8Bit/Digi

Time to Save the World (Again)

If you’ve ever read my reviews of any first-person shooter then you know all too well what a sucker I am for titles inspired by the classics. I grew up playing Doom II and Half-Life back in the day. So when a game comes along that attempts to recreate that experience, it will definitely get my attention. So it should not come as a surprise that the Bombshell series has always had my attention. 

Phantom Fury sees the return of Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison in a new adventure. While her last game paid homage to the classics of the early ’90s, this entry draws inspiration from the shooters from the latter half of the decade. Players embark on a cross-country adventure as they battle to save humanity once again. 

Welcome Back Shelly

Set after the events of Ion Furry, Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison is awakened from her coma by General Holloway. The Global Defense Force base she is at has been attacked by a rogue faction. Learning that they are working to secure the Demon Core for Jadus Heskel, she sets out on a mission to save the world. Backed by her steadfast allies and armed with an extensive arsenal, she traverses the American landscape, confronting any adversary who dares to imperil the fate of the world.

Phantom Fury blends the adrenaline of an action-packed road movie with the visual style reminiscent of late 90s shooters. The outcome is a gripping experience that evokes nostalgia for seasoned gamers. As someone who was raised on classics like Half-Life and Soldier of Fortune, I immediately felt a sense of familiarity with the game’s world and lore. It effortlessly captures the essence of its fanbase and gaming history, resonating with enthusiasts in all the best ways.

Lock’n Load!

Most first-person shooters are either inspired by titles from the early 90s or they are trying to be like Call of Duty. Rarely do I see a title attempt to draw inspiration from other classics. That is why a game like Phantom Fury is welcoming as it’s a different experience. I’ve played plenty of boomer shooters and military shooters. It’s great to play a game that feels more like Half-Life in terms of design and gameplay mechanics. 

When it comes to the gameplay, there is nothing fancy or innovative about the mechanics. This is a retro-inspired first-person shooter and all you do is shoot the waves of soldiers, drones, mutants, and any other foe you encounter. At the same time, the combat is also satisfyingly gory. The arsenal at your disposal is the genre traditions from pistols to shotguns along with assault rifles. Also available are some sci-fi weapons and Boombshell’s signature weapon, Loverboy. I should also add that while it embraces the classic gameplay, it also understands a lot has changed regarding quality. Most notably players can also upgrade their weapons throughout the game.

The new visual direction in Phantom Fury opens up avenues for distinctive worlds and innovative level design, a promise it fulfills on every conceivable front. Players are thrust into a journey through diverse and distinctive realms, with some reminiscent of those found in classic games. Each world will have its own challenges, charm, and secrets that should be discovered. This visual aesthetic not only allows for a better quality of detail but also preserves the game’s retro-inspired allure. Allowing for a balance between modern quality and nostalgic charm.

Hail to the Queen

During my playthrough, there was something about Phantom Fury that felt familiar. For some time, I could not understand what it was until it hit me. This game is Duke Nukem Forever. No, I’m not referring to the game that was released in 2011. I’m talking about the game we were promised all the way back in 1996. 

Phantom Fury stands out as an exceptional retro inspired shooter precisely because it embodies the idea of the original Duke Nukem Forever. It harkens back to the game that 3D Realms promised us all those years ago. From its level designs to the enemies, character models, and even the vehicles, much of Phantom Fury draws unmistakable inspiration from the early concepts showcased to the world. The stark disparity between the promised and delivered experiences of Duke Nukem Forever left fans disheartened and disillusioned. In this light, Phantom Fury not only offers a second chance to realize the vision of Duke Nukem Forever but also serves as an apology to the fans.

You Died

When it comes to recreating classic titles, they often make the mistake of incorporating the less desired aspects. Phantom Fury is no different as it too has fallen into this trap. Several moments are reminiscent of some of the most annoying elements of games from the late 90s. Key among them is outdated level designs, moments that make the game feel like a platformer, and awkward vehicle controls. I could go into details about each of them but if you have ever played shooters from the late 90s then you already know what I’m talking about. 

At the same time, its presence as a hindrance is not so severe that it infuriates me. Instead, you could easily overlook it and just enjoy everything else. 

Dodge This!

Phantom Fury sees the return of Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison in a homage to shooters of the late 90s. It’s an easy to learn game with intense fast-paced combat. The new visual direction allows for innovative and detailed levels while keeping that retro aspect. But most important of all, it’s the Duke Nukem Forever game that fans were promised back in 1996 and 3D Realms has finally fulfilled that obligation to gamers.

Be it old-school gamers or fans of retro-inspired shooters, Phantom Fury is a game that everyone will enjoy. 

Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Phantom Fury (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• Shelly "Bombshell" Harrison is back.
• Easy to learn gameplay and intense fast paced combat.
• New visual direction allows for innovative levels while keeping that retro aspect.
• At its core, this is the Duke Nukem Forever game fans were promised back in 1996.

Cons

• It incorporates some of the less desired aspects of shooters from the late 90s.