Software:Phoenix Springs
| Phoenix Springs | |
|---|---|
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| Developer(s) | Calligram Studio |
| Publisher(s) | Calligram Studio |
| Release | October 7, 2024 |
| Genre(s) | Point-and-click adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Phoenix Springs is a 2024 point-and-click video game developed and published by Calligram Studio. The PC version was released on October 7, 2024.
Gameplay
Players control Iris Dormer, a veteran reporter searching for her estranged brother. Unlike in traditional point-and-click games where characters collect physical items, Iris gathers information such as names, ideas or phrases.[1] She must connect these clues with the world around her or ask NPCs about them in order to progress.
Development
Phoenix Springs was funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2017. The final game trailer premiered at the Day of the Devs showcase during Summer Game Fest 2024.[2] Most of the development team is based in the United Kingdom.[3]
Themes
In an interview with The New York Times, writer and designer Jigmé Özer stated that Phoenix Springs investigates themes at the heart of Buddhism, such as death and the nature of reality.[1] He said the game’s inspirations included Don DeLillo’s novel Zero K, which explores the philosophical implications of life-extending technology, as well as his own research into dementia villages.
Reception
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Review aggregator website OpenCritic determined that 77% of critics recommended the game.[5] It received "mixed or average" reviews according to Metacritic.[4] Some reviewers expressed frustration with the surreal and abstract storytelling, while praising the art direction and quality of the writing. The Verge called it “unsettling, smart, and emotionally cathartic”.[7] Polygon said it was “a lesson in using negative space, both visually and narratively”.[8] TheGamer rated it 5/5, declaring it “a vibrant reinvention of the point-and-click.”[9] In his review for Eurogamer, Matt Wales summarized: "A beautiful, elusive mood piece, Phoenix Springs' blend of taut dystopian detective noir and meandering surrealism is likely to frustrate as much as it intrigues."[6]
Accolades
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | A MAZE | Wings Prize | Nominated | [10] |
| 2025 | Games for Change | Best In Innovation | Nominated | [11] |
| New York Game Awards | Herman Melville Award for Best Writing | Nominated | [11] |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Byrd, Christopher (2024-10-15). "A Philosophical Journey With Clicks of a Mouse". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/15/arts/phoenix-springs.html. Retrieved 2025-11-16.
- ↑ Valentine, Rebekah (2024-06-17). "Day of the Devs 2024: Everything Announced". https://www.ign.com/articles/day-of-the-devs-2024-everything-announced.
- ↑ "About / Contact" (in en-UK). https://www.calligramstudio.com/about_calligram_contact/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Phoenix Springs PC Critic Reviews". Metacritic. https://www.metacritic.com/game/phoenix-springs/critic-reviews/?platform=pc.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Phoenix Springs". https://opencritic.com/game/17431/phoenix-springs.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Wales, Matt (October 7, 2024). "Phoenix Springs review - fascinating, frustrating neo-noir surrealism". https://www.eurogamer.net/phoenix-springs-review-fascinating-frustrating-neo-noir-surrealism.
- ↑ Gordon, Lewis (2024-10-07). "Phoenix Springs reimagines the point-and-click adventure as weird noir". https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/7/24262101/phoenix-springs-review-point-and-click-adventure.
- ↑ Hannah, Zoe (2024-10-07). "Phoenix Springs is a lesson in using negative space, both visually and narratively". https://www.polygon.com/review/460978/phoenix-springs-review-pc/.
- ↑ Kaur, Tessa (2024-10-07). "Phoenix Springs Review - A Vibrant Reinvention Of The Point-And-Click". https://www.thegamer.com/phoenix-springs-review/.
- ↑ "Phoenix Springs". https://2024.amaze-berlin.de/wings/phoenix-springs/.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 McEvoy, Sophie (2025-06-30). "Games for Change 2025 Awards winners unveiled". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/games-for-change-2025-awards-winners-unveiled.
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