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Phantom Doctrine

Phantom Doctrine

CreativeForge Games·Released Aug 14, 2018·Single player

Platforms
PS4PCXbox OneSwitch
Genres
RPGSimulationStrategyAdventure
Critic73/100
Across 6 reviews
AgreementData pendingNo votes yet
About

Set in 1983 during the Cold War, Phantom Doctrine is an alternate history thriller in which players lead The Cabal, a secret organization dedicated to fighting a global conspiracy committed to controlling the world by pitting world leaders and nations against one another. Deception is the great equalizer as players will have to operate from the shadows to exploit every vulnerability - ruthlessly interrogate and brainwash enemies and allies alike to create double agents, saboteurs or unwitting collaborators. Develop and defend your base of operations, recruit agents from the world’s many factions, and research new tech to give your operatives the advantage. Campaign missions deliver sprawling tactical encounters that revolve around two key pillars: stealth and explosive, all-out attacks. Your team of operatives can be deployed into the field either fully armed or disguised as civilians, allowing them to infiltrate dangerous areas undetected at the expense of heavy weapons and armor. Decode and analyze your way through immersive investigations to expose far-reaching conspiracies and elusive targets. Delve into the oppressive dark corners of the volatile 1980s with atmospheric visuals and an unnerving soundtrack by award-winning composer Marcin Przybylowicz of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt fame.

Reviews

6 reviews
Nintendo Life logo
Critic60/100
Agreement

Phantom Doctrine certainly shares plenty of DNA with the much-adored XCOM series, but it lacks the polish that's made the likes of XCOM 2 such an enduring example of how to do tactics right. When Phantom Doctrine really doubles down on the minutiae of its spycraft – including the solving conspiracies and the stealth-focused nature of its missions – its own personality shines through. It's certainly scrappy here and there – especially when it comes to managing the meta of its spy network – but push past these imperfections and you'll have plenty of licence for kills (and the occasional thrill).

Read full review at Nintendo Life
No vote recorded.
IGN logo
IGN
Mike Epstein·Aug 14, 2018
Critic74/100
Agreement

A conspiracy of great spy atmosphere, exciting stealth tactics, and dull paper-pushing.

Read full review at IGN
No vote recorded.
GameSpot logo
GameSpot
Alexander Pan·Aug 14, 2018
Critic90/100
Agreement

Phantom Doctrine blends several complex mechanics and a well-realized Cold War setting into one brilliantly engaging experience.

Read full review at GameSpot
No vote recorded.
Push Square logo
Push Square
Ken Talbot·Aug 14, 2018
Critic70/100
Agreement

A Cold War XCOM clone with enemy spies instead of aliens, Phantom Doctrine is a largely enjoyable strategy title. The awareness system means you have more control over the flow of combat, and the setting is well presented, rife with atmosphere and charm. However, the punishing difficulty and steep learning curve do take the edge off things every now and then.

Read full review at Push Square
No vote recorded.