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For over two decades, Amanita Design<\/a> has been one of the most beloved names in point-and-click adventure games. From the surreal landscapes of the Samorost<\/a> series to the mechanical wonder of Machinarium<\/a> and the chaotic charm of Chuchel<\/a>, the Czech studio has built a reputation for creating games that feel handcrafted in every sense of the word. Their newest release, Phonopolis<\/a>, continues this tradition while pushing past previous boundaries.\u00a0<\/p>\n Phonopolis is a story-driven puzzle adventure set within a city governed by an authoritarian figure known only as Leader. Players step into the shoes of Felix, an unassuming garbage collector whose ordinary life is interrupted when he discovers a pair of headphones capable of blocking the messages from city-wide \u201camplions.\u201d Through these devices, essentially loudspeakers, Leader broadcasts subliminal commands that keep the population obedient in pursuit of the supposedly perfect society.\u00a0<\/p>\n At once, Phonopolis is both a quirky, simple mystery and a reflection on individuality, conformity and the dangers of sacrificing humanity in pursuit of perfection. As Felix uncovers the truth behind Leader\u2019s obsession with achieving the \u201cAbsolute Tone,\u201d he finds himself responsible for protecting a city that may not even realize it needs saving. Despite its dystopian premise, Phonopolis never becomes overwhelmingly bleak. Its themes are grounded and relatable, but they are presented with warmth, optimism and an earnest belief in the value of imperfection.<\/p>\n The game\u2019s most striking achievement is undoubtedly its visual design. Phonopolis uses 3D graphics \u2014 the first of Amanita Design\u2019s games to do so. Unlike most modern games, however, its world began as a physical creation. Amanita Design constructed large portions of the city from cardboard and fiberboard before digitizing them into the game. The result is unlike anything else currently available. Buildings are elaborate paper models brought to life, with textures retaining the subtle imperfections and tactile qualities of real handcrafted materials.<\/p>\n