Childtime phoenix az: CHILDTIME ON EAST GLENDALE – 12 Photos & 11 Reviews – 1212 East Glendale, Phoenix, AZ

Childtime Children’s Center/ Childtime Childcare

About the Provider

Pinnacle Pointe Daycare Academy – U…

Please enable JavaScript

Pinnacle Pointe Daycare Academy – Union City GA Child Care Learning Center

Description: Childtime Learning Centers offer child care, preschool, kindergarten and school-age education services to children ages six weeks through 12 years. Founded in 1967 as a division of Gerber Products Corporation, Childtime has grown to a network of more than 250 locations. Our schools are located across the country with a number conveniently operated in hospitals, corporations, government facilities and office parks. At Childtime, students are cared for and educated by highly trained, dedicated directors, teachers and staff. Our home-like setting and safe environment make day care at Childtime the perfect place for children to play, laugh and discover.

Program and Licensing Details

• License Number:
  CDC-0590
• Capacity:
  110
• Age Range:
  Infant; Ones; Twos; Three to Five; School-Age
• Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program:
  No
• Current License Issue Date:
  Jun 01, 2021
• Current License Expiration Date:
  May 31, 2024
• District Office:
  ADHS Division of Licensing Services
• District Office Phone:
  (602) 364-2539 (Note: This is not the facility phone number. )

Inspection/Report History

Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable,
but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns,
as the provider may have already addressed some or all issues. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.

Survey Date	Date Corrected	Rule/Statute	Title
2021-11-03	2022-02-02	Article 5	R9-5-501.A.1.
Findings: Per allegation and based on observations of the Photographs, interview with the Director, Staff statements, and a review of facility documentation, it was determined that staff members failed to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of enrolled children was not placed at risk of harm when Staff #1 and Staff #2 allowed 3 non-enrolled children into the Infant Room on 10/21/2021 while 9 Infants were present. One of the non-enrolled children picked up Child #1 and held Child #1 to their chest. Staff stated the following: * One child tried to pick up an Infant. * The children put on booties and they were in the room. * The children were allowed to go through classrooms to enter the Infant room. * The child was standing up when they picked up an Infant and put the Infant on their chest. * Staff took children to the Infant room to say hi to Staff #1. Then staff left children with Staff #1 and returned to the office. Facility Documentation (Photograph) showed: * Two non-enrolled school-age children inside the Infant room with enrolled Infants. * One non-enrolled child holding an Infant to their chest.
2021-10-06	2021-11-01	article 3	R9-5-304.B.1-9.
Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Surveyors’ observations, 2 out of 15 Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record cards reviewed, lacked the following information: Child #1: The name, home address, city, state, zip code, and contact telephone number of the 2nd parent/guardian of the child and the name and contact telephone number of the child ‘s health care provider. Child#2: The child’s home telephone number. *Repeat Deficiency 5/12/2021.
2021-10-06	2021-11-01	article 3	R9-5-305.A.1.2.
Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Surveyors’ observations, the Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record cards for Child #1, Child #2, Child #3 and Child #4 lacked a copy of their Immunization record or exemption affidavit.
2021-10-06	2021-11-01	article 5	R9-5-503.E.1-7
Findings: Per Allegation #AZ00176985 and based on staff interview, facility documentation and the Surveyors’ observations, in the Three’s Classroom on 9/30/2021, a child had the same pull-up on from drop off time to pick up time. The child’s diaper was soaked at pick up time. Staff stated they were unaware that the child had a pull-up on and did not change the child.
2021-10-06	2021-11-01	Article 5	R9-5-511.A.3.
Findings: Based on the Surveyors’ observations, in the Pre-K Classroom, there were 3 cots that lacked a sheet. The children were sleeping directly on the cots.
2021-10-06	2021-11-01	Article 6	R9-5-601.4.
Findings: Based on staff interview and the Surveyors’ observations, in the Three’s Classroom, staff stated that there are children wearing diapers to school. The Three’s Classroom lacked an approved diaper changing area.
2021-05-12	2021-06-12	article 3	R9-5-304.B.1-9.
Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Surveyors’ observations, it was determined that 2 out of 15 enrolled children’s Emergency, Information, and Immunization record cards reviewed lacked the following required documentation: Child #1: Health care provider’s contact telephone number. Child #2: Date of enrollment and the name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child.
2021-05-12	2021-06-12	article 5	R9-5-501.A.13.a.b.
Findings: Based on the Surveyors’ observations, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: Classroom #5: *There was a tear/hole located on the corner of the green mat with exposed foam. Classroom #2: *There were tears/holes located on the edges of the maroon chair with exposed foam. *There was a tear/hole located on the seat cushion of the maroon couch with exposed foam.
2021-05-12	2021-06-12	article 5	R9-5-502.C.1.m.n.
Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Surveyors’ observations, the kitchen lacked posted current written dietary instructions for the infants.
2021-05-12	2021-06-12	article 5	R9-5-503. A.2.a-c.
Findings: Based on the Surveyors’ observations, in the infant room and classroom #2, the diaper changing sink’s water temperature measured 120F and in classroom #5, the diaper changing sink’s water temperature measured 124F.
2021-05-12	2021-06-12	article 5	R9-5-503.A.3.4.
Findings: Based on the Surveyors’ observations, in classroom #5, the diaper changing area lacked a sanitizable container for soiled clothing.
2021-05-12	2021-06-12	Article 5	R9-5-504.5.d.
Findings: Based on the Surveyors’ observations, in classroom #5, 3 out of 8 sippy cups lacked the enrolled child’s name.
2021-05-12	2021-06-12	Article 5	R9-5-511.A.5.
Findings: Based on the Surveyors’ observation, in classroom #2, 2 out of 23 nap cots were torn and frayed on the edges.
2021-05-12	2021-06-12	Article 5	R9-5-512.B.1.2.
Findings: Based on the Surveyors’ observations, in the toilet room for classroom #1, the ceiling air vent cover was covered with a build-up of a brown fluffy substance.
2021-05-12	2021-06-12	Article 5	R9-5-512.D.
Findings: Based on the Surveyors’ observations, in the outside boy’s toilet room, there was sand on the toilet seat and the toilet tank lid.

