Phoenix Point. Before this year's finished – games of December
- Games of December 2019 – The Most Interesting Releases
- Phoenix Point
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Darksiders Genesis
- Transport Fever 2
- Detroit: Become Human
- Two Worlds II: Shattered Embrace
- The evolution of Jurassic World: Return to Jurassic Park
- MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries
- The most interesting premieres of December
Phoenix Point
Release date: December 3
INFORMATION
- Genre: Tactical strategy
- Platforms: PC
- Estimated price: $45
What exactly is Phoenix Point?
This is a tactical, turn-based strategy with core mechanics similar to the X-Com series. The title is created in the independent studio Snapshot Games founded by Julian Gollop, the father of that series. Phoenix Point's popular formula will be enriched with additional political and economic aspects, or powerful procedural algorithms that determine each game.
What is the plot of Phoenix Point?
The game begins in 2046. A few decades ago, humanity became a victim of an ancient virus accidentally discovered in the Arctic ice. The survivors are grouped into small enclaves, and fight for life and survival every day with the mutants – monsters constantly adapting to the situation that inhabit the vast majority of the globe. One of these last bastions of humanity – the eponymous Phoenix Point – is under the player's control during the game.
What does the gameplay look like in Phoenix Point?
Just like in X-Com, the game is divided into a strategic segment and a tactical one. In the former, we manage our base – care about its development and security, manage resources, and plan military operations. On the strategic map, we can also look for other settlements, perform tasks assigned to them, conduct diplomatic or economic activities. In the tactical phase, we control our units and complete missions on procedurally-generated maps. The combat system is turn-based, and opponents are characterized by high adaptive abilities and great variety – using special algorithms, they are procedurally re-created for each game.
OUR EXPECTATIONS
It's been a while since I've had the opportunity to play a decent turn-based strategy, in the style of X-COM/UFO. XCOM 2 was a piece of great fun (especially with the War of the Favorites DLC), but none of the games that came out later gave me a similar treat. Phantom Doctrine didn't manage, same as Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden – I admit that the latter came quite close, but it didn't exactly nail it. I hope that Phoenix Point will be able to fill this gap. Chances are quite high – the production is coming for none other than Julian Gollop, the father of the X-COM series. The pre-release materials also look great. Unfortunately, the release is overshadowed by the unnecessary ruckus around Epic Games Store exclusivity. Regardless, I hope we get a title that sets a new standard for the genre.
Bart Swiatek
