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. vvanguard
    Aug 14, 2018
    10
    Phantom Doctrine (PD) is the newest installment from polish developer CreativeForge Games. They are known from Hard West (also a turn-based tactical game set in the wild west with a satanic twist).
    Their newest game is set in the cold era period where the player controls undercover agents who are trying to stop an evil plot of a super secretive organization who's aim is to cause world war    Phantom Doctrine (PD) is the newest installment from polish developer CreativeForge Games. They are known from Hard West (also a turn-based tactical game set in the wild west with a satanic twist).
    Their newest game is set in the cold era period where the player controls undercover agents who are trying to stop an evil plot of a super secretive organization who's aim is to cause world war 3.

    I personally grew up on games like UFO, Jagged Alliance or X-com.
    I liked the latest installment from Firaxis, but i despised the dumbed down feel of the latest xcom games. Dont get me started on the RNG, with having an experienced marine not being able to shoot with a shotgun from point blank range. Or the lifeless base management.
    Well, CFG up'ed their game with PD. The game is not linear, and the player decides on how he will time manage his team and their agenda.
    The absolute cherry on top I would say is the revealing and gathering of intelligence and misc data. The player needs to connect the dots in order to reveal a valuable piece of information, leading him to either a secret base of the opponent, or allowing him to recruit a double agent OR revealing that the player himself, has a mole among his team.
    Another original idea and how CFG did not plan to dumb down the genre, is mission prep. In each mission the player has to decide on what kind of support he will take with him in order to complete the mission with the utmost success. You can decide to go guns blazing and take a team of snipers and spotters to make your life a bit easier, or go completely silent and rely on comm's and unveiling portions of the map to make passage of your agents easier.
    Dont get me wrong - this game is NOT easy. Its demanding on both fronts from the player - on how he manages his time, his resources, how to deploys his team and his tactical sense.
    The customization is also something PD heavily improved from xcom and allows you to fully customize the agents and their appearance.

    TLDR; its a breeze of fresh air in turn-based tactical genre, anyone who ever enjoyed xcom, Jagged alliance and UFO will have tons of fun!    … Expand
  2. Beanbag
    Aug 21, 2018
    8
    Phantom Doctrine is not X-Com. X-Com is about combat, Phantom Doctrine is mostly about avoiding combat.

    Difficult but entertaining, Phantom Doctrine puts the player in control of a team of Intelligence agents who must sneak around stealing documents and gear to uncover sinister conspiracies. Most games in this particular style have you controlling a military unit that is geared up    Phantom Doctrine is not X-Com. X-Com is about combat, Phantom Doctrine is mostly about avoiding combat.

    Difficult but entertaining, Phantom Doctrine puts the player in control of a team of Intelligence agents who must sneak around stealing documents and gear to uncover sinister conspiracies. Most games in this particular style have you controlling a military unit that is geared up specifically to engage enemies in open combat. With some exceptions, Phantom Doctrine is the opposite - you're a bunch of 1980's spies, not spec ops or regular military. If you have to execute more than a handful of silent takedowns, your agents are probably going to have a real bad time. Stealth is crucial.
    There are exceptions, such as ambush missions when it's critical to gear up properly with body armor, grenades, and heavier weapons.

    Overall the game is fun in its 1980 spy setting, managing your HQ and the analytics board. If you go in expecting a squad combat game like X-Com, you'll probably be disappointed. Play Phantom Doctrine for what it is, and you're in for a good time.    … Expand
  3. Acronymous
    Aug 14, 2018
    10
    This is a serious espionage experience with a tactical, turn-based combat. If you liked XCOM you should definitely try it and if you're a fan of spies, conspiracies and Cold War you're gonna love it.

    There are moments when it is obvious the game had not have the same budget as Firaxis' masterpiece but at less than 40$ it is worth every penny from its price. Challenging, satisfying and    This is a serious espionage experience with a tactical, turn-based combat. If you liked XCOM you should definitely try it and if you're a fan of spies, conspiracies and Cold War you're gonna love it.

