Phantom Blade Zero has been generating significant buzz, prompting developer S-Game to clarify its genre identity. In a recent statement, the studio explicitly distanced the project from common classifications like “Soulslike” or “hack-and-slash,” suggesting players should temper those particular expectations.
The confusion is understandable. When Phantom Blade Zero was first revealed, its dark tone, interconnected environments, and checkpoint systems led many to draw comparisons to FromSoftware’s Soulsborne titles. Later, as fast-paced combat footage emerged, the conversation shifted — critics and fans began associating it more closely with high-octane action franchises like Devil May Cry or Ninja Gaiden. According to S-Game, however, these assumptions only tell part of the story.
In a recent official developer update, the studio explained that while Phantom Blade Zero draws inspiration from both genres, it ultimately forges its own path. The team describes their creative journey as beginning with the desire to blend the satisfying mechanics of hack-and-slash gameplay with the complexity and exploration of multi-layered level design. But as development progressed, the game evolved into something far more distinct, shaped by a strong cultural identity and visual cohesion rarely seen in genre templates. The result, they claim, is a wholly unique experience that cannot be neatly categorized.
To further address concerns around gameplay difficulty—a common hesitation among players unfamiliar with traditional action games—the developers have outlined the game’s three-tiered difficulty system, introduced through the playable demo. The standard mode, “Gamechanger,” is designed to offer a balance of fun and challenge suitable for most players. For newcomers or those seeking a more accessible experience, the “Wayfarer” difficulty offers a gentler entry point. Meanwhile, the most difficult setting, “Hellwalker,” is reserved for New Game Plus and features advanced enemy behavior, reshuffled attack patterns, and exclusive moves that reward deep mastery.
Phantom Blade Zero is scheduled to launch for the PlayStation 5 and PC.
