Explosive Ninja Action in the Neon World
Just taste the concept. We got co-op, rogue-theme, rpg-aspects, a well-written story, beautiful pixel-graphics and frantic action. But stop! Don't throw yourself on the buy button just yet, I won't talk you out from doing so (in contrary) but do read this review first where I will explain just why you NEED this game.
With other words, Phantom Trigger has a lot of elements that talks positively for the game, and its a lot that's awesome with this game. Its all about two parallel worlds, one "real one" and a more demonic one. Both of these interact with each other without us knowing and the adventure jumps between both of them: The adventure takes its start with the main protagonist Stan as he suddenly collapses during a phone call with his wife and finds himself laying on the floor. What we don't know yet is that we are about to get transported over to the much more hostile Neon World where we'll get to meet - and assume the role of - the Outsider.
The unique graphic style is accompanied by great music.
So...who is the Outsider? A friendly figure that keeps himself nearby (his real name is Toad, but he doesn't have a mushroom on his head) and happens to throw out a few phrases now and then that explains things you encounter. After meeting a mysterious tree I get my hands on some necessary gear and start preparing to conquer the tasks that stand before me. The story is pretty straight forward, but it still gets me to think - how is it all connected? One thing is for sure, and that is that Stan has some weird sickness, and that alone keeps me glued to the Switch, wanting to know more.
The environments in Neon World are brutal and dangerous, and makes the game a bit harder in an innovative way.
By using a "hub-world" I can access different dimensions where I need to accomplish different missions. Most of the time its pretty straightforward stuff like killing somebody or getting an item, and the enemy variation is not the best either. The greatness of Phantom Trigger instead lies in its gameplay. You who are a bit older might remember the 8- and 16 bit-era's and the games that were launched back then, with adventures being playtrough'd during an hour or two, but still was so damn entertaining that we couldn't keep our self's from playing them again and again and again. Like for example the Super Mario-games, Mega Man or Contra. Games that are just as good as they were back in the old pixel-bit days as they are today.
Sometimes it is a little unclear how new abilities should be used. Do not expect any hand-holding from the game.
And this is the category where Phantom Trigger fits in, because the difficulty of the game always keeps me on my toes but still without crossing the limit - you know that limit that plagues so many retro-inspired games being released today. The gaming controls are tight as anything and its very fun to battle, every punch feels like they land with heavy force and destructive damage. And the game is generous with checkpoints, which keeps the worst frustration away even in the most intense of moments.
Between the levels I sometimes go back to the "real world" to see how everything goes for Stan, I will just watch as the plot thickens. What is it that really is plaguing this poor man? And yet once again I ask myself just how everything is connected. Before I can get my answer though, there is a lot of missions to complete, a bunch of enemies to slay and many beefy bosses that needs to be conquered. Particularly the bosses stick out as somewhat of an highlight in Phantom Trigger as many of my boss encounters still are very memorable and sucks me towards replaying the game once again.
The boss fights are as epic as any pixel adventure can deliver!
Maybe the most important and excellent maneuver in the game is the dash-ability. With one quick flick of the B-button you can quickly bounce away from enemies, or bounce towards enemies to strike just at the right moment. Its a pretty high tempo in the game and one needs to get used to using the fast pace in the game to become good, but once you get there the game becomes immensely satisfying as you'll feel like an skillful neon warrior dancing the dance of death trough all kinds of demonic dimensions - and thus exterminating the enemies that dare come close to you. I also always need to analyze and think-trough how to vanquish my enemies, even though I would have liked much more variation in the enemy flora. It doesn't destroy the game though and I feel its hard to stop playing the game even considering that repetitive-aspect.
Just unhook each respectively Joycon and you and a friend is ready for co-op.
In addition, there is one factor I have not raised yet, namely the first thing I mentioned as one of the game's best merits in the first sentence: co-op. It has the ability to make most games fun and Phantom Trigger is no exception. In addition, the game concept is cut-out to be played by two people on the Switch by simply unscrewing the Joycons and then playing where time and opportunity shows itself. This way, the game is a bit easier, but not so easy to make you feel relaxed, and co-op makes the already epic boss fighters even better.
I would also like to mention that the graphics in Phantom Trigger are really well-made. It is always retro inspired and stylish and very crispy-clear. Some lag in the video update sometimes pops up and takes a bit "off" the whole experience for a moment, but overall this is a handsome and eye-catching game thanks to its unique style and atmosphere. Even the music is very good and if you have a good home cinema system, or dope headphones, the sometimes dark tones in the game can feel really uncomfortable. Very high rating for this game in my book.
A better enemy variety had been much needed.
I'm not going to reveal the story, of course, but as I get to know more about Stan and how he's feeling, Its starting to become clear to me how the games universes are connected and what drives its story. After finishing the game, I was immediately in the mood to play it again and there is also an arena with waves of enemies to entertain you with. All in all, Phantom Trigger is a little opaque gaming diamond, which nevertheless maintains being really really fun for shorter gaming moments and is perfectly adapted for the Switch and co-op. If what I have described is what you are looking for then I highly recommend you to buy this title.
Phantom Trigger Launch Trailer
Great review as usual man!
Great post! Would you mind if I included it in today's "best of gaming"?
Yes dude, use it! :)
u changed your character at he end of the post..but still with ze-fat blunt
haha yea :D Gotta have the blunt!
I'll deff check it out when I get around to getting a switch! The real question is if your ready for Destiny 2?! I need you to do a hype peace on why it's gonna be sick before it comes out haha
Hahah yea man I'm ready! :D Just been so much lately, after breaking my ps4 pro at my LSD trip and all that shit:( But thanks for the encouragement dude, peace and good luck in your new video series, it's awesome! :D
Lmao yeah I remember that legendary comment about your LSD trip haha, and thanks bro! Keep up the good work completely owning the gaming niche haha