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We're all keeping a close eye on Phantom Blade Zero, a PS5 console exclusive that's looking seriously good. After the recent gameplay trailer showing off a unique boss fight and various weapons, we can't wait to see what the rest of this stylish action title has to offer.
Fortunately, some new details have come out from various Chinese outlets.
While the game may look as though it has Souls-like tendencies, it actually appears to be a much more forgiving action RPG. Firstly, Phantom Blade Zero will feature four difficulty options, ranging from Easy to Extremely Hard — something that other many games of this ilk usually forego.
Secondly, it sounds like boss fights will comprise at least two phases, which is fairly typical these days. However, if you happen to die during the latter phase, you won't need to replay the earlier one; you'll respawn at the second phase.
On top of this, information about the game's duration has come to light. It's reportedly between 20 and 30 hours, with an additional 20 hours of side content available.
A separate mode will allow you to re-fight previously defeated bosses, and doing so will apparently lead to even more "hidden" bosses to conquer.
It all sounds good to us. There's still no release date in place for Phantom Blade Zero yet, but hopefully it's not too much further away now.
Are you excited for this one? Slice your way to the comments section below.
[source tieba.baidu.com, via mp1st.com]
Comments 54
I love the challenge of From games but the older I get the more I just want to continue progressing through games so I am really happy to see options like this
The right way to do it, honestly.
I'm really glad the trend of copying souls games seems to be dying down. With this and Ninja Gaiden returning, it's great to see more fast paced action focussed games making a return.
Game is ruined now. Vision vision visions. Outrageous anybody could play this and complete the game, ruins my enjoyment completely by knowing people wont be playing on the hardest difficulty.
Only true gamers should be allowed to play this and only the hardest of hard settings allowed.
Losers
Edit: autocorrect was autowrong
Nooooooo you can't just copy the Souls formula and add an easy mode! You have to beat them all SL1 with no weapons while blindfolded using a Guitar Hero controller!! Otherwise you didn't really beat it!
@Majin_Deicide im so hardcore i complete VR games without a headset and the tv switched off.
I'm an avid souls like player as it's my favorite current genre and I honestly think this is always the way it should be done as long as the difficulty options are a little more intricate than merely hp/dmg pool changes.
It honestly makes no sense not to include such options. It's frankly baffling when you see the state of the games industry and developers living or dying by corporate profit margins. Why wouldn't you want to create the widest audience for your game if you invested tens to 100 of millions of dollars into it. Not to mention the jobs on the line hinged on the success of each product. It's unfortunate that's the case.
I think being intentionally obtuse is one thing and I sometimes love that, but intentionally difficult without the option to ease that for those that may want to, and therefore play your game you spent 3-7 years on, seems like a no Brainer.
This is the problem when you have board rooms and shareholders who haven't touched a game, make decisions on projects. They are so simplistic, and greed driven in Focus that they believe you just have to continue to do the exact same formula to not upset the potential revenue of future iterations. When in fact in so doing they completely ignore their customer base and potential shortcomings that were identified from the very first iteration of that formula which can often result in less sales anyways aside from the addiction based live service schemes. Yet let's be real those aren't really games at that point anyways.
We see this from the likes of Fromsoft, all the way to Hollywood and modern day literature. A loop of Formulaic homogeneous slop and hyper consolidation.
This game looks seriously cool. I absolutely love the Wuxia aesthetic going on.
The difficulty options are a great addition, too. So many people get turned off of Souls-likes because of the difficulty, but it's the gameplay, level design, and boss fights that I think are the real stars of the genre, rather than the difficulty.
This is the way to do it not like other awkward developers that can’t be bothered to add difficulty levels like Souls game and others.
And spoil the experience for others and make the game unplayable for us.
Obviously the Chinese developers asked DEEPSEEK what the right thing was to do.
@KundaliniRising333 I don't agree that it's corporate greed keeping Souls-like games hard without difficulty options. If anything, the bean-counters would be on your side, wanting to cast the widest net. For From Software, I think it really is Miyazaki setting that standard and doubling down on his vision.
I applaud studios giving gamers more ways in with difficulty options, but I don't begrudge any who choose not to partake. It's up to the dev to decide how wide a net they want to cast.
I'm of two minds: I think accessibility is great, but there is also a certain arrogance and entitlement to some gamers who think they're owed being able to be good at every game that comes out.
This is great news and will no doubt sell more copies , I hate the slog of souls games, I just don't have time or patience anymore.
Almost like it isn't a souls game. Cool, the devs wanted to add difficulty options so they should be allowed. Much like fromsoft should be allowed to not want to add those options
Inject this game into my veins! I still can't believe this is meant to come out next year 😭😭
I can rock with that. I love playing video games to relax and relieve stress. Elden Ring did not do this for me lol.
