I’m sitting here trying to wrap my head around how a studio like MercurySteam, which let’s face it, has an impressive track record, went on a creative leap with “Blades of Fire”. Founded in 2002—yeah, that long ago—they’ve given us gems like “Castlevania: Lords of Shadow”, “Metroid: Samus Returns”, and “Metroid Dread”. But here they are, bursting through the door with a new IP for the first time in what, like ten years? “Blades of Fire” lands us smack in a fantasy action-adventure world with a twist on that infamous Soulslike style. It’s like they wanted to set everything ablaze, quite literally, I guess.
Now, the combat—it’s wild, unpredictable, keeps you on edge. Imagine mixing a traffic light system (yeah, you read that right) into your battle routine. Green means go for it, smack ‘em as hard as you want. Orange is a warning, you’re gonna want to proceed with caution. Red? Back off, you’re wasting your time. Quite innovative, I’d say, and it throws you into this constant dance of changing tactics. Keeps you alive and alert through the carnage. Yet for all its brilliance, there’s something that just doesn’t let “Blades of Fire” reach its full potential.
The storytelling, though? Kind of a mixed bag, if you ask me. You step into the grizzled shoes of Aran de Lira, wielding one of those ever-mysterious Forgers’ Hammers. With your buddy Adso, you’re off to topple some tyrannical queen. Sounds straightforward, but the execution? It stumbles. Sure, there are moments that tug on the heartstrings, sprinkle in those twists and turns that are supposed to make you go “whoa,” but then the awkward jokes punch you back into reality. Ever had a serious moment interrupted by an off-hand comment? Yeah, it’s like that.
And don’t get me started on the loop—combat intertwined with weapon crafting from scratch. Crafting’s deep, but a bit overwhelming at first, until it clicks and you’re crafting specialized weapons like a boss. Take a deep breath, adjust your parry window here, a bit of damage increase there, and voila! You’re all set for the next challenge. It’s that satisfying mix of preparation and execution, always keeps you craving more.
But oh boy, the pace, oh the pacing! The regions you explore are like a treasure hunt gone maniacally wrong. It’s fun, and then it gets overwhelming, then fun again. Intricate? Yes. Sometimes too intricate, like “Where was I going again?” trying to remember which path doesn’t lead to a dead end. Some levels stretch into labyrinthine nightmares, pushing your patience, and that’s just half the battle. The real kicker? Yep, those bosses. Some just steamroll right over you, one-hit KOs. Fun? Not really. Makes it feel like they missed a memo on balance.
“Blades of Fire” dangles greatness ever so tantalizingly. Thrilling combos and the creativity of weapon crafting hold you in the fierce grip of engagement, yet too many jolting stops on the momentum leave you puzzled. Like a sword that’s shiny and sharp but nicked and scarred, leaving its master to trip over their own skill. You can’t deny the charm and ambition, but maybe, just maybe, it’s trying a tad hard to blaze a trail just a bit too brightly. Still, for any thrill-seeker out there, worth a swing, wouldn’t you say? May 22nd is the date, gear up for the adventure—who knows, you might just find yourself lost in its fiery allure.
