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Chinese developer S-Game is releasing its action role-playing game Phantom Blade Zero on PC and PlayStation 5 on October 28. Early reviews began appearing ahead of launch, following a review embargo that lifted on October 26 after an early leak by Brazilian outlet Critical Hits. [2][3]
Critics highlight the game's fluid martial arts combat, comparing encounters to classic kung fu cinema with responsive parries, mid-fight weapon swapping, and multi-phase boss battles. However, Critical Hits noted that standard enemy encounters can become repetitive. S-Game also opted not to have fallen adversaries respawn, leaving the game's semi-open world feeling empty when backtracking. [1][3]
The reception addresses lingering skepticism over whether the studio could deliver a large-scale project after its background in indie and mobile titles. Initial commercial interest appears robust, with Alinea Analytics estimating around 500,000 digital pre-orders on Steam. While digital editions arrive this week, a physical PlayStation 5 disc release is not expected until 2027. [2][3]
I wasn't around to witness the golden age of Martial Arts cinema, but there are moments in Phantom Blade Zero that make me feel as though I've tumbled through a crack in time onto the set of a kung fu film. There's one particular encounter that sticks in my mind. Approaching a group of enemies in a shaded valley, I slowly raise my sword, and the first enemy rushes at me. Fool.
via Eurogamer
A leaked Phantom Blade Zero review may justify healthy pre-order sales on PC and PS5. A deep combat system and thrilling boss fights are standouts of the action RPG. On the other hand, without enemies respawning, the semi-open world settings can seem barren.
via Notebookcheck
Phantom Blade Zero made more than a few heads turn when it was announced during the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase. However, soon enough, doubt started creeping in: how could S-Game, a game development studio based in China that has only worked on smaller indie and mobile games, be behind a game that looked on par with the big AAA productions of established studios?
via Wccftech