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Phantom Blade Zero Meets God of War Ragnarök in Upcoming Steam Action Game Hit
A hands-on preview of Tides of Annihilation describes a forthcoming action game with more in common with God of War (2018) and Ragnarök than its Soulslike influences. Its mix of fast combat, Arthurian fantasy and a devastated modern London has the writer eager to see how it develops.
The preview followed about 45 minutes of play at Gamescom 2026. Players control Gwendolyn, who fights the Fog and its creatures using attacks, dodges, parries and finishing moves, alongside equippable knights inspired by the Round Table. Her character design has already prompted debate, and the writer says the brief demo cannot establish how the full game will portray her.
In short
- Tides of Annihilation blends action combat with Arthurian fantasy.
- Its preview draws comparisons to God of War.
- Gwendolyn’s design has sparked debate among players.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The preview gives reason to see Tides of Annihilation as a promising action game: its quick, varied combat, Arthurian setting and ruined modern London could combine familiar strengths in a distinctive way. A short hands-on demo can convey how the combat feels, and the writer’s enthusiasm is a fair response to that experience.
The case against
A 45-minute demo offers only a limited view of a game still in development, so its combat, story and use of its setting may change or prove less compelling over a full playthrough. The comparison with established action games may also set expectations the finished game does not meet, while the debate over Gwendolyn’s design cannot be settled from this brief preview.