GamingBolt compares "Phantom Blade Zero" and "Onimusha: Way of the Sword" across combat, equipment, enemies, levels, story, and presentation. The article clearly leans towards "Phantom Blade Zero," while acknowledging that both titles have their strengths in combat intensity, storytelling, and audiovisual presentation.
The article considers both games to have fluid controls, but with different combat philosophies. Soul's actions in "Phantom Blade Zero" are more flamboyant, allowing for quick transitions into defense during attacks, blurring the line between offense and defense. In contrast, Miyamoto Musashi in "Onimusha: Way of the Sword" is more cautious with his strikes, requiring players to manage risks after swinging and utilize blocks, parries, flash counters, dodges, and various gauges to find opportunities for counterattacks.
Regarding equipment, "Phantom Blade Zero" allows players to carry two main weapons and two "Phantom Blades" simultaneously, with lenient upgrade materials and reset mechanics, offering greater build freedom. "Onimusha: Way of the Sword" has fewer available tools, but each serves a distinct purpose.
Enemy design takes different approaches. Regular enemy combinations in "Onimusha: Way of the Sword" pose more threat, constantly testing players on parry timing and positioning. Common enemies in "Phantom Blade Zero" feel weaker even on "Hellwalker" difficulty, though it features more bosses with clearer distinctions between them.
In terms of world design, "Phantom Blade Zero"'s martial arts regions excel with vertical spaces, hidden routes, and revisit areas that require unlocking with "Phantom Blades." Regarding narrative, the author favors "Onimusha: Way of the Sword," finding its character development, story pacing, and emotional buildup more engaging.