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Maker Games, And A Whole Lot Of Money To Bring To Life
Kotaku • • technology
Key Points:
- Phantom Blade Zero is part of the long-running Rainblood franchise by Chinese developer S-Game, which has evolved from turn-based RPGs and 2D brawlers into a big-budget 3D action game backed by Tencent funding.
- The game’s combat system uniquely blends fast, stagger-focused mechanics inspired by Sekiro with stylish action elements reminiscent of Devil May Cry, emphasizing offensive flow over traditional stamina management found in Soulslike games.
- Its world design draws heavily from Soulslike influences, featuring an interconnected map inspired by Dark Souls and a grim Ming Dynasty setting infused with steampunk elements and grotesque mechanized enemies.
- Boss fights require pattern recognition and strategic positioning rather than fast reflexes, which contrasts with the game’s generally frenetic combat against regular enemies.
- While the gameplay and world are praised, the narrative is considered lackluster, with the protagonist’s limited lifespan plot mostly relegated to an optional hard mode, and notable voice talent Donnie Yen adding star power but little depth to the story.
