Phantom Blade Zero — a masterful martial arts game

Phantom Blade Zero builds its combat system around spectacular techniques rather than maximum difficulty. Basic and strong attacks, dodges, and parries combine into fast-paced scenes resembling choreography from kung fu films.

Meanwhile, the Sha-Chi gauge, which is expended on powerful attacks and defensive actions, gradually loses significance. Switching weapons fully restores it, and found items increase its capacity and speed up recharging. As a result, battles boil down to repeating the same four buttons, though the cinematic finishers and high speed make the process engaging.

The story begins with Soul’s attempt to find a way to survive but later evolves into a tale of large-scale conspiracies. The game barely explains its terminology or worldbuilding directly: understanding emerges from dialogues, notes, and memories. In this universe, Chinese fantasy blends with steampunk, and warriors transform into cyborgs capable of wielding the mystical energy Sha-Chi.

The project features Donnie Yen as a creative consultant and voice actor for one of the roles, as well as action film director Kenji Tanigaki. The game includes 30 types of primary weapons and 25 types of secondary weapons—ranging from long spears to a dragon-head-shaped weapon that unleashes a stream of water.