In the middle of a crowded 2025 game release schedule, Blades of Fire emerged unexpectedly, developed by Mercury Steam—the studio behind Castlevania: Lords of Shadow. Initially, it seemed like it would be a straightforward hack-and-slash experience, but it turned out to be much deeper on nearly every level: from its tactical combat system to its uniquely complex weapon crafting mechanics.

• Story: A Warrior and a Hammer

Set in a mystical fantasy world, the game opens with a once-fair queen now corrupted by dark magic, spreading chaos across her kingdom. You play as Aran, a master blacksmith drawn into a grand adventure after receiving an ancient, magical hammer from a mysterious character named Adso, who joins you on your journey.

What follows is a long, emotional quest through enchanted lands, filled with secrets, dangers, and a growing bond between the two main characters. The dynamic between Aran and Adso is reminiscent of the relationship between Kratos and Atreus in God of War, with plenty of character-driven dialogue and puzzle-solving moments throughout the game.

• Gameplay: Exploration Meets Crafting Depth

Blades of Fire focuses heavily on exploration and crafting. Think of it like a Souls-like structure: you rest at central zones (similar to bonfires), fast-travel across zones, and respawn at these points after death—at the cost of dropping your weapon, which must be recovered.

The world is massive, interconnected, and full of mysteries, environmental puzzles, and hidden items. Some areas are locked behind specific weapons or actions, encouraging players to revisit zones with better gear or knowledge.

The core loop revolves around collecting resources through combat and exploration, which you then use in The Forge—the heart of the game’s progression system.

• Crafting System: The Game’s Core Identity

Blades of Fire features one of the most detailed weapon crafting systems seen in years.
You don't just pick a sword—you build it from scratch. Every element can be customized:

- Blade shape and length
- Metal type (or alloy mix)
- Handle design, material, and length
- Pommel and grip finish

Each choice affects the weapon's stats: weight, durability, stamina usage, damage type, parry efficiency, and more.

There’s even a mini-game during forging that simulates the blacksmithing process. While optional, completing it successfully gives you a higher-quality weapon that lasts longer before needing repairs. Once mastered, it can be skipped for previously crafted weapons.

Bottom line: your weapon is your character. You can build terrible versions or legendary ones depending on your materials and choices.

• Combat: Strategic and Satisfying

While it borrows elements from Souls-like combat—dodging, parrying, learning enemy patterns—Blades of Fire introduces its own twist.

Each of the four face buttons represents a different directional attack, and all can be charged for powerful blows. You can chain these into combos, and the effectiveness of each move changes based on your weapon’s stats and construction.

Combat requires spatial awareness and strategic thinking. Rushing in with button mashing will get you killed, especially in higher difficulties. Even single enemies can be deadly, and boss fights demand precision, planning, and the right gear.

The only major drawback is the visual feedback: animations and graphical effects during combat feel outdated. While mechanically excellent, the presentation might make some players overlook how deep and rewarding the system really is.

• Graphics: Old Tech, Strong Art Direction

Visually, the game looks like a PS4-era title running at modern resolutions and frame rates. It outputs 4K at 60fps on PS5, and while the technical fidelity isn’t cutting-edge, the game’s art direction makes up for it.

Inspired by God of War, Darksiders, and Castlevania, with a touch of Fable’s colorfulness, the environments are vibrant and often beautiful. You’ll notice reused or modest assets, but overall, the game still looks good in motion thanks to its artistic consistency.

• Audio & Soundtrack: Functional, Not Iconic

Sound design is solid. Environmental audio is detailed, and character voice acting—especially from Aran and Adso—is generally strong. The soundtrack is hit-or-miss: some tracks are memorable, others feel generic. There’s no truly standout piece, but it complements the action without being distracting.

• Verdict – Should You Play It?

Blades of Fire is one of the most unique Action RPGs of 2025. It delivers a bold take on weapon crafting, tactical combat, and exploration with a world full of charm—even if it feels technically dated.
Yes, the graphics may not wow you. And yes, some story elements feel familiar. But the core gameplay and the connection you build with your weapons make this a standout experience.

• Final Score: 7.5/10

A very good game with great ideas, marred only by its outdated visuals and a lack of polish in presentation. For players seeking something fresh in the ARPG space, this one’s a hidden gem.