Rooted in Wuxian storytelling and scale, built on an impressively detailed combat system, and wrapped in a bloody Chinese martial underground that’s a genuine joy to play in, Phantom Blade Zero is a feat. It joins an echelon of action pedigree that includes Sekiro, Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and just about any other action game you hold in high regard. It hails from developer S-Game, which has dabbled in mobile and smaller-scale games, and I’m shocked by what it’s pulled off with its triple-A action inauguration. But make no mistake: though Phantom Blade Zero is this team’s first crack at a game like this, it is an incredibly confident, strong debut.

Protagonist Soul is a stoic martial arts master betrayed by the Order he’s sworn his life to; he dies and returns to life with only 66 days to live. That’s enough time to settle his debts, repay his betrayers, and end a villainous conspiracy to seize full power of the Wulin realm.…