Phantom Blade Zero Review Highlights Fluid Martial Arts Combat and Early Boss Balancing Issues
Eurogamer published a review of Phantom Blade Zero, detailing its wuxia setting, fast-paced Soulslite combat, and exploration. Developer S-Game released a 67GB update two days before the review embargo lifted to target performance and game balance, though the reviewer observed that some early boss sponginess persisted.
Key points
- Phantom Blade Zero features fast-paced action combat inspired by games like Sekiro.
- Developer S-Game released a 67GB pre-launch update targeting performance and stats.
- The reviewer found that early boss fights still exhibited sponginess upon testing old save files after the update.
- Exploration relies on hand-painted ink wash maps and Metroidvania style unlocks.
What happened
Eurogamer published a review of Phantom Blade Zero, outlining its combat mechanics, world design, and technical issues. Two days before the review embargo lifted, developer S-Game released a 67GB update targeting performance, bugs, and adjustments to boss, enemy, ability, and weapon stats.
Context
The game is set in a wuxia-themed world named the Wulin, where players control an outcast warrior named Soul. Combat replaces traditional stamina with a sha-chi resource meter and incorporates a two-weapon system allowing quick weapon switching. The title draws heavy inspiration from FromSoftware games, featuring checkpoint bells and challenging multi-stage bosses.
While standard enemy encounters offer smooth kung-fu action and varied execution animations, early-to-mid-game boss encounters were described as lengthy and spongy. The reviewer also noted that narrative lore is delivered through collectible text scrolls.
What's next
The reviewer noted it was not possible to replay the entire game to test the full impact of S-Game's 67GB pre-launch update, though checking old save files indicated that boss sponginess remained present in several early obligatory encounters. Further patches or the final launch build may alter player experiences.
Why it matters
Developer S-Game released a 67GB pre-launch update addressing performance and stats, but reviewers report that early boss sponginess may persist.
What we know
- Eurogamer reports that developer S-Game released a 67GB update for Phantom Blade Zero two days before the review embargo lifted.
- Eurogamer reports the 67GB update targeted performance, bugs, and boss, enemy, ability, and weapon stats.
- Eurogamer reports Phantom Blade Zero uses a sha-chi resource system and a two-weapon loadout instead of a traditional stamina bar.
What remains unclear
- It remains uncertain whether the launch build or subsequent patches fully resolve all performance issues, quest guidance failures, and boss balancing complaints.
