Become Aran de Lir, a blacksmith and warrior whose life takes a tragic turn, thrusting him into a quest of epic proportions. He discovers a magical hammer, granting him access to the Forge of the Gods, where he'll craft extraordinary weapons to combat Queen Nereia's formidable army. Prepare for a 60-70 hour adventure.
Journey through a breathtaking yet brutal fantasy world teeming with magical creatures—enchanted forests and blooming fields are home to trolls, elementals, and more. The game's visual style is striking, featuring exaggerated proportions reminiscent of Blizzard's iconic designs: massive limbs, imposing buildings, and a monumental environment that creates a truly grand scale. Encounter unique enemy types, including stocky soldiers reminiscent of Gears of War's Locust, adding a distinctive flavor to the combat.
Blades of Fire boasts an unparalleled weapon modification system and innovative combat mechanics, setting it apart from typical action games:
The forging process begins with selecting a basic weapon template. Customize it extensively, adjusting size, shape, material, and other parameters to fine-tune its characteristics. The creation culminates in a skill-based mini-game: precisely control the strength, length, and angle of your strikes to determine the weapon's quality and durability before it breaks. For ease of use, instantly recreate previously forged weapons. The developers encourage a strong bond between player and weapon, fostering a sense of attachment that extends throughout your journey. While death means leaving your weapon behind, you can always retrieve it from your fallen location. Carry up to four weapon types, switching seamlessly in combat. Each weapon offers unique stances, allowing for varied attacks like slashing or thrusting. Forget scavenging—you’ll craft every weapon yourself. Seven distinct weapon types are available, from halberds to dual axes.
Combat is directional; strike at the face, torso, left, or right, exploiting enemy weaknesses. If an enemy guards their face, target their body. Certain bosses, like trolls, have secondary health bars, vulnerable only after severing a limb—perhaps disabling their club-wielding arm or blinding them by destroying their face. Stamina, crucial for attacks and dodges, doesn't regenerate automatically; hold the block button to recover it.
Reviewers acknowledge potential shortcomings: a perceived lack of content, uneven difficulty, and a forging mechanic that may require some adjustment. However, the unique setting and combat system effectively compensate for these minor flaws.
Blades of Fire launches May 22, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Epic Games Store).
