| Blade Chimera | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Blade Chimera is an action RPG Metroidvania where you play as Demon Hunter Shin battling through a world overrun by demons. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Blade Chimera Review Overview
What is Blade Chimera?
BLADE CHIMERA is an action RPG Metroidvania released on January 16, 2025, for Steam and Nintendo Switch. Set in a dystopian future in Osaka, you play as Demon Hunter Shin, battling through a world overrun by demons. As Shin, you'll embark on a bloody journey to uncover the mysteries of his past, all while wielding the powerful Lumina Sword and a variety of other weapons. This 2D pixelated adventure features a sprawling map full of challenges and secrets, blending fast-paced combat with deep exploration.
Blade Chimera features:
⚫︎ Action RPG
⚫︎ Metroidvania
⚫︎ Dystopian Cyberpunk
⚫︎ 2D Platformer
⚫︎ Pixel Art Style
⚫︎ Story-Driven Game
⚫︎ Side-Scroller
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Blade Chimera's gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefront | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
 Switch |
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| Price | $19.99 | ||||
Blade Chimera Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Deep and Fluid Combat System Rewarding Exploration Beautiful Pixel Art Style Excellent Soundtrack |
Interesting World, Lackluster Story Short Run Time |
Blade Chimera Overall Score - 82/100
For Ladybug’s debut venture into the Metroidvania genre, Blade Chimera is an absolute triumph. Not only does it perfectly capture the spirit and exhilarating gameplay of IGA’s iconic works—the very founder of the genre—but it also establishes its own identity. With fluid combat and seamless exploration, the game strikes a harmonious balance, all set against a stunning pixelated art style that vividly brings its cyberpunk Osaka setting to life. Blade Chimera isn’t just a love letter to the genre’s roots; it’s a bold and unique addition that stands proudly on its own.
Blade Chimera Story - 4/10
Unfortunately, the game’s biggest shortcoming lies in its underdeveloped story, characters, and world—a missed opportunity that’s hard to ignore. It’s disappointing because the premise holds so much potential. A talking sword, a demon hunter, and a cyberpunk Osaka should be brimming with personality and intrigue, yet they somehow come across as surprisingly bland. It’s a real shame, especially when the foundation for something truly captivating is already there.
Blade Chimera Gameplay - 10/10
Blade Chimera is one of those games that’s almost impossible to put down. It absolutely nails the classic Metroidvania gameplay loop and even elevates it by blending action and platforming in innovative ways. The Lumina Blade, which feels like a Zelda-esque companion, doubles as both an exploration tool and a weapon, rewarding players for their curiosity and creativity. The combat is surprisingly deep, offering a vast arsenal of abilities that, impressively, never feels overwhelming. After playing this, I can’t help but hope Ladybug tackles a 2D Zelda Metroidvania next.
Blade Chimera Visuals - 10/10
Osaka has never looked cooler. Not only does this game play like a dream, but it’s also a visual feast. The world and setting, inspired by Japanese architecture and cyberpunk design, are nothing short of stunning. From its unique, personality-filled characters to the creatively designed enemies that exude Yokai-inspired themes, every element feels meticulously crafted. What stands out the most, though, is the breathtaking backdrop of Neo Osaka. Layers of detail—flying cars, swaying bamboo leaves, neon signs, and the intricate architecture of Osaka Castle—bring this world to life, making it feel truly lived-in and immersive.
Blade Chimera Audio - 9/10
The game’s soundtrack is an absolute banger. I found myself pausing the game more than once just to soak in the electronic beats that perfectly complement the cyberpunk setting. It adds an extra layer of immersion to the world, and I can only hope the soundtrack makes its way to Spotify soon. However, the lack of voice acting is a noticeable drawback. Incorporating it could have elevated the storytelling and brought the characters to life in a way that’s currently missing.
