Phasmophobia Review (Sato ♡)
A Project Stuck in the Past I’ve been playing Phasmophobia since 2022 and have witnessed many of its updates and phases of development. In its early days, the game was genuinely impressive — a unique ghost-hunting experience, cooperative gameplay, and the chilling thrill of the unknown all combined to create something special. But over time, it’s become painfully clear: the project hasn’t stood the test of time and has begun to decline, gradually losing its identity.
At first glance, Phasmophobia seems to offer variety: different ghost types, maps, and equipment. But after 10–20 hours, the repetition becomes obvious. Every map follows the same structure. The atmosphere fades, and all that remains is a mechanical loop that quickly wears thin. Each update promises fresh content, but in practice, it just adds another layer of dust to the same old framework.
A particular issue lies in the achievements and progression system, which over time has become more of a punishment than an incentive. Most achievements feel artificially difficult — monotonous grind tasks that demand tens of hours of repetitive gameplay.
What’s truly disheartening is the loss of atmosphere — the very thing that once made the game so captivating. In the early hours, you feel genuine fear, especially when playing with friends. But the more you play, the more you realize how strictly the ghost behavior is scripted. The sense of unpredictability vanishes, and with it goes the "terror of the unknown." The ghosts become predictable — as does the entire game.
Visually, the game remains average. There’s nothing offensively bad, but also nothing that stands out. Character animations can feel clunky, especially in multiplayer. The sound design and voice chat are still solid, but even these strengths begin to lose their impact amidst the overall stagnation.
Phasmophobia is a clear example of a game that exploded in popularity at launch but failed to maintain long-term player engagement. What once felt fresh, frightening, and intriguing has withered into a dull, repetitive grind filled with the same tasks and formulaic encounters, over and over again.