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One of the standout announcements from Sony’s PlayStation Showcase 2023 was the debut trailer for Phantom Blade 0, a fast-paced samurai slasher developed by S-Game. While the showcase’s closing gameplay preview of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was undoubtedly impressive, Phantom Blade 0’s unique aesthetic and frenetic combat made it a standout title among the other well-known games on display.
S-Game, the developer behind the game, has created a spiritual successor to their popular Phantom Blade franchise of mobile titles previously exclusive to the Chinese market. In Phantom Blade 0, players take on the role of Soul, an assassin accused of murdering the leader of his former organization, “The Order.” The game’s stylish action is showcased in the debut trailer, as Soul engages in battles against a range of unusual enemies across a variety of settings, from a dilapidated temple to the back of a runaway wagon. The game’s distinct visual style not only helps it stand out in a crowded action title market, but also reflects the influences that shaped its development.
Phantom Blade 0 draws inspiration from a blend of various sources, as explained by S-Game CEO and founder Soulframe Liang in a post on the official PlayStation Blog. The game's universe is a fusion of Chinese Kungfu, steampunk-esque intricate machines, arts of the occult, and other intriguing elements that defy categorization. Liang also cites Bruce Lee's filmography and the John Wick movies as cinematic influences that helped shape Phantom Blade 0's unique "Kungfupunk" aesthetic.
The debut trailer for Phantom Blade 0 showcases the game's combat mechanics, which players will use to navigate the semi-open world. The protagonist, Soul, has just 66 days to clear his name and solve the murder of The Order's leader after being saved by a mystic healer's makeshift cure. Soul must use Kungfu and a variety of weapons to defeat powerful foes and inhuman monstrosities. S-Game's experience as a mobile game developer has allowed them to create control options that enable PS5 players to execute elaborate chains of moves with minimal button-mashing.
Phantom Blade 0 stands out with its fast-paced and stylish combat mechanics, accompanied by a diverse and visually stunning array of enemies that even rival those found in Black Myth: Wukong. This promises to deliver a unique and thrilling action experience for players. With the potential for seamless gameplay to match its impressive visuals, PS5 owners can expect a highly enjoyable gaming experience when Phantom Blade 0 is released. The game is currently in development exclusively for PS5.
Source: PlayStation Blog