Removed - offensive remarks
Rather than copying the combat formula and difficulty, I hope more games would copy the level designs of Souls games, more specifically, DS1's interconnected levels. I'm still amazed at how everything connects you back to the Firelink shrine and how you can find shortcuts without the game ever telling you about them
@wildcat_kickz see I hear what you're saying and I used to think the same thing about him but I'd absolutely don't anymore. I think it's a unique case where in the case of front soft they just don't want to invest in advancing their formula much at all they're still using the same dated engine the same tired dated UI and essentially just giving it a minor glow up if even possible. That's why the same technical shortcomings exist within their engine and really nothing is evolved I don't think it's about doubling down on a vision so much as it is about making the same thing over and over again with the least amount of investment other than just time building worlds.
Don't get me wrong I love their games but I am not so blind as to not be able to recognize that essentially it's been the same game over and over and over again with just different item names and some reskins aside from sekiro and minor mechanics in bloodborne. I mean hell they're even reusing boss models and animations amongst different games and IPS now,.... that's just lazy and a bit sad.
Setting aside fromsoft specifically as I get what you're saying that there's a specific vision that encompasses that difficulty and the lower and the obtuse design. I do hear that but at the same time it seems so weird to see it being done with a lot of these games that are trying to mimic that yet don't have the popularity(player base) deserved or undeserved. I say that simply because the game industry has gotten ridiculous in its level of greed driven design and practice to the point where I just find it crazy that they don't just put in difficulty options to maximize potential profit. It's literally all theses devs overlords care about anymore.
In the case of Phantom Blade I actually don't think this game is as much as Souls like as everyone thinks it is. Thought that was already kind of agreed upon amongst everyone that when this for game was first announced and we saw glimpses that it was more of an action game but either way it looks awesome and I'm stoked.
......and i will probably get this game due to the options available.
While I appreciate the difficulty options the company, and Pushsquare, told us all about this last June. 🤷🏻♂️
https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/06/phantom-blade-zero-ps5-not-another-soulslike-offers-multiple-difficulty-options
From Software’s approach to difficulty with the Souls games is an integral part of their design philosophy. This game has a different, equally valid design philosophy. The yelling match between which one is ‘right’ will never end, will it? 😂
As someone who thinks Elden Ring or Hollow Knight are too hard (because they are cheap AF, but that's just my unpopular opinion) and absolutely stand for developers deciding for themselves what they want to offer with their games, to all the people that in recent times automatically claim that all games and especially all Souls-likes should include difficulty options, because, you know, "accessibility" (which isn't really about difficulty, but well...) I want to ask: Do you genuinely believe the Souls-series, beginning with Demon's Souls, would be as popular, as beloved and as impactful to the point of spawning it's own new sub-genre, had it provided difficulty options right from the start?
And yes, I know From Software's games in particular have many further distinct strengths most of the competition fails to match or even acknowledge. But the difficulty has always been the most prominently cited quality, which makes the games such rewarding experiences.
And yes, I also do think some of the fanbase has it's heads high up their own gluteus maxima.
Eventually, not every game has to be for everyone. And to always name accessibility or inclusion as the main reasons, why developers are morally obligated to include further difficulty levels seems missing the point and honestly kinda hypocritical to me.
I hate rogue-likes. I think they are a huge waste of time. Many love them. I just don't play them.
Ew it's following what Ff16 did with its boss fights when you died? I hope there's a full restart option for bosses then.
It’s a shame this is considered a Souls-like due to the difficulty. Have people never played Ninja Gaiden, particularly the Xbox versions? They were essentially “Souls-like” before there were those types of games. Phantom Blade Zero simply looks like a hardcore action game. Regardless, the difficulty options are great, and it seems to be lenient with the check points. I can’t wait for this to release—hopefully we will get a date soon.
@Migoshuro Well said, people really can't handle the fact that not every game needs to be for everyone and not every game needs to have accessibility settings.
ITT - people who don't get the satisfaction of overcoming a Souls game is part of the appeal, and that not everything is made to appeal to everyone. It's akin to complaining that Miles Davis made Bitches Brew instead of a pop record.
Also ITT - people getting mighty defensive without provocation about their lack of gaming skills.
N.i.c.e. i enjoy souls like games but not all hack and slash games need to be a souls like game.phantom blade zero looks amazing.word up son
@KundaliniRising333 I think we're in agreement with just about everything. I do recognize that FS recycles assets and mechanics pretty heavily and they typically get a pass from the wider public because the gameplay and art design is so on point. I would love for them to innovate more. Nightreign is a prime example of "asset flip" and seems pretty lazy, to be honest.
For other devs, I definitely see what you're saying. I think there's definitely a lack of courage in deviating from the formula, where the "if it ain't broke" mentality dominates.
I agree that Phantom Blade probably isn't a Souls-like, but I also don't know if anyone agrees on what that actually means. For me, it's got more to do with stamina-based combat, checkpoint systems, and XP/currency, rather than difficulty, but that's just me.
Either way, Phantom Blade looks sick.
@wildcat_kickz Agreed. This one does look sick. Im hesitant on a day one until we see how it turns out though. I am glad I didn't bite on Wukong hype at full price, as it sound too simplistic to justify it for my tastes, as I like very intricate level design, and corridors runs designed with invisible walls isn't it.
