Phantom Blade Zero seeks to establish a new Wuxia Action gaming category. Discover how this title differs from Soulslikes and explore its three distinct difficulty settings.
Phantom Blade Zero IS NOT A SOULSLIKE
Director Establishes "Wuxia Action" As New Genre
Phantom Blade Zero's director Soulframe has reasserted that the game shouldn't be classified as a Soulslike, proposing instead a novel "Wuxia Action" genre. Through an official Developer's Letter posted on June 24, Soulfield responded to numerous fan inquiries about the game's identity.
He explained how initial reactions labeled Phantom Blade Zero a Soulslike due to interconnected environments, hidden elements, and checkpoint systems. Following the demo release, players shifted comparisons to hack-and-slash titles because of its accelerated combat pacing.
While acknowledging genre labels help players form expectations, Soulframe stressed Phantom Blade Zero transcends both Soulslike and conventional action game conventions. The development team drew inspiration from various sources, ultimately creating something fresh yet familiar.
The project began as a hack-and-slash with complex level design but evolved into something more distinctive. Soulframe describes the outcome as blending Chinese martial arts philosophy, Western combat techniques, and cinematic storytelling - drawing parallels to Bruce Lee's innovative martial arts approach.
This fusion created Phantom Blade Zero's unique identity. As Soulframe explained: "While broadly falling under ARPG classification, specifically we're cultivating a new identity - Wuxia Action Games." This genre promises rapid combat, historical depth, and cinematic martial arts moments.
S-GAMES plans to showcase this vision through exclusive hands-on demos in Beijing this July, offering players firsthand experience with the game's core mechanics.
Three-Tier Difficulty System Unveiled
Confirming earlier reports, Soulframe detailed three difficulty options that further distinguish Phantom Blade Zero from Soulslike conventions: Gamechanger, Wayfarer, and Hellwaker.
Gamechanger serves as the balanced default mode suitable for beginners. Wayfarer offers reduced challenge for casual players or action game newcomers. Hellwaker unlocks exclusively in New Game+, featuring enhanced AI patterns, modified enemy attacks, and entirely new combat scenarios.
S-GAMES anticipates announcing Phantom Blade Zero's release window before 2025 concludes. This "kungfupunk" adventure launches Fall 2026 for PlayStation 5. Stay informed about the latest developments through our coverage.
