Phantom Doctrine
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Phantom Doctrine Trailers
Phantom Doctrine - Launch Trailer
Phantom Doctrine - Mission Debriefing Trailer
Phantom Doctrine - Cinematic Release Date Trailer
Critic Reviews for Phantom Doctrine
The campaign itself can feel drawn out at times thanks to a less-than-stellar story and some obviously recycled content, but there's a real thrill in executing covert missions and putting all the pieces together like a master spy.
A promising setting and clever systems are let down by simple enemies, simpler characters, and strange balancing.
Phantom Doctrine demands the patience and calculation of a cold-blooded assassin, but the methodical style of play is rewarding
Phantom Doctrine blends several complex mechanics and a well-realized Cold War setting into one brilliantly engaging experience.
Phantom Doctrine certainly shares plenty of DNA with the much-adored XCOM series, but it lacks the polish that's made the likes of XCOM 2 such an enduring example of how to do tactics right. When Phantom Doctrine really doubles down on the minutiae of its spycraft – including the solving conspiracies and the stealth-focused nature of its missions – its own personality shines through. It's certainly scrappy here and there – especially when it comes to managing the meta of its spy network – but push past these imperfections and you'll have plenty of licence for kills (and the occasional thrill).
I enjoyed the idling moments between missions when I felt like the director of a secret team of spies almost as much as I enjoyed directing the spies on the ground, and the overall experience is one I'd recommend to any fan of turn-based tactics or cold war skullduggery.
If you're someone who lives a life of danger, if everyone you meet is a stranger or perhaps you find that with every move you make another chance you take, then Phantom Doctrine is ideal for you. For everyone else, this is a deep and compelling tactical strategy game that provides innovation in a stagnant genre. I'll be playing it long after I've finished reviewing it, and I can think of no higher praise than that.
An inspired XCOM clone, whose spy movie atmosphere inspires an emphasis on stealth rather than action – which is a good job given the somewhat flawed combat.
