As October unfolds, the anticipation for Halloween begins to permeate the air, stirring excitement among enthusiasts of all things spooky. Yet, amidst this seasonal fervor, the realm of horror gaming often leaves much to be desired. A compelling hook is essential to capture interest, reminiscent of the gripping night-vision terror in Outlast or the menacingly intelligent xenomorph in Alien: Isolation. In this context, Phasmophobia stands out, inviting players to step into the shoes of a paranormal investigator, collaborating with friends for a thrilling exploration of the supernatural.
Immersive Gameplay Experience
Since its initial launch on PC, Phasmophobia has captured my attention, with numerous playthroughs on YouTube showcasing its engaging mechanics. The game’s allure lies in its variety of gadgets, the diverse spirits players can encounter, and the myriad settings available for investigation. Fortunately, the long-awaited console ports for Xbox and PlayStation have arrived, delivering an experience that closely mirrors its PC counterpart.
Visually, Phasmophobia may not be a feast for the eyes; textures can appear bland, and colors often feel muted. Occasionally, players might notice objects stuttering unexpectedly—not due to ghostly interference, but rather technical glitches. While these visual shortcomings are somewhat disheartening, they do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the game.
Embarking on my first paranormal investigations solo, I found this approach to be the least favorable. The game challenges players to utilize an array of investigative equipment to uncover the ghost haunting a location and determine its type. With various difficulty levels and a plethora of gadgets to purchase using investigation earnings, each session promises a unique experience as players navigate through different ghost behaviors and temperaments.
While solo play can deliver a spine-chilling experience, it also introduces a degree of tedium. The thrill of creeping through a dark estate, facing exploding light bulbs and flying objects, is palpable. However, the game’s mechanics dictate that players can only carry three pieces of equipment at a time, necessitating frequent backtracking to the truck for additional gear.
In contrast, teaming up with friends transforms the gameplay dynamic. More players mean more hands to manage equipment and explore the haunted locations, enhancing the overall experience. Although the multiplayer mode may dilute some of the horror elements, it fosters a lighter atmosphere, often leading to comedic moments. Observing a friend meet a ghostly demise only to scribble “must be a Jinn” in the notebook exemplifies the blend of fear and humor that Phasmophobia offers.
It’s worth noting that the console version does not introduce significant new content compared to its PC predecessor. While I had hoped for fresh locations or ghost types, the absence of these additions does not overshadow the enjoyment of the game. One notable difference is the removal of voice recognition capabilities; while the PC version allowed players to communicate with spirits, the console version merely registers sounds without understanding the context. Despite this, the ability to engage in crossplay with PC users is a welcome feature, enhancing the multiplayer experience.
Ultimately, the console port of Phasmophobia may not have exceeded expectations, but it fulfills its purpose effectively. Player preferences will dictate the experience, particularly regarding the number of friends who own the game. For those who revel in a mix of scares, thrills, and a touch of silliness, Phasmophobia is undoubtedly worth exploring.
Pros: Can be genuinely scary at times, can be equally hilarious at times, plenty of progression, investigative gameplay is engaging
Cons: Visuals needed a touch-up, no new content added, some removed features
For fans of: Dead By Daylight, Outlast Trials, Lethal Company
7/10: Very Good
Phasmophobia launches on 29 October for PlayStation 5 (version tested), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Review code was provided by the publisher. Read a guide to our review scores here.
