Phantom: Covert Ops

It’s easy to see why Phantom: Covert Ops received the commendations it did at E3 2019, and it’s now taken the second spot on my personal recommendation list of must-have VR titles. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last we’ve seen in the Phantom line.

The concept of ​​this Oculus exclusive stealth VR action is truly intriguing and simulative, capable of justifying the "only" tracing of the head and hands directly with the structure of the game and its environmental context - a bit like it was for Lone Echo in the field of science fiction. Behind enemy lines with a military kayak equipped to silently advance and strike. If played on Rift S, the parallel design for Quest is all too evident, especially in the polygonal complexity, and clearly the variety of the action stops at some point, but the great atmosphere, the good level of challenge, the intelligent writing of the plot and a well thought out length of the storymode (one night in real time) make Phantom Covert Ops a VR title highly recommended.

While it seems strange at first, Phantom: Covert Ops has been one of my best experiences with VR to date. Despite playing the entire game from within a kayak and a formulaic narrative, the meat of the game comes from its impeccable mechanics and immersion. Phantom: Covert Ops uses realistic water physics for its locomotion in a way that lets the player avoid any feeling of nausea or discomfort. The layout of your gear is convenient and easy, and the control scheme takes minutes to master. It’s an exciting experience that puts you in the shoes of a special agent and you feel empowered while playing. For fans of stealth games who are just getting into VR this is an essential experience, and one that sets the bar for stealth in VR.

A unique and immersive stealth adventure fully catered to VR.

Phantom: Covert Ops is a bit on the short side, but it's a top-tier virtual reality game while it lasts.

Phantom: Covert Ops offers a decent slice of immersive VR gaming that will be well suited to most gamers. The main campaign is a little short especially as the levels are repeated and the core gameplay does lack depth for more experienced players. Even so, Phantom: Covert Ops is entertaining and there’s enough to keep you invested for a good few hours. Hopefully, nDreams will build upon this concept rather than letting it sink into the depths.

Far-fetched as it may be, Phantom’s fantastically immersive design makes for a VR mission well worth accepting, even if its campaign is shorter and simpler than hoped for. But what it lacks in gameplay complexity, it often makes up for in its giddy role-playing, going a step beyond many other VR games to convince you that you’re really in its (admittedly daft) world. A deeper sequel with more advanced gameplay would elevate the series to essential status, but Phantom already navigates the rough waters of VR stealth better than most.

Despite the fairly straightforward and overly serious tone, Phantom: Covert Ops is a cracking little stealth game with a unique core concept.