MercurySteam’s level of ambition is clearly undeniable. For years, the company has done quite well with known franchises like Metroid and Castlevania. It not only respected the material at hand, but added new direction with its games. I’m still enjoying Metroid Dread, and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is no doubt a classic. But what happens when they try something original, as they have with 505 Games’ Blades of Fire?
Well, mixed elements, actually. On the one hand, there’s some gusto with the game’s battle system. It borrows quite a bit from a Souls-like approach, but adds sweet customization and tactical points to strike. There’s also some other cool elements when it comes to the boss battles.
That said, however, the story isn’t quite…up there? It’s great to see new territory, but I expected the writing to be more up to par. Plus the art style, while sharp on the PS5, doesn’t quite measure up with the other action greats. Finally, its difficulty will surely turn off some – especially those not into Souls-style experiences.
Blades of Fire has lots of great moments, provided you’ve got the strength to stick it out. The lack of a fulfilling story may turn off some, along with the ongoing grind with gameplay. That said, I can see the heart MercurySteam poured into it, and I’m sure die-hard fans will happily embrace this sword.
With Blades of Fire, It’s All About the Forgers
So, you see, there were these powerful beings known as the Forgers. They could make amazing weapons. But in the wake of a devastating event, they decided to turn their wares to select human beings. And good thing too, because Queen Nerea – a leader thought to be noble – is ruling the land with an iron fist. That’s where you step in with Aran, a hero with a knack for weapon-making.
And that’s how the game begins. Alas, as I worked my way through Blades of Fire, I didn’t feel quite compelled with the story. Maybe it was the lack of characters to really care about (though Adso is my boy!), or the fact it doesn’t do much with its material. At least, compared to other AAA efforts. That may turn off those looking for a thrilling reason to push forward.
That said, there are moments where the combat is really cool. See, you can strike certain points on enemies using the face buttons on your controller. This adds a degree of depth to the usual hack and slash, which pays off with those punishing final blows. That said, it also serves as a negative when it comes to bosses. Some of them can take a good while to defeat with this system.
Of course, being a Forger by name, you can make your weapon into something really cool. That’s probably the big thing that stands out with Blades of Fire – making the experience your own. It can take time to craft the ultimate “beat stick,” as it were, to take out adversaries. But patience will truly pay off when you begin smacking around foes with your tool of the trade. I do like the mini-game involved here to obtain extra Forge Stars, as they’re dubbed.
The gameplay is good, but word of warning. This game is hard. Even on a lighter difficulty setting, you’re likely to end up bombarded with hits and cheap deaths. That’s a Souls-like approach for you. But patient players may find a reason to stick around, especially as they finally craft their dream weapon of choice. And, as I mentioned above, Adso is a great addition to the game, even if the other characters don’t hold up as well.
There are hours’ worth of questing here, but it all depends on how much you get into the story and battle system. Rookies will likely get turned right off within the first hour, and those looking for a whopper of a tale may find disappointment. But there’s some merit for those that stick by it, especially with the later boss battles. Just be ready for a fight. Hoo boy, you will get one.
Not a Bad Looking Game, But…
For its first “original” effort in a while, MercurySteam doesn’t do bad with Blades of Fire. But, surprisingly, it doesn’t quite go all out either.
On the one hand, the visuals are smooth on the PS5. And the combat is visceral enough to get joy out of slaughtering incoming opponents. That said, however, the art style does come up a bit short in terms of next-gen push. And some of the characters, particularly the queen you’re going up against, are a bit bland. Was she inspired by someone from Diablo, I wonder? At least the weapon system screens are cool.
As for the sound, it’s not bad. The music isn’t amazing but there are some good themes here. And the weapon effects and occasional voicework do live up to the theme of the game. But, again, there’s nothing amazingly standing out. It’s just…there.
Requiring Steel-y Nerve
I found Blades of Fire to be less adaptable than some of MercurySteam’s other hits. Maybe they intended it that way, pushing to create a Souls-like experience that defines them. That’s a plus and minus, since it’ll draw in die-hard fans of the genre…and turn off many others. The lack of a truly memorable story doesn’t help either.
Still, those that stick with it will find lots of cool forging options, as well as a battle system that really makes you work. If that’s your kind of thing – or you’re just impatient waiting for the next Elden Ring to show up on your doorstep – dig in.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to 505 Games for providing us a review code! Blades of Fire is available now for Xbox, PlayStationand PC via Epic Games Store!
Need another medieval challenge? Check out our review of Doom: The Dark Ages!