If you are a provider and you believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.

Reviews

Be the first to review this childcare provider.
Write a review about Childtime Children’s Center/ Childtime Childcare. Let other families know what’s great, or what could be improved.
Please read our brief review guidelines to make your review as helpful as possible.

Email address (will not be published):

Display name:

Which best describes your experience?:

Select from belowI have used this provider for more than 6 monthsI have used this provider for less than 6 monthsI have toured this provider’s facility, but have not used its servicesI am the ownerI am an employeeOther

Rating (1=poor, 5=excellent):

Select your Rating1 star2 star3 star4 star5 star

Review Policy:

ChildcareCenter.us does not actively screen or monitor user reviews, nor do we verify or edit content. Reviews reflect
only the opinion of the writer. We ask that users follow our
review guidelines. If you see a review that does not reflect these guidelines, you can email us. We will assess
the review and decide the appropriate next step. Please note – we will not remove a review simply because it is
negative. Providers are welcome to respond to parental reviews, however we ask that they identify themselves as
the provider.

ChildTime in Phoenix AZ – CareLuLu

Daycares and Preschools

>

ChildTime

>

Phoenix, AZ

Childtime Children’s Center

Childtime Children’s Center is a licensed child care center in Phoenix, AZ. We are a large center open from 6:00am to 6:30pm. Contact us to schedule…

Childtime Learning Centers

Childtime Learning Centers is a child care center in Glendale, AZ. We are a large center. Please email us for more information.

Childtime Children’s Center/ Childtime Childcare

Childtime Children’s Center/ Childtime Childcare is a licensed child care center in Phoenix, AZ. We are a large center open from 6:00am to 6:00pm….

Childtime Childcare

Childtime Childcare is a licensed child care center in Glendale, AZ. We are a large center open from 6:00am to 6:00pm. To learn more about us, please…

See More Results

Recent Reviews for ChildTime in Phoenix AZ

Sweet Home Child Care AZ, Scottsdale

“Jessica has an excellent in home child care, my son is always excited and happy to go, highly recommended.”
Read More

People Also Searched For

Emergency Child Care

Daycare Centers

Preschools

KinderCare

La Petite Academy

Cities Near Phoenix AZ

Peoria Daycare and Preschools

Paradise Valley Daycare and Preschools

Scottsdale Daycare and Preschools

Glendale Daycare and Preschools

El Mirage Daycare and Preschools

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ChildTime centers are there in Phoenix?

