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- Phantom Blade Zero was initially criticized for not looking like a real game.
- S-Game has surprised everyone with its latest gameplay, highlighting real-time footage that looks just as good as last year’s trailer.
- This seems to be a massive hit in the making.
There are many cases where video game trailers don’t match the final product. The original Watch Dogs, Dark Souls 2, and various other titles are perfect examples, leaving a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.
This is the reason why many refrain from pre-ordering since the final product isn’t always what the trailers portray. Audiences shared a similar sentiment about Black Myth: Wukong and Phantom Blade Zero, but gameplay trailers have completely shifted the perception of both.
Phantom Blade Zero, in particular, has recently become the center of attention, and rightfully so. The game looks every bit as exciting as the initial trailer portrayed it to be.
Why it matters: Fans have been burned too many times in the past. Fake or heavily scripted trailers are often used to create buzz for upcoming releases, with studios often offering heavily downgraded releases after all is said and done.
Phantom Blade Zero Controversy
Let’s discuss the controversy first. Phantom Blade Zero didn’t face the typical trailer outrage over visuals. Instead, everyone thought the trailer was fake, and the final build would play completely differently.
To an extent, I don’t blame them. The original trailer showed combat so fast-paced and cinematic that it was hard to imagine how it would translate to actual gameplay. The fact that it came from an unknown developer, S-Game, barely helped.
However, much like the rise of Game Science and Shift Up, S-Game appears to be another star in the making. Phantom Blade Zero proves that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
Those who waited for the actual gameplay were wise to do so and ended up liking everything that was shown.
How The Tables Have Turned
What surprised me the most was that the team didn’t just release another trailer. Instead, S-Game was so confident that it shared an in-depth look at Phantom Blade Zero, which was spectacular.
To everyone’s surprise, the team delivered everything the first trailer promised. This was a pleasant surprise, especially since there has been no shortage of false advertisements in the past.
Not only that, but S-Games was confident enough to host an exclusive demo during Summer Game Fest. The team let journalists get hands-on time with the current build, and previews were extremely positive.
If this wasn’t enough, S-Games is hosting more hands-on previews at ChinaJoy, Gamescom, and the Tokyo Game Show. So, there will be a constant stream of information on the project.
A public demo is also said to be coming later this year. Needless to say, the studio is more than willing to let everyone try Phantom Blade Zero for themselves if there are still any lingering doubts.
Also, the developer has clarified that fans shouldn’t expect the FromSoftware experience here, as the combat is very different. The combat system is based on combo strings, which should help the title stand out in the saturated Souls-like genre.
From everything I’ve seen, the game seems to strike a solid balance between the character action and Souls-like genre, even if it leans more in the former’s direction. If nothing else, we can expect a very fast and fluid combat system that should be immensely satisfying.
Don’t Worry; Phantom Blade Zero Will Be Awesome
I have seen many players who are still concerned. It’s not just me; the developer has also noticed and assured fans not to be worried. The gameplay footage is out. Many people have played the demo build and only have positive things to say about it, so why are people still so concerned?
I don’t get it, but I still don’t blame audience skepticism, given how much the industry has lied in the past.
That said, I’m now confident Phantom Blade Zero will be a major success. It may not be the next Sekiro or Devil May Cry, but the game seems to have done enough to create an exciting blend of these titles.
I won’t be rushing out to pre-order Phantom Blade Zero, but this is certainly on my must-play list. As a huge Sekiro fan, I’ll try not to compare the two much. I hope to enjoy S-Game’s offering for what it is.
Here’s hoping the game will end up being a major success and catapult the studio to new heights.
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[News Editor]
Obaid is pursuing a Law degree while working as a content writer. He has worked as a gaming writer for over three years because of his passion for the medium and reporting the latest updates in the industry. Having played hundreds of games, Obaid finds himself coming back to Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2, with these games being among his favorites. He has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as Wccftech, Metro UK, PS Lifestyle, GamePressure, VGC, and Gamespot.
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