Phantom Blade Zero: 20-30 Hour Playtime, Adjustable Difficulty, and More!
Get ready for Phantom Blade Zero, boasting four difficulty levels (Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, Extremely Difficult) and a wealth of gameplay features. This 2025 release is shaping up to be a thrilling experience.
Debunking the Soulslike Comparisons:
While its dark aesthetic and challenging combat initially drew comparisons to Soulslike games, the inclusion of multiple difficulty settings firmly distinguishes Phantom Blade Zero. Game Director Soulframe clarified on Twitter that the game isn't aiming to be a Soulslike, instead focusing on "combo-driven, heart-pumping combat that is hectic, rewarding, and exhilarating." While inspired by Soulslike games in terms of level design (multi-layered maps, multiple paths, hidden areas), the core gameplay is distinctly different. Soulframe himself described it as "Ninja Gaiden Combat on a Souls Game Map."
Extensive Gameplay Details:
Prepare for an extensive adventure! Expect:
- Extensive Weapon Arsenal: Over 30 primary and 20 secondary weapons, each with unique combat properties.
- Significant Playtime: A 20-30 hour main story campaign, plus an additional 20-30 hours of side content.
- Multi-Phase Boss Fights: Bosses feature at least two phases, with the option to restart from the second phase upon death.
- Li Wulin Mode: Re-fight defeated bosses to unlock hidden challenges and new boss encounters.
- Impactful Choices: A mechanic influencing the game's ending, though the specifics remain under wraps.
Year of the Snake Gameplay Trailer:
The recently released "Year of the Snake Gameplay Trailer" showcases Soul, the protagonist, battling the "Chief Disciple of The Seven Stars," and highlights weapons like the "Weapon No.13 Soft Snake Sword" and "Weapon No.27 White Serpent and Crimson Viper." The trailer hints at a 2025 release date. Further announcements are promised by Soulframe.
Platform and Release:
Phantom Blade Zero is currently in development for PlayStation 5, with a PC release planned. A concrete release date is yet to be announced. Stay tuned for updates!
