Phantom Abyss

 PC
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. Noisy Pixel
    Jan 29, 2024
    70
    Phantom Abyss offers a thrilling gaming experience, but it won't keep you hooked for hours on end without a group of friends to tackle the temples alongside you.
  2. Hardcore Gamer
    Jan 26, 2024
    70
    Phantom Abyss is a trek into a lost and trap-filled temple that constantly has you on your toes. Each room is filled with several ways to die, or at least take a good amount of damage, and the constant pressure from the guardian means you have to think while moving. While there's something to be said for tearing through the level at top speed, the rooms are frequently interesting enough that it would be nice to stop and look around for a minute without being pushed forward. The secrets are highly satisfying to find, and when a guardian is dropping poison bombs or just relentlessly advancing that can feel like it's working against the necessary concentration or experimentation needed to reach them. A lot of the time it can feel easier to just dash on through, ignoring the intricate room design to reach the door to the next one, and the next and the next until finally reaching the exit. Every once in a while, though, Phantom Abyss manages to balance the speed and exploration, and that's when it's at its best.
  3. Hey Poor Player
    Jan 25, 2024
    70
    Despite its engaging concept and moments of brilliance, the game is held back by these shortcomings, making it a journey of both delight and disappointment. This ultimately leaves Phantom Abyss feeling like a treasure chest that’s only partially filled – it has its share of gems that shine brightly yet leaves enough space to make you wonder about the treasures that could have been.
  5. Digital Chumps
    Jan 25, 2024
    68
    This is all to say that Phantom Abyss falls somewhat short on achieving the goal of offering a challenging parkour adventure in a roguelite package. The whip and phantom gameplay involving other players’ trial and error are unique, but its clunkiness, difficulty, and disparate progression are worth a pause. I’m confident that additional polish and content are coming down the pipeline, but I need more from the current state of the game.