After a six-hour hands-on session with Phantom Blade 0, the game made a strong impression. Developer S-Game has crafted a title featuring impressive boss designs, a compelling soundtrack, and expansive linear environments that offer Metroidvania-style side content. However, the standout element for one reviewer was the game's motion-captured martial arts combat, which lived up to expectations.
Beyond the visceral combat, a unique and unexpected detail emerged during gameplay. This subtle mechanic, which was later confirmed by director and CEO Soulframe Liang, revealed S-Game's deeper intentions for the title. While the exact nature of this detail was not fully elaborated upon in the provided notes, its impact on the reviewer's perception of the game's design was significant, suggesting a level of depth beyond the immediate action.