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Phasmophobia has been available in Early Access on PC for a while. However, I’ve been blissfully unaware of this spooky title. I guess my focus on recent child-friendly Outright Games experiences has blindsided me. Luckily, I have been put on the straight and narrow as this title is in Game Preview for console gamers. Though I’m not a massive fan of Game Preview titles, I couldn’t resist this hauntingly good time.
This scary game was developed and published by Kinetic Games. Furthermore, it is a solo or up to 4-player cooperative experience. There is also Cross-Play for anyone with friends on another platform. This was a great idea as it keeps the horror-loving community together whilst expanding the already faithful fanbase. If you are thinking about testing this out, I’d recommend finding like-minded individuals. Though it is fine as a solo title, it excels when you work together as a team.
Phasmophobia relies on your sense of fear.
I use the phrase horror title in the loosest of senses. Whenever this genre is discussed, people think of zombies and other cliched foes. What’s more, there is a sense of gore and cheap jump scares. Thankfully, Phasmophobia doesn’t rely on any of these parlour tricks. Instead, it lets your sense of fear and isolation take centre stage. Additionally, it is wonderfully easy to understand. As such, you can start running long before you can walk. This false sense of security was incredible as the ghosts trick you and cause all sorts of shenanigans.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much of a backstory to this. Instead, the action focuses on 10 different haunted locations and an array of spectres and ghosts for you to identify. Moreover, you don’t tackle and remove the spectral entity. No, you are there to identify the cause of the disturbance and get out alive. Sadly, the latter goal can be challenging and you will spend time observing your teammates from another realm. However, I digress and I’ve moved way ahead of myself. What’s more, I want to be careful as I do not want to spoil the surprises and fun that you will discover.
Simple tools.
The gameplay loop is straightforward. Each of the haunted locations has plenty of rooms and areas to explore. As the stage starts, you must grab equipment from your van. Each player can carry 3 items and this makes completing the mission much tougher. You’ll wander through each room or area looking for obvious clues. Yet, if nothing jumps out at you, you may use your thermometer, EMF reader, UV torch, and other tools to find evidence.
Each of these tools was remarkably easy to use. What’s more, the use of audio signals to trick you or lead you to your goal was impressive. The rattle of a chair or whisper of a ghostly apparition makes your skin tingle. On top of this, the ghost can hear you speak! These voyeuristic beasts can tell when you are panicking and they pick their time to up the ante. This was terrifying as one slip-up caused untold misery.
Identify your foe.
As you enter each stage, you must work out what is causing the problems. With over 20 ghosts to nail down, this is no mean feat. However, your specialist equipment can be used to narrow down the search. If your EMF reader goes off the chart, you can scratch off a handful of spooks. Moreover, if the temperature drops or you see UV footprints, you can grab your journal and work out what’s happening.
In theory, this is a straightforward endeavour. Yet, as the game evolves, the ghosts become more cunning and they can hunt you. Though this isn’t always deadly, it is truly terrifying when you hide behind a piece of furniture or in a cupboard. The scrape and scuttle of each ghost will make your skin crawl. Moreover, you best hope that your teammates don’t give away your position on the radio.
Phasmophobia is uncomfortable to play.
Saying a game is uncomfortable to play can be deemed a negative experience. Yet, Phasmophobia gets this aspect just right. The creepy lighting, excellent stage design, and claustrophobic nature of every mission were phenomenal. What’s more, though there are some visual glitches, the attention to detail and relatively smooth gameplay must be commended. I adored the use of cliched icy breath and the movement of furniture. Furthermore, the equipment is well-considered and it enhances the sense of danger and tension in every situation.
I’m a huge fan of exceptional audio. Luckily, this game blows it out of the water! The clever use of spatial sound and ambient sound effects creates an immersive world that sucks you in. Additionally, you will jump repeatedly as alarms sound and doors slam. Though this may be familiar or dare I say cliche, I didn’t care. Where the audio excels is the ghost’s understanding of the group’s intentions. If it senses fear or failure, you are doomed. Any slight chink in your armour will be highlighted and you will perish and fail miserably.
Fantastic controls.
Game Preview and awkward controls normally go hand-in-hand. Phasmophobia has bucked this trend with its easy-to-understand tutorial and fantastic control layout. Subsequently, though the ghosts will break your balls, you can rest assured that you can be up and running in no time at all.
The developer has done an incredible job to enhance replay value. There are custom difficulty settings to help people out and an array of missions and goals to complete. Alongside this, the Cross-Play functionality allows you to play with global players no matter their platform. As the game evolves, I can see more content being added and the fan base expanding exponentially.
Phasmophobia will scare you silly.
I’ve played many horror games and Phasmophobia is probably one of the best I’ve experienced. This Early Access title will chill you to the bone and petrify the toughest gamers. It is tough, enjoyable, and trouser-soilingly brilliant. Improve your Halloween and get yourself a copy of this game here! Can you become an undead detective? Grab your gear, identify the threat, and hope to get out alive.
