Phantom Blade Zero: Immersive Gameplay Up to 30 Hours

Phantom Blade Zero: 20-30 Hour Playtime, Adjustable Difficulty, and More Revealed

New details have emerged regarding Phantom Blade Zero, including its gameplay features and difficulty options. Expected to launch in 2025, the game promises a significant playtime and a diverse combat experience.

Debunking the Soulslike Comparison: Four Difficulty Levels

Contrary to initial comparisons to Soulslike games due to its aesthetic and combat style, Phantom Blade Zero will offer four difficulty settings: Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, and Extremely Difficult. Game Director Soulframe clarified on Twitter that the game was never intended to be a Soulslike, emphasizing its focus on "combo-driven, heart-pumping combat." While inspired by Soulslike games in terms of level design—multi-layered maps with multiple paths and hidden areas—Soulframe describes the gameplay as a blend of "Ninja Gaiden Combat on a Souls Game Map," combining fast-paced hack-and-slash with exploration.

Extensive Gameplay: Weapons, Playtime, and Unique Mechanics

Players will have access to over 30 primary and 20 secondary weapons, each with unique attributes. The main story is estimated to take 20-30 hours, with an additional 20-30 hours of side content. Boss fights feature at least two phases, with the option to restart from the second phase upon death. A new "Li Wulin" mode allows players to rematch defeated bosses, potentially unlocking hidden encounters. A currently undisclosed mechanic is said to influence the game's ending, hinting at multiple possible outcomes.

Year of the Snake Gameplay Trailer and Future Announcements

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." While a release date is yet to be announced, the trailer and a Lunar New Year video from Soulframe on Twitter promise further exciting reveals in 2025.

Phantom Blade Zero is currently under development for PlayStation 5, with a PC release also planned. Stay tuned for further updates!