# Phantom Blade Zero: A New Challenger in the Action RPG Landscape
In the realm of action role-playing games (ARPGs) hailing from China, the first game that typically comes to mind is *Black Myth: Wukong*. Yet, the Monkey King may soon encounter strong competition from another intriguing title, *Phantom Blade Zero*. Created by the Beijing studio S-Game, this fresh addition to the ARPG category seeks to transition the studio’s successful mobile series to PC and consoles for the first time. We had the chance to experience the PS5 version at Gamescom, and we can confidently assert that *Phantom Blade Zero* is poised to deliver an exhilarating experience.
## A Game for Enthusiasts of Thrilling Combat
*Phantom Blade Zero* is crafted for players who relish intricately designed, intense boss fights but do not wish to be constantly outnumbered. The game strikes this fragile balance by implementing thoughtful modifications to the classic Souls-like framework and infusing elements from other action games, such as *Devil May Cry*. The outcome is a combat system that is both approachable and satisfying, catering to both newcomers and seasoned players within the genre.
### Stunning Assassin Gameplay
The storyline of *Phantom Blade Zero* is simple yet engaging. Players assume the role of Soul, a disgraced assassin wrongly accused of killing a Master of the Order. Marked as an outcast, Soul is fated to exist for only 66 days. Equipped with formidable martial arts abilities, he sets out on a mission to uncover the true killer and redeem himself before his time expires.
Soul’s adventure navigates through the Phantom World, which draws inspiration from ancient Chinese culture. The game’s linear level design showcases breathtaking environments, including bamboo groves, karst landscapes, and Buddhist graveyards. These spaces are rendered with Unreal Engine 5, giving them an almost realistic appearance.
### Soulslight Instead of Soulslike
Though *Phantom Blade Zero* takes cues from classic kung fu cinema and action games like *Ninja Gaiden* and *Devil May Cry*, it also presents its unique interpretation of the genre. The game focuses on smooth combo chaining, making it approachable for newcomers while still providing depth for veterans. The combat system is intended to be more lenient than typical Souls-like games, with fallen foes not respawning when the player dies. This design choice positions *Phantom Blade Zero* more as a “Soulslight” experience rather than a conventional Soulslike.
### The Great Unknowns
While the combat mechanics in *Phantom Blade Zero* are already striking, there remain several lingering questions about the game. For instance, the skill system was not activated in the demo we experienced, leaving us uncertain about the degree of customization available to players. Nevertheless, the developers have indicated that players can modify Soul’s abilities to align with their preferred playstyle.
The game’s duration is another aspect shrouded in uncertainty. Preliminary estimates suggest that *Phantom Blade Zero* may offer approximately 30 to 40 hours of gameplay, but the developers have not yet provided a definitive figure. Additionally, the full narrative scope of the game remains unclear, with only a handful of enemy types and story components revealed thus far.
### Platform Availability and Release Date
Currently, *Phantom Blade Zero* is confirmed for PC and PS5, although there are differing reports regarding a potential Xbox release. Microsoft’s console tends to be less favored in the Chinese market, which could affect the developers’ decision. The release date is also yet to be announced, though the segments showcased at Gamescom were already impressively polished.
## Editor’s Verdict
*Phantom Blade Zero* stood out among this year’s Gamescom offerings. The game’s fast-paced, stylish combat, framed within the context of Chinese Wuxia culture, caught my attention from the onset. The combat mechanics are intuitive, the combos gratifying, and the difficulty presents a challenge without being overwhelming.
Thanks to the latest iteration of Unreal Engine, *Phantom Blade Zero* also features breathtaking visuals. The atmospheric rainy bamboo forests and candlelit temples in the demo significantly enhance the game’s overall charm.
Of course, several uncertainties still surround *Phantom Blade Zero*. Details on the skill system have yet to be disclosed, and it remains to be seen if the story can maintain its momentum throughout the entire experience. Nonetheless, if S-Game can fulfill the expectations set by the demo, *Phantom Blade Zero* might emerge as the next major hit for fans of action RPGs, particularly those seeking a “Soulslight” experience.
In conclusion, *Phantom Blade Zero* is certainly a title to keep an eye on. With its distinctive fusion of gripping combat, stunning graphics, and an engaging narrative, it has the potential to stand shoulder to shoulder with *Black Myth: Wukong* as one of the most thrilling action RPGs to come from China in recent times.