Prepare for a thrilling adventure in Phantom Blade Zero, a game boasting four difficulty levels and a wealth of gameplay features. This 2025 release promises an engaging experience, as detailed below.

Phantom Blade Zero Development: Debunking the "Soulslike" Label

Contrary to initial comparisons to Soulslike games due to its dark aesthetic and challenging combat, Phantom Blade Zero offers four distinct difficulty settings: Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, and Extremely Difficult. Game Director Soulframe clarified via a tweet that the game was never intended to be a Soulslike clone. Instead, the focus is on delivering dynamic, rewarding, and exhilarating combo-driven combat.

While the game's multi-layered maps, diverse approach paths, and hidden areas draw inspiration from Soulslike titles, Soulframe emphasizes that the similarities end there. He described the gameplay as a blend of "Ninja Gaiden combat on a Souls game map," seamlessly merging hack-and-slash action with extensive exploration.

Gameplay: A Deep Arsenal and Extensive Playtime

Recent interviews have unveiled further details:

• Extensive Weapon Selection: Players can choose from over 30 primary and 20 secondary weapons, each with unique combat properties.
• Substantial Playtime: Expect a 20-30 hour main story campaign, augmented by an additional 20-30 hours of side content.
• Innovative Boss Fights: Two-phase boss battles allow players to restart from the second phase upon death, avoiding repetition. A "Li Wulin" mode lets players rematch defeated bosses, potentially unlocking hidden challenges.
• Impactful Choices: A mechanic influencing the game's ending adds replayability, though the specifics remain undisclosed.

Year of the Snake Gameplay Trailer and Future Announcements

The recently released "Year of the Snake Gameplay Trailer" showcases Soul, the protagonist, battling "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 exciting announcements are promised by Soulframe on the official Twitter (X) page.

Phantom Blade Zero is currently under development for PlayStation 5, with a PC release also planned. The official release date remains unannounced. Stay tuned to our Phantom Blade Zero page for the latest updates.