PC Critic Reviews

Cardboard and constructivism collide in Amanita Design’s masterful marriage of story, puzzles, and hand-crafted aesthetic in Phonopolis.

Amanita Design’s inexhaustible well of creativity once again proves that handcrafted artistry and playfulness are still very much alive. Phonopolis refines the studio’s charming adventure formula into a game overflowing with ideas and wrapped in stunning cardboard-inspired visuals, which, combined with its cutout-style animation, make it one of the most beautiful games ever created. An organic experience that feels uniquely different once again, yet remains flawlessly fluid throughout. A short but intense Orwellian struggle that demonstrates even manipulation can become heartfelt entertainment.

Amanita Design has done it again. While the brief length of its adventures remains a recurring drawback, the studio once more excels in art direction and storytelling. Filled with sharp satirical commentary on totalitarian regimes, stunning visuals, and a satisfying variety of well-designed puzzles, Phonopolis is an immensely rewarding experience, especially for fans of Amanita Design's previous works.

An unconventional, visually striking and imaginative adventure that takes you through a city full of propaganda, mechanisms and strange characters. It's not long, but it offers plenty of good puzzles.

Phonopolis is the most beautiful and artfully-constructed game yet from Amanita Design, a studio that knows a thing or two about making such games. Phonopolis perhaps doesn't venture quite as far outside the point 'n' click adventure box as it could, but fans of the genre who don't mind the occasional obtuse puzzle and a short-ish runtime will likely find themselves singing the game's praises.

Phonopolis delivers a breathtaking handmade cardboard dystopia, blending exquisite stop-motion animation with a charmingly absurd narrative. This tactile world feels truly alive, yet the experience suffers from irregular puzzle design. While many interactions prove clever, others rely heavily on trial and error, slightly marring what remains an otherwise unforgettable and visually stunning artistic achievement.

Its four-hour runtime leaves us wanting more, but as has been the case with every release from Amanita Design, Phonopolis is a cause for joy and celebration for any true video game enthusiast.

Amanita Design built a dictatorship out of cardboard, loudspeakers, and bizarre machinery. Gameplay-wise, Phonopolis isn't always brilliant, but audiovisually, it is a small but important piece of art.

Phonopolis is a vibrant and beautiful adventure game you can finish in one evening. Challenging enough to stay engaging, and just dark enough without losing its harmless sense of humor.

Phonopolis' few flaws are easy to forgive in the face of the artistry with which this terrible, magnificent place has been put together. [Issue#425, p.114]