Phoenix Springs
| Phoenix Springs | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer | Calligram Studio |
| Publisher | Calligram Studio |
| Platform | |
| Release | October 7, 2024 |
| Genre | Point-and-click adventure |
| Mode | 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
[edit]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
[edit]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]
Themes
[edit]In an interview with The New York Times, writer and designer JigmĂ© Ăzer stated that Phoenix Springs investigates themes at the heart of Buddhism, such as death and the nature of reality.[1] He said the gameâs inspirations included Don DeLilloâs novel Zero K, which explores the philosophical implications of life-extending technology, as well as his own research into dementia villages.
Reception
[edit]Review aggregator website Open Critic determined that 77% of critics recommended the game.[3] It received âmixed or averageâ 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 âunsettling, smart, and emotionally catharticâ.[5] Polygon said it was âa lesson in using negative space, both visually and narrativelyâ.[6] TheGamer rated it 5/5, declaring it âa vibrant reinvention of the point-and-click.â[7]
Accolades
[edit]| Year | Ceremony | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | A MAZE | Wings Prize | Nominated | [8] |
| 2025 | Games for Change | Best In Innovation | Nominated | [9] |
| New York Game Awards | Herman Melville Award for Best Writing | Nominated | [9] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Byrd, Christopher (2024-10-15). "A Philosophical Journey With Clicks of a Mouse". The New York Times. Retrieved 2025-11-16.
- ^ Valentine, Rebekah (2024-06-17). "Day of the Devs 2024: Everything Announced". IGN. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ^ "Phoenix Springs". OpenCritic. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ^ "Phoenix Springs". Metacritic. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ^ Gordon, Lewis (2024-10-07). "Phoenix Springs reimagines the point-and-click adventure as weird noir". The Verge. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ^ Hannah, Zoe (2024-10-07). "Phoenix Springs is a lesson in using negative space, both visually and narratively". Polygon. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ^ Kaur, Tessa (2024-10-07). "Phoenix Springs Review - A Vibrant Reinvention Of The Point-And-Click". TheGamer. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ^ "Phoenix Springs". A MAZE. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ^ a b McEvoy, Sophie (2025-06-30). "Games for Change 2025 Awards winners unveiled". GamesIndustry.biz.