Review of Blades of Fire

Blades of Fire, a creation of MercurySteam, known for titles like Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and Metroid Dread, is an action-adventure game released on May 22, 2025. Set in a mystical realm, players assume the role of Aran, a powerful blacksmith on a mission to avert a curse that transforms steel into stone. The game is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms, with its narrative emphasizing forging and combat in a richly detailed environment.

Challenges abound from the onset, with the game's initial lack of guidance leaving players to rely heavily on exploration and improvisation. This can be daunting as players navigate a sprawling world rife with danger. Despite these hurdles, the game manages to engage through its complex narrative and the visceral excitement of combat.

Blades of Fire is characterized by a unique combat system requiring thoughtful engagement rather than brute force. Players must strategize by selecting appropriate weapons and attack styles to match the diverse array of enemies. The game demands precision and patience, as players balance offense and defense in encounters that test their ability to adapt and conquer.

Tom Orry, an editorial director at Eurogamer, highlights the game's charm despite noting shortcomings such as cumbersome weapon crafting and an opaque map system. Orry underscores a feeling of accomplishment upon overcoming the game’s various intricacies, attributing the satisfaction to the game’s immersive storytelling and vibrant world.

For those willing to embrace its challenges, Blades of Fire offers a rewarding journey through a fantastically designed landscape. The intricate story, engaging mechanics, and compelling visual style combine to create an experience that resonates with fans of action-adventure games, as they explore the rich and perilous world that MercurySteam has crafted.

Sources: Eurogamer, MercurySteam, 505 Games