Blades of Fire: The First Preview

My hands-on time with MercurySteam's Blades of Fire defied initial expectations. Initially reminiscent of their Castlevania: Lords of Shadow series, modernized with a God of War sheen, it quickly revealed Soulslike mechanics, prioritizing weapon stats over character sheets. Ultimately, it's neither a direct clone nor a simple amalgamation; it’s a unique blend of familiar elements and innovative ideas, forging a fresh action-adventure experience.

While visually echoing God of War's dark fantasy aesthetic, heavy attacks, and close-camera perspective, Blades of Fire carves its own path. The opening hours, featuring a young companion aiding in puzzle-solving and a quest involving a wild woman dwelling atop a colossal beast, share similarities, yet the overall feel remains distinct. The inclusion of anvil-shaped checkpoints, restoring health potions and respawning enemies, further hints at Soulslike influence, but the execution is uniquely its own.

The game's 1980s fantasy aesthetic is striking. Imagine Conan the Barbarian alongside bizarre, Labyrinth-esque creatures – orangutans bouncing on bamboo pogo sticks, for example. The narrative, centered on an evil queen turning steel to stone and a blacksmith demigod's quest for redemption, feels somewhat generic, reminiscent of forgotten Xbox 360-era titles. However, the core gameplay mechanics are where Blades of Fire truly shines.

Combat utilizes directional attacks, employing all face buttons for targeted strikes – head, torso, and left/right swipes. Mastering enemy stance reading is crucial for exploiting weaknesses, delivering satisfyingly visceral blows. The first boss encounter, a troll, highlighted this system's brilliance; dismemberment, dictated by attack angle, allowed strategic disabling and even facial removal.

Weapon management is central. Stamina, unlike automatic regeneration, requires manual restoration via the block button. While Soulslike influences are apparent in attack pattern recognition and precise dodge/block/parry timings, the risk/reward dynamic is less punishing. The directional attack system necessitates a unique control scheme, repositioning blocking to the left trigger, initially demanding a mental shift.

Once adapted, the unique mechanics took precedence. The weapon system allows different stances (slashing or thrusting), demanding enemy assessment for optimal effectiveness. This adds a layer of tactical depth beyond typical Soulslike combat.

Blades of Fire Screenshots

Weapons are paramount. Repeated use dulls blades, reducing damage, requiring sharpening stones or stance changes (edge and tip wear independently). This tangible wear and tear adds depth. Weapons also have a durability meter, eventually shattering, demanding repair at anvils or re-crafting. This leads to Blades of Fire's most innovative feature: the forge.

Weapon creation begins with template selection, followed by customization (length, spearhead shape, etc.), directly influencing stats. Material choice affects weight and stamina consumption. Finally, the player physically hammers the metal on an anvil via a minigame, matching a curved line by arranging vertical bars. Overworking weakens the weapon, demanding precision. The star rating obtained determines repair frequency before permanent loss.

The forge's concept is exceptional, adding a skill layer to crafting. However, the minigame's obtuse nature, lacking clear connection between strikes and metal shaping, needs refinement. Improved tutorials are essential to prevent frustration.

The forge encourages deep weapon attachment, crucial for the 60-70 hour campaign. New materials allow re-forging, adapting to challenges. Death results in weapon loss, demanding recovery. This creates a meaningful bond, unlike easily replenished souls.

While Blades of Fire draws inspiration from Dark Souls, God of War, and its own legacy (Blade of Darkness), it transcends mere imitation. The game's unique blend of systems creates a distinct identity. Concerns remain about the generic setting's suitability for a lengthy campaign and repetitive enemy encounters. However, the deep weapon forging and combat mechanics make Blades of Fire a compelling prospect, potentially offering a fascinating contribution to the action genre.