There are 4 ChildTime centers in Phoenix, based on CareLuLu data. This includes 0 home-based programs and 4 centers.

How much does daycare cost in Phoenix?

The cost of daycare in Phoenix is $630 per month. This is the average price for full-time, based on CareLuLu data, including homes and centers.

Top Resources Related to Daycares

Child Care During Coronavirus (COVID-19): The Definitive Guide

Is daycare safe? How to find child care during COVID-19? Get answers in this guide.

Is daycare safe right now? Do parents still pay if daycares close? How to find daycare during closures? Here’s your guide to child care during coronavirus.

See More

10 Tips for Finding Quality Child Care

Here are 10 tips to help you find affordable and quality child care.

When I needed a daycare and a preschool for my girls, I spent days on Google, phone, and visiting in person. I toured 16 centers before settling for the one that felt right for us. Here are 10 tips to help you find quality child care more easily.

See More

Child Care Center vs. Home-Daycare: Pros & Cons

Which environment is better, a child care center or a home-based daycare? The answer is simple…

During a child care seminar for parents and parents-to-be, I realized the differences between child care centers and home-based daycares were unclear to a lot of families. I was asked which environment was the best, center or home. My answer was simple…

See More

Is Daycare Bad for Kids?

For years, parents have debated what seems like a simple enough question: is daycare bad for kids?

For years, parents have debated what seems like a simple enough question: is daycare bad for kids? There is still no definitive on the long-term effects of daycare, but there are steps parents can take to give their children the best daycare experience.

See More

What High Quality Child Care Looks Like

Entrusting your child to someone else is a big deal. So, how do you know if the center is actually good?

Entrusting your child to someone else is a big deal. In fact, is there a bigger deal? So, how do you choose the right people to care for your child? How do you know if a child care center is actually good? How can you tell, when your child is so young?

See More

How To Be Involved Now That My Child Is In Preschool/Daycare

How can you know what your little one has been up to in daycare?

For many full-time working parents, whose children are in day care for long stretches of the day, your child’s activities are somewhat of a mystery. How can you know what your little one has been up to? Here’s how to know…

See More

Find Daycare Cost Near You: Use the Daycare Tuition Calculator

How much does full time daycare near me cost? Is home daycare more affordable than a center?

How much does full time daycare cost? Is home daycare near me more affordable than a center? Use our Daycare Tuition Calculator to find out average daycare tuition rates in your zip code.

See More

How To Get Your Child Care Tax Credit

Here are 10 things you need to know to claim your Child and Dependent Care Credit…

For most families, child care is the highest single household expense. But, there’s good news! Uncle Sam is here to help and can offset some of your daycare costs. Here are 10 things you need to know to claim your Child and Dependent Care Credit…

See More

FOR PARENTS

Parent ResourcesHow It WorksTestimonialsTerms of UsePrivacy Policy

FOR PROVIDERS

Provider ResourcesHow It WorksTestimonialsTerms and ConditionsList Your Program

MORE

About UsPressJobsContact Us

About UsHow It WorksContact Us

Parent ResourcesProvider Resources

Help Center

Joaquin Phoenix – biography, photo, height and weight, personal life, wife and children 2022

Biography of Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix is ​​an American actor who plays both in commercial (“Gladiator”) and in author’s films (“Mystic Forest”). He often transforms into new images, changing greatly in appearance, for example, gaining dozens of extra pounds. Indifferent to recognition and cinematic awards, while being highly rated among colleagues and directors. Winner of the “Oscar” for the main male role in the film “Joker”.

Pictured: Joaquin Phoenix

Childhood in a sect

Joaquin Rafael Bottom was born in Puerto Rico on October 28, 1974. His maternal grandfather emigrated to the US from Russia. In his new homeland, he met a native of Hungary. They got married, and the mother of the future actor Arlene was born.

Joaquin Phoenix as a child

Years later, she left her husband, her job as a secretary, and her sedate life in search of something big and hitchhiking across America. On this trip, Arlene met John Bottom, an affair with which developed rapidly. The couple married and joined either a sect or a group of hippies, the Children of God, and gradually had five children.

