As I sit here in early 2025, still reeling from the impact that Black Myth: Wukong had on the gaming world last year, I can't help but feel excited about where the Wuxia genre is heading. The game absolutely blew me away when it launched in 2024, and I wasn't alone in my enthusiasm. With its GOTY nomination at the Game Awards and impressive sales numbers, Wukong didn't just conquer the charts—it kicked open the door for Wuxia games to enter the mainstream gaming consciousness.

The Rise of Wuxia in Western Gaming

I've been following the Wuxia genre for years, watching it slowly gain traction on Steam, but it always seemed to exist in this niche corner of gaming. Then boom—Black Myth: Wukong happens, and suddenly everyone is talking about games inspired by Chinese mythology and martial arts. The floodgates have officially burst open!

What's particularly exciting for me is that 2025 is shaping up to be another landmark year for Wuxia gaming, with two major titles on the horizon. But there's one that's captured my attention more than any other—a game that seems to be following in Wukong's footsteps while carving its own unique path.

Phantom Blade Zero: The Next Big Thing?

The first time I saw footage of Phantom Blade Zero, my jaw literally dropped. This upcoming title from Chinese developer S-GAME bears such a striking visual resemblance to Black Myth: Wukong that I initially thought they were related projects!

The stylish trailers released at various gaming events (and that amazing New Year's showcase) have displayed lightning-fast combat in a dark, Chinese-inspired fantasy world that immediately reminded me of my adventures as the Monkey King. The similarities aren't coincidental—both games are proudly part of the historical fantasy Wuxia tradition, and both leverage the power of Unreal Engine 5 to create their stunning worlds.

But as I've dug deeper into the available information, I've discovered that despite these surface-level similarities, Phantom Blade Zero is promising a distinctly different experience.

Similar Yet Different: What Sets Phantom Blade Zero Apart

While Wukong offered me a somewhat methodical, souls-like combat experience, Phantom Blade Zero appears to be channeling the frenetic energy of games like Metal Gear Rising or Bayonetta. The combat looks blindingly fast, with a focus on stylish combos and acrobatic maneuvers that has my fingers itching to grab a controller.

There are other key differences too:

• Narrative Approach: Where Wukong adapted the classic Journey to the West, Phantom Blade Zero presents an original story (though still set in a fantastical version of Ancient China)

• Movement Mechanics: The traversal system looks more developed than what we saw in Wukong

• Combat Pacing: Everything I've seen suggests a faster, more combo-driven combat system

That said, there's plenty that should feel familiar to Wukong fans like me:

Similarities	Details
Art Direction	Dark fantasy take on Ancient China
World Structure	Semi-open world with large explorable areas
Boss Encounters	Emphasis on epic, challenging boss fights
Weapon Variety	Multiple weapon types and combat options
Visual Fidelity	Cutting-edge graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5

My Anticipation for the Demo

I nearly jumped out of my chair when I learned that S-GAME has confirmed a playable demo coming in 2025! While the full game appears to be targeting a Fall 2026 release (according to YouTuber JorRaptor who got hands-on time with it at Summer Game Fest), the demo will give us Wuxia enthusiasts something to tide us over.

The timing makes sense to me—with juggernauts like GTA 6 and Crimson Desert dominating 2025, giving Phantom Blade Zero breathing room in 2026 seems like a smart strategic move. Plus, it hopefully means they're taking their time to polish the experience to a mirror shine.

Like Black Myth: Wukong before it, Phantom Blade Zero is launching on PS5 and PC. I've already cleared space on my gaming shelf (and my schedule) for when it arrives. Some preview coverage is already calling it a potential GOTY contender for 2026, which only heightens my anticipation.

The Future of Wuxia Gaming

When I think about how far Wuxia games have come in Western markets, I'm filled with optimism. Just a few years ago, these titles were considered too niche, too culturally specific to find widespread success outside Asia. Now? They're some of the most anticipated releases in gaming.

As someone who's always appreciated the aesthetic, mythology, and martial arts philosophy underpinning these games, seeing them receive recognition feels personally validating. Black Myth: Wukong wasn't just a commercial success—it was a cultural moment that opened countless gamers' eyes to the rich possibilities of this genre.

And as I look ahead to Phantom Blade Zero and other upcoming titles, I can't help but feel that we're witnessing the birth of a new golden age for Wuxia in gaming. The floodgates that Wukong opened aren't closing anytime soon—they're widening, inviting more players, developers, and stories into this magnificent tradition.

So here I sit in early 2025, still occasionally booting up Black Myth: Wukong for another playthrough, but with my gaze increasingly fixed on the horizon. The Monkey King may have led the charge, but the army of Wuxia games following in his wake promises to take us on journeys we've only begun to imagine. And I, for one, can't wait to take each step along that path. 🐒⚔️✨