According to Eurogamer.net, the Chinese action game Phantom Blade Zero finally has a worldwide release date: September 9, 2026. Developer S-Game announced the news at The Game Awards with a new trailer featuring fresh story scenes and gameplay. The game was first revealed in 2023 at a Sony showcase and has drawn frequent comparisons to Soulslike games, which creator “Soulframe” Liang has consistently denied. Liang cites key influences as 1970s Hong Kong kung fu films and action games like Ninja Gaiden and Devil May Cry. The title remains a PlayStation 5 console exclusive and follows in the wake of other successful Chinese-made action RPGs like Black Myth: Wukong.
The Long Road to 2026
So, we’ve got a date. September 2026. That’s a solid two years from now. And honestly? That’s probably a good thing. The hype for this game has been building since that slick 2023 reveal, but details have been, as Eurogamer puts it, in “drips and drabs.” A 2026 launch gives S-Game a huge runway to polish and, just as importantly, to manage expectations. They’re clearly trying to carve out a unique identity, stuck between denying the Soulslike label and embracing a classic Hong Kong cinema vibe. Rushing that would be a disaster. Now they have the time to get it right.
Not a Soulslike. Seriously.
Here’s the thing the developer really, really wants you to know: this is not a Soulslike. They’ve said it a million times. Creator Soulframe Liang is pushing the Ninja Gaiden and Devil May Cry comparisons harder, talking about a “fast and stylish” combat system. But he also calls it something “in between.” That’s a tricky line to walk. Gamers love boxes. They love to say “oh, it’s like that other thing.” By explicitly rejecting the biggest modern action-game comparison, S-Game is setting a high bar for themselves. They’re not just making a game; they’re trying to define a new sub-genre feel. That’s ambitious. Will players get it?
The Chinese Action RPG Wave
You can’t talk about Phantom Blade Zero without mentioning Black Myth: Wukong. That game’s monumental success blasted open the doors for premium, high-production-value action games from Chinese studios. Now there’s a wave: Phantom Blade Zero, Lost Soul Aside, Tides of Annihilation. The global audience is paying attention. This isn’t just about one hit anymore; it’s about proving a whole industry segment can deliver consistently. The pressure is on for Phantom Blade Zero to be a worthy successor in that lineage, to show that Wukong wasn’t a fluke but the start of a new era. That’s a lot to carry on your stylish, kung-fu-inspired shoulders.
Exclusivity and Expectations
Sticking with that PS5 console exclusive is a fascinating choice. It signals a continued tight partnership with Sony, which makes sense given its initial reveal was at a Sony show. But in a world where even former exclusives eventually drift to PC, does this long-term commitment benefit the game? It certainly gives PlayStation a major, distinct action title for its portfolio. For players, it means the devs can focus on optimizing for one set of hardware, which could lead to a more polished experience. Still, a 2026 release is an eternity in gaming. A lot can change. For now, the trailer looks awesome, the vision is unique, and the countdown is finally on. Let’s see if the wait is worth it.
