Phasmophobia Reviews
Kinetic Games' co-op horror mysteries are as fumbly as they are intricate.
Phasmophobia undoubtedly creates the kind of scary, hysterical enjoyment that games like this one so often do, encouraging you to want to return over and over. No two games are exactly alike, even on the same map with the same type of ghost, making this more than worth its fair price point. Kinetic Games’ decision to open Phasmophobia up to the console community is something that has been a long time coming and is undoubtedly going to more than satisfy those who have been waiting for it.
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.
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.
Kinetic Games' Phasmophobia is a surprisingly scary experience, solo and with friends, though several features - like the lobby browser - need more work.
'Phasmophobia' is a game that throws a lot of information at you in the beginning. This applies to both the in-game knowledge and the control. However, the controls also work well. As a researchers into the paranormal you have to find out together or alone which entity you are dealing with. It is not the scariest game, but it is certainly exciting. Entertainment is clearly paramount and that is certainly there.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
I’m a bit disappointed with the PlayStation 5 port of a beloved, overwhelmingly positive title on Steam. Phasmophobia not only contains some of the worst user navigation interfaces I’ve seen in a long time, but also a gameplay loop that isn’t well explained for newcomers to enjoy. Deep down inside, I know there’s fun to be had, but you have to be really patient with this one to find it.
After much anticipation, console gamers can finally get their hands on Phasmophobia, which brings with it the features that brought it success and a good post-launch support that we expect to see.
Review in Italian | Read full review