While the recent NECA releases of the Defenders of the Earth line made me think about The Phantom, it was the Billy Zane movie and the 2040 series that made me think: Could a videogame based on The Phantom be doable? I know that 2040 had a game, therefore question answered. But that's the 24th Phantom of the future. I'm thinking of the 21st and 22nd Phantoms. Why a transition between Phantoms? Because the 21st is the Iconic one and the 21st is the perfect breaking point from "realistic 20th century" style of Classic Phantom that leads the way to the dystopian 2040 style of the 24th in a semi realistic sci-fi turn of the century world.
What I'm visualizing is an open world game contained within both NYC and Bangalla. With the 21st most of the Open World Gameplay occurs in Bangalla with certain events taking place in New York. For 22nd, most of the action happens in New York, while Key sections of the Story happen in Bangalla. (Post game events could allow you to visit both NY and Bangalla.)
If I had to describe the game by using existing games, it would be a hybrid game combining elements from RDR2, MGSV, older Assassin's Creed games, maybe some Ghost of Tsushima elements. Hell, the Tutorial could be The origins of the Legend of the Phantom while using the original Phantom, Christopher Walker. This could work in storywise with the 2st Phantom reminiscing about the time he made the Oath of the Skull as he watches his children sleep. He would then leap into action in the first mission to stop some poachers. From there the game would move on with the story until Kit Walker is dead and his son takes the Oath of the Skull. Part 2 is Kit Jr. looking to find his father's killer and serve the Justice of the Jungle. My idea for the NY sections with the 21st is to not have New York fully unlocked and visit it during different eras. Few years after WWII, Early 70s, and late 90s (1999-2000) the whole island is unlocked for Kit Jr. If the entire island of Manhattan could be made for PS2 era games, imagine what can be done in the PS5 era... Hell, the RDR2 map is ridiculously enormous...
Yes, I'm aware that the Protagonist Swap is a bit too Red Dead Redemption-like, but that IS part of the Legacy of The Phantom. As a Ghost who walks dies, a new one arises.
The game CAN EASILY have some DLCs mostly relegated to the Bangalla map due to it being the "main setting" for past Phantoms. We could even have a Julie Walker DLC.
Mandrake the Magician would have some appearances as well. Some would involve the story with Mandrake helping 21st understand the Magical McGuffin that the Singh Brotherhood is after. Also he'd help 22nd to connect to the past and his "Phantom Legacy" Translation: Most of the DLC adventures involve Mandrake putting 22nd into a trance and "unlocking events lived by his ancestors". (I know it sounds a bit too "Ass. Creed) He and Lothar would have a series of Side Missions to pad the game's length. Last but not least a Special non-canonical DLC where Mandrake, Lothar, 22nd, and Flash Gordon must team up to defeat Ming The Merciless... C'Mon, you must have known that this was coming!! Think of it as this game's "Undead Nightmare" equivalent. The year is 2012 close to the infamous December 21. A dormant weapon from Planet Mongo has activated on Earth. Athlete turned Space Warrior, Flash Gordon must recruit Allies to save the Earth from imminent destruction by Ming. No, there will not be any 14 hour warning to save the Earth... Though there could be other references to the Film. (Also, this DLC is a not so subtle way to suggest that we need a Flash Gordon videogame.)
If I could, Billy Zane would voice 21st and Ryan Carnes would voice 22nd. I know I have made fun of "SyFy's The Phantom", which was well deserved. The reason I'm suggesting these two is as a nod to what came before and show my respect for the various versions of The Phantom.
And the second Intro of Phantom 2040 gives us the perfect Closing scene for the game... obviously with some changes.
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