Phantom Blade Zero Playtime Estimated to be 20-30 Hours with Adjustable Difficulty

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

Prepare for a thrilling adventure in Phantom Blade Zero, boasting four difficulty levels (Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, Extremely Difficult) and a wealth of gameplay features. Recent updates dispel comparisons to Soulslike games, clarifying the game's unique identity.

Debunking the Soulslike Label

While its dark aesthetic and challenging boss encounters initially drew Soulslike comparisons, the inclusion of multiple difficulty settings sets Phantom Blade Zero apart. Game Director Soulframe explicitly stated that the game isn't a Soulslike, aiming instead for "combo-driven, heart-pumping combat that is hectic, rewarding, and exhilarating." The game draws inspiration from Soulslike titles in its level design—multi-layered maps with diverse routes and hidden areas—but the core gameplay is distinct, described as "Ninja Gaiden Combat on a Souls Game Map."

Extensive Gameplay and Weapon Variety

Players can expect a substantial playtime of 20-30 hours for the main story, with an additional 20-30 hours of side content. An impressive arsenal awaits, featuring over 30 primary weapons and 20 secondary weapons, each with unique combat properties. Boss fights are multi-phased, allowing players to restart from the second phase if they fall in the latter stages. A new "Li Wulin" game mode lets players rematch defeated bosses, unlocking further challenges and hidden bosses. A mechanic influencing the game's ending adds replayability, though details remain scarce.

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 pending for 2025, the development team promises exciting announcements and previously unseen content later this year.

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