IGN Brazil Gives Phantom Blade Zero a Stellar 9.5

IGN Brazil's review of Phantom Blade Zero is live, and it scored a massive 9.5. The reviewer calls it a perfect blend of Sekiro, Ninja Gaiden, and NieR: Automata.

Phantom Blade Zero just scored a massive 9.5 from IGN Brazil, and their review is singing its praises loud and clear. The outlet published its full verdict today, and if you've been on the fence about this one, this might just push you over the edge.

According to the reviewer, the game pulls off a wild fusion: Sekiro's parries and posture breaks, Ninja Gaiden's combo-heavy action, and NieR: Automata's flashy visuals all rolled into one. You'll need to stay locked in the whole time. It's not as punishing as a Souls game, but it's absolutely challenging and delivers that satisfying rush when you nail the timing.

One of the biggest highlights? Over 30 weapons, which is way more than you'd expect from the genre. Every single one has its own unique moveset and mechanics, so swapping gear genuinely changes how you fight. Toss in special equipment like the "Phantom Arms" and your combat strategies keep evolving from start to finish.

Boss fights are where the game truly shines, according to IGN Brazil. There are tons of them, and they're spectacularly staged. A smart checkpoint system means dying in phase two doesn't force you to replay phase one, which is a huge quality-of-life win. Even better: beat a boss and you can straight-up use their signature weapon yourself.

The semi-open world mixes Soulslike and Metroidvania elements. The map is huge and interconnected, but here's the twist—enemies don't respawn. That means no grinding, period. The game pushes and encourages you to keep moving forward and exploring. Side quests aren't just filler either; they give you upgrade materials and even affect the final ending.

IGN Brazil wrapped up by saying the game left them "extremely satisfied" and exceeded expectations. They praised watching it grow during development, the team's dedication to action choreography, level design, and boss fights, and all the nods to the games that inspired it. Bottom line: they're hyped for whatever S-Game does next.

So, does a 9.5 from IGN Brazil move Phantom Blade Zero up your wishlist? Let us know in the comments!