Phantom Blade Zero received a new chunky gameplay trailer during Summer Game Fest 2024, and a playable demo was available at the event. Earlier speculation suggested that the title might be similar to Soulslike games, and play similarly. However, the team, S-GAME, has opened up about the kind of game they’re developing, and what players can expect. Will Phantom Blade Zero have difficulty options? Here’s what we know so far.
Will Phantom Blade Zero Have Difficulty Options?
Yes, Phantom Blade Zero will have difficulty options for players to choose from.
This comes from the game’s director, Soulframe’s small Q&A on Twitter/X where he also confirmed that Phantom Blade Zero is not a Soulslike title. While it’s unclear how deep these difficulty options are, and if players will be able to adjust specific aspects of combat and enemy encounters, we’ll likely learn more during preview events, and near release.
The director also confirmed that enemies will not respawn after a player dies or interacts with checkpoints. Based on the gameplay footage, and impressions, this is closer to something like hack-and-slash games like Devil May Cry and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
Multiple hands-on experiences have been planned throughout 2024 and Phantom Blade Zero will be available at the following events.
- ChinaJoy – Shanghai – July 26 – July 29
- Gamescom – Cologne – August 21 – August 25
- Tokyo Game Show – Tokyo – September 28 – September 29
Having difficulty options in action titles isn’t a new thing. Even hardcore hack-and-slash games like the Ninja Gaiden series had difficulty options for novice players to adjust to the pace of combat. Phantom Blade Zero doesn’t seem like a game where a reserved playstyle would work, and the “combo-driven heart-thumping combat” looks flashy and fairly approachable as well.
A release date for Phantom Blade Zero hasn’t been announced yet, but the developers have confirmed it’s not a PlayStation exclusive.
