Phantom Blade 0, developed by S-Game, features a unique combat system designed to mirror the simultaneous attacking and defending found in Wuxia martial arts films. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of translating the fast-paced, often visually indistinct, choreography of martial arts cinema into an interactive video game format.
Traditionally, action game combat operates on a turn-based philosophy where players attack during enemy recovery periods. Phantom Blade 0 deviates from this by allowing players to attack and defend concurrently. Director and CEO Soulframe Liang explained that while games like Ninja Gaiden might appear chaotic, their underlying systems still rely on distinct offensive and defensive turns. S-Game's goal is to implement a system where these actions are integrated, inspired by Hong Kong Golden Age kung fu movies where "they are all attacking while defending." Liang noted the involvement of Donnie Yen and his team in building the combat system from the ground up to achieve this authenticity.
The game incorporates light and heavy attacks, along with combos, but a key departure from conventional design is that many attacks have no commitment. This means players can transition into a parry even mid-attack string. This system allows for a more fluid experience where players are encouraged to stay engaged rather than waiting for openings. However, mistiming a parry during an offensive sequence can result in the attack being blocked and consuming 'Sha Chi,' or a complete whiff that leaves the player vulnerable. This risk-reward dynamic incentivizes players to remain actively engaged.
Liang acknowledged the challenge of balancing accessibility with the innovative combat system, stating the team sought a point where "attacking while defending vibe" could be maintained, even if it meant blurring the lines between distinct offensive and defensive phases. The result is a system that, despite still having moments of pure offense or defense, eliminates transitional periods, allowing for seamless blending of both actions. This mechanic, while not entirely unnoticed, appears to be underutilized by players, according to observations at a hands-on event.