S-Game's upcoming action RPG, Phantom Blade Zero, is nearing its release, but its journey to this point is a long and winding one, stretching back 15 years and encompassing several previous titles in the Rainblood series. What began as humble turn-based RPG Maker games has evolved into a visually striking, large-scale 3D action experience, fueled significantly by a substantial investment from Tencent.
The Genesis of Rainblood
The franchise's origins trace back to 2010 and 2011 with two turn-based RPGs that established the dark, twisted aesthetic inspired by the Ming Dynasty. Only the first of these games, reportedly approved by S-Game CEO Qiwei “Soulframe” Liang, saw a Western release via fan translation. These early titles, while unpolished, showcased a distinct artistic style that would become a hallmark of the series. Following these were three China-exclusive mobile games, and in 2013, Rain Blood Chronicles: Mirage, a 2D hack-and-slash brawler powered by Unity, was released on Steam and consoles, though these versions appear to be delisted now.
A Shift in Scope and Style
Maya 2023 marked the announcement of Phantom Blade Zero, a significant leap in scale and fidelity. This was preceded by the November 2023 release of Phantom Blade: Executioners, a 2D beat 'em up available on PlayStation consoles and mobile. While these titles share thematic elements with earlier entries, such as the protagonist's signature crimson blades, they are dwarfed by the ambition of Phantom Blade Zero. The dramatic increase in production values and scope is largely attributed to "Tencent," as disclosed by Soulframe in 2021. Following funding rounds from NetEase and ZhenFund, S-Game secured hundreds of millions of dollars from the Chinese mega-corporation for two large-scale action RPGs over five years, with Phantom Blade Zero being the first.
Combat and World Design
Phantom Blade Zero distinguishes itself from the burgeoning genre of Souls-like games originating from China. While it may share surface-level similarities with titles like Black Myth: Wukong, its gameplay more closely resembles a fusion of Sekiro and Devil May Cry. The combat emphasizes fast, stagger-focused action with stylish combos. A key innovation is the stamina system, where stamina is not consumed by attacking or successful blocking, but only by dodging or attempting to block specific colored attacks. This design encourages an aggressive, proactive playstyle, allowing players to chain attacks and seamlessly transition between different weapon sets, which include 30 primary and 25 secondary options. The combo-weapon-change mechanic deals significant damage and stagger but operates on a cooldown, requiring strategic decision-making.
While the combat eschews traditional Soulslike mechanics, the world design draws heavily from the genre. Phantom Blade Zero features an interconnected world with a map system reminiscent of Dark Souls, presenting hand-painted, ink wash-style charts instead of a detailed conventional map. The environments depict a decaying Ming Dynasty world, blending traditional aesthetics with flashes of steampunk industrialization. This visual style also informs the enemy design, featuring grotesque creatures corrupted by ramshackle machinery.
Boss encounters, however, lean more into the pattern recognition typical of Soulslike games, requiring players to avoid certain attacks rather than simply finding ways to counter them. This focus on evasion and positioning can feel at odds with a combat system designed to reward aggressive engagement.
Narrative and Presentation
The narrative centers on the protagonist, Soul, who faces a ticking clock due to a cursed blade piercing his heart, a plot point that echoes previous Rainblood titles. On higher difficulties, this countdown is tied to gameplay, with each death depleting a day from Soul's remaining lifespan. While this mechanic adds stakes, it's relegated to optional difficulty settings. The broader narrative, often focused on themes of darkness and personal codes, has been described as comparably dry, with most characters failing to leave a significant impression.
The most notable cast member is Mó Yuan, portrayed by martial arts star Donnie Yen, who also consulted on the game's action alongside choreographer Kenji Tanigaki. While Yen's presence is a recognizable draw, it primarily serves as a cameo rather than significantly enhancing the narrative depth.
Despite the game's polish, bombast, and impressive scope, there's a sense that some of the original charm and grit from the early Rainblood games may have been lost in translation over its 15-year development and significant financial investment. While Phantom Blade Zero shows considerable promise as a major action game from China, its extensive history and evolution offer a fascinating case study in game development.