Phasmophobia is a paranormal horror game developed and published by British indie game studio Kinetic Games. It is based primarily on the popular hobby of ghost hunting. The game became available in early access through Steam for Microsoft Windows with virtual reality support in September 2020.
- Release Date: September 18, 2020
- Developer: Kinetic Games
- Mode: Multiplayer Video Game
- Awards: The Game Award for Best Debut Indie Game
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- Genres: Virtual reality, Indie Game, Adventure game, Survival horror, Puzzle Video Game
Gameplay
Phasmophobia is a first-person game where up to four players can work together to investigate haunted locations. Each player takes on a unique role, such as a camera operator, an equipment specialist, or a spirit box user. The team must use their tools to identify the type of ghost present in the location and collect evidence, all while avoiding being killed by the ghost. Players can communicate through voice chat, both locally within a short distance and globally via walkie-talkies. Completing objectives and gathering evidence provide a payout, complete as much as possible to level-up, unlock maps and difficulties and earn money.
Players create or join a lobby where preparation for the contracts is done. Phasmophobia gives players the option to customize their appearance by picking between eight different paranormal investigators to distinguish between group members. Located at two corkboards in the lobby, a contract location and difficulty (Amateur, Intermediate, Professional, Nightmare, or one of three Custom difficulty presets that the player can modify) is voted on between players. All equipment is purchased at a computer in the lobby and selected to be loaded into the Van from which the group will operate upon arriving at the site.
Intense Horror Atmosphere
Phasmophobia is not for the faint of heart. The game creates a tense and terrifying atmosphere that keeps players on edge throughout. The ghosts are unpredictable and can appear at any moment, creating jump scares that will have you jumping out of your seat. The game also uses subtle audio and visual cues to build tension, making you feel like you are constantly being watched.
Hauntingly Realistic Environments
Phasmophobia features a variety of different locations to investigate, including abandoned schools, asylums, and houses. The environments are designed to be realistic and immersive, with dimly lit corridors, flickering lights, and eerie sound effects. The attention to detail in the game’s environments is incredible, making it feel like you are really exploring a haunted location.
Players will start in the Van where they will find the equipment they have selected and another corkboard, the Objective Board, listing the objectives they need to complete as well as the name of the ghost and showing all ten of their photos. It also houses the Surveillance Computer, Sanity Monitor, map of the current site, Sound Sensor Screen, and Site Activity Monitor. This set of equipment is permanently located inside the Van and is used to track the status of the players and ghost’s activity, although on Nightmare difficulty as well as with two specific Custom Difficulty settings, the Sanity Monitor and Site Activity monitor may be disabled and appear as smashed screens. Players who survive and have completed their objectives (or wish to give up) must return to the Van to leave. Players will also have a journal on hand permanently where information about the ghosts, evidence and photos can be found. Evidence and ghost identification must be marked in the Journal to receive money which can be used to purchase more equipment.
Replayability
Phasmophobia has a high replayability factor, as each game is different from the last. The game’s procedural generation system ensures that each location is unique, and the ghosts’ behavior is randomized, making each encounter feel fresh and unpredictable. The game also has a variety of difficulty levels, ensuring that players of all skill levels can enjoy the game.
Final Thoughts of Phasmohobia
Phasmophobia is an excellent game that offers a unique and immersive experience. Its multiplayer gameplay, atmosphere, and sound design are all top-notch, making for a spooky and thrilling experience. Its high replayability factor ensures that players will keep coming back for more scares. If you’re a fan of horror games, Phasmophobia is definitely worth checking out. We, at The Gamerz Den think that it is the best horror game to play with friends in 2023.
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If you are a fan of horror games we suggest that you check out our list of the best horror games of all time. Also check out our article one of the most highly anticipated horror video game coming soon Ad Infinitum.
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