Since Phantom Blade Zero’s reveal back in… 2023?! Really? Wow, it’s been that long. Since its reveal, the action RPG has been stuck in my brain like a dream I can’t quite escape. Its fast-paced combat, which delicately combines offense and defense, looks like a dance of death, as gripping as it is dangerous. I’m ready to dive into the Phantom World, and if you are, too, you may as well save some money with a pre-order discount.
My excitement has only grown with the recent wave of previews ahead of the game’s release. The promise of intense, satisfying action in GameSpot’s Phantom Blade Zero preview from Max Blumenthal only made me more excited for the upcoming game. While I have yet to see whether it can join my list of the best RPGs, there’s a good chance it might.
You play as Soul, an assassin and all-around badass-looking member of The Order. Despite his hard work, he finds himself framed for murder, hunted by his former colleagues, and eventually left with a fatal wound to his heart. Fortunately, that’s not the end of Soul’s story. He’s revived, albeit with a tainted heart, and it’s up to you to uncover why he’s been dragged into a conspiracy surrounding the death of The Order’s patriarch.
Of course, this isn’t a murder mystery game—it’s an action game. That means Soul isn’t solving the case through clues, but through the rhythm of battle. Armed with two swords as his primary weapons and a diverse selection of secondary weapons known as Phantom Edges, including cannons and lances, you’ll battle all manner of foes.
What makes Phantom Blade Zero so intriguing, and its combat look so energetic and unique, is that every battle feels like a dance. You’re not simply attacking or defending; each move seems to blend the two. It makes every fight look fluid, engaging, and satisfying. While I haven’t had the chance to experience it myself yet, the previews suggest the game has plenty of potential.
If you’re looking to give it a try, save some of that hard-earned cash and grab Phantom Blade Zero for just $55.79 / £46.49 at Fanatical. You’ll still get a Steam key, so there’s no need to juggle extra launchers or game libraries, and you’ll pay less than the listed price. Why pay full price when you can support the developers and get the game for less?
Honestly, Phantom Blade Zero may be one of the most unique games this year. Considering it’s arriving in a year packed with major releases, that’s a bold claim—but one I’m willing to make.
Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical are both owned by Fandom. This story was created in collaboration with Fanatical’s deals team.