Phoenix Springs
Release Date: September 16, 2024
Platforms: PC
This is probably the most beautiful game I played at Summer Game Fest. Animated with a lithographic style and set music that oozes neo-noir vibes, Phoenix Springs has you point-and-clicking through objects in the environment for clues about your missing brother. As a reporter, you try to tease out information from strangers and uncover the tools needed to progress by chaining together nouns. Instead of building up an inventory of stuff, you collect ideas that can be combined to initiate new interactions or strings of dialogue that advance the plot. As someone who doesn’t really gel with point-and-click adventure games, I wish there was another way to play through Phoenix Springs’ world and story, but both of them were irresistible enough that I am going to struggle through it regardless when it eventually comes out. — Ethan
