Become Aran de Lir, a blacksmith and warrior whose life takes a tragic turn, igniting a quest for vengeance. Discover a magical hammer, granting access to the Forge of the Gods, where you'll craft unique 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 and elementals. The game's distinctive visual style, reminiscent of Blizzard's work, features exaggerated proportions: massive limbs, thick-walled buildings, and a monumental environment creating a sense of epic scale. Encounter unique enemies, including stocky soldiers reminiscent of Gears of War's Locust, adding a distinctive flavor to the world.
Blades of Fire boasts an unparalleled weapon modification system and innovative combat mechanics, setting it apart from typical action games:
Forge your destiny by selecting basic weapon templates and customizing them extensively. Adjust size, shape, material, and other parameters, directly influencing weapon characteristics. Conclude the creation process with a skill-based mini-game, controlling the strength, length, and angle of your strikes to determine weapon quality and durability. For convenience, instantly recreate previously forged weapons.
Develop a deep emotional connection with your creations. Weapons are persistent; if you die, they remain at your death location, awaiting retrieval. Carry up to four weapon types, switching seamlessly. Each weapon features unique stances, allowing for slashing, thrusting, and more. Forget looting—you craft your arsenal. Seven weapon types, from halberds to dual axes, await your creation.
Master a directional combat system, targeting the face, torso, left, or right. Exploit enemy weaknesses: attack unguarded body parts. Face challenging bosses, such as trolls, with additional health bars vulnerable only after severing limbs. Sever a club-wielding arm, destroy a face to temporarily blind your opponent. Stamina, crucial for attacks and dodges, doesn't regenerate automatically; hold the block button to recover it.
While some reviewers cite potential shortcomings like limited content, uneven difficulty, and a sometimes unintuitive forging mechanic, the unique setting and combat system more than compensate.
Blades of Fire launches May 22, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Epic Games Store).
