Blades of Fire arrives this Thursday, with our review calling it a sleeper hit in the character-action genre. Aran de Lira and Adso de Velk’s quest to take down an evil queen seems straightforward at first, but this game has more layers than expected.
No more spoilers though, here are five essential things to know before diving into Blades of Fire:
This is a Metroidvania with Soulslike Mechanics
Sure, the words Metroidvania and Soulslike feel overused these days, especially when mentioned together, but Blades of Fire pulls off the hybrid formula remarkably well. It blends both styles into a wild action-adventure experience, albeit, with some awkward mechanics here and there.
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+ 5Most of the time, you’ll find yourself backtracking across long distances just to grab that one key item, only to then face off against hordes of enemies that respawn every time you rest at the nearest Forge. It’s grueling, but rewarding.
It’s Okay To Get Lost
Getting lost is an intentional part of Blades of Fire’s world design, and it’s okay. While it may frustrate players who prefer clearer guidance (myself included), the payoff for exploring is worth it. Straying from the main path often leads to hidden chests containing stamina and health upgrades, reminiscent of the classic God of War games.
click to enlarge+ 5In my review, I discussed at length how frustrating it can be to circle back repeatedly without a clear objective. The game offers little direction at times, which is a baffling choice from the devs given how tedious the backtracking can get. Still, it does let us enjoy the gorgeous environments.
Forging The Perfect Weapon Takes Time
Weapon forging is one of Blades of Fire’s strongest mechanics, and my personal favorite feature. You won’t forge the perfect weapon right away; it takes time, effort, and gathering the right materials. Players can mess around with random weapons like Swords, Axes and Spears for the first few hours. In the end, you'll find a perfect weapon suited to your play style.
click to enlarge+ 5Keep an eye out for the Seneschals, statue-like figures holding weapons. You might have seen them in the demo, standing menacingly. They’re key to unlocking new resources and enhancing your ideal weapon loadout.
It’s a Game With Secrets
As with any good Metroidvania, Blades of Fire is packed with secrets. You’ll have questions during the first few hours, but they will get answered as you progress. The game gradually reveals the depths of its dark fantasy world as you keep playing.
click to enlarge+ 5You’ll come across mystical runes that may not seem significant at first. Trust me, they’ll matter later, especially in the post-game content where the challenges ramp up.
Listen to Adso
Adso is the Atreus to Aran’s Kratos. Their dynamic is one of the most charming aspects of Blades of Fire’s story. Their bond brings warmth and levity to the journey. While some of Adso’s lines get repetitive, it pays to listen to when he talks.
He’s not omniscient, but Adso knows more than most about the world’s mysteries. This guide offers lore insight on characters, locations, and plot threads. You can also browse his illustrations and notes via the Menu to learn more about your enemies and surroundings.
click to enlarge+ 5Those are the essential non-spoilery tips you need before jumping into Blades of Fire, MercurySteam’s latest title following the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow trilogy and Metroid Dread. For more on Blades of Fire, stay with us at Gfinityesports.com, your go-to source for all things action-adventure.
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