Phantom Blade Zero Director: It's Wuxia, Not Soulslike

Phantom Blade Zero seeks to establish a fresh Wuxia Action category. Discover how the game distinguishes itself from Soulslikes and explore its three distinct difficulty settings.

Director Defines New Genre As "Wuxia Action"

Phantom Blade Zero director Soulframe has restated that the game doesn't belong to the Soulslike genre, proposing instead an innovative classification he calls "Wuxia Action." The official Phantom Blade Zero Twitter account shared a Developer's Letter on June 24th addressing fan inquiries about the project.

The director explained how initial reactions categorized the game as Soulslike due to its interconnected environments, hidden elements, and checkpoint system. Following the demo's release, some players described it as hack-and-slash, noting its faster tempo compared to standard Soulslikes.

While acknowledging genre labels help set player expectations, Soulframe emphasized Phantom Blade Zero doesn't conform to either Soulslike or conventional action game frameworks. The development team blended Chinese martial arts with Western combat mechanics and cinematic influences, drawing inspiration from Bruce Lee's philosophy.

This unique fusion created an experience that feels simultaneously familiar yet novel in gaming. Soulframe suggested it occupies the broader ARPG space while potentially establishing a new "Wuxia Action" subgenre characterized by rapid combat, historical depth, and cinematic spectacle. The upcoming Beijing demo on July 26-27 will offer players hands-on experience with this innovative approach.

Difficulty Options Revealed

The developer letter confirmed three difficulty tiers: Gamechanger (balanced default), Wayfarer (beginner-friendly), and Hellwaker (unlocked in New Game+). Hellwaker mode introduces enhanced AI behaviors, modified enemy movesets, and additional attack patterns for maximum challenge.

S-GAMES intends to announce the final release date before 2025 concludes, with the "kungfupunk" adventure scheduled for PlayStation 5 in Fall 2026. Stay tuned for further game updates and features.