Blade Chimera review: Demonic intervention

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Team Ladybug has been earning recognition for their skillfully designed Metroidvania games like Touhou Luna Nights and Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth, which are brimming with style, innovative combat systems, compelling narratives, and stunning 2D animation. Given their rising fame and expertise in the genre, it’s no surprise that they would venture into creating an original story where they can truly shine. The product of this endeavor is Blade Chimera, and it surpasses all expectations.

Demons are attacking Japan! Again!

In a world on the brink of ruin due to rampaging demons, Shin serves as a soldier for one of the last human factions, the Holy Union. During a battle against a colossal demon, Shin is miraculously rescued by Lux, a unique demon capable of forming alliances who transforms into a floating blade. As Shin grapples with his next steps, he inadvertently stumbles upon the reasons behind the demon onslaught and its links to his long-forgotten history.

For those acquainted with Team Ladybug’s past projects, the visual aspect of Blade Chimera is bound to surpass expectations. The animation depth in Shin’s walk cycle alone is captivating, a trait that permeates throughout the entire game. Each enemy is an imaginative and unique rendition of folklore creatures, while weapons and attacks are nothing short of extravagant. The way this game handles “lighting” is truly awe-inspiring. Gargantuan bosses, intricately detailed backgrounds, and various minor details breathe life into the world of Blade Chimera, all the more impressive considering it’s presented in 2D pixel art.

Swiss-Army Demon Sword Lady

As I immerse myself in Blade Chimera’s stunning visuals, I find its combat mechanics aren’t as expansive as I’d hoped. It seems like the designers had to simplify elements to keep up with the game’s complexity. My character, Shin, can dish out damage with a gun, melee weapon, and Lux. The gunplay and melee attacks are primarily about rapid button-mashing and timing dodges when needed – run-of-the-mill stuff. However, Lux’s abilities offer more versatility, and the range of options widens significantly if you decide to explore the optional skill tree.

Lux is a versatile gadget that serves for combat, protection, and environmental interaction. Every action with her consumes energy that doesn’t regenerate on its own, so overusing it (even for double jumping!) could limit your combat abilities and potentially block your path until you use an item, retrace your steps to a save point, or find occasional breakable items that refill the energy. In these challenging situations, Lux offers creative solutions like embedding her into a switch, allowing you to dash through with one less survival tool, or using her to swing across gaps and manipulate time to create or disappear platforms. These innovative uses are skillfully animated and visually appealing, but they prioritize style over introducing groundbreaking gameplay mechanics.

In essence, Blade Chimera’s combat offers a great deal of flexibility due to the straightforward nature of its tools and the lack of strict regulations. This allows for ample creative expression as players are free to concentrate on their preferred strategies or weapons without worrying excessively about other aspects. Alternatively, one can delve deeply into mastering every detail, thereby enhancing their overall gameplay experience significantly. However, it’s worth noting that the skill tree is vast and many abilities might go unused unless specifically sought out. The boss fights in this game can be tough, but they are never so daunting that you can’t stumble your way to victory in some fashion, making success all the more satisfying.

Short and sweet

In simpler terms, storytelling isn’t the strongest aspect given the short runtime and focus on experience over text. However, Blade Chimera effectively uses its straightforward narrative to create impactful moments. Team Ladybug excels at creating dramatic and poignant final boss fights, with an ending sequence that might seem predictable yet fittingly melodramatic. At first glance, it may appear cheesy, but there are instances where the game attempts to deliver more than expected, leaving a lasting impression even after the credits have finished rolling.

In simple terms, the game Blade Chimera is compact yet appealing, visually captivating, and simply awesome. It’s an ideal choice for gamers in January 2025, especially after being immersed in numerous lengthy RPGs. I zipped through this game within two play sessions and enjoyed every second, even the stereotypical parts. Watching Team Ladybug make a strong debut with their first original metroidvania is enjoyable, and Blade Chimera has solidified this team as one to keep an eye on in the future.

On January 16, 2025, you can get your hands on Blade Chimera for both the Nintendo Switch and PC platforms. We received a Nintendo Switch code from the publisher for a review.

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2025-01-15 11:27