Phasmophobia

Release Date: September 18, 2020 Early Access

Adventure, FPP, survival horror, horror, indie games, co-op, Meta Quest / Oculus, PlayStation VR, SteamVR, VR, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet

7.6

OpenCritic

96%

Steam

Rate It!

Phasmophobia is an unusual survival horror, which was developed specifically for the 4-person cooperative mode. The game also offers support for virtual reality. The independent Kinetic Games studio is responsible for its development and release.

Mechanics
Game modes
Technical aspects

Phasmophobia is an unusual survival horror, which was created for cooperative mode and virtual reality (although we can also play without VR helmet). In this game we play the role of a ghost-hunting team in a haunted place. The game was developed and published by the independent Kinetic Games studio and is his debut project.

Mechanics

In Phasmophobia we observe the action from the first person perspective. The gameplay includes exploring haunted places and collecting evidence of ghosts. We use special equipment for this purpose, such as electromagnetic field meters, CTTV cameras or motion detectors (part of the equipment is managed from the truck which is our base - one of the team members is responsible for this).

It is worth noting that the longer we are in a given location (developers have prepared several different places - we have a choice of property, prison, canals or hospital), the more dangerous it becomes. There are more than ten unique types of ghosts in the game - each with its own unique characteristics, which makes subsequent investigations noticeably different from each other.

Interestingly, the game also uses speech detection, which sometimes allows us to interact with ghosts using our own voice.

Game modes

In Phasmophobia we can play alone or with other players. The game offers a single player mode, but the fun only takes on a four-person network.

The game offers cross-platform functions - it enables users using VR goggles and people using a regular PC to play together.

Technical aspects

Phasmophobia offers a decent, three-dimensional graphic design. As in most of the game created for virtual reality, the graphics do not impress on a technological level, but reflect well the atmosphere of horror. In addition, the fact that we often move around in the dark masks some of the drawbacks of the game. It is also worth noting the minimalistic interface, thanks to which nothing disturbs the player's immersion.

The game works with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality headset.

guide

Last Update: October 27, 2020

Phasmophobia Guide

Phasmophobia Guide contains Beginner's Guide & tips, list of all ghosts, all maps, equipment tips, system requirements and controls. Learn all about the hunt phase, matchmaking and crucifix.

Phasmophobia Guide

Videos and Screens

[1:13] Phasmophobia Console Launch Trailer

[1:04] Phasmophobia Xbox Partner Preview Trailer

7.6

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 67% of Critics. There are 8 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Gaming Nexus: 6 / 10 by Elliot Hilderbrand

It has been some time since I've come into contact with a game that seems loved by the masses that I don't understand, but that's Phasmophobia. I don't understand why it's ok that you have to have a team of four people in order to find mild success. I don't understand why I need to spend time looking up a cheat sheet to help understand why a haunt is fun. I hate that I need to do so much outside the game, or to play round after round, just to have a better understanding of what is going on. I'm not opposed to playing Phasmophobia again, but it would take some convincing from at least three friends who are in need of a fourth played to have a full party. I also think each session is very dependent on having a good group of people around you in order to enjoy Phasmophobia, or at least a funny group of people to laugh at the misery of playing.

Full Review

GamingBolt: 8 / 10 by Ravi Sinha

Kinetic Games' Phasmophobia is a surprisingly scary experience, solo and with friends, though several features - like the lobby browser - need more work.

Full Review

Push Square: 8 / 10 by Aaron Bayne

Phasmophobia is a highly replayable co-op experience that expertly manages to blend friendly fun with deathly scares. There's a complexity to its ghost hunting as you gather evidence and test your nerves, and it's made all the better as you bicker, debate, and scream with your friends. A slow levelling system stalls that sense of progression, and finicky controls mean the PSVR2 version of the game is a bit of a letdown. However, if you're looking for a unique kind of co-op experience for you and your friends, Phasmophobia is one of a kind.

Full Review

96%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (615,493)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Cooperative Gameplay: Many users appreciate the multiplayer aspect, emphasizing that the game is significantly more enjoyable when played with friends. The communication and teamwork required add to the fun.
Atmosphere and Scares: The game effectively creates a tense and immersive atmosphere, with many players noting the jump scares and eerie sounds that enhance the horror experience.
Variety of Ghosts and Evidence Gathering: Players enjoy the different ghost types and the challenge of gathering evidence to identify them, which keeps the gameplay engaging.
Frequent Updates and Events: Some reviews commend the developers for regular updates and seasonal events that add new content and keep the game fresh.
Crossplay Feature: The ability to play with friends across different platforms is a significant plus for many players.

The main cons of the game

Grindy Progression System: A common complaint among players is the excessive grind required to unlock equipment and levels, particularly after recent updates. This has made the game less enjoyable for casual players.
Technical Issues: Many users report bugs, crashes, and performance issues, especially in VR mode, which detracts from the overall experience.
Poor New Player Experience: New players often find the game unwelcoming due to a lack of clear guidance and overwhelming mechanics, leading to frustration.
Community Toxicity: Some players mention that the community can be unwelcoming or toxic, especially towards newcomers.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Customization Options: Players have expressed a desire for more customization options, such as character outfits, van customization, and unique inventory items.
More Maps and Ghosts: There is a demand for additional maps and new ghost types to keep the gameplay varied and interesting.
Quality of Life Improvements: Suggestions include better UI navigation, an inventory system, and clearer communication about objectives and ghost behaviors.
Lore and Story Elements: Some players would like to see more background lore or story elements integrated into the gameplay to provide context and depth.

Summary

In summary, while Phasmophobia is praised for its cooperative gameplay and immersive horror experience, it faces criticism for its grindy progression, technical issues, and the need for more content and improvements to enhance the player experience.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024