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

Phantom Blade Zero: 20-30 Hour Playtime, Adjustable Difficulty, and More Revealed

Recent updates on Phantom Blade Zero reveal a compelling blend of action and exploration, dispelling previous comparisons to Soulslike games. The game will offer four difficulty settings: Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, and Extremely Difficult, a clear departure from the notoriously challenging Soulslike formula.

Debunking the Soulslike Label:

Game Director Soulframe clarified via social media that Phantom Blade Zero is not a Soulslike, aiming instead for "combo-driven, heart-pumping combat that is hectic, rewarding, and exhilarating." While the game's dark aesthetic and challenging boss encounters drew initial Soulslike comparisons, Soulframe emphasized that the inspiration lies primarily in the multi-layered maps and exploration, not the difficulty curve. He described the gameplay as "Ninja Gaiden Combat on a Souls Game Map," highlighting the unique fusion of hack-and-slash action and expansive environments.

Extensive Gameplay Details:

Players can expect a substantial amount of content. Over 30 primary weapons and 20 secondary weapons await, each with unique combat properties. The main story is estimated at 20-30 hours of playtime, with an additional 20-30 hours of side content. Boss battles feature at least two phases, with the convenient option to restart from the second phase upon death. A new "Li Wulin" mode allows players to rematch defeated bosses, potentially unlocking hidden challenges. A yet-to-be-detailed mechanic is said to influence the game's ending, hinting at multiple possible outcomes.

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 highlights weapons like the "Weapon No.13 Soft Snake Sword" and "Weapon No.27 White Serpent and Crimson Viper." While a release date is still pending, the trailer and recent Lunar New Year video from Soulframe suggest further exciting announcements are on the horizon for 2025.

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