Phantom Blade Zero looks spectacular. I’ve watched a pair of early gameplay videos and I’m sold — at least on copping it when it’s released. This looks like a combination of stellar visuals, engaging combat systems and intriguing storyline. Let’s talk video games.

Phantom Blade Zero Key Facts

S-GAME’s single-player wuxia action RPG casts players as Soul in Wulin, a martial world the studio calls “Kungfupunk” for its mix of martial arts and steampunk machinery.

Combat runs on Sha-Chi, a shared meter that serves as stamina, posture and skill gauge for Soul and his enemies alike. Soul carries two primary Blades and two secondary Phantom Edges, and swapping primary weapons mid-fight restores Sha-Chi. Brutal Moves can be parried and Killer Moves must be dodged to trigger a Ghoststep counter.

The lead character in the game — and the one you’ll control — only has 66 days to live. While I haven’t played the game, I’m imagining the tension and the attachment you might feel as you play through this game with a seemingly doomed antagonist.

That piece checks the story box for me. Also, third-person action is my non-sports game genre of choice. Because of my affinity for that kind of game, I can’t help but look for titles that will deliver experiences similar to God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Zero Dawn, Uncharted, Just Cause, GTA 5 and a few others. Phantom Blade Zero has me encouraged. Don’t get me wrong, if it isn’t on the level of some of those classic titles, it won’t be a flop. However, there is an immersion that I’ll know when I feel it. I’m hoping this one takes me to that familiar place.

More Upcoming Action Game Coverage

  • Onimusha: Way of the Sword — Release Date and 10 Things You Should Know
  • God of War: Laufey Release Date Has Been Revealed

Phantom Blade Zero Editions

Contents and U.S. prices per Wccftech and AllThings.How .

Pre-ordering adds the Treasure Basin accessory and Legacy outfit, both of which can also be earned through normal play. Neither edition includes early access.

Phantom Blade Zero PC Requirements

Official specs, with upscaling assumed, per Wccftech .

On PC, the game supports NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 and uses Denuvo DRM.