Phantom Blade Zero is a remarkable achievement, positioning itself among the best action games available. Developed by S-Game, a studio previously known for smaller-scale titles, this marks an impressive triple-A debut that rivals established action pedigree such as Sekiro, Devil May Cry, and Bayonetta. The game masterfully integrates Wuxian storytelling and scale with a deeply detailed combat system, all set within a compelling Chinese martial arts underground.
The narrative follows protagonist Soul, a martial arts master betrayed by his Order. Returning to life with only 66 days to live, Soul embarks on a quest for vengeance against his betrayers and to thwart a conspiracy threatening the Wulin realm. While the narrative is noted as the game's weakest link, its premise provides sufficient mystery and tension to propel the Wuxian journey forward. Chinese culture is intricately woven into the experience through various visual mediums, including anime scenes, opera puppet shows, and animated brushstroke sequences.
The combat system is a central pillar of Phantom Blade Zero's appeal. The game boasts a vast array of unique enemy types, and the developer maintains a high level of combat engagement throughout most of the experience. Progression through the game is significantly driven by the acquisition of new weapons, each offering a distinct moveset and abilities, akin to unlocking new characters in a fighting game. The introduction of special weapons called Phantom Edges, which possess limited charge-based uses, adds another layer of strategic depth and experimentation to the combo-based combat.
Setpiece bosses in Phantom Blade Zero are designed with a sense of awe and scale, drawing inspiration from Chinese cinema. The game features a wide variety of bosses, with minimal repetition outside of separate trial modes, ensuring each major encounter feels unique. The inclusion of checkpoints between boss phases alleviates potential frustration, allowing players to retry challenging segments without having to replay earlier parts of the fight.
While Phantom Blade Zero features challenging bosses, an interconnected world, and checkpoints reminiscent of Soulslike games, it distinguishes itself from the genre. The game offers more surmountable challenges, with adjustable difficulty options and accessories that can ease parry and dodge mechanics. A notable departure from the genre is that enemies do not respawn after being defeated. This design choice contributes to a tangible sense of world progression, aligning with the protagonist's mission to eradicate evil and providing a unique feel to the action game experience.
Exploration is enhanced by interconnected environmental features and thoughtful architectural design, leading to frequent moments of discovery. The Phantom Edges serve not only as combat tools but also as keys to unlock new areas within existing and previously visited biomes, keeping backtracking engaging. Optional content, including a demanding "perfect" ending, offers additional rewards, though other endings may feel incomplete.
Visually, Phantom Blade Zero is striking, with fluid and brilliantly animated action sequences, despite some forays into the uncanny valley. The game's score is equally impressive, featuring a diverse blend of metalcore, operatic choirs, 808s, and traditional Chinese instrumentation, creating an audio landscape that complements the action effectively.
Phantom Blade Zero stands out as an exceptional action game, especially for a studio's first major foray into the genre. It successfully leverages the strengths of the action genre while addressing its potential weaknesses, all presented with a distinctive Wuxian flair. In a crowded field of action game releases, Phantom Blade Zero distinguishes itself as a truly special title.