Key information
Developer S-GAME’s Phantom Blade Zero has emerged as a highly anticipated action title. After six hours of gameplay, the experience is described as having smooth, satisfying combat reminiscent of Sekiro, alongside a surprising depth of secrets and level exploration. The game is currently slated for a release on PC and PS5.
The combat system is the central highlight, featuring fluid parry mechanics and diverse weapon styles. Players can utilize bespoke melee weapons, such as a massive two-handed blade or a drunken fighting style, each offering unique combos and tactical advantages. Additionally, the game incorporates RPG elements, allowing for buildcrafting through skill trees and weapon upgrades.
IGN’s reviewer praised the boss encounters, noting they range from standard duels to creative, original challenges. However, the reviewer expressed concern regarding technical performance, citing infrequent but severe framerate drops on a powerful PC. These performance issues remain a notable yellow flag as the launch approaches.
While the combat and aesthetic are highly regarded, the narrative remains uncertain. The reviewer found the initial story setup to be standard for the genre, though interactions with Donnie Yen’s character suggest potential for development. The game is expected to debut on PS5 at the end of this month.
