New action RPG on PS5 convinces me after only 5 seconds, reminds me of Kung Fu classics that my father and I used to devour
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New action RPG on PS5 convinces me after only 5 seconds, reminds me of Kung Fu classics that my father and I used to devour
A new action RPG that is set to be released on the PS5 has now shown over 20 minutes of gameplay. MeinMMO editor Nikolas Hernes was convinced after just 5 seconds. The game, which looks a bit like a Soulslike, presented itself with elaborate animations that seem to wonderfully stage the battles. There is currently no specific release date, but it is expected to be out in 2025. The mood under the YouTube video is quite positive. Especially the animations of the fights are well received. The soundtrack is fantastic; it sounds like an electro/heavy-metal version of Chinese folk music. The combat system doesn’t need a complex and strategic combat system as it looks so good and plays as good and satisfying as the latest Phantom Blade Zero game. It’s like back when I was a kid and watched movies with Jackie Chan or Jet Li. Man, I love these animations. Not every hit has to be perfect, but almost every hit looks damn good.
Which game is it? Phantom Blade Zero was originally announced in 2023. Back then, the action RPG from China showed off a dark look and a setting that seemingly mixes folklore with historical background.
Even in the first trailer, the game, which looks a bit like a Soulslike, presented itself with elaborate animations that seem to wonderfully stage the battles.
Now, over 20 minutes of gameplay has been released, and after just the first 5 seconds, I have to say: This could be my game of the year. That’s not only due to the visuals but also because of the look of the fights, which remind me of old classics.
Here you can watch the announcement trailer of the game:
After the first seconds, you know where the journey is headed
What does the new gameplay video show? IGN India released a nearly 22-minute exclusive gameplay video of Phantom Blade Zero. In it, you see fights against regular enemies as well as larger bosses.
Even the first 5 seconds immediately catch my eye. The character jumps onto an opponent, stabs him with his sword, only to turn his attention to the next enemy after another button press. The character performs a twist in the air, jumps behind him, and finishes him off with a fine animation.
I was immediately reminded of Kung-Fu movies from my childhood that my father enjoyed watching. It’s not about realistic fight movies, but about classics that focus on spectacular jumps and choreographies with swords.
Well-known examples would be Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or House of Flying Daggers. Like these films, Phantom Blade Zero seems to belong to the Wuxia genre. This genre mixes historical backgrounds with supernatural elements. One could say, these are the classic Chinese superhero stories.
In the gameplay video, you repeatedly see spectacular animations that vary significantly depending on which weapon you carry or which opponent you face. Even just watching, I feel the excitement of the battles. I’m fully engaged. This is likely also due to the sound of the weapons and fights. Additionally, there is the soundtrack in the video that captures the setting well.
Phantom Blade Zero looks to me like a subgenre of a Soulslike. Not every hit has to be perfect, but almost every hit looks damn good. I am not alone in this opinion.
You can watch the gameplay video here:
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Players are convinced too, not just by the animations
What does the community say? The mood under the YouTube video is quite positive. Especially the animations of the fights are well received.
@DarkRaider-Z writes: Every normal move looks like an ultimate special move.
@JapanDaisukiii is impressed by the details visible in the fight: I’ve never seen a game that is this detailed. When he fought against the boss, he pushed his weapon so far that the dust covered our camera, and we couldn’t see anything anymore. That’s so cool!
@ac5b0se is reminded of iconic actors: It’s like back when I was a kid and watched movies with Jackie Chan or Jet Li. Man, I love these animations.
@mohammadalirashed3103 praises the soundtrack that can be heard: The soundtrack is fantastic; it sounds like an electro/heavy-metal version of Chinese folk music. Games developed in China are reaching unprecedented levels of quality, and I am excited about it.
Among the comments, there is also praise for the one who played the showcased gameplay, as he seems to master the combat system quite well.
When is Phantom Blade Zero supposed to be released? There is currently no specific date, but it is expected to be released in 2025.
In my opinion, Phantom Blade Zero doesn’t need a complex and strategic combat system as long as it looks so damn good and plays as satisfying as the latest video promises. If the game can achieve that, it could be my game of the year. Until then, however, one can devote oneself to another Wuxia game: I thought a new Soulslike would be too easy, but then I was beaten by nasty monsters and beautiful women.