Joaquin Phoenix Family

Joaquin is the third oldest child. The eldest was brother River, and three girls grew up in the family: Rain, Summer and Liberty. Joaquin envied his brother and sisters with unusual names (from English their names are translated as River, Rain, Summer and Freedom) and demanded that his relatives call him Leaf (i.e. Leaf). And when the family moved to the United States, he repeatedly encountered how difficult it is for ordinary Americans to pronounce the name Joaquin.

Joaquin has a congenital ailment, which, however, only adds to his charm – cleft lip, i.e. splitting of the upper lip.

Joaquin Phoenix’s scar is actually a cleft lip

The “Children of God” cult promoted unnatural sexual practices. For example, River Phoenix claimed to have lost his virginity at the age of four. After that, the family left the Children of God. They were lucky to leave on time, because later truly terrible and strange things began to happen in the cult, for example, women lured new members to the sect using their bodies. But the Bottoms didn’t care anymore. To mark the new stage, they changed their surname and became Phoenix – “reborn”.

Newly minted Phoenixes decide to settle in Florida. But the large family was very poor, there was no money for tickets. The parents persuaded a priest they knew to take them to an old freighter and hide them there. In the middle of the journey, the ship’s crew discovered the “hares”, but took pity on the poor fellows. Joaquin celebrated his fourth birthday on this barge. By a happy coincidence, the ship was carrying toys, and the crew decided to give a couple of toys to the birthday boy.

After moving to Los Angeles, the Joaquin family changed their last name

Arlene quickly landed a job as an NBC secretary, while John took up gardening and gardening. It was decided to “attach” the children to show business. Mom found an agent for the children, Iris Burton – the only one who agreed to represent their interests. Joaquin continued to work with her at all stages of his career and beyond.

It was necessary to carefully choose which commercial to star in: Phoenixes are vegetarians (and 4-year-old Joaquin convinced the whole family of this) and animal rights activists. They did not agree to appear in commercials promoting products that were contrary to their ideology.

Joaquin and River Phoenix

Youth and first roles

Joaquin looked up to his older brother River Phoenix in many ways. He had a successful career in Hollywood. Even the debut role of Joaquin on TV came in the series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1982), where River also played. Although shortly before that, at the age of 10, under the pseudonym Leaf Phoenix, together with his brother, he starred in a training video about the features of raising children with dyslexia.

Little River and Joaquin Phoenix in a film about children with dyslexia

Joaquin never graduated from school, dropping out of school as a teenager. In the 80s, the actor was content mainly with episodes in serials and small roles in films. The most famous projects of this period are “Murder, She Wrote” (1984), “Russians” (1987), “Parents” (1989).

Joaquin Phoenix in Murder, She Wrote

In 1993, River Phoenix died of a drug overdose in front of his brother – it was Joaquin who called 911 and asked an ambulance to urgently come to the nightclub where the tragedy occurred. This event knocked Joaquin out of everyday life. He could not recover for more than a year and did not want to act. He was helped to return to the profession by director Gus Van Sant, who had previously worked with River. In the painting “To die in the name” (1995) Phoenix was joined by Nicole Kidman and Matt Dillon.

Joaquin Phoenix in To Die For

Before establishing himself in the status of not just a promising, but a truly talented actor, Joaquin starred in The Turn (1997) by Oliver Stone and 8mm (1999) by Joel Schumacher.

Young Joaquin Phoenix

Prime of a career

Joaquin’s finest hour came after the release of Gladiator (2000). Phoenix appeared as the colorful and controversial Roman Emperor Commodus, the antagonist of Russell Crowe’s character. For this role, he was nominated for the Actors Guild Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Oscar, however, all the statuettes slipped away from Joaquin.

“Gladiator” – trailer

One after another, noteworthy projects were released with the participation of Joaquin: “The Feather of the Marquis de Sade” (2000), “Buffalo Soldiers” (2001), “Mysterious Forest” (2004), “Rwanda Hotel” (2004). The actor did not look at the genre or the amount of the fee, everything was determined by the script and a personal meeting with the director. Without the last paragraph, Phoenix simply did not sign the contract.

