Still Play Phantasmagoria?
We would love to hear from anyone who currently still plays Sierra's Phantasmagoria. Please send us an e-mail with your name, how long you had Phantasmagoria, why you still play it, and your takes on then and now.

E-mail the above information to:
phantas@beyond-dreams.net

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The World Of Phantasmagoria
A Review 7 Years After The Making


When Phantasmagoria first released in 1995 it was given mixed reviews by every gaming critic alive. It was Sierra's first attempt at a full-blown, live-action, horror interactive video game. It featured a full motion story that moved from chapter to chapter depending on your actions and interactions within the game. The storyline was rich, well noted for it's "chase" scene among horror game players today. The music was rich, and fit the game's scenes perfectly. The acting was okay for what the game was, and still to this day, six years later, scenes are etched into my mind like any good movie would be.

By now, if your reading this you have played the game, or at least seen or heard of it before. If you can recall, the game is spent playing the role of Adrienne, a intelligent middle age women. Adrienne and her husband Don, a photographer, have purchased a brand new home in New England known as the "Carnovasch Estate". Carnovasch was a well known magician who tragically died during one of his major acts. You later find out that the "Carnovasch Estate" is more then a beautiful home. The story unravels into hours of game play that expands to seven compact discs. 

Now, seven years after the game's release (1995-2002) the game still stands out and shines it's frightening tale upon the gaming world. Now hard to find in stores, Phantasmagoria is definitely a game that you might want to install again and re-visit the "World of Phantasmagoria". No other game ever got 70's based horror right besides Phantasmagoria. After playing the game seven years later there are a few drawl backs that where not noticeable when I first played the game. Mainly the puzzles are not challenging, the "official hint keeper" can get annoying and too easy to access. With the hint keeper, you really do not have to think what to do next, just click him and your on your way. But besides that, the game still gives me a few jumps and more memories to hold.

The conclusion of Sierra's Phantasmagoria is that the game still lives on, and people still play it seven years after it's release. If that doesn't prove how good a game this was, then nothing will.

- phantas@beyond-dreams.net