Blade Chimera

Blade Chimera is Team Ladybug's first original metroidvania. This means that it is not based on any franchise, but its story and characters were made from scratch by the development team. And, as expected for those of us who have played their previous titles, the result is a resounding success. Not only is it a fun game, but each of its components work in harmony to create a polished and balanced experience.

Team Ladybug understands what makes a great metroidvania. As such, expect Blade Chimera to deliver gripping play, eye-pampering visuals, and boss battles that will undoubtedly elevate heart rates. Thankfully, much of the momentum-breaking puzzling and playtime padding are absent.

Team Ladybug’s latest release is a grand one—the slower-paced nature of the action feels good to play especially as you get a better grasp of Shin and his companion’s move sets. The downtrodden Osaka city landscape has plenty of exploration potential and baddies to encounter, meaning that I can wholeheartedly recommend Blade Chimera to the 2D Metroidvania aficionado and novice alike.

It's maybe not what I'll reach for the next time I'm in the mood for a metroidvania, but it's a symphony in its own right.

Blade Chimera is one of the most good-looking and engaging platformer titles out there. It easily taps into its classical influences while still maintaining its own identity. At worst, it can sometimes be an annoying game that hides crucial information. If you can overlook some of its flaws, Blade Chimera will be well worth your time.

Blade Chimera is a fresh metroidvania with excellent pixel art and a great level design.

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

Blade Chimera is a very beautiful and colorful metroidvania with colorful bosses that suffers from serious control and balance issues.

Blade Chimera is a compact and ambitious 2D action game from Team Ladybug, blending a story-heavy sci-fi narrative with inventive gameplay mechanics. While the game shines with its satisfying exploration and strong protagonist, its overpowered mechanics and underdeveloped supporting cast prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Despite its intriguing setting and some promising ideas, Blade Chimera fails to stand out as a memorable experience. The fusion of cyberpunk and Japanese mythology creates a visually rich universe, but the repetitive combat, uninspired level design, and linear progression limit the game's potential. With a short campaign and a limited interpretation of the metroidvania genre, Blade Chimera is a reasonable platformer, but far from achieving the brilliance needed to stand out among other games of the genre.