505 Games and MercurySteam, the developer behind Metroid Dread, have announced their upcoming action-adventure game, Blades of Fire. The game is scheduled for release on May 22, 2025.
Blades of Fire is set in a world where Queen Nerea has used her power to turn all steel into stone.
This act has left the population vulnerable, as only her army can wield the divine metal.
Players will control Aran de Lira, the last hero capable of using steel, and Adso, a scholar whose knowledge may be crucial to their quest.
The game features a weapon forging system that allows players to create a variety of weapons.
Players can combine different alloys, hilts, runes, blades, and edges to customize their armaments. The developers state that each enemy type will present unique challenges, and the weapons players create can be tailored to overcome them.
Neil Ralley, President of 505 Games, commented on the collaboration with MercurySteam, citing the developer’s history of creating well-regarded games and their innovative approach to weapon customization and storytelling.
Blades of Fire will be available on EPIC Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a suggested price of €59.
Pre-order incentives include exclusive content and a 10% discount for EPIC, Xbox, and PlayStation Plus subscribers on PlayStation.
Key game features:
- The Divine Metal: Players control Aran de Lira, and navigate a world where only the Queen’s forces can use the divine metal.
- The Forge: Players can develop their forging skills and craft weapons. The weapon family and materials used affect attributes like weight, length, durability, penetration, and edge quality.
- Weapon Choice: The game offers seven different weapon families and over 30 unique Forge Scrolls, allowing for many weapon combinations.
- Tactical Combat: The game includes a combat system that allows players to target specific body parts of enemies. Different weapon types are suited for different combat situations.
- Companion Character: Adso, a scholar, accompanies Aran. While not a warrior, Adso provides knowledge and can interpret the lost language of the divine forgers.
- Enemy Variety: Players will face over 50 enemy types, including the Queen’s guards, creatures, and the undead. Each enemy has unique attack styles, weapons, and armor.
- World and Story: The game is set in a world with mysteries and locations such as castles and palaces. The player’s knowledge is intended to be limited to that of the main characters.
MercurySteam, the developer, is known for their work on the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow series and, more recently, Metroid Dread.
505 Games, the publisher, has a diverse portfolio that includes titles like Control, Death Stranding (PC version), and Ghostrunner.
This game’s emphasis on weapon crafting and tactical combat could lead to interesting discussions among players.
What weapon combinations are you most excited to try?
How important is a deep combat system to your enjoyment of an action-adventure game?
