PGC NEWS

Bladed Fury, developed and published by NEXT Studios (managed by Tencent), offers a captivating blend of traditional Asian art style and fast-paced action gameplay. This side-scrolling action game, set in ancient China during the Spring and Autumn period, immediately grabs attention with its unique visual presentation and accessible combat system. But does its story live up to the impressive visuals and engaging gameplay? Let’s dive in and explore what Bladed Fury has to offer.

A Visual Masterpiece

Bladed Fury’s art style is undoubtedly its strongest feature. Evoking the beauty of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, the game utilizes traditional East Asian art techniques, reminiscent of watercolor paintings, to create a truly immersive and historically evocative atmosphere. The character designs and animations, however, take a more modern approach, resulting in a striking blend of old and new. This unique aesthetic adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the game’s ancient Chinese setting. Each frame, while simple, is rich with detail and vibrant colors.

Bladed Fury – Screenshot 1

The game’s environments are equally impressive. From mystical forests to grand palaces, each level is imbued with a distinct Chinese architectural and cultural flair, beautifully showcasing the rich history of the era. While some design elements might occasionally evoke a Japanese aesthetic, this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall immersive experience.

Refined and Engaging Gameplay

Bladed Fury delivers a pure action experience, focusing on tight controls and exhilarating combat. Unlike games that emphasize complex combos, Bladed Fury’s combat system is built around precise timing and strategic attacks. The protagonist’s moveset is intentionally limited, even with upgrades focusing primarily on stat improvements. Weapon choices are also limited to the default dual blades, with no upgrade options available. This minimalist approach initially might seem simplistic, but it allows players to focus on enemy attack patterns and react accordingly, similar to the Dark Souls series.

The Soul Sliver System

Despite its seemingly simple combat system, Bladed Fury offers depth through its innovative “Soul Sliver” mechanic. Players can collect the souls of defeated bosses and imbue them into their blade, summoning them during combat for assistance. Each boss possesses unique abilities, offering offensive and defensive options. However, players can only equip four Soul Slivers at a time, and each sliver has limited uses, requiring careful consideration and strategic deployment.

A Story That Falls Short

While the gameplay and visuals shine, Bladed Fury’s narrative is unfortunately its weakest link. The story, revolving around a princess seeking revenge for her father’s death and rescuing her sister, feels underdeveloped and lacks depth. The protagonist, Ji, is a rather passive character, often relying on NPCs for guidance, diminishing her agency within the narrative.

Bladed Fury – Screenshot 2

The supporting characters are equally underdeveloped, with minimal dialogue and limited impact on the overall story. This lack of narrative depth diminishes the emotional connection with the characters and the overall impact of the story. While the boss battles are memorable and challenging, the journey between them feels somewhat tedious due to repetitive enemy encounters and limited enemy variety. The upgrade system also lacks depth, offering only a few new abilities, further contributing to the game’s repetitive nature.

Conclusion

Bladed Fury offers a visually stunning and engaging action experience, but its underdeveloped story and repetitive elements prevent it from reaching its full potential. The unique art style and refined combat system are highlights, but the lackluster narrative and limited enemy variety hold the game back. While enjoyable for a short playthrough, Bladed Fury ultimately leaves players wanting more.