Reviews for Phoenotopia

[harel55]

I don't like how often this game is compared to other games like Zelda, Castlevania, etc. Pheonotopia doesn't deserve to be compared to those games, because it is in a category all its own.

At first I didn't think too much of the game, but by the time I reached Atai I had fallen in love. Unlike many modern games, the game didn't drag you along slowly with easy challenges and brain-dead enemies; it pummeled you into the ground with insanely difficult bosses and puzzles that wrack your brain. It took me at least 20 tries to defeat any boss after the first, and while there was much swearing, the euphoric feeling you get when you finally best your opponent is definitely worth it.

Most of the low-rated reviews I've seen for this game were due to the writer giving up after facing the slightest challenge, or failing to understand that a difficult game is not a poorly designed game. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that Phoenotopia's difficulty is one of it's most defining features. Never before have I found myself swearing profusely as I raced through the last few sections of a level while being chased by what should be easily dispatched enemies, nor has my heart ever raced faster than it did when I fought the game's final bosses.

Another interesting feature was how well the game pulled off having a female protagonist. The game didn't feel it necessary to constantly bring up the fact that Gale was a girl, and whenever someone did underestimate her because of her gender, she was quick to prove them wrong. Gale's achievements were never overshadowed by those of a male counterpart, nor did she ever act like she was dependent on the help of others. By treating Gale like one would treat any protagonist, Phoenotopia sets the example for how games should treat female characters.

I want to recommend Phoenotopia to anyone who has gotten bored of the multitude of overly-easy games out there these days, and to anyone who wants an amazing, tough, cute, and expansive game that will keep you up at night trying to find every collectible. It's an amazing game and I can't wait to see what Quells does next.

~Harel

[devilduck83]

A lot of fun. The controls took some extra accuracy ant timing at times but as frustrating as it can be it's better than it being too easy.

[LegsNotAllowed]

I made an account just so I could say how much I loved this game, and also that I really liked the rather unassuming protagonist, Gale.

After reading your dev blog, I have to say that there are many great platformers (Castlevania, Ghosts & Goblins) that don't give you perfect spin-on-a-dime control, and being a character that uses hammers and clubs, I especially liked how timing and spacing were important (even if I swore at the screen more than a couple times).

This was a lot better than a lot of games I've paid out the nose for and I'd lump this in with games like Cave Story or Nikujin in terms of brilliant player experience. I especially liked the finale- although honestly, I feel like harpies are the real match-up and in general a really good enemy for Gale.

I think I died on the second boss like 12 times and the last game to give me that kind of an ass-whoopin' on a fair boss was I Wanna Be The Guy.

I like the writing even if the story's a little loose at parts. I guess if it was more pressing you would be dissuaded from exploring much.

Thank you, I'm glad I check Newgrounds once in a while and I'm looking forward to the sequel.

[multimineman]

It's a Wonderful game, And I've know you've heard it before, but it's on par with Cave story! This game is one of the best I've played in months and I wish there were more like it. I love how it threw me into an adventure and I can't wait for a sequel.

[Stellancy]

So it took me some days and I have to say this is truly art.

What rather upset me is that there seems to be a bug where upon finishing the game you can not return to the map ... how am I supposed to unlock the areas you get after beating the game?! I hope it'll be fixed soon.