Blade Chimera, a fantastic Metroidvania game developed by PLAYISM, Team Ladybug, and WSS Playground, is one of those must-play titles on the Nintendo Switch. Let’s dive into what makes this game a standout in our Blade Chimera review.
Blade Chimera immerses you in the role of Shin, a skilled demon hunter struggling with amnesia. Teaming up with Lux, a sword-transforming demon, is ironic since you’re a demon hunter, but it’s a partnership that proves invaluable. Lux is an incredibly adaptable ally; she not only slices through enemies but also shields you from incoming threats and even forms platforms to help you reach otherwise inaccessible areas. You’ll certainly appreciate her assistance as you navigate the captivating cyberpunk version of Osaka.
Jumping straight into gameplay, you’ll maneuver Shin using the left stick or D-Pad for movement, with A for jumping and B for attacking. Your secondary attacks are mapped to Y, each changing based on equipped items. Dodging is vital and assigned to L, while R triggers special skills at the cost of MP.
Lux takes center stage when you press X, providing a myriad of functions. She can morph into a protective barrier or large object, leveraging past time distortions for transformation. She also assists in platforming by anchoring to walls or grappling points. Plus, slaying foes with Lux replenishes a bit of your health, a crucial advantage during longer explorations.
Conquering the demons and formidable bosses boosts your experience level, rewarding you with enhanced base stats and defense. You’ll also discover special items in each room, increasing your max HP and MP, essential for progressing through the intense battles and complex maps.
Money earned from vanquishing enemies opens avenues to purchase handy items such as Life Elixirs, Energy Drinks, and more, each serving a distinct purpose in bolstering your survival. You can also buy weapons and equipment to strengthen your arsenal, or sell items for extra cash. If you’re low on funds, operators at HQ may have side missions to offer.
Level up and you’ll earn Skill Points, which can be invested in new skills via the menu. This unlocks vital abilities necessary for advancing in true Metroidvania style, like the Air Dash for navigating wider gaps or the double jump for reaching elevated platforms.
Blade Chimera delivers a standout gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch. Step into the shoes of Shin, the demon hunter with no memory, and partner with Lux, a demon-turned-sword, to embark on a thrilling journey filled with strategic combat and exploration in a cyberpunk rendition of Osaka.
Every enemy encounter becomes an opportunity for growth, granting experience to enhance your character and money to enrich your inventory. Plus, there’s always the potential for rare item drops, be it healing candies or formidable new weapons, like the powerful Chakram I snagged from an Amenbozu.
Blade Chimera is available for $19.99 on the Nintendo Switch—a price well worth the immersive experience it offers.
[Disclaimer: This Blade Chimera review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by PLAYISM.]
