Random Video Game Review - Phantom Doctrine

 

You know with all these things I'm reviewing to do with espionage, I kind of wonder if it's more to do with filling up the empty void that should have had the release of No Time to Die. Yeah, Covid has definitely taken its toll on a lot of things and many great things that were due to come out last year were delayed. But here's hoping that there is light at the end of the tunnel, but don't count on it with games like these. Most spy games and films tend to be bleak, yet action packed and sometimes funny (when it's done right of course) and this game is no exception. It's a turn based game which is something I tend to play a fair bit of and with a sequel on the way, there seems to be no better time to talk about it than now. So let's grab our gear and find out things we shouldn't before the authorities find out:

Set in an alternative 1983 during the Cold War, brainwashing is the big thing alongside a global conspiracy that is dominating the world. Players take on the role of a user-created operative who formerly worked for either the CIA, the KGB or Mossad. He or she leads a secret organization which take on a lot of undercover missions which eventually leads them into a global conspiracy that they must attempt to stop. Initially players have to complete the game as it is, but upon completion of the campaign, you can then play the extended cut version which goes further behind the scenes. Players have a hideout which is pretty much self-explanatory on what you can do within if you've played other games that have hideouts in them. You have access to a network where you can send operatives out to carry out missions or do some scouting. Then there is the investigation board which can reveal new missions and basically let you piece all sorts of different things together to further the story. Most missions play out as turn based, but in a similar manner to the Hitman games where its infiltration at first, but combat coming in if triggered by the player or an enemy detecting suspicious activity. Unlike most turn based games, this one rules out the roll of a die which gives players the chance to use their characters to get out of tricky situations if any were to arise. All your agents are subject to levelling up their abilities if the player chooses to do so.

With procedurally generated things to give each player a different but unique experience each time they play the game, this is probably one of the more polished games in the genre that it's in. You can definitely feel the heat and tension of the situations presented to you and while it is complex, one thing is made clear; the developers did their research and did well on that front. It's not going to be an easy game for people to play, but one that definitely makes you feel like an agent and this may tie us over enough while we wait for the eventual release of the next Bond film. 9/10