Black Myth: Wukong not only took the world by storm when it launched in 2024, earning itself a GOTY nomination at the Game Awards and garnering impressive sales numbers, but it also opened the gateway for a wave of Wuxia games into the mainstream. It is a genre that has slowly been gaining popularity, especially on Steam, but has largely struggled to penetrate the mainstream until Black Myth: Wukong burst open the floodgates.

In fact, there are two major Wuxia games perfect for Wukong fans that are meant to be released in 2025, with each one bringing something new to the genre. However, while both look great, one stands out in particular thanks to its unique approach to character action combat and the fact that it looks very similar to Black Myth: Wukong. Fans should definitely keep their eyes out for it, as it could be releasing soon.

Phantom Blade Zero Trailer Looks A Lot Like Black Myth: Wukong

It Shares A Lot Of Similarities From Art Style To Combat

Phantom Blade Zero, the latest game from Chinese developer S-GAME, looks a lot like Black Myth: Wukong. Phantom Blade Zero's stylish trailers, which have steadily been released via large gaming events and even to celebrate the new year, have all showcased incredibly fast action in a dark Chinese-inspired fantasy setting. While there are clearly a lot of differences between Black Myth: Wukong and Phantom Blade Zero, it's hard not to see, at least from the trailers alone, the obvious similarities.

However, there is good reason for these similarities. For one, they're both a part of the historical fantasy Wuxia genre, which traditionally follows powerful martial artists capable of superhuman feats as they traverse a fantastical rendition of Ancient China. Furthermore, both Black Myth: Wukong and Phantom Blade Zero were made using Unreal Engine 5. The combination of shared inspirations in addition to utilizing the same game engine has, at least visually, led to Phantom Blade Zero and Black Myth: Wukong looking like similar games.

Why Phantom Blade Zero Looks Perfect For Wukong Fans

It's An Action-Packed RPG Inspired By Chinese Mythology

In reality, Phantom Blade Zero is a very different type of game from Black Myth: Wukong. It has a greater focus on rapid character action combat, akin to Metal Gear Rising or Bayonetta, rather than Black Myth: Wukong's slower-paced encounters. Additionally, Black Myth: Wukong was a fairly loose adaptation of the Journey to the West series, whereas Phantom Blade Zero is an original story, but still set within a similarly fantastical and dark rendition of Ancient China. Players will fight horrifying bosses, encounter unique enemy types, and engage with a colorful cast of bizarre characters.

However, while there are obviously significant differences between the two games, there are also plenty of similarities. For example, as aforementioned, there's a lot of crossover when it comes to the two game's art direction. Furthermore, Phantom Blade Zero also features a semi-open world structure with slightly larger areas, although it puts a greater focus on traversal mechanics than Wukong did. Phantom Blade Zero will also feature a large collection of bosses for players to attempt to overcome, as well as numerous weapon types.

It definitely looks like Phantom Blade Zero will offer an experience that's similar enough to Wukong without apeing it completely, one with engaging combat against huge bosses that brings a plethora of its own innovations to the table. There is a chance that Phantom Blade Zero could end up suring Black Myth Wukong's impressive sales, especially thanks to its gorgeously animated combat and captivating word design. Suffice to say, Black Myth Wukong fans should absolutely pay attention to Phantom Blade Zero, as many previews are already calling it 2026's GOTY.

When Will Phantom Blade Zero Release?

It Is Meant To Launch In 2026

Phantom Blade Zero's release date has not yet been confirmed by S-GAME, but there is enough evidence pointing to it releasing in late 2026. According to prominent YouTuber JorRaptor, who got to play a demo build of the game at Summer Game Fest, Phantom Blade Zero won't release until Fall 2026. While he doesn't explain exactly where he got this information from, he does mention that a developer from S-GAME sat with him throughout his playthrough, and was likely the one to reveal this release date.

It isn't surprising to see Phantom Blade Zero's release date be so far away, especially as development is likely still well underway, and 2025 already poses a lot of competition thanks to huge games like Crimson Desert. Nevertheless, S-GAME has confirmed via X that a playable demo is coming in 2025, so fans still have that to look forward to. Phantom Blade Zero is launching for PS5 and PC, much like Black Myth: Wukong did at launch, and players should make sure to keep their eyes out for more information, demos, and trailers in the coming months.

Source: PlayStation/YouTube, JorRaptor/YouTube, Phantom Blade Zero/X