“Mystic Forest” with Joaquin Phoenix

Phoenix was famous for his ability to get used to the role. Watching his characters on the screens, the audience had no idea what hard work preceded them. So, in 2004, Joaquin got the role of a fireman in the film “Team 49”. In preparation for the role, he joined a real fire brigade and not only went with them to the calls, but took an active part in extinguishing the fire. The biggest praise was warm words from former fellow firefighters who found his character to be as convincing as possible.

Joaquin Phoenix in Team 49: Fire Stairs

The musical biography Walk the Line (2005) with Reese Witherspoon, where Phoenix played country musician Johnny Cash, brought him a Golden Globe. Joaquin and Cash are completely different – neither in appearance nor in character. To transform into a musician, the actor, according to him, stepped over himself. He meticulously studied Cash’s biography for several months, never let go of the guitar for a minute, asked his colleagues to call him exclusively Johnny, ignoring attempts to address him by his real name. And when they filmed the scene in prison, he forbade giving food to extras so that their anger in the frame was believable.

Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon

“Walk the Line” brought Joaquin a lot of awards, in addition to the “Golden Globe”, and this irritated the actor: he called the cinematic awards “complete nonsense. ”

After The Lovers (2008), Joaquin announced his desire to leave the film business. Some time later, he came to the David Letterman show, having gained a lot of weight, with a thick beard, behaved rather strangely and announced a new round of his creative activity – rapping. The public discussed what was happening with Phoenix for a long time. In the end, it turned out that all this is part of the filming of Casey Affleck’s pseudo-documentary film “I’m Still Here” (2010). But he led everyone by the nose for a whole year and a half!

In 2008, Joaquin played in the film “Lovers”

On The Master (2012), Phoenix likes to joke that Paul Thomas Anderson probably saw him in I’m Still Here and thought, “This guy is crazy, and he’ll probably go for any craziness I suggest. We need to hire him.” Separately, Joaquin notes his collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman, as he considers him one of the best actors of his generation. In this film, Joaquin plays a brutal war veteran drugged by the ideas of a destructive sect. Sometimes he “forgot” to get out of character and crashed the set, injuring himself. And one day I went to the dentist and asked to put special metal braces on my teeth, which would hinder my smile. For the role, he was nominated for an Oscar, which again caused him embarrassment: “Such awards are always the result of teamwork, and nothing more.”

A still from the film “The Master”

A more risky choice of roles finally removed the shackles from the Phoenix. He did not think long before agreeing to shoot in “Her” (2013) – a story about the blurred boundaries between reality and virtual reality.

“Her” – trailer for the film with Joaquin Phoenix

2015 saw the release of The Irrational Man (2015), directed by Woody Allen.

Still from the film “Irrational Man”

For a while Phoenix went into the shadows. He carefully chose projects and looked for a director with whom he had not yet worked, but could get along. Lynn Ramsey came up in all respects. Working on “You were never here” (2017), they were absolutely on the same wavelength.

“You were never here” – trailer

The director fully understood Joaquin’s needs and anxieties, even though they had never even met before. For example, during the filming of the scene in the pool, the actor was in no hurry to enter the water, as he does not like to do this, Lynn plunged into the pool in her clothes and called after her, forcing the Phoenix to loosen up.
The film was well received by critics. During the presentation of the palm branch in Cannes in the nomination “Best Actor” Joaquin did not even think about winning, and when his name was said from the stage, he did not immediately go for the prize, having previously clarified the results with Rooney Mara.

From an early age I have been allergic to – what is it called? .. – to frivolous, meaningless, youth projects

In 2018, the actor presented three big films at once with his participation. “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far” (2018), a dramedy about a cartoonist who is partially paralyzed, made Phoenix take a different look at the problems of the disabled.

Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot (Trailer)

In Mary Magdalene (2018), he played Christ. When asked about the specifics of preparing for such a role, he answered that he was guided by his usual rules for working in projects. In addition to scrupulous research on the biography of Christ, he exhausted himself with hunger strikes in order to lose any reminder of Hollywood gloss.

Joaquin played Christ in Mary Magdalene (2018)

The Sisters Brothers (2018) brought together a serious cast: John C. Reilly, Jake Gyllenhaal and Riz Ahmed. Filming with them Phoenix, according to him, was comfortable and exciting.

