Get ready for Phantom Blade Zero, a game boasting four difficulty levels and exciting gameplay features, launching in 2025. This article dives into recent development updates and reveals what players can expect.
Phantom Blade Zero Development: Debunking the Soulslike Label
Contrary to initial comparisons to Soulslike games due to its dark aesthetic and challenging combat, Phantom Blade Zero offers four distinct difficulty settings: Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, and Extremely Difficult. This directly counters the notoriously high difficulty of Soulslike titles.
Game Director Soulframe clarified on Twitter following its Summer Game Fest 2024 appearance that the game was never intended to be a Soulslike clone. The goal is "combo-driven, heart-pumping combat that is hectic, rewarding, and exhilarating." While the game draws inspiration from Soulslikes in its level design—multi-layered maps, diverse approaches, and hidden areas—the core gameplay is distinct. Soulframe described it as "Ninja Gaiden Combat on a Souls Game Map," blending hack-and-slash action with expansive exploration.
Extensive Gameplay: Weapons, Playtime, and More
Recent interviews unveiled further details. Players can choose from over 30 primary and 20 secondary weapons, each with unique combat properties. Expect a 20-30 hour main story campaign, supplemented by an additional 20-30 hours of side content.
Boss fights feature at least two phases, with the convenient option to restart from the second phase upon death. A new "Li Wulin" mode lets players rematch defeated bosses, potentially unlocking hidden encounters. A game mechanic influencing the ending is also confirmed, though specifics remain undisclosed.
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 like the "Weapon No.13 Soft Snake Sword" and "Weapon No.27 White Serpent and Crimson Viper."
While a release date is slated for 2025, the official Twitter (X) account promises more exciting announcements and reveals throughout the year.
Phantom Blade Zero is currently under development for PlayStation 5, with a PC release also planned. Stay tuned for further updates on our Phantom Blade Zero page.
