Become Aran de Lir, a blacksmith and warrior whose life takes a tragic turn, thrusting him into a quest for vengeance. He discovers a magical hammer, unlocking the Forge of the Gods, where he'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 like trolls and elementals. Explore enchanted forests and vibrant fields within a visually stunning landscape. The art style boasts exaggerated proportions reminiscent of Blizzard's iconic designs—massive limbs, imposing structures, and a monumental scale that evokes a sense of epic grandeur. Encounter unique enemy designs, including stocky soldiers reminiscent of Gears of War's Locust, adding a distinctive flavor to the world.
Blades of Fire offers an unparalleled weapon crafting system and innovative combat mechanics, setting it apart from typical action games:
Forge your arsenal by selecting basic weapon templates, then meticulously customize their size, shape, material, and other attributes impacting performance. Conclude the creation process with a challenging mini-game, precisely controlling the force, length, and angle of your strikes to determine the weapon's quality and durability. For added convenience, instantly recreate previously forged weapons.
Develop a deep emotional connection with your creations; the developers encourage players to forge lasting bonds with their weapons. Should you fall in battle, your weapon remains at the scene, awaiting your return. Carry up to four weapon types, switching seamlessly during combat. Each weapon boasts unique stances—slash, thrust, and more—allowing for strategic combat choices.
Forget scavenging; you are the weapon master. Craft seven distinct weapon types, from halberds to dual axes. Engage in directional combat, targeting the head, torso, or limbs. Outsmart enemies guarding their faces by attacking their exposed bodies. Face formidable bosses, like trolls, with an additional health bar vulnerable only after severing a limb—sever an arm wielding a club, or even 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 limited content, uneven difficulty, and a sometimes-unintuitive forging mechanic, the unique setting and combat system significantly mitigate these drawbacks.
Blades of Fire launches May 22nd, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Epic Games Store).
