Initial release date: February 12, 2024
Developer:Â Ghosts
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, MORE
Genres: Racing game, Indie game, Action game, Casual game, Racing, Sports
Engine:Â Unity
Publishers: Coatsink, Thunderful Group
Phantom Spark is one of those straightforward games that brings you back to a nearly forgotten era when the main focus of games was a basic idea that you would practice until you were better than all your friends. Back then, there was no concern about flaunting complex mechanics or flashy skins, though some do exist.
Playing as the game’s eponymous Spark, a tiny ball of light inside a speed-changing device that appears to have been created by rolling a magnet through random geometry, is a fast-paced racing game. You find yourself in a spectral realm composed of various realms, each ruled by a smart spirit who seems to be merely interested in competing with you. This is mostly meaningless, with a few story points and background information thrown in. The goal is to go through 30 tracks at least twice, once by yourself and once with the help of the ruling spirit and a ghost of yourself.
This game is not difficult. There are no weapons or takedowns, no drifting or boosting, no secret paths, and no collectibles. It is a little monotonous when played by itself, yet it is also refreshing in its uncomplicated simplicity. Naturally, the goal is to challenge friends or complete strangers to a faster time by entering an online or local multiplayer game.
Once more, though, the rewards from this are limited to bragging rights. Phantom Spark is a really laid-back game that has less baggage than the iconic Nintendo F-Zero. This place has amazing courses, a world that moves at a fast pace, and thrilling jumps that make you want to cross the finish line first. Even when you defeat your own ghost, there’s always an immensely fulfilling sensation to victory, and Phantom Spark perfectly captures this emotion.
The game never loses its quiet, tranquil ambiance, even in the face of challenges like buildings, sharp bends, and daring jumps across enormous chasms. Although defeating the ghosts and trials increases your Link, which in turn opens up different appearances (limited to colors) and lets you go to new domains, you are not required to do so in order to continue.
Every domain has a distinct theme, complete with lovely graphics and mood-setting music. The spirits are also a diverse group; at times they impart lofty nonsense and at other times they impart inspirational insight. Undoubtedly, though, it’s a thin line.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 85%
Story – 70%
Aesthetics – 88%
Content – 82%
Accessibility – 80%
Value – 84%
Overall Rating – 81%
Very Good
Summary: Phantom Spark evokes memories of classic racers such as F-Zero and Wipeout, minus the aggression and tension. This is a game meant to be played casually, one that never makes fun of you for failing. It’s not particularly thrilling and might even be viewed as a little barebones by today’s standards, but it’s also a laid-back, pleasant experience.