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[Skeptical]

Game Information

Game Title: Blade Chimera

Platforms:

• Nintendo Switch (Jan 16, 2025)
• PC (Jan 16, 2025)

For those unaware, Blade Chimera is Team Ladybug's third Metroidvania, after Touhou Luna Nights and Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth. Both of their previous titles were known for their excellent pixel art and unique combat mechanics. Blade Chimera appears to continue that trend.

Critic Reviews

Nintendolife - 9/10

Blade Chimera is an ode to a very specific kind of Metroidvania — the sort that eschews cryptic puzzles and an open-ended structure and revels in the simple joys of ultra-fluid movement and blasting through enemies with an ever-growing arsenal of powerful weapons and equipment. It may not particularly impress with its explorative or narrative aspects, but its striking, stylish identity and endlessly entertaining shoot-and-slash combat loop elevate this to the heights of the classics it’s so clearly inspired by.

Shacknews - 9/10

Blade Chimera is short, sweet, and simple. It’s also visually enthralling and just… really dang cool. It’s the perfect kind of game to run into in January 2025, especially after so much of my time up until now has been eaten by multiple dozen-hour RPGs. I blazed through this game in two sittings and loved every minute, cliches and all. Seeing Team Ladybug come out swinging like this for its first fully-original metroidvania is a delight, and Blade Chimera has fully cemented this team as one to look out for going forward.

The Games Machine - 7.8 (Italian)

A traditional metroidvania with a fascinating setting that mixes Japanese folklore and cyberpunk, brought to life by excellent pixel-art. The classic gameplay is enhanced by a mechanic that allows you to manipulate time and matter. A couple of bugs and a few minor technical stumbles, as well as an imperfect difficulty balance, however, prevent Blade Chimera from aspiring to the Olympus of the genre.

COG Connected - 75

Blade Chimera leans on genre conventions but executes them with precision and flair. While it follows familiar traits, innovative mechanics involving Lux give the game its own identity, allowing the developers to introduce fresh and engaging ideas. Traversing the map is streamlined thanks to warp abilities, while other upgrades provide meaningful character progression throughout the adventure. Although the story is largely forgettable, the stunning pixel art style and creative use of Lux ensure that Blade Chimera remains a memorable experience.

God is a Geek - 7.5

Blade Chimera does little that feels new, but delivers a slice of comfortable, familiar and, dare I say it, safe side-scrolling adventure.

IGN Korea - 8.0

With its meticulous attention to detail and pixel graphics, the game features a world set in a futuristic, cyberpunk environment that promises expansive adventures and non-stop action around every corner. It's a reimagined take on metroidvania-style gameplay. The relatively short playtime might be a drawback, but the level design is so rich with details that you'll appreciate every moment of your journey. If you're a fan of the genre, this game won't disappoint. Even if you're generally into action games, it offers a decent challenge that's well worth your time and investment.

Game Luster - 8.0

Mixing a fantastical cyberpunk narrative with fast-paced back and forth Metroidvania action, all displayed in a fantastically crisp pixel art style, Blade Chimera had me hooked start to finish.

PCM Games - Recommended (Spanish)

Blade Chimera proves that Team Ladybug is a sure thing in metroidvania action videogames. It is an agile, entertaining game, with mechanics that surprise, especially for the use of Lumina, the demonic sword. The setting is cool and, although the story is predictable, it's hard to find any buts to a job well done. If you are a fan of these titles, I recommend it.

Metacritic - 83
Opencritic - 80

It's my first review thread, hopefully good enough. But I liked both of their previous MVs (especially Touhou), and so this one deserves some eyes on it.

 

[Mikado]

I've said this before, but I cannot stand the incessant "j u i c y" screenshake that 2d indie devs are so enamored of. Literally nauseating.

 

[TintoConCasera]

Looks cool. There's a demo available (at least on Steam) for those interested.

 

[Nonehxc]

Previous games were very good Metroidvanias, very good pixel art and top notch fight mechanics, so pretty sure I'll be over this one in no time.

 

[Holammer]

Now it's out. I'll grab it later, my backlog is in the 1000s.