Early Players Reveal New Blades of Fire Details

In "Blades of Fire," players take on the role of Aran de Lir, a blacksmith and warrior whose life takes a dramatic turn following a personal tragedy. Aran discovers a magical hammer that unlocks the Forge of the Gods, a mystical place where he can craft unique weapons vital for battling Queen Nereia's formidable army. The journey through this epic adventure is expected to last around 60 to 70 hours, immersing players in a richly detailed fantasy world.

The game's setting is a stunning blend of beauty and brutality, featuring magical creatures like trolls and elementals that roam through enchanted forests and vibrant fields. The visual style, characterized by exaggerated proportions, evokes the grandeur of Blizzard's designs, with characters sporting massive limbs and buildings boasting thick, imposing walls. Adding to this unique aesthetic are stocky soldiers reminiscent of the Locust from Gears of War, enhancing the game's distinct atmosphere.

A standout feature of "Blades of Fire" is its innovative weapon modification system and combat mechanics, which distinguish it from typical action games. The forging process starts with choosing a basic weapon template, which players can then customize by altering its size, shape, material, and other attributes that impact the weapon's performance. The forging concludes with a mini-game where players must precisely control their strikes' strength, length, and angle, directly affecting the weapon's quality and durability.

For convenience, players can easily recreate previously forged weapons. The game encourages an emotional attachment to these crafted weapons, as players are motivated to use the same gear throughout their journey. If Aran dies, his weapon remains at the death site, retrievable upon returning to the location. Players can carry up to four weapon types and switch between them seamlessly, with each weapon offering different stances for varied combat styles, such as slashing or thrusting. Instead of scavenging for weapons, players craft all seven available types, from halberds to dual axes.

The combat system emphasizes directional attacks, allowing players to target enemies' faces, torsos, or sides. For instance, if an enemy guards their face, players can strike their body, and vice versa. Some bosses, like trolls, have additional health bars that only become vulnerable after severing specific limbs. Players can, for example, cut off a troll's arm holding a club or destroy its face to temporarily blind it. Stamina, crucial for attacks and dodges, regenerates only when players hold the block button.

While reviewers have noted potential drawbacks such as a lack of content, uneven difficulty, and a sometimes unintuitive forging mechanic, the game's unique setting and combat system are seen as significant strengths that enhance the overall experience.

"Blades of Fire" is set to launch on May 22, 2025, and will be available on current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series) and PC (EGS).