Blade Chimera, brought to us by PLAYISM, Team Ladybug, and WSS Playground, is a captivating Metroidvania experience that Nintendo Switch owners should not miss. This latest addition to the genre places you in the shoes of Shin, an enigmatic demon hunter suffering from amnesia. The twist? Shin teams up with Lux, a versatile demon companion who transforms into a sword. While it might seem unconventional for a demon hunter to ally with a demon, Lux proves indispensable. Not only can Lux deal with foes and serve as a protective barrier, but she also morphs into a platform to access previously unreachable areas as you navigate the cyberpunk-inspired streets of Osaka.
When you dive into Blade Chimera, you’ll find yourself mastering the controls in no time. Move Shin using the left analog stick or the D-Pad, jumping with the A button, and unleashing basic attacks with the B button. For more varied offensive maneuvers, the Y button activates your secondary attacks, contingent on your equipped gear. Avoid enemy advances with the L button, and deploy your special skills with the R button — though keep an eye on your MP, which will deplete as you use them.
Lux’s functionality is mapped to the X button, offering multiple forms of assistance during your adventure. She can attack, form protective barriers, and even transform into structures from the past, if time distortions are present. Additionally, Lux can be thrown onto walls to serve as a climbing platform or latch onto grapple points for more dynamic platforming sequences. Defeating adversaries with Lux has the added benefit of restoring a bit of your HP, a potentially game-changing feature in tough situations.
As you progress, each enemy and formidable boss you vanquish grants experience points. Accumulating these points boosts your level, enhancing your attack potency and fortifying your defenses to withstand enemy onslaughts more effectively. Exploring every nook and cranny in the game is key to finding valuable items that increase your maximum HP and MP.
Collecting in-game currency becomes essential as you defeat enemies since it can be spent on an array of items to aid your quest. Whether it’s a Life Elixir or an Energy Drink for quick health or MP restoration, or potent items like the Miracle Mix and Turbo Regenerator, you have choices. You can also invest in new weapons and equipment to enhance your stats or sell unwanted items for additional funds. Extra cash can also be earned by taking on side missions from HQ operators.
Each level up also earns you Skill Points, which open up more abilities in the Skills menu accessed via the + button. This gives way to the true Metroidvania essence, as unlocking skills like the Air Dash or Double Jump is crucial for progressing through the game.
At $19.99, Blade Chimera’s price is justified by its engaging gameplay. Not only does it provide a compelling adventure with an intriguing partnership between a demon hunter and a sword-transforming demon, but it also offers opportunities for leveling, exploration, and strategic combat that keep the experience fresh and enjoyable. Keep an eye out for enemy drops, as these can range from simple healing items to powerful weaponry. Personally, snagging a rare Chakram from an enemy provided a significant edge, making it a highlight in my experience. It’s indeed a unique and enjoyable ride on the Nintendo Switch that fits perfectly within the cyberpunk Metroidvania mold.
Lastly, a special thanks to PLAYISM for providing a Nintendo Switch copy for this Blade Chimera review.
