Donnie Yen has helped shape Phantom Blade Zero’s combat since 2023

August 12, 2026·2 min read

S-GAME has revealed that Donnie Yen has been working on Phantom Blade Zero since 2023 as a creative consultant. The martial arts star has helped the studio shape its kung fu combat and action choreography while the project has remained in development.

Yen’s involvement was revealed alongside a new pre-order trailer, which also confirms that he appears in the game. Phantom Blade Zero launches on October 29, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and PC.

Donnie Yen plays Soul’s father

Mó Yuan appears in a close-up scene surrounded by warm firelight in Phantom Blade Zero. — S-GAME

Yen provides facial and motion capture for Mó Yuan, the father of protagonist Soul. The character appeared as the mysterious masked swordsman previously shown fighting while carrying a baby.

The new trailer finally reveals Yen behind the character. His role goes beyond appearing on screen, with S-GAME using his martial arts and filmmaking experience while developing the game’s combat.

Yen has been advising S-GAME for three years

S-GAME kept Yen’s involvement secret despite working with him since 2023. His work as creative consultant has focused on helping the studio create kung fu that feels authentic while still fitting Phantom Blade Zero’s fast action.

The studio had already announced Kenji Tanigaki as its action director when Phantom Blade Zero was revealed in 2023. S-GAME said its combat moves were performed and recorded for its animation team rather than relying entirely on standard motion capture.

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Kungfupunk mixes martial arts with fantasy

A motion capture performer executes a martial arts kick during production for Phantom Blade Zero. — S-GAME

S-GAME describes Phantom Blade Zero’s style as “kungfupunk,” mixing Chinese martial arts with machinery, dark fantasy, traditional aesthetics, and modern influences. Its combat includes more than 30 primary weapons and over 20 Phantom Edges.

Players control Soul, an assassin framed for the murder of his master and left with only 66 days to live. He sets out to uncover the conspiracy behind the killing. Along the way, he fights former allies and other enemies across the Phantom World.

More gameplay is coming on August 17

S-GAME will show more of Phantom Blade Zero during a dedicated State of Play on August 17. The presentation will include nearly 20 minutes of gameplay and introduce previously unseen characters alongside a closer look at different combat builds.

Pre-orders are also open ahead of the October launch. The standard PC edition costs $59.99 on Steam. Pre-order bonuses include the Treasure Basin accessory and Legacy outfit, and both can also be earned through normal progression.