An Action-RPG called Phantom Blade Zero with a “kungfupunk” aesthetic was debuted during the Playstation Showcase today.

Phantom Blade Zero is a “Kungfupunk” Action-RPG

We’ve gotten steampunk, cyberpunk and even NASA-punk with upcoming Starfield. But here’s a new one, meet kungfupunk. Just as the name suggests, Phantom Blade Zero is a mix of martial arts, wuxia inspired action with some steampunk thrown in for good measure.

Founder and CEO of S-Game unveiled a new trailer at the Playstation Showcase featuring this unique blend of fast-paced martial arts and the occult. The combat has taken its inspiration from movies, with even a kungfu expert as the action director.

And we’re honored to have Mr. Kenji Tanigaki as our action director. Kenji-san is responsible for many mesmerizing fighting scenes in classic Kungfu movies.

Soulframe Liang – Founder and CEO of S-Game

Once Upon a Dream

The fight scenes in the footage shown are mesmerising. But you might be wondering why you haven’t heard of this studio before. Liang explains that they started off developing games in an RPG Maker. These humble beginnings set off a chain reaction which led Liang to develop mobile games in China under the franchise Rainblood. These titles grew in popularity garnering a fan base of over 20 million.

But, Liang has a further dream, finally achieving it by developing a title for PS5. This spiritual successor of the Rainblood series is called Phantom Blade Zero. The game is being developed in Unreal Engine 5, but Liang explains that the title still has Rainblood in its veins. It will be released for PS5 worldwide.

Becoming the Phantom

Phantom Blade Zero looks to have a few different inspirations from Wuxia fantasy to more gritty dark tones that look almost Bloodborne-esque. The game is a semi-open world title that puts players in the shoes of an assassin. Working for a powerful institute called “The Order”. Things take a turn as Soul (yup that’s his name) is framed for murder by the people at the top of The Order.

Escaping the failed manhunt has left Soul with grave injuries. Stumbling upon a mystic healer who has the power to save him…But there’s a catch. The cure given only has the strength to last for 66 days. Why not 67 or 65, I guess 66 was a more menacing number. With this limited gift of time, he must seek out who has done him over, and fight some pretty terrifying horrors.

There’s a strong mix of influence from titles such as Devil May Cry, Ninja Gaiden, Monster Hunter and even souls-likes. However, S-Game are going for more action and plenty of Kungfu. Interestingly enough the team has handcrafted animations that could not be portrayed through motion capture, which makes for impressive sequences. Its in your face, stylish hack-and-slash combat could be a fun way to decimate foes. Hopefully, the game’s narrative and world brings it all together.

Phantom Blade Zero doesn’t seem to have a release window yet but is being developed for PS5.

For more news find it here in Alan Wake 2 Launches Digitally Only October 17th and Blue Protocol Release Delayed to 2024 in the West.