Become Aran de Lir, a blacksmith and warrior whose life takes a tragic turn, propelling him on a quest of vengeance and discovery. He unearths a magical hammer, granting him access to the Forge of the Gods, where he'll craft extraordinary 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, all rendered in a striking visual style reminiscent of Blizzard's work—exaggerated proportions, monumental architecture, and a grand, imposing world. Encounter unique enemies, including stocky soldiers reminiscent of Gears of War's Locust, adding a distinct flavor to the conflict.
Blades of Fire boasts an unparalleled weapon modification system and a revolutionary combat mechanic, setting it apart from typical action games:
Forge your weapons from scratch, starting with a basic template. Customize its size, shape, material, and other attributes, directly impacting performance. A precision mini-game then tests your skill; the strength, length, and angle of your strikes determine the weapon's quality and durability. For convenience, instantly recreate previously forged weapons. Develop a deep emotional connection with your creations; though lost upon death, they can be retrieved from your fallen location. Carry up to four weapon types, seamlessly switching between them, each with unique stances for slashing, thrusting, and more. Instead of finding weapons, you craft them—seven distinct types await, from halberds to dual axes.
Master a directional combat system. Target specific areas—face, torso, left, or right—exploiting enemy weaknesses. Strategic dismemberment is key; severing a troll's limb or destroying its face opens up unique attack opportunities. Stamina, crucial for attacks and dodges, doesn't regenerate automatically; strategic blocking is essential for recovery.
While some reviewers point to potential shortcomings in content variety, difficulty balance, and forging system intuitiveness, the unique setting and combat system significantly mitigate these drawbacks.
Blades of Fire launches May 22, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Epic Games Store).
