The Phantom P.I.

The concept emerged during a family game jam: a ghost hunter who helps spirits experiencing trouble in the afterlife. That weekend prototype resonated immediately, and over the following years it evolved from 2D arcade game to full 3D side-scrolling adventure.

The visual style draws from Wes Anderson's meticulous dioramas, film noir atmosphere, and 1980s television charm. Gameplay traces its roots to classics like Maniac Mansion and Day of the Tentacle, alongside modern inspirations including Double Fine's The Cave. The result balances challenging puzzles with accessible, family-friendly gameplay wrapped in a story about helping others—even those who happen to be dead.

Cecil Sparks inherited his eccentric grandfather's paranormal investigation business. His latest case brings him to Ravensmaw Manor, where deceased rock star Marshall Staxx needs help dealing with Baublebelly—a poltergeist who steals Marshall's prized possessions and stores them in his translucent belly. The Manor itself is a puzzle: secret passages, interconnected mechanisms, and doors that never lead where expected.

We built interconnected systems that create emergent gameplay: 23 inventory item types feed into 40+ unique interactions across 20 handcrafted levels. The Phantomizer weapon captures ghosts through a satisfying beam-and-cage mechanic. Five distinct enemy types—from darting ghosts to the formidable Baublebelly boss—each feature full AI state machines that respond to player actions and environmental distractions. An original soundtrack by Aaron Robertson (available on Bandcamp) reinforces the eerie-yet-whimsical atmosphere, while a journal system tracks collectibles, story lore, and player progress across four acts.

The game achieved strong results as a premium title in a free-to-play dominated market: 49,223 App Store downloads, 148 Apps Editor's Choice. 148 Apps wrote: "It's not a great mobile game, it's a great game that just happens to be on mobile."

The development arc - from family game jam to shipped product - reflects the reality of independent game development with a small team. The original 2D concept proved the design, but the decision to evolve into full 3D required rethinking every system.

The episodic structure (Mission Apparition as Episode 1) was conceived early, with plans for Cecil and Cecilia to take on new ghostly clients in future adventures. This architecture influenced design decisions around reusable systems and character flexibility.

The Phantom P.I. represents Rocket 5 Studios' flagship original IP, developed between client work and contract projects. It demonstrates the studio's capabilities across the full spectrum of game development: design, programming, art, animation, audio integration, and platform deployment.

The project also reflects the studio's values: original concepts, quality execution, and games suitable for all ages. Starting as a family game jam wasn't just origin story - it embodied the target audience from day one.