**Phantom Blade Zero: A New Challenger in the Action RPG Landscape**
When discussing action role-playing games (ARPGs) emerging from China, the majority of gamers tend to think of *Black Myth: Wukong* right away. Nevertheless, the Monkey King might soon encounter formidable competition in this genre, as another eagerly awaited title from China is gaining attention: *Phantom Blade Zero*. Created by the Beijing-based studio S-Game, this forthcoming ARPG is primed to introduce the studio’s successful mobile series to PC and consoles for the first time. After spending thirty minutes with the PlayStation 5 edition at Gamescom, it’s clear that *Phantom Blade Zero* is poised to deliver an exhilarating experience.
### A Game Tailored for Stylish Combat Enthusiasts
*Phantom Blade Zero* is crafted to attract players who relish fierce, intricately designed boss encounters without the constant barrage from foes. To achieve this equilibrium, the game implements some clever modifications to the classic Souls-like formula, even integrating elements from *Devil May Cry* to enrich its combat dynamics. But before we delve into the mechanics, let’s examine the game’s storyline.
### Striking Assassin Adventure
The narrative of *Phantom Blade Zero* is simple yet engaging. Players step into the shoes of Soul, a former assassin unjustly accused of murdering a Master of the Order. Now a pariah, Soul is cursed to survive for merely 66 days. Equipped with exceptional martial arts abilities, he sets forth on a mission to unearth the true killer and exonerate himself before time runs out.
Soul’s quest leads him through the Phantom World, a backdrop that draws inspiration from ancient Chinese culture. The game’s landscapes, featuring bamboo forests, karst mountains, and Buddhist cemeteries, are showcased in breathtaking detail thanks to Unreal Engine 5. These linear level segments are not only visually captivating but also craft a cohesive and immersive realm that feels nearly real.
### Combat, Combos, and Counterattacks
While the game’s environment is stunning, the primary appeal lies in its combat. Players can utilize a variety of weapons such as daggers, swords, and lances to take on the adversaries and bosses in their path. The fighting is executed with such fluidity and accuracy that it almost resembles an elegant dance, conducted with razor-edge blades.
Like other Souls-like titles, players can evade or block incoming strikes. However, timing proves to be essential: parrying a blue attack at just the right moment allows for a flashy counterattack, while failing to dodge a red-marked lethal move could lead to instant demise. In addition to two main weapons, which can be switched rapidly, Soul has access to secondary arms like bows, flamethrowers, and cannons. These secondary weapons pack a punch but demand precise timing for effective use, as they take moments to charge.
### Soulslight Rather Than Soulslike
*Phantom Blade Zero* takes cues from classic kung fu films and action games like *Ninja Gaiden* and *Devil May Cry*, emphasizing the seamless chaining of combos. According to the developers, the game’s elegant combo system is crafted to be approachable for newcomers to the genre, while still providing depth for seasoned players. The foundational moves are simple to master, but attaining true proficiency will require time and dedication.
In contrast with traditional Souls-like games, *Phantom Blade Zero* offers a more lenient approach. For example, defeated foes do not respawn upon the player’s death, positioning the game more as “Soulslight” rather than “Soulslike.” This strategy is likely to make the game more appealing to a wider audience while still presenting a gratifying challenge.
### The Great Uncertainties
While the combat system in *Phantom Blade Zero* is already striking, several elements of the game remain unclear. The skill system, for instance, was absent in the demo, although S-Game has reassured players that they will have the ability to customize Soul’s skills according to their preferred playstyle.
The developers have also suggested that the final game could provide approximately 30 to 40 hours of gameplay, yet this has not been officially confirmed. Moreover, the entire range of the narrative stays under wraps, with just a handful of enemy types and plot details disclosed thus far. One probable aspect is a confrontation with Soul’s childhood friend-turned-rival, Zuo Shang.
The exact platforms on which the game will be released remain somewhat ambiguous. While a PC and PS5 version has been confirmed, there are conflicting reports regarding a potential Xbox release. Microsoft’s console holds a smaller market share in China compared to the West, which could influence the developers’ choices.
### Conclusion: A Promising New Addition to the ARPG Genre
*Phantom Blade Zero* was one of the standout titles at this year’s Gamescom. With its dynamic, stylish combat set against a backdrop