GameCentral spent six hours with Phantom Blade Zero, one of the most anticipated action games of the year, and found a title that blends kung fu inspirations with epic Dark Souls-style bosses. The game, developed by S-Game, is set to appeal strongly to fans of fast-paced combat in the vein of Devil May Cry, but with the operatic scale of a Miyazaki film.
A New Chapter in an Old Universe
While Phantom Blade Zero may appear to be a new IP to Western audiences, it is technically the fifth game set in the same universe. The previous titles were mobile action role-players, starting with 2010's Rainblood: Town Of Death and ending with 2023's Phantom Blade: Executioners. This marks S-Game's first attempt at a big-budget console game and serves as an introductory reboot to the Phantom Blade world.
The game's defining feature is the 'kung-fu punk' aesthetic, which draws from Chinese martial arts and steampunk design. Actor Donnie Yen, known for the Ip Man series and John Wick: Chapter 4, provides motion capture and serves as a creative consultant.
Combat and Boss Battles
The combat revolves around a Sha-Chi gauge that acts as a combined stamina, posture, and skill meter. Players can parry blue-marked attacks, dodge red ones, and switch between two primary weapons to refill the gauge. Phantom Edge weapons, such as axes and bows, offer powerful limited-use attacks and also open up Metroidvania-style exploration.
The standout moments are the boss battles, which include Flame, The Lion Dance Grandmaster, a shoot 'em up-style encounter, and Bai Chilian, Lady Of The Twin Serpents, a speed-focused duel. The game's music, composed by Caisheng Bro, blends traditional Chinese instruments with electronic beats and metal.
Difficulty and Replayability
Phantom Blade Zero offers multiple difficulty levels, with the highest increasing enemy aggression and unlocking new boss moves. A 66 Days mode, unlocked after beating the campaign, turns the in-game countdown into a real mechanic where each death costs a day, and failing to finish in 66 days resets all progress.
While the level design in the opening areas was less captivating than the boss fights, the game's potential to surprise remains high. If it delivers on consistency, Phantom Blade Zero could catapult S-Game to the top of China's new wave of action games.
