.gr, acknowledge the game's intensity and recent developer support, others highlight its technical issues and design flaws as major drawbacks. The mixed reviews indicate that while the game may resonate with fans of retro-inspired shooters, it ultimately struggles to deliver a consistently enjoyable experience. As such, Phantom Fury stands as a testament to the challenges of reviving classic genres in a modern gaming landscape, leaving potential players to weigh its merits against its shortcomings.

TL;DR

Phantom Fury evokes mixed feelings; praised for nostalgia and engaging gameplay by some, while others criticize it for technical issues and frustrating design. Critics are divided—some celebrate its retro charm, while others deem it disappointing and irritating. The game showcases the struggle of resurrecting classic genres in today's gaming world, leaving potential players with a tough decision.

MONSTER

Reviews

47 reviews found

Movies Games and Tech

Apr 23, 2024