You will take on the role of Aran de Lir, a blacksmith and warrior whose life changes after a personal tragedy. He discovers a magical hammer that grants him access to the Forge of the Gods, where he can create unique weapons capable of standing against the army of Queen Nereia. Completing the game will take approximately 60–70 hours.

The game is set in a rich fantasy world that is both beautiful and brutal. Players will encounter magical creatures such as trolls and elementals roaming through enchanted forests and blooming fields. The visual style of the game stands out with its exaggerated proportions, reminiscent of Blizzard's work: characters with massive limbs, buildings with thick walls, and an overall monumental environment that creates a sense of grandeur. The world is also populated by stocky soldiers resembling the Locust from Gears of War, adding a unique flavor to the game.

The game offers an incredible weapon modification system and a unique combat mechanic, ensuring it doesn’t become just another typical action game:

  • The forging process begins with selecting a basic template, which can be modified by changing its size, shape, material, and other parameters that affect the weapon's characteristics. The creation process concludes with a mini-game where you must control the strength, length, and angle of your strikes on the metal. The outcome determines the weapon's quality and the number of repairs it can undergo before breaking completely.
  • For convenience, players can instantly recreate weapons they have forged previously.
  • The developers aim to make players emotionally attached to their weapons, encouraging them to use the same gear throughout their journey. If the player dies, the weapon is left behind, but it can be retrieved by returning to the death location.
  • Players can carry up to four types of weapons, switching between them on the fly. Each weapon has its own stances, allowing for actions like slashing or thrusting.
  • Instead of finding weapons in the game world, you will craft them yourself. There are seven weapon types available, ranging from halberds to dual axes.

The combat system is based on directional attacks: you can strike at the face, torso, left, or right. For example, if an enemy is guarding their face, you can attack their body, and vice versa. Some bosses, like trolls, have an additional health bar that only becomes vulnerable after severing a limb. For instance, you can cut off the arm holding a club or even destroy the boss's face, temporarily blinding them. Stamina, required for attacks and dodges, does not regenerate automatically—you must hold the block button to restore it.

Reviewers note that the game may suffer from a lack of content, uneven difficulty, and a forging mechanic that isn’t always intuitive. However, the unique setting and combat system help compensate for these shortcomings.

Blades of Fire will release on May 22, 2025, for current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series) and PC (EGS).

Main image: store.playstation.com

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