Earlier this month, MercurySteam unveiled its latest project, Blades of Fire, an action RPG that serves as a spiritual successor to the classic Severance: Blade of Darkness. As a nostalgic fan of the original title, developed by MercurySteam’s predecessor, Rebel Act Studios, the announcement sparked excitement for a modern take on this gritty hack ‘n’ slash adventure. However, after viewing the debut gameplay showcase, concerns have emerged that Blades of Fire may lean too heavily into the influences of God of War.
Gameplay Showcase Insights
The showcase presents an unedited five-minute clip featuring the protagonist, Aran de Lira, navigating through a vibrant woodland landscape before engaging in combat with goblin-like creatures and undead foes. Following the skirmish, Aran encounters a straightforward environmental puzzle involving the remains of a ‘Cursed Paladin of Aurora’.
While the action is engaging, the similarities to God of War are striking. The combat mechanics, aesthetic choices, color palette, pacing, and environmental design all evoke the style of Sony Santa Monica’s acclaimed series. A particularly notable moment occurs when Aran and his companion, Adso, approach a round stone door that feels reminiscent of Midgard, while a magical bird perched nearby brings to mind Odin’s green ravens, which players can interact with in Kratos’s adventures—though Aran refrains from any avian confrontations.
This resemblance raises questions about the originality of Blades of Fire, as it appears to stray far from the essence of Blade of Darkness. The original game was characterized by a darker, more atmospheric tone akin to the Dark Souls series, drawing inspiration from the works of Robert E. Howard. In contrast, the showcased footage lacks the eerie ambiance that defined its predecessor.
It is important to acknowledge the rationale behind MercurySteam’s creative direction. The studio likely aims to attract a broader audience, given that many players today are more familiar with the God of War reboots than with a niche, PC-exclusive title from twenty-five years ago. While this strategic choice is understandable, there is a desire for more of Severance‘s unique character to emerge in the new title, rather than presenting a version that feels like a diluted imitation of God of War.
Ultimately, this initial glimpse is just a small portion of what Blades of Fire has to offer. There remains hope that the full game will carve out its own identity, whether it draws inspiration from Blade of Darkness or not. With a release date set for May 22, the gaming community will soon discover how this new adventure unfolds.
