Phoenix Springs is a stunning point-and-click adventure | Hands-on preview

Phoenix Springs is a stunning point-and-click adventure | Hands-on preview

As a seasoned gamer with a deep-rooted love for mystery and intrigue, I’ve spent countless hours immersed in games that let me explore the unknown and uncover secrets hidden within their worlds. But sometimes, reality gets in the way of my adventurous spirit and limits my ability to satisfy that craving for discovery. That’s where Phoenix Springs comes in.


In our constant quest for excitement and curiosity, we relish the experience of discovering answers in the midst of confusion, delving into uncharted territories, and unearthing hidden truths that lie close yet unseen. The monotony of daily life sparks an innate longing to explore the unknown. Though financial limitations may hinder us, games serve as a viable platform to satiate this craving for adventure. Phoenix Springs offers you a wealth of chances to indulge in your detective instincts and bring your favorite TV detectives to life. All while immersed in an enigmatic neo-noir atmosphere that adds an extra layer of intrigue.

“By connecting the pieces of information you gather, you have the ability to think creatively in this game.” In Phoenix Springs, Iris Dormer’s words become apparent as you explore and uncover hidden clues. These connections may lead you to interact with objects or people, helping you progress in your journey. Initially, it might take some time to understand your role in the game, but eventually, you’ll learn how to link things together and form your own leads using an intuitive, digital corkboard system.

Phoenix Springs is a stunning point-and-click adventure | Hands-on preview

Each time you uncover a fresh hint, it emerges as a word on a pop-up white screen. Whenever you come across something to engage with, you can then choose from the clues you’ve gathered. For instance, during a sneak peek, I stumbled upon a university campus and utilized a clue from a memo I’d discovered to interact with a poster. The statue depicted in the poster subsequently emerged as new proof on the screen. As evidence becomes irrelevant, it turns grey for easy identification.

I delved deep into books and computer screens, dug through piles of trash, and engaged in a lengthy chat over the phone with my long-lost brother’s ex-neighbor. The information I uncovered was crucial to my quest, and though it took some effort and clever questioning, the rush of discovering new knowledge is always worth it in Phoenix Springs. The allure of unraveling mysteries keeps me hooked, and with a captivating storyline, I’m constantly hungry for the next clue.

Phoenix Springs is a stunning point-and-click adventure | Hands-on preview

After finishing my sneak peek, I hadn’t actually explored much of Phoenix Springs yet, instead focusing on figuring out how to reach the place. I’ll keep the details under wraps until the launch day, but let me tell you, what I glimpsed left me eagerly anticipating diving deeper in. The artwork, meticulously hand-drawn, is visually stunning, and Iris’s voice acting was compelling as a woman determined to uncover her brother’s fate. He became entangled in questionable biological experiments, and as my time ran out, I began to piece together the larger puzzle. The challenges are intricate and layered, offering ample opportunities for exploration.

In a point-and-click adventure game, having the ability to identify clickable objects and areas provides a sense of security. If an object or location doesn’t respond when hovered over with the cursor, it likely means you’re not in the right place. However, once you locate something interactive in the environment, you can engage with it through various actions like talking, examining, or using items. Phoenix Springs boasts a user-interface that is unobtrusive, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the visuals. Calligram Studio strikes the perfect chord between exploration and challenge, unlike games such as Lorelei and the Laser Eyes which were overly complicated.

Phoenix Springs is a stunning point-and-click adventure | Hands-on preview

Despite having played Phoenix Springs for merely a couple of hours, I’m already captivated by its charm. This point-and-click adventure masterfully simplifies investigative aspects without sacrificing challenge. Players are given room to explore and uncover clues, but logic remains the backbone of gameplay. The graphics are simply breathtaking, featuring hand-drawn characters and backgrounds brought to life with seamless animations. Mark your calendars; I’ll be ready to dive in when Phoenix Springs launches on PC in September.

Phoenix Springs arrives on PC and Mac on September 16, 2024.

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2024-07-24 17:16