Metroid Dread studio's latest is Blades of Fire, a brutal blacksmithing action game with a cruel Dark Souls core

Blades of Fire is a tough blacksmithing game with unique mechanics and a Dark Souls-like difficulty, releasing on May 22.

: Blades of Fire, developed by MercurySteam, presents a challenging action-adventure experience with an intricate blacksmithing system and brutal combat mechanics. The game features a unique weapon forge mechanic that meticulously details the craft of making weaponry, heavily influencing gameplay strategy. Players must adapt their combat approach based on enemy vulnerabilities with an unusual weapon-switching system that requires both precision and quick reflexes. Scheduled for a May 22 release, Blades of Fire signifies MercurySteam’s bold attempt at creative autonomy while delivering a fantasy adventure reminiscent of Dark Souls and God of War.

Metroid Dread studio, MercurySteam, is launching Blades of Fire, a new action-adventure game characterized by its challenging gameplay and intricate blacksmithing dynamics. Known for Metroid Dread and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, MercurySteam offers a unique gaming experience set in a rich fantasy world with a cruel Dark Souls core. The game is set to be released on May 22nd, 2025, for platforms including PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, and is published by 505 Games.

Players take on the role of Aran, a gruff character navigating a world filled with soldiers, magical creatures, and a unique magical forge realm. The foundational feature of the game is its detailed forge mechanic, allowing players to create custom weapons through a multi-step design process. Players dedicate time to selecting materials such as metals and wood, and deciding on weapon styles and properties, ensuring that each crafted weapon has distinct features suited for different combat scenarios. This mechanic not only adds depth to the gameplay but also requires strategic planning.

Combat in Blades of Fire is designed to be unforgiving, with a system heavily influenced by past action games. Players must approach battles strategically, using a variety of weapons and fighting styles that can exploit enemy vulnerabilities. The game employs a traffic-light system indicating enemy weakness and strength, requiring players to adapt interactions and utilize the right tools for maximum damage. The combat mechanics also demand quick adaptability from players as they switch between weapons and fighting styles mid-battle.

The complexity of the forging and combat systems converge to create an experience reminiscent of Dark Souls, yet with unique MercurySteam marks. Players face rigorous challenges, as detailed by the implementation of unique control mappings and an unpredictable enemy behavior system that mirrors the unpredictability of combat in games like Dark Souls and modern God of War titles. The game's difficulty is heightened with punishments for being unprepared, such as losing custom weapons upon death and requiring their retrieval.

MercurySteam’s CEO, Enric Álvarez, highlights the studio's independence and creative freedom in developing Blades of Fire. The independent nature of the project allows for more innovative risks, which Álvarez sees as both a challenge and an opportunity to create something distinctly MercurySteam. The project reflects the studio's ambition to carve its own space within the gaming industry beyond working on other companies' famed brands. May 22 is anticipated not only by fans but also by the studio, eager to present its new creation to the world.

Sources: Eurogamer, IGN, 505 Games Official Announcement

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