Birth of the Phoenix is a beginner level text adventure game. The game was designed to teach new players how to use and appreciate an adventure game. Gameplay and descriptions are entirely text-based, and actions are performed by writing VERB + NOUN commands. The player gathers a variety of inventory items to solve puzzles during their quest. The player's goal is to recover the fabled phoenix, which is reborn every 500 years. The player must bring the bird to the Temple of the Sun, where it can be ignited and reborn. Along the way, the player my recover a number of treasures including precious rubies and sapphires, which can be returned to the Temple of the Sun for extra points During their quest, the player explores an underground cave, navigates a complicated maze, and must outsmart a guard.