Phantom Blade Zero Wins October 2026 Game of the Month
S-GAME's debut action title secures victory in a record-breaking month for PS5 releases.
1Record-Breaking Monthly Competition
October 2026 featured an exceptionally crowded release schedule for the PlayStation 5, with over 20 major titles competing for the monthly award. This volume of high-profile games represents the most competitive field in the history of the publication's polls, highlighting a significant surge in software output during the autumn season.
2Phantom Blade Zero Victory
The debut action title Phantom Blade Zero from Chinese developer S-GAME emerged as the clear winner. Despite being available for only a few days when voting opened, the game captured over 1,100 reader votes, demonstrating an immediate and powerful impact on the gaming community following its late October launch.
3Critical and Player Reception
The game earned a 9/10 score from reviewers, who praised its scope, ambition, and wuxia-style combat mechanics. Players highlighted the deep RPG elements, including a wide array of perk-based weapons and accessories that allow for diverse playstyles, solidifying its status as a top contender for the year's overall best game.
4Diverse October Lineup
The competition included notable titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which delivered a highly regarded campaign, and the revival of the Castlevania franchise with Belmont's Curse. Additionally, Final Fantasy Resonance and the surprise hit Star Wars: Galactic Racer received significant support from fans throughout the voting period.
5Combat Mechanics Debate
While many praise the game's beauty, some players have expressed concerns regarding combat readability and precision. Critics of the mechanics compare it unfavorably to titles like Sekiro, noting that the screen can become cluttered with animations, leading to a chaotic experience that relies heavily on parrying and aggressive button inputs.
6Difficulty Discrepancies
A recurring point of discussion among players is the game's difficulty level. Some users suggest that the version played by reviewers may have been easier than the final retail build. This has led to frustration for those expecting a straightforward power fantasy, as many bosses present significant, soulslike challenges to players.
7Star Wars: Galactic Racer
Star Wars: Galactic Racer emerged as the primary challenger to Phantom Blade Zero, with many fans citing it as their personal game of the year. Players praised its fun, engaging racing mechanics, noting it is the most enjoyable title in the genre they have experienced since the classic PlayStation 2 era.
8Final Fantasy Resonance Appeal
Final Fantasy Resonance garnered significant votes for its traditional JRPG roots and effective use of HD-2D technology. Fans of the franchise appreciated the turn-based gameplay and pixel art style, viewing it as a successful callback to the series' origins while providing a refreshing experience amidst a month of action-heavy releases.
9The Role of Demos
Several community members expressed hesitation in purchasing new titles without access to a demo or trial version. The absence of a playable preview for Phantom Blade Zero left some potential players uncertain about whether the game's specific style of action combat would align with their personal preferences and current gaming fatigue.
10Community Voting Dynamics
The voting process, which concluded on November 5th, 2026, highlighted the difficulty of choosing a single winner in a month filled with high-quality releases. Readers frequently noted that they enjoyed multiple titles simultaneously, making the selection process a difficult compromise between different genres like racing, turn-based RPGs, and action games.
11Developer S-GAME's Milestone
For the emerging studio S-GAME, this victory marks a significant milestone in their development history. Successfully launching a new intellectual property and securing a Game of the Month title against established franchises like Call of Duty and Final Fantasy underscores the studio's growing influence and technical capability within the industry.
12Lasting Impact of October
October 2026 will be remembered as a pivotal month for the PlayStation 5, defined by a high volume of quality releases. The success of Phantom Blade Zero reflects a broader trend of players embracing ambitious new action titles, even when those games present complex design challenges and high difficulty curves.
Original article: Push Square — Phantom Blade Zero Wins October 2026 Game of the Month