Blade Chimera Value for Money - 8/10
At $20, Blade Chimera is fairly priced for what it delivers. However, its biggest downside is the short runtime of 8-9 hours and the lack of replay value. With everything collectible and achievable in one playthrough, there’s little reason to dive back in after finishing. That said, the experience is a thrilling ride while it lasts, and I’d still highly recommend it for fans of the genre. Newcomers can consider waiting if the short runtime is a downside, but if you’ve got some spare change, this game is a solid pick for a fun weekend.
Blade Chimera Review
A Love Letter to Metroidvania
It’s hard to believe that Blade Chimera is Team Ladybug’s first attempt at the Metroidvania genre because it plays like the work of seasoned veterans. This game is an absolute blast, and fans of the genre need to jump on it as soon as possible.
It feels like a heartfelt love letter to classics like Castlevania and Metroid while confidently standing on its own. I can only hope they decide to create a sequel because this is a game that deserves more. Given time, I’m certain Blade Chimera will earn its place as a cult classic
A Brief Rundown on the Gameplay Loop
Blade Chimera is a pixelated 2D Metroidvania that puts you in control of Shin, a character wielding the powerful Lumina Sword—actually the demon Lux. As the Demon Sword, Lux provides a versatile set of abilities, from delivering devastating attacks and shielding you from harm to acting as a platform and even restoring lost objects. Use your demonic companion to navigate and survive in the desolate, demon-infested Osaka.
Explore the world, rediscover the past, create new paths, and face countless dangers in this action-packed Metroidvania. Along the way, you’ll not only rely on Lux, but also have access to other weapons like daggers and guns, allowing you to tailor your combat style. Equip them to suit your preferred approach—using guns for ranged attacks and daggers for close combat.
The game’s progression system follows a classic skill tree, giving you the ability to unlock new skills as you level up. From double jump to the Warp skill, which allows for fast travel, these upgrades will be crucial in your journey through this perilous world.
Combat is Deep but Never Overwhelming
What I love most about Blade Chimera is not only its highly addictive, fast-paced action-packed hack-and-slash/shoot combat, but the incredible variety of options it offers from the very beginning. The game keeps adding more, yet somehow never feels overwhelming—on the contrary, it encourages you to explore every possibility. Each option feels rewarding and satisfying because they all have unique benefits, making each playstyle feel distinct.
The Lumina Sword serves as both a shield against certain attacks and a weapon that can be slung at enemies or thrown to the ground. When left in place, it charges up, and pulling it back deals damage to anything caught in its path. Guns are useful for long-range foes, while close-range weapons like katana, whip, and knife provide even more versatility throughout your adventure.
I love that you can seamlessly switch between equipment mid-battle via the menu, allowing you to try out different combos. You can even transform your close-range weapon into a gun, giving you the option to dual-wield different firearms.
On top of that, normal attacks restore MP, which you’ll need to use Lux’s abilities, while using Lux restores HP—rewarding you for utilizing all your tools. As you level up, your arsenal deepens with skills like attacking while jumping, making you feel like a formidable demon hunter with a vast array of options at your disposal.
That said, while combat can feel fairly manageable at times, you’ve got to be careful. One wrong move can lead to your downfall—enemies deal significant damage, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Always make sure to save frequently at the game’s auto-save points to avoid losing progress.
Never a Dull Moment Exploring
Adventure games should take note, because Blade Chimera absolutely excels at making exploration feel rewarding. From the very start, you’ll find yourself wanting to uncover every nook and cranny, and more often than not, that curiosity pays off—whether it’s through finding valuable items, discovering new weapons, or uncovering hidden paths. Going the extra mile to satisfy your curiosity turns exploration into something truly enjoyable, and the sense of reward is palpable.
What makes it even more engaging is the brilliant implementation of Lux as a platforming tool. She feels like the Ultra Hand that Link wields in Tears of the Kingdom, and shares many similarities with other iconic Link companions—able to communicate with Shin, interact with the environment in various ways, and perform multiple tasks. Lux can restore lost objects like destroyed bridges to help you cross, act as a swinging tool, or use her sword as a platform to reach higher areas.