Joaquin’s main project for 2019, without a doubt, was the Joker. Until recently, it seemed that Heath Ledger best transferred this image to the screens, but the film, released in the fall, made fans admire the Phoenix, corresponding to this complex role.

Joaquin Phoenix as Joker

Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker has nothing to do with DC comics. This is a tragic story about a man who is not accepted by society, and this attitude eventually turns the good-natured comedian Arthur Fleck into a mad maniac. For this role, Joaquin lost 24 kilograms and rehearsed an ominous laugh for a long time. The actor’s efforts brought him an Oscar in the Best Actor category.

Episode of the short film “Guardians of Life”

In 2020, the short film “Lifeguards” dedicated to the problem of forest fires and climate change was premiered. In it, the actor played the role of a doctor saving the life of a girl who was injured during a major fire. In the same year, the premiere of the film “Come on, come on” is planned, about a documentary filmmaker who went on a trip to the United States with his little nephew.

Personal life of Joaquin Phoenix

According to the actor, from his youth he was successful with women and was rarely alone, although the girls in his life rarely stayed for a long time.

Joaquin has always been popular with women

On the set of The Fictional Life of the Abbots (1997), Joaquin met Liv Tyler. He was bribed by the simplicity of the young star, and she really liked how seriously Phoenix prepared for their joint scenes. The couple dated from 1995 to 1998, and the actor had a hard time breaking up.

Joaquin Phoenix and Liv Tyler

From 2001 to 2005, Joaquin dated model Topaz Paige-Green, and from 2013 to 2015, he dated DJ Ellie Tails.

Joaquin Phoenix with Ellie Tails

In 2016, Phoenix began an affair with Mary Magdalene co-star Rooney Mara. Soon they came together, but the plans for the wedding are not discussed with the press, although in the summer of 2019 the couple announced their engagement.

Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara are engaged

In September 2020, the couple had a son, who received the name in honor of the late brother of Joaquin – River.

Joaquin is a homebody who avoids publicity with all his might. He does not have pages on social networks, he rarely speaks about events taking place in the world. For some time he avoided awards ceremonies, which even became the butt of jokes from the Golden Globe hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Interviews and social events are considered part of the job, nothing more.

Joaquin Phoenix now

In the fall of 2021, Joaquin, the master of reincarnation for the role, amazed fans with another image change. He put on weight and shaved off part of his hair to play the main role in the horror Ari Arister (known from the films “Reincarnation”, “Solstice”) “Disappointment Boulevard”.

Joaquin Phoenix prepares for a role in Disillusionment Boulevard

The actor is often asked questions about whether there will be a sequel to the “Joker”. Phoenix claims that he is not averse to acting in the second part, but he himself does not know if the director has such plans:

I don’t know. You see, this is an interesting character. There are so many more things we could do with it, how to open it up. But are we really going to do it? Don’t know.

Best movies

• 2019: Joker
• 2018: Sisters Brothers
• 2018: Mary Magdalene
• 2018: “Don’t worry, he won’t get far”
• 2013: “She”
• 2012: “Master”
• 2007: Masters of the Night
• 2005: Walk the Line
• 2004: “Team 49: Fire Ladder”
• 2004: “Mystic Forest”
• 2004: Hotel Rwanda
• 2000: “Yards”
• 2000: Gladiator
• 1999: “8 millimeters”
• 1997: The Fictional Life of the Abbots

Phoenix point – short review – DTF games

I mastered #phoenixpoint in about 150 hours (plus 2 unfinished companies 40 hours earlier). A year and a half passed intermittently. I liked the game, but it still causes very controversial thoughts.

4099
views

This is the legacy of the great X-COM: UFO Defense from childhood. The author of the game is the famous designer Julian Gollop. For 30 years he has been making the same game – tactics about fighting aliens, only with different names. I remember very warmly my then washed down with sectoids, mutons and crystallids of course! I finished the game 10 years later, but it didn’t matter. In X-COM: UFO Defense, the gameplay itself was important. Cleaning up locations with fallen UFOs, alien bases and saving cities from raids. What a game it was!

I gave the soldiers names of friends. Carefully monitored the statistics of their development. I tried to play on PS1 without a memory card. I changed the power of the weapon in the editor and shot through all the walls on the level. (I want to go back to my 15 years).

