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 distinctive visual style, reminiscent of Blizzard's work, features exaggerated proportions: massive limbs, thick-walled buildings, and a monumental environment that evokes a sense of grandeur. Encounter unique enemies, including stocky soldiers reminiscent of Gears of War's Locust, adding a distinctive flavor to this rich fantasy setting.
Blades of Fire offers an unparalleled weapon crafting system and innovative combat mechanics, setting it apart from typical action games.
The forging process begins by selecting a basic weapon template, customizable in size, shape, material, and other parameters affecting its characteristics. A mini-game concludes the process, requiring precise control of strike strength, length, and angle to determine weapon quality and durability before breaking. For convenience, previously forged weapons can be instantly recreated.
Developers aim to foster a strong emotional connection between player and weapon, encouraging the use of the same equipment throughout the journey. Weapons are dropped upon death but can be retrieved from the death location. Players can carry up to four weapon types, switching seamlessly. Each weapon boasts unique stances, allowing for slashing, thrusting, and other actions. Instead of finding weapons, you craft them—seven types are available, from halberds to dual axes.
Combat utilizes directional attacks targeting the face, torso, left, or right. Exploit enemy weaknesses—attack a guarded face by targeting the body. Some bosses, like trolls, possess an additional health bar vulnerable only after severing a limb (e.g., cutting off an arm holding a club, or destroying their face for temporary blindness). Stamina, vital for attacks and dodges, doesn't regenerate automatically; hold the block button to recover it.
While reviewers note potential shortcomings like limited content, uneven difficulty, and a sometimes unintuitive forging mechanic, the unique setting and combat system largely compensate.
Blades of Fire launches May 22, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Epic Games Store).
