Phantom Doctrine

 PC
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 121 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 121
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 121
  3. Negative: 24 out of 121

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  1. Sjalka
    Aug 20, 2018
    7
    A solid game that feels like a very well made mod for Xcom 2; but a bit more than just that .. It feels more personal and more frantic than Xcom though .. while at the same time it does not offer the freedom of developement and choice of Xcom off mission. It is not a revelation and still relies much on a very limited move-set and tactical options. So everything is quite simplified and theA solid game that feels like a very well made mod for Xcom 2; but a bit more than just that .. It feels more personal and more frantic than Xcom though .. while at the same time it does not offer the freedom of developement and choice of Xcom off mission. It is not a revelation and still relies much on a very limited move-set and tactical options. So everything is quite simplified and the AI can only really win by being placed in quantity and at an advantage. Speaking of AI ... i was not impressed by it. For a turn based game it was hardly any better than like any over a decade old game.… Expand
  2. Babutto
    Aug 23, 2021
    5
    This game will be only interesting for hardcore X-Com (new one) fans who like the mechanic of battles.

    Pros.: - On map small decision making about the agents. It may have dramatic consequences. - Conspiracy plot. - Some mechanics from X-Com. Cons.: - Gameplay repeats itself and becomes boring to Chapter 3 already. - The story is very unclear. It's hard to actually understand why    This game will be only interesting for hardcore X-Com (new one) fans who like the mechanic of battles.

    Pros.:
    - On map small decision making about the agents. It may have dramatic consequences.
    - Conspiracy plot.
    - Some mechanics from X-Com.

    Cons.:
    - Gameplay repeats itself and becomes boring to Chapter 3 already.
    - The story is very unclear. It's hard to actually understand why the hell are you doing all that. Conspiracy? Yes. But could at least make an archive, the board with lines from one chapter to another, unveiling what's up. Not just plain text in load screens.
    - Annoying voice from the agents. You hate it and mute voices very soon.
    - Same maps and same locations, layouts. The worst part are the perks. You don't even use 90% of them except running.

    This game tries to be a spy version of X-Com. But it fails. It's just a boring game. If you want to play spy games - Golden Eye or No One Lives Forever. Worst case - Evil Genius (first one). Although, those are FPS and strategy.
    I didn't enjoy the game at all. But following my stupid habit to finish EACH game I start I decided to finish. That was easy closer to the end. All you need is to have more HP than opponent's units. Takedown rules.    … Expand
  3. ewenr
    Jun 29, 2020
    7
    This game goes on for far too long and is full of repetitive one dimensional gameplay. I am probably giving this game a higher score than it deserves but at the time I played it I was desperate for some original turn based combat game and this seemed to tick the right box on that. In no way is this game a substitute for XCom, but it doesn't really have any major flaws either so the scoreThis game goes on for far too long and is full of repetitive one dimensional gameplay. I am probably giving this game a higher score than it deserves but at the time I played it I was desperate for some original turn based combat game and this seemed to tick the right box on that. In no way is this game a substitute for XCom, but it doesn't really have any major flaws either so the score reflects that.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Most Discussed PC Game of 2018
30
#30 Most Shared PC Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. KeenGamer
    Jan 29, 2024
    90
    If you are a fan of the newer Xcom series, I highly recommend this game. If you are a fan of Cold War spy thrillers, I highly recommend this game. The mystery of the conspiracy is fantastic and makes me want to uncover everything. The gameplay is brutal, but fair and unlike Xcom you won't miss a with a shotgun at point blank range and a 99% change to hit. This game fulfilled many niches and I hope others will agree.
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  2. Riot Pixels
    Dec 30, 2018
    70
    It's a little bit weird, sometimes disbalanced, boring at times and clearly lacking a better budget, but now, after a handful of patches, you can safely pick it up during a sale.
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  3. CD-Action
    Dec 4, 2018
    80
    Phantom Doctrine is an addictive mix of improved combat mechanics from Hard West and XCOM’s strategic layer (but you also manage particular soldiers, not just your base). I recommend it if you revel in silent executions and infiltrating enemy facilities without leaving any traces, especially if you enjoyed Invisible, Inc. and don’t mind a game being somewhat rough around the edges. [10/2018, p.48]
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