Platform: Switch
Publisher: tinyBuild Games
Developer: Bread Team
Genre: Action, Adventure
Players: 2
Release Date: August 10, 2017
I remember first seeing Phantom Trigger and instantly being attracted to its use of light and colors. I was also excited to see another action-adventure type game coming to the Nintendo Switch. I have played the game for a few hours now and I believe it’s definitely showing promise.
A Tale of Two Stans?
Phantom Trigger begins with a man named Stan and his partner having a discussion about breakfast. During the conversation, Stan suddenly collapses to the ground. Shortly after, we see a mysterious figure riding in a boat on a red lake to an unknown location. This mysterious figure is the character you play as, and you must discover why you are in this hell-like area. As you progress throughout the stages, you get flashbacks of what has happened to Stan. The game provides two stories simultaneously, and both narratives are maintaining my interest greatly.
Neon Everything
The presentation of Phantom Trigger is distinctive. The bright neon colors of the weapons you use, the gray and orange glow of the enemies that threaten your life, all stand out to create an eye catching experience. The graphics are pixelated, giving the game an indie feel. The music is made up of ominous notes and tones, that perfectly capture the mysterious nature of whatever place the game throws you in.
Bright Colors and Addictive Combos
Phantom Trigger is a top-down hack and slash/beat em’ up esque game with a few RPG elements. Your character has the ability to teleport a few feet in front of them, similar to the teleportation mechanic of Mr. Shifty. Each other face button is used to control a different weapon. These weapons are a green whip that pulls enemies close to you, a blue sword, and large red fists. So far, I’ve come across three different enemy types. Each one attacks differently; some attack in close quarters, others aim a laser at you, and others bounce near you causing area of effect damage. The hook of the game is to create combos and move sets with your three different weapons. Learning which attacks and weapons best eliminate what type of enemy is part of the fun. Each weapon levels up to reveal new move-sets so that you can defeat enemies differently.
I’m looking forward to playing the game to its finale as it has honestly has grabbed my attention. Continue following NinMobileNews for our review of Phantom Trigger in the coming days. Phantom Trigger is available for purchase now on the Nintendo eShop for $14.99.
