Blades of Fire and Hideo Kojima showed me I can still be surprised by a video game and that originality is essential
I am pretty confident in my ability to judge video games. I've been playing them for almost 40 years and writing about them for over 20, so it's rare that something blindsides me. But that's exactly what happened with Blades of Fire, the action soulslike adventure from Mercury Steam. I loved the studio's Castlevania rethink, Lords of Shadow, but was so-so on its output since. Incredible, then, that I've not played another game released this year that I enjoyed more. - The gameplay is refreshingly original and engaging. - Environments are beautifully designed, creating an immersive experience. This game proves that innovation is still alive in the industry. Kojima's influence is evident, pushing boundaries in storytelling. Prepare to be surprised at every turn, making for a thrilling adventure. I highly recommend giving it a try!