1 
0 Phantom Squad is an intense 1-4 player tactical top down shooter with some simple old school graphics, combining fast-paced combat with real-time strategy. Assemble a team of winners or end up a total disaster as you plan and extract from each mission. This is the first game developed by Ctrl Freak and will be published by Super Rare Originals! The demo for Phantom Squad is now available on Steam.
The game puts you in the very well equipped but maybe not so well controlled SWAT members, dependant on your skill level, and put you through stressful situation, so be ready to grit your teeth and argue with friends over tactics as this is going to be a good one.
Did I give up on the stealth and phantom approach after I broke the window? ABSOLUTELY
If you have already played the demo, let us know what you think by popping a comment below, are you as excited as us for Phantom Squad?
Gameplay
While the graphics of the game may look simple, the gameplay in Phantom Squad is far from it. The game puts you into the boots of SWAT members just like the good old school games such as SWAT 4. As the agent you are tasked to rescue civilians or take out targets, either on your own or as a team. With plenty of missions coming to the full release. There are so many tools at your disposal such as drones or cameras to get ahead tactically while planning to take out your next target. The gameplay is fluid and the gunplay is extremely satisfying. You can feel every bullet leave the magazine and hit the target. The actions feels tense and very reminiscent of those older classic tactical shooters.
Plan out every move in Phantom Squad to be able to minimise casualties and make sure you succeed in your mission, having a good team that listens to each other is rare to come by, I know! However the game gives you all the tools you’d possibly need to come out victorious. The little details with the door camera being seen going under the door through to the other side is what I needed to see. The small yet important details are absolutely not missed in this game.
Graphics
The graphics could be defined as simple but they are absolutely perfect for this genre. While some may seek graphical realism, this is more for those that desire the enhanced systems and the focus of the game being the actual gameplay. The graphics allow for high frames per second which is vital in this very fast paced and precise game. You are going to need to have crisp movement to coordinate your attacks as well as execute your plans to their full potential. The ability to open up the tactical planning screen and discuss plans with your friend is so immersive. You can also draw anything you need to aid your plan, just nothing rude! Well that’s up to you!
Audio
The audio in Phantom Squad is very well suited for the genre. The main focus being the guns and gadgets. Every sound is perfectly crafted to reflect the action performed. Every bullet has a heft to it that brings even more emphasis on ‘every bullet counts’ in tactical shooters. The next bullet you fire could be fatal to an enemy…or a wall. Preferably the first option. The little electrical spark sounds for all the gadgets especially the under door cameras really brought back fond memories of SWAT 4. Checking every door in the nightclub! That really did make me sweat.
Longevity
The demo for Phantom Squad already has so much potential and I cannot wait for the full release. In the meantime the demo gives a lot to experiment with while you wait for the finished product. You can spend the entire time waiting for the full release assembling your perfect squad. Chuck out the ones slowing your down and keep adapting your approach with different tools! I’ll be spending the next few months walking through my friends list to find the best team mates to play this with, it’s a time for trial and error! Or even if you can’t find the perfect team mates, experiment with all the tools given to you and make it a challenge and time trial run for yourself. It’ll keep you going for hours.
Final Thoughts
Phantom Squad brings the SWAT genre back in a very exciting and new way. I will a 100% be counting down to the release to be able to play this game in full. The many scenarios and many sweat drops forming on my forehead can already be seen in the far distance. Trying to explain my version of tactics to a friend will be something to remember.
If this sounded interesting go get yourself to the Steam page and jump into that demo! You won’t regret it!
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this preview.
If you enjoyed this preview why not check out more of our previews here!
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