Key information
Following a six-hour preview session in China, GamingDose reports that Phantom Blade Zero delivers a highly polished martial arts action experience. The game features intricate combat animations and visually striking boss encounters, such as the memorable lion dance boss fight.
The combat system is notably creative, centered on a "Sha-Chi" stamina gauge that governs attacks and defenses. Players must balance aggressive strikes with precise parries and dodges to manage this resource. The game allows players to equip two primary weapons from a diverse pool of 30, each offering unique skills and finishers. Swapping weapons mid-combat restores Sha-Chi, adding strategic depth to the flow of battle.
While the reviewer praised the gameplay, they expressed significant concerns regarding the narrative. The protagonist, Soul, is described as a "hollow" character, and the storytelling is criticized as disorganized, with jarring flashbacks and a lack of focus on the initial plot hooks. However, side quests and environmental storytelling through documents offer some redemption for the world-building.
Despite its high difficulty, the game incorporates accessible design choices. Enemies do not respawn, and boss fights allow players to restart at specific phases upon death without penalties. Phantom Blade Zero is scheduled for release on October 28 for PC and PlayStation 5.
