UFOPHILIA has a creepy and sinister edge that keeps you on your toes. However, there is also a tough learning curve as you are thrown into a tutorial mission and expected to run. This causes it to be a little overwhelming, even though it does well to explain its core mechanics. Furthermore, if you have tackled Phasmophobia, you’ll know what to expect. Instead of phantoms, you get various types of little green men.
This action-adventure sim was developed by K148 Game Studio and published by Jandusoft. It is a first-person single-player game that plays with your mind while making you feel extremely uncomfortable. As you explore each eerie location, you must investigate clues, piece together information, and ultimately take 4 clear photos of the extraterrestrial. This isn’t always that easy, but trying to get to the bottom of each investigation is half the battle.
UFOPHILIA lets each mission tell a story.
UFOPHILIA doesn’t tell a large and dramatic story. Instead, it lets each micro mission paint a picture. Each quest takes you across 7 distinct locations. Moreover, each endeavour is procedurally generated to keep you on your toes and guessing throughout. This was great as you never knew what you were up against or where to find the clues.
This continually shifting experience generates an almost endless stream of tales and unplanned moments. Furthermore, the use of darkness and shadow adds suspense as you search for clues and work towards the conclusion. As the game progresses and things become tougher, you have to take greater risks. This in itself was thrilling as no one wishes to be abducted. Thankfully, I remained unprobed, but I can’t say the same for my virtual hero.
Piecing together the clues.
Had the tutorial offered more depth, UFOPHILIA would have been less trial and error. As it is, you’ll struggle at first and wonder why you are putting yourself through it. Yet, I urge you to push through, because once you get over the tough learning curve, the action is worth the effort. Each mission offers an array of different equipment to try to identify the alien in your midst. This was great, as when you got it right, it was genuinely rewarding.
As the evidence comes to the fore, you must be in “PHASE 4” and try to capture 4 pictures of your out-of-this-world friend. This is where the danger piques. You must get close to your target without pissing them off. This isn’t always easy, and the aggressive ones don’t like their picture being taken. Therefore, you can do all the hard work just to have it undone by a sneaky and unwelcoming ET.
UFOPHILIA is rough but dark.
If you adore dark and sinister games, then UFOPHILIA will be right up your street. As you explore each of the 7 unique locations, you’ll be edgy and a little worried. Who wouldn’t, when a little green man is hiding in the shadows? Although this doesn’t present perfect visuals and it’s a little rough, I enjoyed it regardless. The atmosphere is great, and I liked how the specialist equipment added depth to each location.
The use of directional 3D audio creates tension while helping you to pinpoint your target. This was exceptional as it worked perfectly with your specialist gear. A prime example of this is the alien communication device. This odd tool picks up on the noises of your foe. It is AI-generated if that bothers you, but in this instance, it works well. The random sounds add to the Sci-Fi theme without undermining the atmosphere.
Clunky controls.
The control system could have been much better. Unfortunately, it’s a little clunky, and the lacklustre tutorial doesn’t help matters. Furthermore, the UI feels thrown together and that compounds the issue further. Although everything is manageable, it wasn’t as pleasant to play as it could have been.
Theoretically, UFOPHILIA offers limitless replay value. After all, every mission is procedurally generated. However, after a while, things become a little repetitive. Even when you upgrade your gear, there isn’t enough depth to keep you coming back forever. Had they made this a multiplayer experience, this would have been a different story.
UFOPHILIA is good, but limited.
I like this genre, and I love the theme. However, I wasn’t impressed with the learning curve and the lack of multiplayer action. Furthermore, it is a little repetitive. However, if you play it casually and you take your time, there is enough on offer to keep you entertained. Accordingly, I recommend you buy it here! Can you prove that aliens exist? Explore each location, grab your equipment, and don’t get probed.
