Phantom Blade Zero Dev Compares The Action-RPG's Level Design to Dark Souls

As a seasoned gamer with hundreds of hours clocked into the Dark Souls series, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement upon hearing that Phantom Blade Zero is taking inspiration from those classic games. The director’s comparison to pre-Elden Ring Dark Souls titles struck a chord with me, as I fondly remember the sense of discovery and exploration that came with navigating the intricately connected worlds of Lordran, Anor Londo, and beyond.


The upcoming action role-playing game, Phantom Blade Zero, created buzz at the 2023 PlayStation Showcase due to its stunning combat and ominous dark fantasy look. In a recent interview, the game’s director, who goes by the name “Soulframe,” drew comparisons between its map and level design to early Dark Souls series. However, he was quick to clarify that it’s not just another “Souls-like” game.

Phantom Blade Zero’s “Year of the Dragon” trailer is out now: Experience the rain-soaked and bloodstained world of Phantom Blade Zero in an upcoming playable demo, coming this year. This special trailer is our way of thanking fans for their patience as they eagerly anticipate the game’s release.

— Phantom Blade Zero (@pbzero_official) February 2, 2024

As a gamer, I’d describe it as follows: “Exploring this game feels reminiscent of the classic Souls series to me. You roam around in an interconnected map, not a vast open-world one, but each region flows seamlessly into the next. There are certain gates that can only be opened with keys, which you gain from completing specific missions. The experience is still non-linear, and there’s always more than one way to progress through the game. It’s got the same Souls games vibe before Elden Ring.”

As a fan of intricately designed game worlds, I’m thrilled about Dark Souls 1’s renowned interconnectedness. Lordran’s expansive map offers numerous paths for players to explore, giving us the freedom to choose our own journey – but only if we possess the necessary skills to overcome the formidable enemies that lie ahead.

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2024-07-25 20:08