When I sat down to play developer MercurySteam's latest project, Blades of Fire, I initially anticipated a return to the studio's roots with their Castlevania: Lords of Shadow series, but with a modern twist reminiscent of God of War. However, as I delved deeper into the game, it became clear that Blades of Fire is a unique blend of influences, crafting a fresh take on the action-adventure genre.
At first glance, Blades of Fire might be mistaken for a God of War clone due to its dark fantasy setting, heavy-hitting combat, and third-person perspective. The game's opening hours introduced me to a labyrinthine world filled with treasure chests, accompanied by a young companion, Adso, who assists in puzzle-solving and adds depth to the lore. Together, we sought a woman of the wilds who resided in a house atop a giant creature. Yet, the game also borrows heavily from FromSoftware's Souls series, with anvil-shaped checkpoints that restore health potions and respawn enemies, adding a familiar yet distinct flavor to the gameplay.
Blades of Fire features some deeply strange enemies that feel like dark cousins of Labyrinth's puppets. | Image credit: MercurySteam / 505 Games
The game's aesthetic evokes a nostalgic 1980s fantasy vibe, where characters like Conan the Barbarian would fit right in among the muscular soldiers, and whimsical enemies reminiscent of Jim Henson's Labyrinth bounce around on bamboo pogo sticks. The narrative, centered around an evil queen who has turned steel into stone, feels somewhat retro and video game-y, reminiscent of the Xbox 360 era. While the story and characters may not be the game's strongest suit, the mechanical aspects shine brightly.
Blades of Fire boasts a combat system that utilizes directional attacks, engaging every face button on the controller. On a PlayStation pad, triangle targets the head, cross the torso, while square and circle swipe left and right. This system requires careful observation of enemy stances to break through defenses effectively. For instance, a soldier guarding their face can be defeated by targeting their torso. The visceral impact of combat is enhanced by the graphic depiction of wounds and blood trails.
The game's first major boss, a slobbering troll, exemplifies the combat system's depth. To defeat it, you must dismember specific limbs based on your attack angle, such as detaching its club-swinging arm or even cutting off its face to blind it temporarily. This level of interaction with enemies sets Blades of Fire apart.
Weapons in Blades of Fire are central to the gameplay, requiring constant attention. They dull with use, necessitating sharpening stones or switching stances to maintain effectiveness. Each weapon has a durability meter, and when it shatters, you can repair it at an anvil checkpoint or melt it down for crafting new weapons.
Blades of Fire Screenshots
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The game's most innovative feature is its extensive weapon crafting system. Starting with a basic template, you can customize every aspect of your weapon, from the length of a spear's pole to the shape of its head, affecting its stats and stamina demands. The crafting process culminates in a detailed minigame where you hammer out the metal on an anvil, aiming to match a curved line with vertical bars to avoid overworking the steel. Your performance is rated with stars, influencing how often you can repair your weapon before it breaks permanently.
The forging minigame is a great idea that feels a little too obtuse. | Image credit: MercurySteam / 505 Games
While the forging minigame is a novel concept, it can be frustratingly obtuse, lacking clear feedback on how strikes affect the metal's shape. Hopefully, future updates will refine this feature to enhance the overall experience.
MercurySteam's vision for Blades of Fire extends beyond the demo, aiming for a 60-70 hour journey where players forge deep connections with their weapons. As you explore and find new materials, you can reforge your weapons to meet new challenges. The death system adds a layer of attachment, as you drop your weapon upon defeat and must recover it from the world.
The game's influences are evident, drawing from Dark Souls, God of War, and even MercurySteam's own Blade of Darkness. However, Blades of Fire transcends these inspirations, creating a unique experience that stands on its own merits.
Aran is joined by his young companion, Adso, who can help solve puzzles and comment on the world's lore. | Image credit: MercurySteam / 505 Games
Despite some concerns about the game's generic dark fantasy setting and potential lack of variety in enemy encounters, the depth of the weapon system and its integration with combat mechanics is compelling. In an era where complex games like Elden Ring and Monster Hunter have captured mainstream attention, Blades of Fire has the potential to offer a fascinating addition to the genre.
