The highly anticipated “kungfupunk” action game is almost here, and early reviews suggest that developer S-Game has delivered a massive hit.
Ahead of its global launch on October 29, 2026, for the PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store), the review embargo for Phantom Blade Zero officially lifted on the evening of Sunday, October 25. Critics have overwhelmingly praised the game's lightning-fast, martial-arts-inspired combat, even if the surrounding story and level design have a few rough edges. For the earlier demo and release window coverage, see our Phantom Blade Zero release date piece.
Universal praise for limitless swagger
The central consensus across almost all major reviews is that the combat in Phantom Blade Zero is spectacular.
IGN awarded the game a glowing 9/10 and an Editors' Choice badge. In their review, they called it “an unbelievably smooth action game filled with memorable boss fights, compelling combat, and limitless swagger.” The reviewer went on to say it is one of the best action games they have played in a long time. They specifically praised the feeling of the wire-action martial arts and the unique decision to eschew modern map markers in favor of hand-drawn maps that encourage organic exploration.
Push Square also awarded the PS5 version a 9/10, highlighting the deep variety of the combat system. The reviewer noted, “An intense and fast-paced combat system is the star, with so much variety backing it and incredible enemies to test it.”
CGMagazine came in even higher, awarding the game a stellar 9.5/10.
The rough edges
Despite the overwhelming praise for the swordplay, a few critics pointed out minor flaws holding the game back from absolute perfection.
Video Games Chronicle (VGC) scored the title a 4/5, calling it “a damn good action game that shouldn't be ignored.” However, while VGC loved the relentless pacing and unique boss fights, they noted that the level design felt somewhat uninspired and overly linear, describing the story and characters as a bit “bland.”
Eurogamer echoed similar sentiments, praising the cinematic kung fu-style combat but flagging some lingering balance and quality issues that dimmed the overall narrative experience.
Launch details: release date, platforms, and price
Phantom Blade Zero is scheduled to launch simultaneously across the globe at 02:00 UTC on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Because this is a single global unlock, players in the Americas will actually be able to start playing on the evening of Wednesday, October 28 (9:00 PM Central Time, 7:00 PM Pacific Time, 10:00 PM Eastern Time).
The game will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store). Preloading opens on Monday, October 26 at 9:00 PM CT, so you can start downloading the massive ~135 GB file ahead of time.
Pre-orders are currently live, with two digital editions available:
- Standard Edition ($59.99): Includes the base game.
- Digital Deluxe Edition ($69.99): Includes the base game, two exclusive outfits (Wulin Legend and Blood-Steel Form), a digital artbook, and a digital soundtrack.
Pre-ordering either edition will also grant you early access to the “Treasure Basin” accessory and the “Legacy” outfit, though both can be unlocked through normal gameplay. A physical PS5 edition is planned for 2027.
Regardless of minor technical hiccups and linear level design, Phantom Blade Zero appears to be a massive victory for S-Game. If you are a fan of high-speed action titles, this looks to be a must-play for the fall season.