Prepare for a thrilling adventure! Phantom Blade Zero is shaping up to be an epic experience, boasting four difficulty settings and a wealth of gameplay features. Read on to discover the latest development updates and what awaits you in 2025.
Phantom Blade Zero Development Updates
Phantom Blade Zero: A Combo-Driven Action Game, Not a Soulslike
Phantom Blade Zero offers four difficulty levels: Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, and Extremely Difficult. While its aesthetics and combat initially drew comparisons to Soulslike games, the inclusion of varied difficulty settings sets it apart. The game's director, Soulframe, clarified on Twitter following its Summer Game Fest 2024 appearance that "making another soulslike" was never the goal. Instead, the focus is on delivering "combo-driven, heart-pumping combat that is hectic, rewarding, and exhilarating."
The game's dark world and challenging boss fights did inspire Soulslike comparisons. Soulframe acknowledged inspiration from Soulslike titles in terms of multi-layered maps and exploration, but emphasized that "the similarities stop there." He previously described the gameplay as "Ninja Gaiden Combat on a Souls Game Map," blending intense hack-and-slash action with extensive exploration.
Gameplay Features: Extensive Weaponry, Lengthy Playtime, and More
Recent interviews revealed further details. Players can choose from over 30 primary and 20 secondary weapons, each with unique combat properties. Expect a substantial 20-30 hours of main story content, complemented by an additional 20-30 hours of side quests and activities.
Boss fights feature at least two phases, with a convenient feature allowing players to restart from the second phase after a death, eliminating the need to repeat the first. A new game mode, "Li Wulin," lets players rematch defeated bosses, potentially unlocking hidden challenges and encounters.
A game mechanic influencing the ending has been mentioned, though the specifics and number of alternate endings remain undisclosed.
Phantom Blade Zero "Year of the Snake" Gameplay Trailer
The recently released "Year of the Snake Gameplay Trailer" showcases Soul, the protagonist, battling the "Chief Disciple of The Seven Stars." The trailer also highlights several weapons, including "Weapon No.13 Soft Snake Sword" and "Weapon No.27 White Serpent and Crimson Viper."
While a release date is expected in 2025, Phantom Blade Zero's official Twitter (X) page also shared a Lunar New Year video where Soulframe hinted at 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!
Check out our Phantom Blade Zero page for the latest news and information.
