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Why the label sticks
Most of the comparison rests on structure and atmosphere. A hands-on preview published by MeriStation on October 9, 2026 reports these features:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Stellar Blade - PlayStation 5 | $46.30 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls- PlayStation 5 | $59.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Persona 3 Reload: Standard Edition - PlayStation 5 | $19.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Dolmen - PlayStation 5 | $31.95 | Buy on Amazon |
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- Interconnected zones with shortcuts between them
- Challenging bosses
- Dark themes
- Bonfire-like checkpoints
The same report says unnamed people at S-Game described the game as “30% soulslike.” No one is identified as the speaker, and no method for the figure is given. Treat it as an informal characterization of the game’s feel, not a studio definition or a measurement. It is useful mainly as a sign of how the developers themselves talk about the comparison.
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The clearest statement of intent is S-Game’s own design explanation on the PlayStation Blog, published May 24, 2023. In that developer-authored post, the studio contrasts its approach with slower “strategic action game” design and names Soulslikes and Monster Hunter as examples of that slower approach. Its stated goal is cinematic, fast kung fu action.
#1 Best Overall
- Stunning PS5 visuals: Explore vibrant futuristic environments, and engage with a cast of original friends and foes from the creative minds of the SHIFT UP team, led by renowned artist Kim Hyung Tae.
- Ultra high-speed SSD: Explore new locations, overcome powerful enemies, and encounter jaw-dropping revelations as you advance relentlessly through EVE’s mission with lightning-fast load times.
- Adaptive triggers: Unleash devastating yet graceful acrobatic moves, and interact with the technological remnants of an abandoned Earth using the DualSense wireless controller’s adaptive triggers.
- Haptic feedback: Feel the thrill of combat as your blade slashes its way to victory, with sensations enriched by the DualSense wireless controller’s responsive vibrations.
- Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
The post also says the combat moves were handcrafted, with reference demonstrations from action director Kenji Tanigaki. Founder and CEO Soulframe Liang wrote:
“Combat moves in Phantom Blade Zero have to be made with handcrafted animation, because motion capturing can’t do it justice.”
Rank #2
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls- PlayStation 5
- Assemble your team of legendary Marvel characters in the ultimate 4v4 tag team fighter from PlayStation Studios, Arc System Works and Marvel Games.
- Experiment with team compositions to discover new combos, synergies, and strategies. Blast your way through dynamic stages based on iconic Marvel Universe locales, some featuring interactive stage transitions.
- Fighting is both immersive and intuitive, with a range of unique move sets, combos, and strategies to master. Adjustable controls, both traditional and quick inputs, plus easy chain combos make diving right in a breeze.
- Face off against a friend locally or join the fray with up to 64 players in the online lobby, including standard VS modes. Plus, dive deep on each team with the single player Episode Mode to learn more about team dynamics and lore.
Where the game departs from Souls conventions
The table separates the features people usually mean by “Soulslike” from the combat and progression reported in the preview. The preview findings come from one reporter’s time with a pre-release build, so they describe that build rather than the final game.
| Axis | What is reported | Source and status |
|---|---|---|
| Combat rhythm | Fast, expressive kung fu action with no stamina bar. The preview contrasts this with slower, Souls-style combat. | S-Game’s May 24, 2023 PlayStation Blog post states the design aim. The no-stamina-bar and pacing observations come from MeriStation’s October 9, 2026 preview. |
| Death penalties | On normal difficulty, death does not remove souls or experience, and resting does not revive enemies. A boss fight can resume at a later phase after death. | MeriStation’s October 9, 2026 preview. Preview observation for normal difficulty only; other difficulties not covered. |
| Character progression | Moves are unlocked with resources found during exploration. Progression comes from acquiring moves rather than leveling attributes through XP or souls. | MeriStation’s October 9, 2026 preview. Preview observation, not confirmed for the final release. |
| Difficulty options | Wayfarer, Hellwalker, and Sixty-Six Days modes. | Official feature article, August 2026. Mode differences not detailed in that source. |
Taken together, the evidence supports a narrow claim. The game has Soulslike-adjacent world design and a dark, hard-hitting tone. Its stated combat goal, and the combat and progression the preview describes, point away from the Souls model.
Rank #3
- Experience the pivotal game of the Persona series faithfully remade with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, and signature stylish UI.
- Fully immerse yourself in an emotional, gripping journey with new scenes and character interactions, additional voiceover, and a reloaded soundtrack.
- Choose how to meaningfully spend each day through various activities from exploring the Port Island to forging genuine bonds with beloved characters.
- Build and command your optimal team to take down otherworldly Shadows and climb closer to the truth.
Release date and editions
As of October 9, 2026, the official site lists October 29, 2026 as the release date. A June 2 letter from S-Game’s creative director says the date moved from September 9 to October 29 to allow more time for improvements and polish.
The US PlayStation listing identifies two editions:
Rank #4
- Dolmen is a terrifying new action RPG that combines futuristic Sci-Fi and Cosmic Horror elements
- Dolmen casts players onto a hostile alien world known as Revion Prime - Your job is to bring back samples of a crystal with particularly unique properties - the so-called "Dolmen"
- Experience a rich combat system with various weapons and moves at your disposal
- Energy management is key to victory in Dolmen - Energy is not only used for ranged weapons, but also for activating "Energy Mode"
- Revion Prime offers a wide array of gruesome obstacles that will put your skills to the test
- Standard
- Digital Deluxe, which includes the Wulin Legend and Blood-Steel Form outfits, a digital artbook, and a digital soundtrack
Preorder unlocks include an accessory and an outfit that can also be earned through in-game progression. The official listings describe the artbook and soundtrack as digital. They do not document a physical edition, printed artbook, or physical soundtrack. The official site lists PC and PlayStation as platforms. Prices and availability vary by region and can change, so check your local store before buying.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
