Phantom Blade Zero, a new action game developed by S-Game, is being described as a "kung-fu punk" title, blending the fast-paced combat of Devil May Cry with the stylized martial arts of traditional wuxia films. The game was recently showcased at Gamescom, where attendees had the chance to try it out for themselves. While S-Game insists that Phantom Blade Zero is not a Souls-like game, it does share several features with the popular series from From Software, such as campfires that reveal parts of the map, interconnected level design, and a dark, atmospheric tone familiar to fans of the Souls series. The game emphasizes martial arts combat, offering a wide array of animations and fast-paced, dynamic gameplay. It is often compared to Sekiro and Onimusha: Way of the Sword, but with more frantic combat and a greater focus on aerial movements. However, some players have noted that enemy hitboxes—areas that determine how attacks register—can be less precise, especially when fighting larger enemies. To cater to different skill levels, the game includes multiple difficulty settings. Phantom Blade Zero provides players with a variety of weapons, each with unique abilities and combo systems. Players can use two primary weapons and two secondary tools, allowing for flexible combat strategies. A stamina system plays a key role in gameplay, as managing stamina is essential for both attacking and defending. Depleting an enemy's stamina can lead to significant damage, adding a layer of strategy to combat. The game's exploration is somewhat open but divided into distinct sections, similar to the level design of Souls-like games. Players can take on side quests and discover hidden secrets, though the map may not always be clear, requiring some trial and error. Additionally, enemies do not respawn after a player reaches a checkpoint, which can impact how players train or progress through the game. Technically, Phantom Blade Zero is praised for its smooth animations and fluid gameplay, contributing to an engaging and dynamic experience. The game is set to release on PC and PlayStation 5 on October 29.