New Details on Blades of Fire from Early Players

Become Aran de Lir, a blacksmith and warrior whose life takes a tragic turn, igniting a quest for vengeance. Discover a magical hammer, unlocking the Forge of the Gods and the power to create 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—enchanted forests and vibrant fields are home to trolls, elementals, and more. The game's distinctive visual style, reminiscent of Blizzard's work, features exaggerated proportions: massive limbs, imposing structures, and a monumental scale that evokes a sense of epic grandeur. Encounter unique enemy types, including stocky soldiers reminiscent of Gears of War's Locust, adding a distinct flavor to the combat.

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 a basic weapon template, then meticulously customize its size, shape, material, and other attributes influencing its performance. Conclude the creation process with a skill-based mini-game, precisely controlling the force, length, and angle of your strikes to determine the weapon's quality and durability. For convenience, instantly recreate previously forged weapons.

The game fosters a deep emotional connection with your creations, encouraging you to use the same gear throughout your journey. Should you fall in battle, your weapon remains at your death location, ready for retrieval. Carry up to four weapon types simultaneously, switching seamlessly during combat. Each weapon boasts unique stances, enabling diverse attacks like slashing and thrusting. Forget scavenging; you craft every weapon. Seven distinct weapon types await, from halberds to dual axes.

Master the directional combat system, targeting the face, torso, left, or right. Outsmart guarded foes by attacking exposed areas. Some bosses, such as trolls, possess additional health bars vulnerable only after severing limbs—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 note potential shortcomings, including limited content, uneven difficulty, and a potentially unintuitive forging mechanic, the unique setting and combat system largely compensate.

Blades of Fire launches May 22, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Epic Games Store).