MercurySteam, known for their work on Metroid Dread and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, returns to the action-adventure genre with Blades of Fire. Released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Epic Games Store, this title promises a blend of intricate weapon crafting and strategic combat, all within a richly realized fantasy world.

Key Features at a Glance

• Robust weapon customization: seven weapon families and 30+ Forge Scrolls to experiment with.
• Tactical combat: target specific enemy body parts and adapt to over 50 unique foes.
• Atmospheric environments: from twisting palace mazes to looming castles.
• Advanced visuals: AMD Fidelity Super Resolution and frame generation support for smooth gameplay on a range of hardware.

Story and Setting

Players step into the boots of Aran de Lira, caught in a kingdom overshadowed by the iron-fisted Queen Nerea. Her curse turns steel to stone, making every act of resistance a dangerous gamble. The setting stands out for its labyrinthine architecture and moody lighting, though some early reports suggest the level design can border on overwhelming for newcomers.

Combat and Customization

The core of Blades of Fire lies in its weapon-forging system. Experimenting with different materials and Forge Scrolls, players can meaningfully alter weapon stats—impacting not just playstyle, but the flow of combat itself. The tactical approach to enemy encounters, where targeting limbs or weak spots can shift the tide, offers a level of depth not always seen in the genre. Third-party impressions have praised the system’s flexibility, though some caution that the learning curve may be steep for those less familiar with RPG mechanics.

Atmosphere and Companionship

Exploration is accompanied by Adso, a companion offering both lore and occasional levity. His knowledge of lost forging arts and cryptic languages adds texture to the journey, though some early hands-on previews note that Adso’s hints can occasionally feel heavy-handed.

Visuals and Performance

Thanks to next-gen visual options, environments are striking, with dynamic lighting and detailed textures. The performance appears solid across platforms, though comprehensive technical reviews are still forthcoming.

Early Impressions

At a launch price of £49.99 / $59.99, Blades of Fire offers a substantial package, including optional extras like a digital artbook and an original score by Óscar Araujo. While MercurySteam’s pedigree sets high expectations, it remains to be seen if the game’s ambitious systems will resonate with a broad audience. Those seeking deep customization and challenging combat will likely find much to enjoy, but the game’s complexity might not suit everyone.