In terms of platforming games, there’s always a plentiful supply, thanks mainly to independent developers. Games such as Hollow Knight and Ori and the Will of the Wisps have earned their place as leaders in this genre. Occasionally, an indie platformer game comes along that doesn’t necessarily revolutionize the genre but serves as a reminder of why we can never have too many games like these. Meet Blade Chimera – a compact game developed by Team Ladybug, which openly acknowledges its inspirations from popular platformers.
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What sets Blade Chimera apart is its stunning artwork. Utilizing pixel art, Blade Chimera effortlessly surpasses other games of similar design due to the remarkable detail in its characters, animations, and environments. Each scene within the game looks impressive individually, but it’s when the characters move, attack, or interact that the game’s visuals really shine.
The smooth animations and Chimera Blade’s impressive art style are enhanced by the skillful use of a diverse color palette. This allows the game to effortlessly create a captivating ambiance in its multiple settings, using vivid color contrasts. From the subdued tones of an underground train system to the fiery oranges in the industrial zones, and the vibrant greenery in the science lab, each location is rich with atmosphere. The main setting, a cyberpunk version of Osaka, is particularly immersive due to its well-lit neon signs, flashing vending machines, and animated roadside stands.
“The first thing that stands about Blade Chimera is its artwork”
Complementing the captivating visuals is an enthralling soundtrack in Blade Chimera. Although there are moments of intriguing ambience, particularly during expository scenes, the game’s music effortlessly sets the tone for slaying demons with its energetic electronic tracks. The fast-paced techno beats may not rank high on any gaming charts, but they certainly fit seamlessly with actions such as jumping, dodging energy beams, and defeating Japanese yokai-inspired demons on screen.
In contrast, what truly distinguishes exceptional platformers from average ones is their gameplay mechanics, and while Blade Chimera generally offers an engaging gaming experience, there are some minor persistent issues with it. The most significant problem lies in the fact that the game fails to clarify its mechanics effectively. Although you’ll quickly get the hang of jumping, shooting, and other basic actions, more intricate concepts such as how different abilities influence each other or a simpler method for comparing equipment aren’t clearly explained. In essence, the game seems reminiscent of older titles in this regard; you’ll need to use pen and paper to record your currently-equipped plasma gun’s stats if you want to compare it with new ones available in the shop to determine whether it’s an upgrade.
In this game, details about side missions aren’t easily accessible to players until they start the mission. Once you accept a side quest, it becomes clear what you need to do, but before that, there’s no way to see the specifics. Although you can leave and pick up other missions without penalty, the overall experience could be improved if more information about the side quests was available initially.
“What separates a good platformer from a great one are the gameplay mechanics”
One challenging area in the game caused me some annoyance because there was no clear guidance given. This place, referred to as a “demon termination zone,” requires careful handling of the giant floating sword called “Lux.” This sword transforms into a shape-shifting demon and gets damaged if you cross this zone with it. To avoid this, players are supposed to stick the sword to the ground, move through the zone, then summon it back using a wall. However, the game Blade Chimera doesn’t provide any hints that this is an option. I inadvertently skipped the puzzle entirely by teleporting to its end. Including a simpler version of a similar puzzle earlier in the game could help prepare players for using the demon sword as a separate entity, which would be crucial for solving complex puzzles later on.
After covering the basics, it’s clear that gameplay in Blade Chimera stands out as exceptional among recent releases. The controls offer a satisfyingly swift response, and the game effectively employs its distinctive demon sword mechanics to create engaging platforming and exploration puzzles. These skills encompass a variety of uses, from the routine like swinging over large chasms by using the demon sword as a grappling hook, to intricate ones such as summoning a bridge at a past location to traverse gaps. The abilities granted by Lux significantly enhance the game’s feeling of being a classic platformer.
You’ll find yourself immersed in the game’s intricate maze-like setting, spending a good chunk of your gaming time on this exploration spree. Along the way, you’ll discover new skills for both you and Lux, enabling access to previously unexplored regions. The game does block off certain areas requiring you to find collectibles shaped like puzzles, but these are not essential for the main plot progression. Rather, exploration often yields delightful surprises such as hidden top-tier equipment scattered around the less frequented nooks and crannies.
Just as you might anticipate for this type of game, a significant portion of your playtime will be dedicated to navigating its complex and intricate world.
As a fan, I’d say it’s all about leveling up in Blade Chimera! You earn experience by slaying demons, which then advances your character level, granting you a fresh skill point. These precious skill points can be invested in a compact skill tree to unlock diverse abilities. Some of these skills have specific purposes, like a move that lets Lux fire a volley of projectiles at enemies, but at a high MP cost. Others, like the fast travel skill that allows for movement between various map locations, seem indispensable.
In this game, the fighting system functions quite effectively, given its straightforward nature. Although you won’t find elaborate combo sequences to master, most melee weapons typically feature 2-3 hit combos. However, the game’s combat complexity lies in the variety of enemies you encounter. Each demon has unique characteristics, and you’ll often need to switch between your swords, guns, Lux, and magical abilities to defeat them based on the situation at hand. This versatility is also evident during boss battles, which are enjoyable rather than frustratingly challenging. Bosses usually possess intricate move sets that can be learned in a single encounter, making them satisfying to dodge or even counter.
The interconnected elements are all part of the narrative that Blade Chimera presents. This game aims to deliver a gritty cyberpunk tale with undertones reminiscent of neo-noir, and it largely achieves this goal. Although it doesn’t offer any major plot surprises, the story maintains an engaging quality due to some thoughtfully crafted world development. As previously mentioned, Blade Chimera is set in a cyberpunk Osaka, where a cult appears to hold power and aims to purge the land of demons. The player assumes the role of Shin, a demon killer, who during the battle against a massive demon, encounters and forms an alliance with Lux, a seemingly benign shapeshifting demon found amidst the chaos.
“Blade Chimera takes place in a cyberpunk version of Osaka”
In unison, Shin and Lux embark on a journey to tackle additional demon-hunting tasks. Following an assignment where Shin becomes entangled in intricate situations (such as whether someone can be killed based solely on suspicion of being a demon), the pair delve deeper to discover the truth about their surroundings and those they care for. Overall, the narrative of Blade Chimera effectively propels players into exploring its universe. The voice acting is commendable, along with the fact that much of the puzzle-solving is already done for you.
In summary, Blade Chimera stands out as a remarkable platformer that’s definitely worth recommending to genre enthusiasts. However, for those less versed in the genre’s nuances, the game might occasionally conceal essential gameplay details, which could potentially come across as confusing or frustrating. Fortunately, these issues are generally minor and don’t detract significantly from an otherwise engaging playthrough.
This game was reviewed on PC.
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2025-01-17 16:11