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, boasting a rich combat system and extensive content. New details regarding gameplay features and difficulty settings have recently emerged, painting a clearer picture of what awaits players in 2025.

Debunking the Soulslike Label: Four Difficulty Levels and a Unique Combat Style

Phantom Blade Zero offers four distinct difficulty options: Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, and Extremely Difficult. While the game's aesthetics and combat initially drew comparisons to Soulslike titles, the inclusion of multiple difficulty levels sets it apart. Game Director Soulframe clarified on Twitter that the game was never intended to be a Soulslike, instead aiming for "combo-driven, heart-pumping combat that is hectic, rewarding, and exhilarating." While inspired by Soulslike games in terms of level design (multi-layered maps, multiple paths, hidden areas), the core gameplay is distinctly different, 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 to complete, with an additional 20-30 hours of side content. Boss fights feature at least two phases, and players can restart from the second phase if they fall in that stage. A new "Li Wulin" mode allows players to rematch defeated bosses, potentially unlocking hidden encounters. An intriguing mechanic is also present, influencing the game's ending, though details remain scarce.

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 pending for 2025, Soulframe hinted at exciting future announcements and reveals on the game's official Twitter (X) page.

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