Phantom Blade Zero: A Fusion of Wuxia and Cyberpunk
Phantom Blade Zero, developed by Beijing-based S-Game, is an upcoming action game that combines elements of traditional Chinese aesthetic and cyberpunk. The game’s creator, Soulframe Liang, describes it as “kung fu punk,” blending the supernatural swordfighting of Wuxia martial arts with a futuristic, dystopian setting.
While the game has been compared to the Souls series and Ninja Gaiden, Liang emphasizes that Phantom Blade Zero is a unique combination of its own. The gameplay features a three-dimensional map reminiscent of Souls games, but the combat mechanics draw inspiration from Ninja Gaiden. This hybrid approach offers a fresh and accessible experience for players.
One of the key aspects of Phantom Blade Zero is its accessibility. While it caters to hardcore gamers with its depth and challenging mechanics, it also provides an enjoyable experience for casual players. The combat system allows players to explore various combos, perfect their parry and dodging skills, and engage in satisfying swordfights.
During my hands-on experience with the game, I found that strategic thinking was crucial when facing multiple enemies. Taking out the archer first and then dealing with weaker swordfighters before confronting the boss-like character proved to be an effective approach. However, there are multiple ways to tackle each situation, allowing players to experiment and find their preferred playstyle.
Boss battles in Phantom Blade Zero require precise timing and understanding of attack patterns. The blocking system is simple to grasp, but players must learn to differentiate between blue eye attacks that require parrying and red eye attacks that need to be dodged. Each boss has its own rhythm, and mastering these patterns is essential for success.
In terms of difficulty, Phantom Blade Zero is more accessible than traditional Souls games. It offers difficulty options, allowing players to adjust the challenge level according to their preferences. The main story alone offers a campaign of around 20 to 30 hours, but there are also side quests, collectibles, and challenges that provide additional content and gameplay hours.
With a team of 50 developers, S-Game is dedicated to delivering a high-quality experience with Phantom Blade Zero. The positive reception at Summer Game Fest has been encouraging for the team, but it also adds pressure to meet the rising expectations. However, they are committed to creating an even better final product and are excited to showcase more level designs and story elements in the future.
In terms of the game’s lore, Liang draws inspiration from an indie game he created 15 years ago called Rainblood. This early project combined traditional Chinese aesthetic with steampunk and cyberpunk elements. The world of Phantom Blade Zero builds upon this concept, offering a unique blend of traditional and futuristic elements that create a distinct atmosphere.
Phantom Blade Zero promises to be a visually stunning and immersive experience that captures the essence of Chinese Wuxia martial arts while infusing it with a cyberpunk twist. With its accessible gameplay and depth for both casual and hardcore players, it’s shaping up to be an exciting addition to the action game genre.