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, unlocking the Forge of the Gods—a place where he can craft extraordinary weapons to combat the formidable army of Queen Nereia. Prepare for a 60-70 hour adventure.
Journey through a breathtaking yet brutal fantasy world teeming with magical creatures like trolls and elementals. Explore enchanted forests and vibrant fields rendered in a striking visual style reminiscent of Blizzard's work—exaggerated proportions, monumental architecture, and a world brimming with grandeur. Encounter unique enemies, including stocky soldiers reminiscent of Gears of War's Locust, adding a distinctive flavor to the experience.
Blades of Fire offers an unparalleled weapon crafting system and innovative combat mechanics, setting it apart from typical action games:
Forge your destiny through a deep weapon modification system. Begin with a basic template, then customize its size, shape, material, and other parameters, drastically influencing its performance. Conclude the creation process with a skill-based mini-game, controlling the force, length, and angle of your strikes to determine the weapon's quality and durability. For convenience, instantly recreate previously forged weapons.
Develop a strong bond with your creations. The developers encourage players to forge lasting relationships with their weapons, using the same gear throughout their journey. While death means leaving your weapon behind, you can retrieve it by returning to the location. Carry up to four weapon types, switching seamlessly in combat. Each weapon boasts unique stances, allowing for powerful slashing or thrusting attacks. Forget looting—in Blades of Fire, you create your arsenal. Seven weapon types await, from halberds to dual axes.
Master a directional combat system. Strike at the face, torso, left, or right, exploiting enemy weaknesses. Outsmart heavily armored foes by targeting unguarded areas. Face challenging bosses, such as trolls, with unique health bars vulnerable only after severing limbs—sever an arm wielding a club, or destroy a boss's face for a temporary blinding effect. Stamina, crucial for attacks and dodges, doesn't regenerate automatically; hold the block button to replenish it.
While reviewers acknowledge potential shortcomings like uneven difficulty and a sometimes unintuitive forging mechanic, the unique setting and revolutionary combat system more than compensate.
Blades of Fire launches May 22, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Epic Games Store).
