Video Games
Latest ‘Phasmophobia’ Update Has Smarter Ghosts That Open Doors
The latest update to Kinetic Games’ surprise hit Phasmophobia is here, and proves that ghosts can be trained. As detailed on the title’s Steam page, the update includes the usual bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements. However, the big news is the changes to the ghost AI.
Not only can ghosts now turn and follow players around corners after losing sight of you (instead of just searching a random location), they will now listen for player voices when hunting, and will also search the locations where they heard players talking.
Oh, and on top of that, ghosts will now be able to open lockers and closets, regardless of whether they’re hunting players. Not to mention the fact that the ghost will now hunt other players if they get close enough while the ghost is chasing another player.
Other gameplay changes include tweaking the Professional Difficulty, making it so you’re not informed if the ghost responds to groups or if you’re alone, as well as adjusting/removing some of the more aggravating objectives. You can read up on the entire list of changes from the link above.
Phasmophobia is currently available on PC via Steam.
With only a few days to go before WildSphere’s Escape From Umbra launches on PC and console on July 10, the devs have released an updated demo to Steam and GOG to woo potential players. The new 10-15 minute demo allows players to get their first look at the game’s story, while also offering a glimpse into the core mechanics of the full game.
Furthermore, Xbox players can now pre-order the game, where early supporters can take advantage of a 10% limited-time discount until July 9th. Nintendo Switch, Steam, and GOG launches will be accompanied by a discount upon launch.
Escape From Umbra transports players to a labyrinthine town inspired by the mountain villages in Las Alpujarras. Their iconic narrow streets and white facades have been invaded by dark roots and a dense, oppressive fog. Following the trail of enigmatic black cats, players will freely explore every corner of the town to find the way to escape from the nightmare where Umbra has locked them up.
Eschewing artificial inventories or floating backpacks, the game opts for a true “escape room” format. Players must investigate the environment, manipulate objects, and figure out how to use them within the 3D space to escape each area. To do so, they will rely on a mysterious magic book, deciphering its logic-based clues to solve every puzzle and challenge.
However, the town is governed by shadow creatures that watch for any presence to summon the mistress of darkness. Players will carry a unique flashlight capable of condensing energy and unleashing powerful bursts of light, which allow them to defend themselves against specters and reveal secrets hidden by magic.
Additionally, controller vibration becomes a living gameplay mechanic: there are no on-screen indicators; the character’s heartbeat is transmitted directly to the player’s hands, accelerating chaotically as the only radar for imminent danger.