Early Players Reveal New Blades of Fire Details

Embark on an epic journey as Aran de Lir, a blacksmith and warrior whose life takes a dramatic turn following a personal tragedy. In *Blades of Fire*, Aran discovers a magical hammer that opens the gateway to the legendary Forge of the Gods. Here, he can craft unique weapons essential to thwarting the menacing army of Queen Nereia. With a playtime of approximately 60–70 hours, this game promises a deeply engaging experience.

Set in a stunning yet harsh fantasy world, *Blades of Fire* features a visually striking environment with exaggerated proportions reminiscent of Blizzard's style. Players will navigate through enchanted forests and blooming fields, encountering magical beings like trolls and elementals. The world is also inhabited by stocky soldiers that echo the Locust from *Gears of War*, adding a distinct flair to the game's aesthetic.

What sets *Blades of Fire* apart is its innovative weapon modification system and unique combat mechanics, making it more than just another action game:

• Forging Process: Begin with a basic template and customize it by altering its size, shape, material, and other parameters to affect the weapon's properties. The forging culminates in a mini-game where players must manage the strength, length, and angle of their strikes. The success of these actions determines the weapon's quality and durability.
• Weapon Recreation: For convenience, players can instantly recreate previously forged weapons, streamlining the crafting process.
• Emotional Attachment: The game encourages players to develop a bond with their crafted weapons, using them throughout their journey. Should a player die, the weapon remains at the death location, retrievable upon return.
• Weapon Management: Players can carry up to four weapon types, seamlessly switching between them. Each weapon offers various stances for diverse actions like slashing or thrusting.
• Weapon Crafting: Instead of scavenging for weapons, players will craft their own from seven available types, from halberds to dual axes.
• Combat System: The directional attack system allows players to target different body parts, such as the face, torso, left, or right. Strategic attacks can exploit enemy defenses. Some bosses, like trolls, feature additional health bars that become vulnerable after severing limbs, adding depth to combat. Stamina, crucial for attacks and dodges, is restored only by holding the block button, not automatically.

While reviewers have pointed out potential issues such as a lack of content, uneven difficulty, and a sometimes non-intuitive forging mechanic, the game's unique setting and engaging combat system significantly 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). Dive into this richly crafted world and master the art of forging legendary weapons to save your realm from Queen Nereia's tyranny.