Ever felt like every sword-swinging action game looks the same? IGN's recent preview of Phantom Blade Zero suggests this one might actually stand out.
After six hours with the game, the previewer was hooked. The combat feels as smooth and satisfying as Sekiro, with parries and combos that make you feel like a total badass. You'll parry daggers mid-air, flip through enemies, and pull off brutal finishers that never get old.
Style is everywhere. One cutscene has Donny Yen balancing a baby on his blade while fighting. You can fight a dancing lion boss and even take its form. Early on, you choose which heart to receive from a ghost monster. It's metal, and it works.
Boss fights are a highlight. They're fantastic and plentiful, each one a banger. You'll also find secrets and optional bosses that reward unique weapons, like a massive two-handed blade or a drunken fighting style that lets you guide your sword telekinetically.
Weapons feel distinct, forcing you to learn new combos. There's also a surprising RPG layer: upgrade weapons with materials and invest in a skill tree with active abilities and passive perks. It's a nice break from combat.
But there's a yellow flag: framerate hitches on a beefy PC this close to launch. That could be a problem if it's not fixed.
Despite that, the previewer is champing at the bit for more and now counts Phantom Blade Zero among their most anticipated games of 2026. If you love stylish action, this is one to watch.
What do you think? Will you be picking this up?
Comments (0)
Log in to join the discussion
Log InNo comments yet