Phantom Blade Zero: Epic 20-30 Hour Gameplay

Phantom Blade Zero: A Deeper Dive into Gameplay and Development

Recent updates on Phantom Blade Zero reveal exciting details about its gameplay mechanics and features, clarifying its position within the action genre. Expect a thrilling experience in 2025.

Debunking the Soulslike Comparison: Difficulty Options and Combat Focus

Phantom Blade Zero will offer four distinct difficulty levels: Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, and Extremely Difficult. This directly counters comparisons to Soulslike games, which are known for their unforgiving challenge. Game Director Soulframe explicitly stated that the game isn't aiming for a Soulslike experience, prioritizing instead "combo-driven, heart-pumping combat that is hectic, rewarding, and exhilarating." While the game's dark aesthetic and challenging boss encounters drew Soulslike comparisons, Soulframe clarified that the inspiration lies primarily in the level design – multi-layered maps with multiple paths and hidden areas – with the core gameplay being vastly different. He described the game as a blend of "Ninja Gaiden Combat on a Souls Game Map," emphasizing the hack-and-slash combat within a sprawling explorable world.

Extensive Weapon Arsenal and Playtime Expectations

Players can anticipate a robust arsenal with over 30 primary and 20 secondary weapons, each with unique combat properties. The main storyline is estimated to take 20-30 hours, with an additional 20-30 hours of content available through side quests and exploration. Boss fights are designed with at least two phases, offering a convenient restart option from the second phase if the player fails. A "Li Wulin" mode allows players to rematch defeated bosses, potentially unlocking hidden challenges and additional encounters. A currently undisclosed mechanic will influence the game's ending, hinting at multiple possible conclusions.

"Year of the Snake" Gameplay Trailer and Future Announcements

The recently released "Year of the Snake" gameplay trailer showcases Soul, the protagonist, battling the "Chief Disciple of The Seven Stars," and highlights weapons such as the "Weapon No.13 Soft Snake Sword" and "Weapon No.27 White Serpent and Crimson Viper." While a release date hasn't been confirmed, the trailer suggests an announcement is coming in 2025. Further exciting announcements are promised by Soulframe, hinting at previously unseen content.

Phantom Blade Zero is currently under development for PlayStation 5, with a PC release also planned. Stay tuned for further updates!