    There are moments when it is obvious the game had not have the same budget as Firaxis' masterpiece but at less than 40$ it is worth every penny from its price. Challenging, satisfying and NO RNG!!! I mean, no more missing shots from two feet away!
    Every strategy fan should give it a go as it might be solid candidate for a GOTY in this particular genre.    … Expand
  4. Moffi
    Aug 14, 2018
    10
    Hello. This is the best game from X-COM!!
    Perfect gameplay -in my opinion the game is perfect, if someone liked X-com, then this game will take over.
    Beautiful graphic! any lags, any crash!
  5. Lukasz91
    Aug 14, 2018
    10
    This game is simply great !!!
    The mechanics seem really interesting.
    This is XCOM during the Cold War :)
  6. GeneralGonzo
    Aug 14, 2018
    10
    If you are a fan of the XCOM series or like games like Jagged Alliance, just add some 80s flair to it and you will ove Phantom Doctrine!
    While the gameplay is divided in roughly three sections, you undertake tactical missions compared to XCOM (in which stealth plays a great role and RNG plays no role!), build up your headquarter and manage your agents plus gather intelligence    If you are a fan of the XCOM series or like games like Jagged Alliance, just add some 80s flair to it and you will ove Phantom Doctrine!
    While the gameplay is divided in roughly three sections, you undertake tactical missions compared to XCOM (in which stealth plays a great role and RNG plays no role!), build up your headquarter and manage your agents plus gather intelligence informations, which you have to put together in a mini game. Alot of variety is guaranteed since you hire agents all over the world from all possible nations which you can customize, equip and train, build up your HQ, solve riddles and go on at first two different campaigns, while a third will be revealed after completing your first playthru!
    XCOM in the cold war - a feast!    … Expand
  7. Mxm0
    Aug 20, 2018
    10
    The critics have this one wrong (and steam has no idea what they are talking about) - they should only use isometric RPG players to review games and that is why the user reviews are higher.

    We, the users are obviously the real deal. I've seen references to Jagged Alliance, Fallout Tactics, DOS, XCOM.... Listen to us, this game has some issues, but it is certainly a great addition to our    The critics have this one wrong (and steam has no idea what they are talking about) - they should only use isometric RPG players to review games and that is why the user reviews are higher.

    We, the users are obviously the real deal. I've seen references to Jagged Alliance, Fallout Tactics, DOS, XCOM.... Listen to us, this game has some issues, but it is certainly a great addition to our niche genre and needs to be supported. It's far better than Battletech at release and both of these titles need to live and grow.

