Phantom Blade Zero Unveils Expected Playtime with Customizable Difficulty

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

New details have emerged regarding the upcoming action game, Phantom Blade Zero, including its playtime, difficulty settings, and extensive weapon arsenal. The game, initially compared to Soulslike titles due to its aesthetic, will offer a distinct experience.

Debunking the Soulslike Comparison: Four Difficulty Levels

Phantom Blade Zero will feature four difficulty options: Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, and Extremely Difficult. This directly counters comparisons to Soulslike games, known for their unforgiving difficulty. Game Director, Soulframe, clarified on social media that the game is not a Soulslike, aiming instead 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 and hidden areas—the core gameplay is distinct, described as "Ninja Gaiden Combat on a Souls Game Map."

Extensive Gameplay Features: Weapons, Playtime, and More

Players can expect over 30 primary weapons and 20 secondary weapons, each with unique combat properties. The estimated playtime for the main story is 20-30 hours, with an additional 20-30 hours of side content. Boss fights will feature at least two phases, allowing players to restart from the second phase upon death. A new "Li Wulin" mode lets players rematch defeated bosses, potentially unlocking hidden encounters. A currently undisclosed 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 expected in 2025, the official announcement is still pending. Further exciting reveals are promised by the development team later this year.

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