Have you played Rise of the Ronin, or Flintlock? I picked both of those up on steep sale but dont know which I want to dive into first after Banishers Ghosts of New Eden.
PSA, banishers is surprisingly awesome aside from a lot of back-and-forth travel and bloat that was just unnecessary. Great story, writing, and voice acting though. and the combat is fun enough if you turn up the difficulty.
Nothing wrong with offering difficulty options. I'm a die hard Souls player but find nothing wrong with offering this.
@rjejr whoa whoa whoa right there, so i could have been raging for almost a year!? What a loss.
Thats it i need a game so hard that just completing the main menu requires 6 months practice. I cant have anyone thinking im a noob, if you don't spend hundreds of hours reading about the lore online that isn't in the game get out!
In fact i need a game so hard i have to use a nes console, yes the console no controllers, just to be able to buy the game!
I got gud and git the gut and even git gud at the the git!
I want a game that i have to make my own controller for.
@KundaliniRising333 Haven't played Flintlock, but I tried the Rise of the Ronin demo, but couldn't get into it. I'm honestly just not a huge fan of how Team Ninja's Souls-likes feel to play and the open world seemed bland. If you're looking for a Souls-like and haven't played Lies of P, I would definitely recommend that. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but is the best non-From Soft game in the genre. I even think it's better than some of From Soft's own releases (blasphemous, I know).
You're definitely peaking my interest for Banishers, though. I enjoyed Vampyr quite a bit. I'm also from New England, so there's a nice touchstone for me in that regard.
Devs should make a trophy for those that best it on high difficulty, if not in the main trophy list then a DLC trophy.
2026, they already said so a while back
@wildcat_kickz oh yah beat Lies of P twice. loved it. Yah definitely don't sleep on banishers its slower, but a great story and the same choice mechanic from vampyr.
It has multiple difficulties because it's NOT a Souls game. It's a character action game just like DMC, Ninja Gaiden, Bayonetta, or Metal Gear Rising.
I'm baffled with gaming journalist and their obsession to label every action games as Souls games 🙄
Maybe because it's not a souls like?
@Kraven I don't think of a game being souls like because of the difficulty but of the fighting style hits use stamina combat is slower and relies on blocking and counters more
If anybody is actually serious that it's a bad thing that they are including several difficulty options so more people can enjoy the game... Then go back to your Souls games and possibly miss out on a great game. Some may be joking, but I have a feeling some aren't.
I for one don't find it even remotely fun to be frustrated all the time. I play video games to have fun, so if a game that I otherwise wouldn't have played releases in a state that would interest me far more, then great. There are plenty of Souls-like games out there for fans to enjoy.
Like some have said, this isn't a Souls-like game anyways. It's just a game that has massive potential, and I'm for one happy that a developer didn't restrict what would have otherwise been a great experience for a wide range of people just because people think there has to be rules with certain genres.
It’s very rare I actually enjoy reading a debate in the comments section of ps articles but this one i have. Some extremely well reasoned and well argued comments have been put forward
Honestly, I will play it whether there are difficulty settings or not, but I love the challenge of the fromsoft games. Here is the kicker: I would play it on easy mode if there are difficulty settings but I would be willing to be brutalized if there were no settings.
I remember when this site gave Elden Ring 8/10 and Armoured Core 6 7/10, so even if this game was a souls-like - which it isn't, I would take any opinion on it or any other souls games with a pinch of salt
Difficulty is one thing, but the only thing I hated in elden ring was the complete absence of QOL, like the absence of pause while offline, or a quest journal (without clear objectives, just quest log)
Thank God; I despise games that refuse to have difficulty adjustments. Day One buy for me; I was gonna get it eventually anyway, but will now get it Day One to support their decision to avoid the “git gud”/soulslike train.
I like challenging games but not everyone has the time to grind them out. I'm 50, work around 55 hours a week, and have a family. As much as I'd like to spend hours a day grinding away on bosses, it's just not feasible. I'm actually going to break my preorder rule for this one. Looks amazing. It's just nice to be able to finish a title on one difficulty, and then up the ante in future playthroughs if it's good enough.
@code45709 By losers, do you mean people with jobs and families that don't have 15 hours a day to play video games?
Because it's not a souls game
@PuppetMaster to me its like a soul's like influence with devil may cry type of action , which to me makes me even more excite for this game.
@twitchtvpat iirc from the devs interview, they said the only influence from Souls games is the exploration or how some area is connected and you can unlock a shortcut that connected between area.
But their main inspiration is DMC / Ninja Gaiden and Metal Gear Rising. That's why there's no stamina gauge that limits your actions and the combat looks very fast pace with tons of stylish combos.
Thanks god for having difficulty Options
@Steeleye50 Irony
the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
It's great to have more options for players, the copycat approaches are becoming tiresome
Much as I love From games, I want to chill and play action based games like Ghost of Tsushima and Ninja Gaiden. So excited for Phantom Blade, could be GOTY contender?
@code45709 sorry man I've been seeing so much idiocy lately it's hard to tell the difference anymore. Carry on!
@Steeleye50 👍
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