PlayStation is in the dog house right now thanks to its stance on the future of physical media, but that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of great games.
Since PlayStation announced that it’ll stop physical disc production in 2028, gamers have been planning a mass exodus of sorts.
It’s been weeks, and any social media post made by the company is still teeming with comments expressing distaste and outrage over the decision. Many are also cancelling their PlayStation Plus subscriptions as a way of voting with their wallets.
If you’re one of the gamers who’ve cancelled their PlayStation Plus membership, we’d implore you to give this RPG a go before it expires.
Blades of Fire is a unique RPG where your build matters, even FromSoftware fans will struggle
Developed by MercurySteam and published by 505 Games, Blades of Fire was released on May 14 earlier this year and later joined the PlayStation Plus Extra library on June 30.
GAMINGbible gave it a favourable score in our review, with our writer Kate calling it “challenging and punishing,” but “distinctly moreish” at the same time.
READ NEXT:Blades of Fire review: A brutal baptism awaits the brave
However, Kate also acknowledged the game won’t be for everyone. Games should always attempt to challenge in some way, shape or form, but Blades of Fire is a game that isn’t for the faint of heart.
That barrier to entry can be awfully off-putting when there’s also a $40 entry fee attached, which is why the game feels right at home on PlayStation Plus. There’s also a free demo available for those who don’t have an active subscription.
As we alluded to before, Blades of Fire is a unique take on an RPG, as you have more control over your build than any game we’ve played before.
In games like Dark SoulsorElden Ring,you merely pick your favourite weapons and gear, or equipment that’ll best suit your new character’s playstyle.
Blades of Fire, however, asks you to physically create the weapon you want to wield, as the main protagonist, Aran de Lira, is “the last warrior capable of forging true steel in a world where metal turns to stone.”
This makes forming your build more than simply selecting options from a menu. You need to consider what kind of weapon you want to make, and what you may need to sacrifice to get.
Some experimentation is needed, leading to this high-risk, high-reward game of chance. That god-killing weapon could be on the horizon, but are you going to risk one that’s carried you through the game up to now to get it?
It’s a very interesting take on the RPG formula, and while it sounds intimidating, that’s the beauty of PlayStation Plus. It’s a safety net, so if the game isn’t your cup of tea, you haven’t committed to anything you can’t take back.
HowLongToBeat reckons a basic playthrough of Blades of Fire will take you around 30 hours, but for the completionists/trophy hunters out there, 70 hours is more realistic.
The game is playable at no additional cost with your PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium membership, and there’s a free demo available if your subscription has already expired.
