Blade Chimera, developed by PLAYISM, Team Ladybug, and WSS Playground, is a must-play for any Metroidvania fan on the Nintendo Switch. In this review, we’ll delve into what makes this game stand out.
In Blade Chimera, you step into the shoes of Shin, a demon hunter suffering from amnesia. Interestingly, you partner with Lux, a shapeshifting demon sword, which is quite ironic given your demon-hunting job. Lux isn’t just any sword; she’s a superb ally who not only can attack and defend but can also morph into platforms to help you reach places otherwise unreachable. Her assistance will prove invaluable as you navigate the futuristic city of Osaka.
Upon starting the game, you’ll find yourself maneuvering Shin with either the analog stick or D-Pad, jumping with the A button, and attacking with B. Your secondary attack, depending on the item equipped, is executed with Y, while L allows for dodging. R is reserved for special skills that consume your MP.
Lux is controlled with the X button and offers numerous abilities: attack, form a protective barrier, and transform into objects from the past when time distortions permit. She’s also essential for platforming, as she can latch onto grapple points and even restore a bit of your health after defeating foes.
On your journey, you’ll gain experience points from vanquishing enemies and bosses, which leads to leveling up. Leveling boosts your stats, heightens your attack prowess, and fortifies your defense. The game’s world is filled with hidden items to increase your maximum HP and MP, so exploration is key.
You’ll accrue currency as you eliminate enemies, allowing you to purchase essential items like Life Elixirs, Energy Drinks, and Miracle Mixes, just to name a few. These items restore health, replenish magic, and cure ailments, ensuring you’re always prepared for challenges ahead. There’s also the opportunity to buy new weapons or sell items for extra cash. Don’t forget to check in with HQ for side missions to earn some extra dough.
Earning Skill Points as you level up allows you to unlock skills crucial for progression. The Metroidvania nature of Blade Chimera means some areas can’t be reached without certain skills. For instance, mastering the Air Dash is vital not only for dodging attacks mid-jump but also for crossing larger gaps. Another handy skill is the double jump, which, when combined with Air Dash, enables you to reach those higher platforms.
Blade Chimera isn’t just another Metroidvania game; it’s a unique adventure on the Switch. The combination of playing as Shin with no memory and partnering with Lux, a demon sword, makes for an intriguing dynamic. Lux’s ability to fight, shield, and aid in platforming will be crucial as you uncover the mysteries of cyberpunk Osaka.
Make sure to defeat every enemy you encounter. They not only give you the experience needed to level up and strengthen Shin, but they also drop items and weapons. Sometimes, you’ll find rare treasures like the overpowered Chakram I came across, which significantly boosted my combat capabilities!
Blade Chimera is available on the Nintendo Switch for $19.99, offering a rich gaming experience for those seeking a solid Metroidvania with a cyberpunk twist.
Please note that this review was based on a copy of Blade Chimera provided by PLAYISM.
