Overall most helpful review

Posted on: October 8, 2024

Half-Dome

Games: 19 Reviews: 2

Savor this one, it's a gem

The Phantom Fellows is the kind of game that pushes the genre forward. And in a year full of great adventure games, it’s easily my favorite. Here’s why. What starts as a fun, straightforward experience builds into something memorable—into the rare, replayable adventure game. It has a distinct personality, with sharp humor and creative writing that set it apart. It also rewards you for taking your time and soaking in the details and there is so much to see, I found myself reloading auto-saves, curious as to what I missed. The characters, puzzles, and humor all feel fresh, offering a unique take on narrative gameplay. The puzzles hit a sweet spot—challenging enough to keep you thinking but not overwhelming. The hint system is satisfying, helping you isolate the puzzle and giving you a logical starting point to solve it on your own with, which keeps the immersion intact. Only once or twice did I ask for the full solution. The puzzles themselves feel like a natural part of the story, and the game makes you feel a part of the world as you explore and pick up on clues. The writing is where the game truly shines. The dialogue is clever, funny, and full of personality. The characters are entirely unique, and they feel fresh and likable. And while the humor is front and center, after a few cases there’s also a layer of emotional depth peppered in, which made the duo feel human. The game’s got a unique voice, smart puzzles, and writing that keeps you engaged from start to finish. If you’re looking for something with humor, personality, and heart, it’s definitely worth your time.

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Posted on: October 7, 2024

PointAndFrick

Verified owner

Games: 13 Reviews: 1

An Original, Memorable Masterpiece

I tend to approach new titles with a fair amount of skepticism, particularly in today’s market where many games rely on nostalgia or rehashed formulas. The Phantom Fellows, however, caught me off guard in the best possible way. What begins as a seemingly lighthearted comedy unfolds into something much more substantial, thanks to its exceptional writing, well-paced storytelling, and original characters. The writing, frankly, surpasses most modern adventure games. It’s rare to encounter dialogue that feels this sharp and thoughtful. Exchanges feel real, relatable and sometimes even familiar. There is a chemistry that isn't limited to just the two protagonists, though their bond develops into something you want more of. Beneath the relentlessly impressive humor, the game subtly unravels deeper themes, particularly through the dynamic between ghost and "breather". These moments of emotional depth are never overdone but add a thoughtful layer to the experience that I found surprisingly effective. Additionally there is an over-arcing storyline that also provides a sense of purpose, while the structured, case-by-case progression keeps the game feeling manageable and inviting. The puzzles are equally engaging, the game lays out clues and guidance in carefully crafted dialogues. and there’s a real sense of becoming an investigator as you scan rooms and conversations for clues. The hint system integrates naturally into the game’s world, offering just the right amount of help. Each case or “day” brings its own unique flavor, with NPCs that feel like people from your own town—quirky, relatable, and full of charm. All in all, The Phantom Fellows is a game that starts strong and only gets better. With clever writing, challenging puzzles, and a touch of unexpected emotional depth, it is a standout for anyone seeking something fresh and original in the adventure genre.

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Posted on: October 8, 2024

annabanana609

Verified owner

Games: 308 Reviews: 2

This game is funny as heck!

The Phantom Fellows blends classic adventure game mechanics with modern storytelling in a really cool way. As a seasoned point-and-click player, I was immediately drawn to this approach; it was so familiar and yet also a fresh take. The game's intuitive controls, both mouse based and keyboard friendly, cater to traditional and modern players alike. This game is funny, really really funny. The dialogue had me laughing constantly. The banter is just so good, there is just so much flow. I was so into the game when I was playing, it was super immersive. I was able to travel back to previous days in the game on a map (which I love) and it added this whole other layer to the game and it made me want to explore. There are lots of different ways to do things. I noticed that there were lines of speech or even puzzle solutions that I missed on the first playthrough so I had to go back through and play it again right away! Kind of surprised but even though it's a funny game it would at times be poignant or thought-provoking or even take me down the road of psychology or history. The relationship between the main characters is super complex and I'd really like to see more development in the relationship between the two of them, hopefully in future Phantom Fellows games.

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Posted on: January 23, 2025

writejoshuablum_74

Games: 0 Reviews: 1

Give this one a try!

I loved this game! I honestly did not know what to expect since I do not have the best track record with adventure games (mostly played on the 80s and early 90s). But the fact that this game has the aesthetic of the 80s (pixelart, synth music, neon glow, etc) with the updates of the modern age (likes GUI, works on the Steamdeck) makes it all the more awesome. I am amazed that one man made pretty much the whole thing - hats off to Paul Korman for the snazzy writing, music, art, and programming. This is a great one to enjoy this winter with a cup of your favorite whatever to enjoy together. Highly recommended!

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Posted on: December 16, 2024

borislock

Verified owner

Games: 296 Reviews: 1

Great writing and quality puzzles.

Adventure games typically don't have much 'game' in them, in the ludic sense. Most games in the genre, even the challenging ones, are interactive stories in which the player solve puzzles and 'does stuff' along the way. We're not choosing our own adventure insofar as we are choosing the way a predetermined adventure proceeds, within usually relatively narrow parameters. As such, most games in the genre live or die by the quality of their story, their puzzles, and the skill with which those things are delivered. I'm happy to say that The Phantom Fellows nails it on both counts. Although it looks and feels like a classic adventure game, or an homage to one, The Phantom Fellows greatest success is that it is a singular experience. In a genre where so many games strive to recreate the feel or style of their predecessors ("I'm selling these fine leather jackets!"), Phantom Fellows flourishes as a one-of-a-kind experience. You will never have played a game that tickles your adventure game bone quite like this one. This success can be completely attributed to Paul Korman, the game's sole developer. He writes with, to use the word again, a singular voice. His brand of humor -which permeates almost every facet of the game's dialogue, yet somehow always feel natural and never overbearing or obtrusive- is distinctly his own; and it feels like a lifetime's worth of Paul's almost Seinfeldian observations on life, and what-all inhabits life, have been gently massaged into each conversation and environmental inspection that his wonderful characters make. The Phantom Fellows is not a game that one rushes through. First of all, to do so would be to miss a large part of what makes it so enjoyable. Second of all, you'd probably miss out on some crucial details that are necessary to solve any of the game's abundant puzzles, most of which are challenging enough to satisfy any classic adventure game fan. My only criticism of TPF is that, like this review, it ends on a cliff ha...

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