Phoning Home

Phoning Home for PC is a action-adventure game taking place in a science-fiction universe. The game was developed as a debut project by Ion Lands.

Plot

The game takes us to a distant, undefined future. We assume the role of an sentient robot called ION, created as a tool used to explore remote areas of the galaxy in search of valuable natural resources. During one of these excursions, his ship malfunctions and crashes on an alien planet. Our job is to survive and find a way to contact the base, hoping that they’ll manage to send a rescue party.

Nonetheless, ION is not alone, as he is supported by the ship’s AI. Additionally, the robot quickly encounters a friendly face – ANI, a small female repair unit which is also stranded on the planet. The duo joins forces and proceeds to explore the planet.

Mechanics

Phoning Home is an action-adventure game with survival-oriented gameplay. We see the action from a third person perspective, while the game world has an open structure, which allows the players to explore the area freely. The planet is very diversified – we can encounter forests, mountains, volcanoes, canyons, deserts, or even see the bottom of the ocean. Additionally, the environment is inhabited by various animals, including predators that can endanger our mission.

ION is resistant to such attacks, however ANI is much weaker – our job is to protect our companion against various perils of the hostile world. The player can fight, but we can also attempt to avoid a confrontation, or lay traps that improve their standing. However, the strange planet is not only a nature reservoir – we encounter logical riddles from time to time. Additionally, the game introduces a crafting system, in which we use the gathered resources to build new items, including upgrades for both heroes.

The gameplay is made more interesting with the discovery of the remnants of an extinct civilization. We learn of its origins and history over the course of the campaign, and employ their technology to our own ends.

Last updated on January 28, 2017