Blade Chimera is a captivating Metroidvania title from PLAYISM, Team Ladybug, and WSS Playground that you simply must check out on the Nintendo Switch. Let me tell you why this game deserves your attention.
In Blade Chimera, you’re cast as Shin, a demon hunter with a mysterious past, who finds himself paired with Lux, a demon capable of morphing into a sword. It’s a quirky partnership, especially considering your role as a demon hunter. Lux proves to be a handy partner as she not only aids in combat but also blocks damage, and even transforms to help you reach otherwise inaccessible spots. She’s an invaluable asset as you navigate the neon-infused landscape of cyberpunk Osaka.
Kicking off your journey, you’ll maneuver Shin using either the left analog stick or the D-Pad. Jump with the A button and unleash attacks with the B button. The Y button triggers your secondary attack, adaptable based on your equipped items. With swift reflexes, use the L button to dodge away from threats, while the R button unleashes your equipped skill at the cost of some MP.
Lux’s capabilities add an exciting layer, mapped to the X button. She doesn’t just attack; she forms barriers, transforms into protective objects, and acts as a platform by latching onto walls. Utilize her to latch onto grapple points, adding dynamic elements to platforming sections. Plus, dispatching foes with Lux can help you regain some HP, providing a small but vital edge.
Battling demons and formidable bosses not only tests your might but rewards you with experience points. These let you level up, enhancing your base damage and defense, and making your journey through Osaka’s gritty streets a bit smoother. Scour every nook and cranny for items to boost your max HP and MP as you progress.
Along the way, collect currency by vanquishing enemies. It comes in handy when buying items like Life Elixirs, Energy Drinks, and other helpful goods. There are weapons and equipment to bolster your stats, or you can sell excess items for extra cash. Additionally, check in with headquarters for side missions to earn even more funds.
Advancing your character also earns you Skill Points. Use these anytime to unlock essential skills via the menu, accessed with the + button. This is where the game’s Metroidvania style shines, requiring specific abilities to access new areas. Skills like the Air Dash and the essential double jump are crucial for exploring the environment fully.
With Blade Chimera, you’ll find yourself hooked from the start. As Shin, a demon hunter with a lost past, teaming up with the shapeshifting Lux adds an intriguing twist to your demon-slaying adventures. Her versatility in fight and function provides new ways to engage with and navigate through the cyberpunk cosmopolis laid before you.
Destroy every enemy you encounter because not only does it grant experience and currency, but sometimes enemies drop valuable items. These can range from simple healing candies to powerful, game-altering weapons not available from the in-game shop. Personally, snagging a Chakram from an unsuspecting Amenbozu proved to be fantastic, wielding power much greater than my initial arsenal! Priced at $19.99 on the Nintendo Switch, Blade Chimera promises an exciting and rewarding adventure.
This review was crafted thanks to a Nintendo Switch copy generously provided by PLAYISM.