Phoenix point is a modern turn-based tactic about the fight against the Pandorans (almost aliens again) – the result of the pollution of the Earth by an ancient virus. The game is prepared for the modern player and the modern market. If you analyze it deeply, you can see how Julian Gollop uses his old work and fresh mechanics in the genre. Particularly visible is the look back at the XCOM dilogy.

There is a great monster design here. The sight of ungodly creatures literally made me vomit sometimes. A sort of Cronenberg-style bio-constructor. Pincers, implanted weapons, venom-spitting heads, goo, face-huggers.

The enemies are not only pandoran mutants, but also the factions themselves, rebellious robots and just bandits. Even “domestic fighting animals” and equipment come across. There is someone to shoot.

Not only that, you can turn your squad members into mutants! Or robotic. Such augmentations have their pros and cons. Various missions for the genre – in Xenonauts I can only clean up fallen plates and cities. An interaction system with three different factions that affects the game and its ending. Here you can help one faction, steal technology or a ship from another, take a scientist out of a location and other entertaining missions. Although towards the end, I did make friends with all the factions. In the final, I counted as many as 6 endings.

A bunch of different weapons. Pistols, rifles, clubs, grenades, crossbows, rocket launchers, grenade launchers, flamethrower. There are even “live” weapons with infinite ammo. The most important thing here is the coolest shooting mechanics. In general, for the genre, shooting is the main mechanic around which everything should be built. Here is something at the level of the ancient cult Operation Silent storm, but from the first person. The whole game is based on this important foundation. Aiming and shooting at Phoenix point is very interesting. If you see part of Pandoran’s hand through a narrow slit in the scope, then you have a chance to hit. That’s the reason I dropped the recent hit XCOM: Enemy Unknown. My sniper didn’t hit the sectoid from 3 meters because there was an invisible wall texture between the branches of the tree.

But all the minuses of Phoenix point are striking. I played a lot of games of the genre. Also in Japanese turn-based tactics. I have something to compare. All the troubles of the game are because we still have an AA indie game in a rare unpopular genre. Although the game has fans, as Youtube shows, where I found guides, videos and reviews of the game.

Phoenix Point has a hard life. Unexpected raw launch as an EGS exclusive. Literally a year and a half ago, the game was unplayable. It lacked balance and content. During this time, the developers added patches and fixed bugs. But the first impression was spoiled. The fans were angry. The Steam version in 2021 is very playable. So who was waiting for a good game, the time has come.

My stream of the final mission

And if you buy all the add-ons, then a powerful complex company awaits you. The developers also promise more surprises in future patches. It’s like the story of No man sky with sanding to the right state.

Personally, I did without additions. For example, air battles and mutant fighters. At the moment, the basic version of the game was enough for me. I was worried about other questions to Phoenix Point.

No ground level changes on missions – I don’t count the ability to climb on top of buildings. Wacky enemy types like Myrmidons (which I’ve seen on streams) and Tar Shadows. I attribute this to mutations, as an unpredictable result.

Poor variety of maps, always like a copy-paste clearing in almost repeating biomes. Cities, bases, caves and ruins. No jungles, swamps, mountains, deserts.

Primitive animation screensavers from simple illustrations. Very little money was allocated for artists. From here I go to different endings in the game, consisting of the same slides: – Gollop, what are you doing ?! Was it weak to draw 10 extra arts?! It’s good that this is not a game mechanic, but only a design. And now I see great monster design, but bad cutscenes. What is it like?

Disappointing final mission, like a level design mistake. In the worst JRPG tradition. For a modern player, you can come up with something more interesting.

Personally, I didn’t like the lack of statistics for each fighter. I want to know how many shots my favorite sniper Johnny McTiger shot. But the final statistics are detailed. But there is a mistake – the data on the Citadels of the Pandorans is not taken into account.

I completed the game and immediately deleted it. So satiated that there is no strength. I don’t want to watch extras. I do not want to replay in the next 5 years. Played enough.

But this is the best modern non-role tactic. A cocktail of old and new ideas and mechanics in the genre. A fun and time-consuming game. And you can buy it at least as a token of gratitude to Gollop for our wonderful childhood with sectoids, mutons and “blaster-swolcher”.

EGS version crashes very rarely. The soundtrack is creepy. But if you listen separately and loudly, it becomes even scarier. High quality dark ambient.