Phantom Blade Zero is an upcoming action RPG that’s capturing the attention of gamers worldwide with its unique blend of Chinese martial arts and steampunk aesthetics—or “Kung-Fu-Punk,” as they call it. Developed by S-Game, this title promises a dark, immersive world filled with fast-paced hack-and-slash combat and a compelling narrative.
Here’s a comprehensive look at what you can expect from this highly anticipated title!
Story and Setting
In Phantom Blade Zero, you play as Soul, an elite assassin serving a powerful organization that simply goes by “The Order.” The story kicks off with Soul being wrongfully accused of murdering the organization’s patriarch. Severely wounded during his escape from the subsequent manhunt, Soul is saved by a mystic healer, but the cure is temporary, giving him only 66 days to uncover the truth and exact his revenge.
The game is set in a fantastical version of China, named the “Phantom World,” during the 14th to 16th century Ming Dynasty era. It features a semi-open world—likely similar to what we’ve seen in recent God of War titles—rich with a Chinese Wuxia theme. This blends chivalry, loyalty, and justice with a dark, punk-inspired twist featuring mythological creatures and fantastical abilities.
A genre of Chinese fiction, ‘Wuxia’ literally translates to “martial arts and chivalry,” typically involving the adventures of sword-wielding chivalrous heroes—a perfect fit for our protagonist, Soul.
Gameplay Mechanics
Phantom Blade Zero’s intense combat, combined with the dark and gritty world shown off in the PlayStation Showcase 2023, helped it stand out and become one of the most talked-about games of the event. Players can expect challenging encounters similar to recent hits such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Ghost of Tsushima.
Players will navigate through multiple large maps filled with handcrafted activities, side missions, and hidden treasures. The game promises a 30-40 hour single-player experience, with a main quest that follows Soul’s journey to clear his name and uncover the real culprit behind the assassination
The combat system is designed to be both strategic and exhilarating, drawing inspiration from classic kung-fu movies of the 90’s. Players can expect a variety of enemies, including mechanical dragons and inhuman monstrosities, each requiring different tactics to defeat.
As seen in the trailers, the game also features a fluid parkour climbing system (wall running!), allowing Soul to quickly traverse rocky terrains and large gorges with ease.
Visuals and Art Style
Phantom Blade Zero is visually stunning. The game stands out with its unique “Kungfupunk” art style, combining traditional Chinese motifs with industrial steampunk elements to create a dark and atmospheric setting. The bleak world is a deliberate creative choice by the developers:
A bleak world makes characters with hearts of gold really stand out. Plus, it serves as a reminder to never let your guard down. There are plenty of powerful beings that want to see you dead.
– Qiwei Liang, Founder & CEO, S-Game
The game uses the powerful and highly praised Unreal Engine 5 to bring its detailed world to life.
Development and Release
Phantom Blade Zero is being developed by S-Game, a Beijing-based studio that has previously worked on mobile games such as Rainblood and Phantom Blade: Executioners. The game itself is a spiritual successor to the original Rainblood (a personal 2D project of founder Liang), expanding on its themes and narrative in a more modern setting.
The game was first unveiled at the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, where it generated a lot of buzz thanks to its engaging trailer featuring fluid animations and the promise of a unique gaming experience. While no definitive release date has been announced, the developers have promised a 30-minute demo in 2024, giving players a taste of what to expect from this highly anticipated title.
Phantom Blade Zero will be available on the PlayStation 5 and PC, with no current plans for release on other platforms like Xbox or Nintendo Switch.
