Phantom Fury is a wonderful homage to everything that makes the FPS adventure genre what it is. Moreover, it adds a sci-fi twist and some modern elements to keep younger gamers interested. This hearty blend of ideas creates a unique experience that will get your juices flowing. As you run for cover or slide past projectiles, your heartbeat will race. Additionally, the sound of bombs exploding and the desire to complete every task will keep you on your toes. Accordingly, this fast-paced and often tough game will divide its audience.
This old-school FPS was developed by Slipgate Ironworks and published by 3D Realms. Moreover, it has a classic straightforward plot that leans towards the gruff and quiet protagonists of the past. As such, it does a great job of getting those nostalgia-infused juices flowing. An array of weapons and an interesting upgrade system buffs the simple gameplay. Alongside this, there are plenty of goons to mow down and boss battles that will kick your ass. Therefore, this isn’t a game for the faint of heart.
Phantom Fury tells a story of a doomed world!
Doomed worlds are a familiar playground for computer games. However, Phantom Fury takes it one step further. The protagonist, Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison, has been in an induced coma since her last fight with Jadus Heskel. Having lost her arm, she thought she had done enough to save humanity. Yet, she soon discovers that her efforts are in vain. A dangerous artefact has been stolen, and it is your responsibility to track it down. With a new robotic arm at her side, this hero will stop at nothing to kill every goon and complete every task.
The retro storyline may not appeal to you, but the pace at which it unfolds is timely and enjoyable. Additionally, the writing is to the point, fun, and dramatic. Effectively, the hero takes no shit, and she doesn’t care who knows it. Instead, she has a laser focus on the task at hand as she moves from point A to B. Unfortunately, if you pose a threat, this badass heroine will mow you down. Whether she uses a bomb, pistol, shotgun, or her deadly bionic arm is anyone’s guess. What is guaranteed, however, is the death and destruction of those who cross her path.
Brilliant gameplay.
The developers have created a suspenseful title that rolls along nicely. The drip-fed weapons, interesting minor puzzles, and evolving stage design will fascinate you. Alongside this, there are plenty of interactive objects that will distract you en route. Though many of the additional layers were there for show, I liked being distracted by the arcade machines and the snippets of information on each computer. The ability to piece together layers of lore was fascinating. Additionally, some puzzles require clues and switches to be activated before you can proceed.
The mixture of ground combat and vehicular madness was impressive. Jumping in a helicopter to annihilate each robotic foe never got old. The claustrophobic canyons host a challenging game of cat and mouse. Moreover, it wasn’t easy to dodge the never-ending rain of projectiles. This tough portion of the game was unsurprisingly rewarding. Yet, it was the parkour ground combat that got under my skin. I loved the ability to slide, jump, and sprint at my enemies. Using the bionic fist to pulverise their face into a bloody pulp was amazing. Alongside this, it filled me with giddy delight to load up my shotgun and blow the arms off of every mutant I saw.
So many weapons.
As the action rolls on, you’ll struggle to take down the ever-increasing waves of enemy soldiers. Whether it was humans, mutants, or androids, they kept on coming. Luckily, though, there are around 20 weapons at your disposal and an array of upgrades to pick from. These brutal tools can be swapped and improved as you like. This was a good move as it allows you to customise your approach. Furthermore, if you die, and you will, you can test different weapons and ammo to overcome each stubborn element.
Where Phantom Fury excels is in its boss battles. These brutal endeavours will test the best gamers to their limits. Not only do you have to consider their strengths and their weaknesses, but you have to contemplate the best way to stay alive. Each arena has the opportunity to manipulate the encounter in your favour. However, finding this chink in their armour is easier said than done. Consequently, you will get your arse handed to you repeatedly!
Phantom Fury looks wonderfully dated.
If you want a highly polished and realistic FPS, then you will need to look elsewhere. Phantom Fury’s niche is an outlandish retro world that has a pixelated edge. Additionally, it is gory, brutal, and oh-so-oppressive. This mixture of uncomfortable themes works perfectly with the daunting plot. Moreover, the tight spaces and bizarre range of environments are respectfully dated and reminiscent of some of the greatest FPS titles to exist. Consequently, this does an amazing job of delivering an original experience that has familiar undertones.
The audio is just as eccentric. The upbeat soundtrack lays the roots for a high-energy experience. Though I don’t like to describe the female protagonist as gruff, her to-the-point dialogue is abrupt, cutting, and great to listen to. On top of this, the crunching sound effects, and the scream of your foes will make you smile. There was nothing better than hearing a bomb explode or high-powered rounds from a mini-gun. Effectively, Phantom Fury chucks noise after noise at you, and you’ll simply sit back and allow it to happen.
You’ll return for more!
You can tackle this with an Xbox controller if you are not used to a mouse and keyboard. However, Phantom Fury is much better with a mouse and keyboard. I found the intuitive inputs and responsive controls to be comfortable and easy to master. My only complaint was the high mouse sensitivity. Yet, once this was adjusted to my liking, I was shooting off heads for fun.
Completing this title is not an easy task! Furthermore, though it is distinctly linear, you are free to explore every nook and cranny. This sense of openness was great as I discovered some fantastic interactive items. Moreover, I could enjoy every environment without the pressure of moving to the next stage. Alongside this, there is an array of difficulty settings to put you through your paces. As such, this has both replay value and longevity.
Phantom Fury is a fantastic blast from the past.
I love it when a developer gets things right. Yes, there are minor issues with Phantom Fury, but it is mostly a raving success. I adored the visuals and the incredible audio. What’s more, the range of enemies and the challenging gameplay will keep you on your toes. However, a few bugs were annoying, and I’m hoping that these problems are ironed out. Despite this small indiscretion, this title is great, and I recommend buying it here! Can you save humanity? Grab some weapons, master your bionic arm, and make every goon pay.
