Phoenix Springs Reimagines Point-Click Adventure as Noir Thriller

Phoenix Springs Reimagines Point-Click Adventure as Noir Thriller

Phoenix Springs is a unique point-and-click adventure game that stands out from its predecessors. The game’s narrator and protagonist, Iris, is a tech journalist with a clinical and robotic detachment. However, she is not a blank slate and has her own personality, which is revealed as the game progresses.

A New Take on Point-Click Mechanics

In Phoenix Springs, the traditional point-and-click mechanics are replaced by a mindmap system where ideas are combined to advance the narrative. This system is similar to the Thought Cabinet in Disco Elysium, but it plays a more central role in this game. The ideas are not just reminders of the plot, but also tools to wield in the game and thematic anchors to mull over while playing.

A Noir Thriller with a Unique World

The game is set in a near-future scenario where censorship is the norm, and the privileged sleep in stasis pods. Iris’ brother, Leo Dormer, a bioethicist, has gone missing, and she is trying to find him. The game’s world is inspired by our own, but it diverges in enough unsettling ways to feel deeply confounding. The visuals are bold and hyper-stylized, with abundant negative space, adding to the sense of unease.

A Compelling Story with a Strong Protagonist

The game’s story is cryptic, but it becomes more powerful as it progresses. Iris’ determination to follow her brother and restore their connection is admirable, and her character development is impressive. The game’s weirdness is precisely the point, with nods to bioethics, toxic fungi, and weird fiction. Phoenix Springs is a compelling neo-noir that is sure to captivate players.