MercurySteam Unveils Blades of Fire, a New Action-Adventure Game with Deep Combat Mechanics

Image credits: MercurySteam

MercySteam, the renowned developer behind the critically acclaimed Metroid Dread, has announced its latest project, Blades of Fire, a 3D action-adventure game that promises to deliver a unique and challenging combat experience. Set for release on May 22, Blades of Fire is an original game that seems to channel the dark fantasy energy of the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow series. The game follows the story of Aran de Lira, a member of a knightly order, as he attempts to stop the increasingly evil Queen Nerea, who has cast a spell that turns metal into stone, making her army of abominations nearly invincible.

The central mechanic in Blades of Fire is the Forge, a system that allows players to create new weapons based on the weight, length, durability, penetration, and edge quality of the materials used. With seven different weapon families and over 30 unique Forge Scrolls, players will have access to almost infinite combinations of weapons, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The game also features a deep combat system, where players must target specific enemy body parts and use the right damage type, whether it's slash, stab, or bludgeon, to defeat their foes. The combat system is designed to be challenging, with over 50 enemy types, each with its own unique attack style and armor type, requiring players to adapt their strategy and tactics to succeed.

Players will be accompanied by a companion, Adso, a scholar who speaks the lost tongue of the divine forgers and provides helpful tips on how to defeat enemies. The game promises to deliver an epic story, with players exploring huge castles and labyrinthine palaces, and battling against the Queen's guards, creatures, undead, and more. The game's storyline is expected to be engaging, with a focus on character development and world-building. With its unique combat mechanics and deep character customization, Blades of Fire is shaping up to be an exciting new addition to the action-adventure genre.

Blades of Fire is set to launch on May 22 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, with a price tag of $59.99, although pre-order customers will receive a 10% discount and two in-game armors for Aran, as well as additional forging materials. The game's system requirements have also been revealed, with a minimum requirement of an Intel Core i7-11700KF or AMD Ryzen 5800X processor, 16GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT graphics card. The recommended requirements are even higher, with an Intel Core i7-11700KF or AMD Ryzen 5800X processor, 16GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT graphics card.

In terms of the game's development, MercurySteam has stated that they are committed to delivering a high-quality gaming experience, with a focus on gameplay and storytelling. The game's publisher, 505 Games, has also expressed its excitement about the project, citing MercurySteam's pedigree for creating unique and beloved games. With its unique blend of combat and exploration, Blades of Fire is expected to be a hit among fans of the action-adventure genre. Some of the key features of the game include: * A unique combat system with deep character customization * A variety of enemy types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses * A rich storyline with a focus on character development and world-building * A large open world to explore, with multiple environments and locations * A variety of weapons and armor to collect and craft, with a deep crafting system.