Is it Open World? - Phantom Blade Zero

It is not an Open World

Phantom Blade Zero is a a "Semi-Open World." Coming from the developers themselves, the Phantom world is "not an open world" nor a "linear adventure from beginning to end."

What is an Open World?

An "Open World" game, by recent convention, is seen as a game whose progression and exploration are non-linear. Exploration is the main focus of the game, and often all these maps you discover are connected in some way. The main storyline can also be put aside for side quests and doing other activities.

Above is the game, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which is considered by many as an "Open World" game. In Breath of the Wild, a lot have finished the game by utilizing shortcuts leading to the last boss right away or by obtaining better weapons earlier on. This goes with the non-linear set-up of an "Open World" game.

Phantom Blade Zero as Semi-Open World

Breaking down the aspects of an Open World game, it has the following features, and whether Phantom Blade Zero has such features:

So, we cannot consider Phantom Blade Zero as an Open World game.

Non-linear Progression

Soul, the protagonist, can move freely back to discovered areas. So, you do not need to worry about missing items from an area once you move to the next map. There are also side quests that Soul can explore first.

Explorable Areas

According to the developers, there are secrets and surprises that you can find while exploring the area. The game only offers you a rough sense of direction. It is up to you to discover the rest.

Multiple Maps Connected

Although the developers mentioned that the maps for the game are "seemlessly connected," it is not the same connection as what an Open World game offers. Instead, there are bells that allow Soul to fast travel in different areas.

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