The final verdict, after all this, is quite clear: we have here one of the hidden gems of the original Xbox. Its concepts make it a completely unique game, an experience that, unfortunately, no one has managed to replicate to this day. Phantom Dust excels in almost every aspect and offers an experience far ahead of its time. Microsoft has a gem in its...
Phantom Dust2004
Phantom Dust
2004 Microsoft Game Studios79Good
Playtime
ModerateTypically 15 hours
Playable on
Game modes
Details
- Launch
- September 23, 2004
- Developer
- Microsoft Game Studios
- Publisher
- Microsoft Game Studios
- Themes
Overview
Phantom Dust is a video game for the Xbox console. It was developed by Microsoft Game Studios, produced and directed by Yukio Futatsugi, director of the critically acclaimed Panzer Dragoon for Sega Saturn. It was licensed for release in the U.S. by Majesco. Phantom Dust is a pseudo-card-based action/strategy game in which the player collects skills (over 300 total) and takes missions to attempt to discover why Earth is in the condition it is. Players construct "arsenals" (similar to decks of cards) from their acquired skills and then use them to battle against other players. The game incorporates strategy and action elements in to a game that requires both mental and reflexive skill. The game remains a cult hit. The Xbox Live servers no longer support Online Multiplayer for Phantom Dust, or any other Xbox Original game.
Screenshots
Reception
Press79
Good- Metacritic81from 37 reviews
- OpenCritic64from 4 reviews
Phantom Dust is the very definition of a game of two halves. The underground hub sections are dull, with little in the way of signposting or hand-holding to make the time spent there as small as possible. The overground mission sections are fast paced, tactical and, above all else, fun to play with a myriad of ways to approach the missions. Add to this...
The story threatens to be interesting, but is laughably bad, as is the dialogue in the game (such as the lady who constantly talks about being "punished"). I'll give it this, it has a pretty cool version of Moonlight Sonata as part of its soundtrack. At least Phantom Dust dared to try something different, which is more than can be said for most AAA...
Beside his poor technical aspect, the best thing of the game it's the gameplay. The battles may seem simple, but they contain a lot of tricks to provide depth.
A nice remaster operation which brings new life to a classic title of the original Xbox's library. Decent in single-player, excellent in multiplayer.