Phantom Blade Zero: A Deep Dive into Gameplay and Development
Prepare for a thrilling adventure in Phantom Blade Zero, a game boasting diverse gameplay features and adjustable difficulty. Recent updates shed light on its development, clarifying its unique identity and promising a substantial playtime.
Debunking the Soulslike Label: Four Difficulty Settings and a Focus on Combo Combat
While initially compared to Soulslike titles due to its aesthetic and combat, Phantom Blade Zero distinguishes itself with four distinct difficulty levels: Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, and Extremely Difficult. Game Director Soulframe explicitly stated that mimicking Soulslike gameplay wasn't the goal. Instead, the focus is on delivering fast-paced, rewarding, and exhilarating combo-driven combat. While inspired by Soulslike games in terms of level design (multi-layered maps, multiple paths, hidden areas), the core gameplay mechanics are distinctly different. Soulframe himself described it as "Ninja Gaiden Combat on a Souls Game Map," blending hack-and-slash action with extensive exploration.
Extensive Gameplay: Weapon Variety, Playtime, and Unique Boss Fights
Players can expect a vast arsenal of over 30 primary and 20 secondary weapons, each with unique attributes. The main storyline is estimated to take 20-30 hours to complete, with an additional 20-30 hours of side content. Boss fights feature at least two phases, and players who die in the second phase can restart from that point, eliminating the need to replay the first phase. A "Li Wulin" mode allows players to rematch defeated bosses, potentially unlocking hidden challenges. A currently undisclosed mechanic is said to influence the game's ending, hinting at multiple possible outcomes.
Year of the Snake Gameplay Trailer and Future Announcements
The recently released "Year of the Snake Gameplay Trailer" showcases Soul, the protagonist, battling "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 anticipated in 2025, further announcements are promised by Soulframe, promising exciting reveals.
Phantom Blade Zero is currently under development for PlayStation 5, with a PC release also planned. Stay tuned for further updates!
