2026 Already Has Its Best Action Game As A PlayStation Exclusive

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2026 promises a lot of exciting games, but one PlayStation exclusive is generating particularly high anticipation. If you enjoy fast-paced action games like Devil May Cry or Black Myth: Wukong, this title looks set to redefine the genre. Based on the gameplay shown so far, players can expect a stylish and demanding combat experience when it releases later this year.

The action game genre hasn’t seen much exciting news lately, with only Black Myth: Wukong’s 2024 release generating significant buzz. The lack of updates on Devil May Cry and the disappointing Bayonetta 3 were partially offset by the release of Ninja Gaiden 4 late last year. While Ninja Gaiden 4 wasn’t perfect, fans are hoping the major action game slated for 2026 will be a complete success.

Phantom Blade Zero Promises Fluid & Stylish Battles In 2026

Launching on September 8, 2026, Phantom Blade Zero blends stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5 with a story inspired by Wuxia – a classic style of Chinese fiction known for its incredible martial arts action. Wuxia stories feature ancient Chinese warriors performing amazing feats of combat, including acrobatic moves and incredible weapon skills. Early trailers suggest Phantom Blade Zero perfectly captures this exciting style.

Phantom Blade Zero blends fantasy and eerie folklore into an action-packed adventure. Players take on the role of Soul, a solitary warrior facing off against diverse enemies. The game features a unique combat system that mixes classic martial arts with futuristic technology, reminiscent of the weapons in Bloodborne. Built with Unreal Engine 5, Phantom Blade Zero delivers fast-paced, fluid gameplay, aiming to capture the energetic style of Hong Kong’s classic martial arts films – a style the developers call “kungfupunk.”

Soul’s combat feels fluid and reactive, giving players plenty of options during fights with a variety of attacks and martial arts moves. The game Phantom Blade Zero also looks fantastic, boasting stunning environments that create a truly epic atmosphere. The detailed graphics extend to impactful hit effects and visually impressive supernatural abilities, showcased through both the player character, Soul, and the challenging bosses he faces.

Exclusive Footage Shows Off Fast-Paced Gameplay Inspired By Hong Kong Wuxia Action

While Phantom Blade Zero will eventually be available on Steam, it’s launching primarily as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, meaning PS5 is currently the only console where you can play it. This makes it one of the few games built specifically for the PS5, much like Marvel’s Spider-Man or the God of War series. Considering the game’s impressive graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5, it’s clear it was designed for today’s powerful hardware.

What makes Phantom Blade Zero stand out is its exciting combat system, heavily inspired by Wuxia films. Players have a lot of freedom to fight creatively as Soul, dodging attacks, quickly changing weapons, and using both enemies and the surroundings to their advantage. You can do things like catch weapons mid-air or even jump on top of bosses, hinting at a wide range of skills to master and make each fight unique.

Despite the fast-paced action, Phantom Blade Zero will also feature deep RPG elements. Like games such as Dark Souls and Black Myth: Wukong, it lets players customize their combat style. You can choose to deal huge damage with powerful attacks, rely on quick, precise strikes, or combine both approaches to defeat enemies as the character Soul.

Phantom Blade Zero’s Deeper Systems Mimic Other Great Action Inspirations

A standout feature of Phantom Blade Zero is its incredibly detailed combat system. The main character, Soul, can master over 30 different weapons, each offering a unique way to play – reminiscent of the complex combat in games like Devil Arms from the Devil May Cry series. Like Black Myth: Wukong, you can also learn enemy moves – called “Phantom Blades” – and combine them to create custom fighting styles for upcoming battles.

Early gameplay of Phantom Blade Zero shows a combat system similar to popular games like Batman: Arkham City and Arkham Knight. The hero’s ability to deflect attacks and pull off impressive finishing moves feels reminiscent of Marvel’s Spider-Man, giving the action a powerful, superhuman feel. Collecting Phantom Blades by defeating bosses follows a traditional RPG pattern, and is structured similarly to how you’d progress through a Mega Man game.

This action game has a lot of potential, and its cinematic style could set it apart from other action titles like The First Berserker: Khazan. With over a million wishlists already, Phantom Blade Zero is shaping up to be a highly anticipated release for PC and PlayStation players in 2026.

Looking forward to Phantom Blade Zero? Share your thoughts in the comments or discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-17 17:18