Phantom Blade Zero Playtime Estimated to be 20-30 Hours with Adjustable Difficulty

Phantom Blade Zero: A Deep Dive into Gameplay and Development

Prepare for a thrilling adventure in Phantom Blade Zero, a game boasting diverse gameplay mechanics and a significant playtime. Recent updates shed light on key features and the development process, dispelling some initial comparisons and highlighting unique elements.

Dispelling the Soulslike Label: Difficulty Options and Combat Focus

Phantom Blade Zero will offer four difficulty levels: Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, and Extremely Difficult. This directly counters early comparisons to Soulslike games, a comparison addressed by Game Director Soulframe. While acknowledging inspiration from Soulslike titles in terms of level design (multi-layered maps, multiple paths, hidden areas), Soulframe emphasizes that Phantom Blade Zero prioritizes fast-paced, combo-driven combat, described as "Ninja Gaiden Combat on a Souls Game Map."

Extensive Gameplay: Weapons, Playtime, and More

Players can expect a vast arsenal of over 30 primary and 20 secondary weapons, each with unique combat properties. The main story is estimated to take 20-30 hours, with an additional 20-30 hours of side content. Boss fights feature at least two phases, with a convenient feature allowing players to restart from the second phase if they fall in that stage. A new "Li Wulin" mode lets players rematch defeated bosses, potentially unlocking hidden encounters. A currently undisclosed mechanic is said to influence the game's ending, hinting at multiple possible conclusions.

Year of the Snake Gameplay Trailer and Future Announcements

The recently released "Year of the Snake Gameplay Trailer" showcases Soul, the protagonist, battling the "Chief Disciple of The Seven Stars," and features glimpses of weapons like the "Weapon No.13 Soft Snake Sword" and "Weapon No.27 White Serpent and Crimson Viper." While a release date is slated for 2025, further announcements are promised by the development team.

Phantom Blade Zero is currently under development for PlayStation 5, with a PC release also planned. Stay tuned for further updates!