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Draft:The Phantom Fellows

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File:The Phantom Fellows Promotional Art.png
The Phantom Fellows is a point and click adventure comedy by Paul Korman / Strummer Games

The Phantom Fellows

"The Phantom Fellows" is a comedy adventure game developed by Paul Korman and published by Strummer Games. It is set to be released on September 27, 2024, for PC, Mac, and Linux platforms. The game follows the story of Oliver Cobblestone and his ghostly companion, Englebert Picklebender, who have started a paranormal investigation business together, since one of them is already dead.

Gameplay

"The Phantom Fellows" is a point-and-click adventure comedy that features environmental puzzles with an emphasis on narrative and exploration. Players can choose to play as either Oliver Cobblestone, who is alive and has agency over the physical world, or as Englebert Picklebender, who is a ghost and isn't bound by the laws of the material world. The game features a chunky pixel art style with dramatic lighting effects and an atmospheric synthwave soundtrack that complement the various days (cases) in the game, which involve haunted locations and employers, as well as restless spirits. The gameplay includes classic adventure mechanics such as inventory management, dialogue trees, and environmental puzzles.

Features

  • Seven days to explore, with each day bringing a new case with its own set of challenges.
  • Unique partnership between a living human and the one ghost he can see. Oliver relies on his ghost friend, Englebert, to communicate with all other spirits and describe what's going on to him.
  • Hundreds of unique flavor text responses in a game where "everything is a hotspot."
  • Freedom to explore the town of Elderberry, Colorado and revisit previous locations in the game. Players never need to leave the location, but if they do, they can find alternate puzzle solutions and new interactions. Travel integrates real-life logic: if you saw something around town that could help, why not go get it and try.
  • Dialog-based hint system allows players to get as much or as little help as they want through organic conversation between the two main characters. Hints are given in multiple tiers, ranging from a slight nudge to the solution, with the option to back out at any point.

Development

"The Phantom Fellows" was developed using Adventure Game Studio and is inspired by classic adventure games from Sierra and LucasArts. The development process began in 2020, with Paul Korman leading the project as the sole developer. Paul, co-host of the adventure game podcast, the Classic Gamers Podcast since 2018,[1] is the programmer, writer, artist, and musician for the game. The game has been featured at various gaming events and has garnered attention for its nostalgic charm and innovative puzzles.[2]

Inspiration and Influences

Paul Korman drew inspiration from classic adventure games such as Sierra's Gabriel Knight and Laura Bow games, and LucasArts' Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis and Sam and Max. Inspiration also came from modern adventure games from Wadjet Eye, as well as Thimbleweed Park. The game's 2.5D perspective was pioneered by Darkside Detective, which Paul credits for inspiration when he first noticed the unique, truly 2D perspective and wanted to integrate it with a Sierra-style adventure where you had the freedom to walk around and explore.[3]

Release

The game was officially announced in April 2020, with a planned release date of September 27, 2024. It will be available on PC, Mac, and Linux platforms. A demo of the game was released on Steam, providing players with the first two days of gameplay.[4]

Marketing and Promotion

"The Phantom Fellows" has been promoted through various gaming websites and events. Notable coverage includes features on Adventure Game Hotspot and Adventure Gamers, which have highlighted the game's unique mechanics and engaging story.[5][6]

Reception

"The Phantom Fellows" has received positive early reviews from the adventure gaming community. Adventure Game Hotspot praised the game for its engaging narrative and retro art style,[7] while Adventure Gamers highlighted the innovative gameplay mechanics and unique partnership between the main characters.[8]

Awards and Nominations

While the game has yet to be released, it has already been nominated for AGS's Best Demo of the Year.[9]

References

[10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16]

  1. ^ "Classic Gamers Guild Podcast". Classic Gamers Guild. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  2. ^ "The Phantom Fellows". Adventure Gamers. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  3. ^ "The Phantom Fellows on Game Cuddle". Game Cuddle. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  4. ^ "Demo for The Phantom Fellows unveiled on Steam". Adventure Gamers. 2021-05-16. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  5. ^ "The Phantom Fellows on GOG.com". GOG.com. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  6. ^ "The Phantom Fellows on Adventure Corner". Adventure Corner. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  7. ^ "The Phantom Fellows". Adventure Game Hotspot. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  8. ^ "The Phantom Fellows". Adventure Gamers. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  9. ^ "The Phantom Fellows on BSC". Bolum Sonu Canavari. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  10. ^ "The Phantom Fellows". Adventure Game Hotspot. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  11. ^ "Demo for The Phantom Fellows unveiled on Steam". Adventure Gamers. 2021-05-16. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  12. ^ "The Phantom Fellows". Adventure Gamers. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  13. ^ "The Phantom Fellows on GOG.com". GOG.com. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  14. ^ "The Phantom Fellows on Adventure Corner". Adventure Corner. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  15. ^ "The Phantom Fellows on BSC". Bolum Sonu Canavari. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  16. ^ "The Phantom Fellows on Game Cuddle". Game Cuddle. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
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