Surprises are rare in gaming, but S-Game's debut, Phantom Blade Zero, has emerged as one of the most thrilling action games in a long time. The source reviewer spent almost 20 hours with this wuxia- and martial arts-inspired roleplaying game (RPG), confirming its status as a standout title.
The game immediately sets a high bar with a blistering opening, featuring bombastic battles, dramatic visuals, and gorgeous cinematics that introduce the wandering warrior Soul and his perilous journey across the corrupted land of Wulin. While the 20+ hour adventure may not fully deliver on its narrative potential, it excels with a stunning world to explore and combat that truly shines.
Dynamic Combat and Weaponry
Considerable effort has been invested in perfecting the combat system, evident in the detailed weapon designs, satisfying sound effects, and truly outstanding animations. The source reviewer was consistently dazzled by the intricate attack strings and finishing-move flourishes offered by each new weapon or secondary Phantom Art discovered.
While not every weapon suited the source reviewer's playstyle, the superior options significantly outshone the less effective ones, leading to challenging decisions about which two to upgrade and wield. Even when sticking with a few favorites, the intricate combos remained engaging and never felt repetitive.
Effective weapons require worthy adversaries, and Phantom Blade Zero delivers. Aside from a few exceptions, fodder enemies are easily dispatched, but the game truly excels with its lineup of tough and inventive boss encounters that rigorously test player skills and weapon choices.
Forgiving Yet Challenging Mechanics
Despite the relentless barrages of attacks from both sides, the combat system is notably forgiving. This primarily stems from the option to hold block and deflect most attacks. While this drains sha-chi, a stamina-like resource, it lasts considerably longer and can be quickly refilled with a weapon switch, keeping players in the fight.
Players can also attempt perfectly timed parries, which not only conserve sha-chi but also drain more from opponents, leaving them vulnerable as their own resource recharges.
Attacks with blue flashes can be parried with precise timing for devastating counterattacks, while red flash attacks necessitate dodging to avoid significant damage. This combination creates a chaotic yet manageable combat experience.
Unlocking new weapons or Phantom Arts and witnessing their unique animations is a highlight of Phantom Blade Zero. The dedication to making each piece of equipment distinct is impressive, resulting in an arsenal that feels acrobatic, impactful, and consistently satisfying. The game is also generous with resources, allowing players to easily experiment with various weapons to find their favorites.
Crucial enemy moves are highly readable, and the ability to block most other attacks provides ample time to study opponents, identify attack windows, and recover from minor slip-ups, rather than being constantly punished for imperfect play.
This is not to say Phantom Blade Zero lacks challenge. The source reviewer was repeatedly defeated by several bosses, including dramatic encounters hidden off the main path or in side quests, making exploration highly rewarding for those who enjoy testing their limits.
When facing these formidable enemies, the source reviewer appreciated the absence of a need to retrieve resources upon death, allowing for immediate re-engagement. This less punishing difficulty curve offers a welcome change of pace for players not seeking another traditional Souls-like experience.
Narrative Structure and Pacing
However, some of the genre's characteristic obtuseness permeates the narrative. The game's story unfolds in fragmented pieces, primarily through flashbacks, Soul's memories, and
While this approach creates fascinating moments of discovery and genuinely engaging asides when the pieces connect, the fragmented presentation, especially with multiple story strands, can make it difficult to consistently follow the plot. This can also disrupt the pacing, as players may frequently pause to listen to multiple audio-log-like memory flowers consecutively.
The challenge is compounded by a game rich in proper nouns, making it exhausting to keep track of characters, events, locations, and timelines as the perspective shifts across different periods.
Despite these narrative complexities, the game's aura and atmosphere are captivating. When returning to combat—unsheathing a sword that grows more powerful with intoxication, sending enemies flying with a giant tower shield, or cleaving foes with a two-handed claymore—any minor grievances fade away. The core action is exceptionally well-executed and represents an impressive achievement for the debut developers.
Accessibility Options
Phantom Blade Zero offers limited accessibility features. Players can choose between English or traditional Chinese voiceovers with subtitles available in multiple languages. Subtitles can be set to normal or large, though a very large option would likely benefit some users. There are three controller presets, but no option for specific button remapping. Additionally, players can adjust camera shake intensity, disable motion blur, and reduce the level of violence.