    *What is the complaint against graphics? They are pretty damn good on 3440 x1440
    *Combat and stealth are decent, the worst complaint I can give is that soldiers in full cover can be killed in a single turn by a force of 4 or more (can be unfair)
    *Have not seen enemies shooting through walls, only stepping out and getting good angles, however it's annoying being seen behind a window.
    *Tutorials need a lot more work and are absent to several features.
    *World map metagame punishes you too much for not understanding how to progress the plot (you have to do repeat missions as a punishment for not getting it - this needs some work)
    *Some of the voice acting is really dumb, just change them out.
    *Not enough diversity of settings (pretty much always big buildings with a few small ones in a urban area.
    *Creative Forge - look at how Stellaris uses automatic pop up tabs when you hover over icons - this keeps the tutorial content down, but lets you figure out what all those little icons over characters means - you need more of that.
    *This is a hardcore isometric turn based game, it was obviously not made to be liked by the masses - if you are not already a fan of the genre, you will have to work hard to learn it and like it.
    *Progress can feel very slow when you don't know how to progress the story line and get access to new content.    … Expand
  8. ToMajonez
    Aug 14, 2018
    10
    Amazing game, great storytelling, and very interesting referring to history.
  9. hhhdhd
    Aug 14, 2018
    10
    Great atmoshpere, great story and great game. For all fans of XCOM and other simillar games.
  10. DantePQ
    Aug 14, 2018
    9
    So far it's a great game, any fan of X-Com or any turn-based stratgies should give it a try.
  11. Grumer
    Aug 16, 2018
    10
    First sorry for my english.
    This is one game that deserves the 10, it has some flaws (the devs are working on them, mind its a team of just 15), but it represents the espionage theme in a strategic turn based game like nothing I have ever seen. Understand that it is very hard, but the combat is not meant to be won guns blazing every time, one needs to plan ahead and sometimes just abort    First sorry for my english.
    This is one game that deserves the 10, it has some flaws (the devs are working on them, mind its a team of just 15), but it represents the espionage theme in a strategic turn based game like nothing I have ever seen. Understand that it is very hard, but the combat is not meant to be won guns blazing every time, one needs to plan ahead and sometimes just abort the mission. Once bullets start to fly u need to be fast and precise in completing your objective, using all the gadgets and abilities and get the hell out before things get out of hand.
    Remember this is a game about spies not super soldiers (I enjoy both of them, but they need a different approach).
    The graphics are superb, specially the locations, its all so thematic. The music is very good (same composer as The Witcher 3) and the mechanics really represent a espionage agency.    … Expand
  12. megabear
    Oct 8, 2018
    10
    My score: 9.6

    Unique take on X-Com styled gameplay. It's not perfect, no game is, but it's one of rare games that will make you think it's perfect. It's one of few games not worth waiting for sale. Scratch that itch with Phantom Doctrine.
  13. hithgor
    Aug 14, 2018
    10
    Going from a man that had some hamsters microwaved every time 98% accuracy shot in xcom did not hit - I recommend that game. It's great.
    Even if you're not that into all that espionage thingy, the gameplay defends itself. You won't be disappointed.
  14. nathaniel86
    Aug 15, 2018
    9
    This game is suprisingly good. I was worried that it is going to be too much like XCOM, but no. Gameplay, graphics and the setting itself are quite different. Very very interesting and most importantly - enjoyable, I particularly like the semi noir atmosphere and the stealth like capabilities. I just wanna play more of it, which is awesome. Thankfully I didn't come across any bugs so far.
  15. pawlaski
    Aug 23, 2018
    10
    A very captivating story. It took me more than 50 hours to finish it at an easy level of difficulty. The perfect game for turn-based game fans.
  16. WAD
    Dec 30, 2019
    9
    XCOM про шпионов со стелсом. В игре много интересных механик, но не хватает баланса.
  17. Aifrait
    Sep 1, 2019
    8
    Es obvio que el juego hay que pulirlo un poco. No obstante si te justan los juegos por turnos en donde podrás gestionar una base de espionaje al estilo guerra fria y controlar a tus agentes este juego es el mejor.

    Está muy bien ambientado pero destacar que la traducción al español es algo pobre y las misiones se pueden volver algo repetitivas con el tiempo.
  18. FireFox364
    Apr 28, 2020
    8
    If you are a XCOM 2 fan, you will love the game. It adds mechanics that make the game especial, especially in the stealth mode. However, the UI is super powerful, even in the medium difficulty, and when in combat (in some missions you are forced to exit infiltration) you will face endless waves of reinforcements. That makes the game almost impossible to play on the ironman mode, once youIf you are a XCOM 2 fan, you will love the game. It adds mechanics that make the game especial, especially in the stealth mode. However, the UI is super powerful, even in the medium difficulty, and when in combat (in some missions you are forced to exit infiltration) you will face endless waves of reinforcements. That makes the game almost impossible to play on the ironman mode, once you have to load the game every 5 minutes if you don't want to lose a character. But the really boring part of the game aren't the combat, overpowered UI or lack of money, it's simply the investigation minigame. It is funny at the beginning, but the more you advance in the game, the more difficult and boring it will become… Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
    Read full review
  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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