Set in a beautifully crafted dark world where samurai mythology meets fast-paced action, Phantom Blade Zero by S-GAME is shaping up to be a thrilling hack and slash adventure. Drawing from Chinese martial arts and Japanese samurai lore, it’s a game with stylish combat, steeped in the heavy atmosphere of a shadowy underworld. We had the opportunity to dive into this intense experience during Gamescom, and walked away with a lot to be excited about, even though some elements might prove daunting for certain players.
What We Know
Phantom Blade Zero is a third-person action RPG with hack and slash mechanics, developed for PlayStation 5 and Windows by S-GAME. It takes place in the Phantom World, which connects to the developer’s other titles, and follows the story of an elite assassin named Soul. Framed for the murder of his leader within the shadowy organization known as The Order, Soul must embark on a desperate journey to clear his name while battling powerful enemies. The twist? He’s been gravely injured and has only 66 days to live after receiving a magical cure.
The game’s semi-open world is split into various interconnected zones, which players can explore while facing a wide variety of enemies. Combat is at the heart of the experience, utilizing a control system that allows for fluid and combo-heavy attacks. Though it’s fast-paced and visually stunning, comparisons to Soulslike titles hint that this won’t be an easy journey -players will need to carefully manage stamina and adapt to the punishing difficulty, especially during boss fights. The story blends the noir-esque feel of a manhunt with intricate world-building, and with its connections to Rainblood: Town of Death, Phantom Blade Zero is aiming to attract both newcomers and those familiar with S-GAME’s earlier work.
What We Saw
During our time with S-GAME at Gamescom, we got hands-on with a PlayStation 5 build of Phantom Blade Zero. Our session began with a guided tutorial, introducing us to the core mechanics and combat systems. We then experienced several regular encounters before facing off against some of the game’s challenging boss battles. Along the way, the developers provided tips to help us understand the nuances of the game’s mechanics and combat flow.
What We Thought
Visually, Phantom Blade Zero is a feast for the eyes. Its world is drenched in atmosphere, blending dark and moody settings with breathtaking details that highlight the rich samurai influence in the art design. The environments are both expansive and detailed, with intricate textures and lighting effects that perfectly capture the game’s gritty, dangerous tone. The character models and enemy designs are equally impressive, featuring a variety of foes that feel at home in this mysterious world. From the moment we stepped into the game, it was clear that S-GAME has gone all-in on creating an immersive and visually striking experience.
That immersion, however, is challenged by the game’s high difficulty level. The combat, while exciting and fluid, doesn’t pull any punches. Much like Soulslike titles, Phantom Blade Zero demands precision, timing, and patience. The combo system feels intuitive, but mastering it is another matter. Boss battles, in particular, were grueling. While satisfying for players who enjoy a steep challenge, this level of difficulty might be a turn-off for those seeking a more forgiving experience. It’s worth noting that even within the preview, there were moments where a bit of frustration mounted, especially when we found ourselves repeatedly bested by the more aggressive enemies.
Still, for those who thrive on overcoming difficult challenges, the combat in Phantom Blade Zero is likely to be a rewarding experience. Each encounter forces players to learn their enemies’ attack patterns, dodge, and strike at just the right moment. This kind of gameplay will likely resonate with fans of punishing action RPGs, though it’s clear that some may find the difficulty curve intimidating. Additionally, while the stamina management system keeps players on their toes, it also adds another layer of strategy that deepens the gameplay. You can’t just rush into fights, and that measured approach makes victories all the more satisfying.
The audio experience complements the visuals well, with music that swells during battles and sound effects that punctuate the impact of each hit. Voice acting for the protagonist, Soul, adds to the narrative, though we didn’t get to hear enough during our preview to fully judge how well the story will resonate. If the storytelling matches the grandeur of the game’s world design and art direction, Phantom Blade Zero could be a narrative-driven action game with significant emotional weight.
Overall, our preview of Phantom Blade Zero left us both impressed and cautious. The game’s stunning visuals and challenging combat are sure to draw in fans of the genre, but the punishing difficulty might limit its appeal for more casual players. Still, with its intriguing world and story, Phantom Blade Zero is certainly a game worth keeping an eye on for anyone who enjoys a deep, strategic, and visually arresting action RPG.
Press Play Media 