Her versatility makes traversal feel smooth and intuitive, while also adding light puzzle elements. Since Lux can only perform one task at a time, you’ll often have to think creatively to figure out how to navigate certain areas—requiring you to think outside the box.
And speaking of areas, the world design in Blade Chimera is absolutely stunning. The game perfectly blends Japanese architecture and Cyberpunk aesthetic, blending vibrant, futuristic cityscapes with a more somber, grim atmosphere. There’s hardly a dull area to be found, and each zone is creatively crafted with rich detail. I love that there are so many secret areas to discover—hidden alcoves and off-the-beaten-path spots that make exploration feel worthwhile and exciting.
Exploring becomes even more enjoyable when paired with the game’s absolutely stellar soundtrack. I often found myself pausing just to soak in the electric beats playing in the background. What I love most is how some tracks clearly draw inspiration from traditional Japanese instruments and melodies, blending them seamlessly into the game’s cyberpunk setting. The music exudes so much style and flair, giving the game a vibrant energy and setting the perfect tone for every moment. It’s incredibly catchy, packed with swagger, and adds so much life to the world, making every exploration feel even more immersive.
An Overall Disappointing Narrative
The narrative in Blade Chimera is a major letdown, especially given its intriguing premise, rich world, and promising characters. I was genuinely excited to follow Shin’s journey alongside Lux as they worked to piece together Shin’s lost memories and uncover the truth about Osaka. Unfortunately, the story feels flat, and the characters, particularly Lux, are underdeveloped and don’t get the arcs they deserve. Lux, in particular, had so much potential—what’s not to love about a ghost girl who can transform into anything?
Yet, it feels like that potential was wasted. A lot of the intriguing lore is tucked away in the game’s memory section, which serves as a series of story tidbits, but it doesn’t do enough to elevate the narrative. It would’ve been far more engaging if they had included proper flashbacks, but instead, what we get is disappointing. The mystery that started off strong quickly fizzles out, leaving behind a sense of wasted opportunity.
Short Run Time
The game has a runtime of around 8-9 hours, and while it certainly makes the most of that time, the replay value feels somewhat lacking. Once you’ve completed your first playthrough, there’s little reason to return, as everything—items, upgrades, and story elements—can be easily collected during your initial run. It would have been much more engaging if they had included bonus modes or additional content to incentivize playing again. Unfortunately, beyond the main story, there isn’t much else to keep you coming back.
Is Blade Chimera Worth It?
An Absolute Must-Buy for Metroidvania Fans
Despite my criticisms, Blade Chimera is undeniably a must-buy for fans of the Metroidvania genre. It’s an absolute joy to play, with its addictive combat and engaging exploration that will keep you hooked from start to finish. At just $20, it’s fairly priced, and newcomers to the genre can definitely have a great time with this—making it a solid first step into Metroidvania games. However, it might not be an immediate day-one purchase for those unfamiliar with the genre, as the short runtime could be a bit of a drawback. Still, it’s a fun and worthwhile game to pick up if you’re looking for something exciting to dive into.
| Digital Storefront | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
Switch |
||||
| Price | $19.99 | ||||
Blade Chimera FAQ
Does Blade Chimera have a Nintendo Switch Physical Version?
Unfortunately, the game is currently only available as a digital download on the Nintendo eShop.
Is Blade Chimera Coming to PS5?
It's unclear if the game will be released on PS5, as it's currently only available on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Game8 Reviews
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Blade Chimera Product Information
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| Title | Blade Chimera |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 16, 2025 |
| Developer | Team Ladybug, WSS playground |
| Publisher | PLAYISM, WSS playground |
| Supported Platforms | PC, Nintendo Switch |
| Genre | Action RPG, Metroidvania |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | T |
| Official Website | Blade Chimera Website |
