Scottish translation of title: Get ready for some disturbing nightmares! Don't blame me -- that's what the on-line Scottish translator told me!
I'm a big "phan" of Phantasmat. However, even though the artwork is splendidly horrifying, just as I like it, the "chasing-after-an-artifact" storyline is cliched; and the gameplay is devoid of trend-setting techniques. The plot fails to evolve into an intelligently structured context; I find myself wandering around aimlessly, focusing on the dreadful imageries instead of on what my true purpose really is.
The main attractions in this game are the petrifying visuals. The illustrations are saturated in creepy imageries that are disturbing and repellent enough to make me shudder in fear. The macabre-looking Joker, in apparition form, throwing his sharp and deadly cards at you, is an example of this perception.
One negative aspect about the graphics, which seems to be a pervasive trait in most horror-themed games, is that the monochromatic coloration throughout the entire game is dull and monotonous, with each scene completely blending into the others. As to the quality of the graphics -- blotchy, muddy, unpolished, murky. You get the point.
You can customize your settings. The inventory is labeled and interactive; items require assembly. In custom mode, the teleport map facilitates brisk travel to labeled locations and indicates available actions. Transition between scenes is smooth and quick; no glitches to report.
The HOSs comprise multi-layered formats -- a hallmark trait of this developer. They are thematic and creative, but we've seen these recycled types before. The puzzles were mostly easy, although a few needed to be to worked out a bit. Unfortunately, I am sorely missing the avant garde puzzles -- spiked with a challenging touch -- of this developer's past. You are guided by a morphing object indicator while collecting the morphing objects within most locations.
I am left feeling underwhelmed with this installment. I wasn't able to play the last game in this series due to glitches. But the prior games were better, especially the storylines. Furthermore, the free trial, which is very brief, does not afford a player a reasonable opportunity to determine whether or not a purchase will be worthwhile. Moreover, I am left feeling underwhelmed by the entry-level gameplay. Finally, the atmosphere evinces a stimulating consciousness, but the rest of the game does not. I rate this game 3 stars, deducting 2 stars for the unimaginative gameplay and the lackluster storyline.
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KimTwilight69
Dracyy
IKCLJ
