Bladestorm: Nightmare

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 33
  3. Negative: 6 out of 33
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  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Mar 17, 2015
    90
    Bladestorm has a unique flavour, and it's one that takes a while to really settle in. But, once you get into its rhythm it has just the right mix of history and fantasy elements so that it does respect to one of the most fascinating periods of historical conflict, while letting you have some fun with it too.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 41
  3. Negative: 11 out of 41
  1. ReclusiveGamer
    Aug 24, 2019
    6
    Bladestorm: Nightmare is a quick hack-n-slash fix that any of the 'Dynasty' persuasion will find an enjoyable romp in its own right. However,Bladestorm: Nightmare is a quick hack-n-slash fix that any of the 'Dynasty' persuasion will find an enjoyable romp in its own right. However, it has some major drawbacks that keep it from being a truly good game. The story is completely negligible for one. Apart from Nightmare Mode, all you know is that you're a mercenary in a SUPER LONG war that must kill hordes of enemies for money... or sheer sadistic pleasure. You decide. But a lack of good story is really the sharpest of its dull points considering the type of game it is. We all sorta knew aforehand this was a war-junkie game when we got it, but still, having a more compelling narrative would do much to add to what charm it actually has.

    Second, the combat is much more tactically-based than it is based on singular heroism (looking at you Guan Yu). The problem with that is it's still not executed very well considering how non-tactical situations can truly be. For instance, mounting up with horses basically makes you unstoppable on the field. You remember that one scene in Return of the King where Rohan charges the huge Orc army and basically cleans house like a broom? That can be you in Bladestorm. And in fact it's SO easy to win, if it weren't so fun mowing guys down all the time, it would be a complete bore. The same can easily be said for Swordsmen - they're basically impenetrable and overpowered tanks. There's a major issue with units being overpowered, and depending on what you're looking for in this game, it can either be a complete turn-off or an amusement.

    For as tactical as the game claims to be, or wants to be rather, the lack of general difficulty causes the game to unknowingly revert to traditional Dynasty Warrior-fare (except you act as a squad, not necessarily an individual), where you generally blitz everything in sight using your squad's key abilities to easily overpower opponents who are supposed to pose a challenge.

    In its defense and to its favor, however, I will say that Bladestorm: Nightmare actually has a pretty good character-creator system, even though certain elements are ripped right off from Dynasty Warriors itself, such as the cosmetics and hair designs. Still, it's better than most other character creators by far (Mass Effect Andromeda for one), which may surprise you, and gives you quite an array of options to make the kind of character you might want to see made.

    I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, functionally speaking, Bladestorm fails at its mission statement by canceling out its own tactical formula with overpowered units and mechanics. However, and despite its repetitive gameplay loop, the crappy graphics, and the very lackluster narrative, what Bladestorm accomplishes for its very niche fandom actually balances out its flaws and makes it a reasonably acceptable game which a fan of the genre can actually enjoy.

    In the case of Nightmare Mode, it tries to emulate what Warriors Orochi did by introducing an apocalyptic event where a certain someone is used to unleash demon hordes upon the realm of men. It's a PLUS and a credit to the re-imagining of the 2007 original and it offers further depth to what story The Hundred Years' War lacked. Still, it's more of the same at the end of the day.

    In conclusion, this is a cheap purchase for the Dynasty Warriors freakazoid, and I wouldn't recommend it for anyone else. My personal score for this game is a 6, which is more than fair in my opinion. It easily could've been a 7 if certain aspects of the game were fine-tuned or paid more attention to, but alas... If another Bladestorm is made, the core focus of their endeavors should be to make it a true tactical experience by balancing unit strengths and weaknesses and also to present a compelling core story. If they do these two things (and work on the visuals lol), Bladestorm could come back to be an interesting take on tactical open-field warfare with a splash of Dynasty Warrior pixie dust.    … Full Review »
  2. TehOne
    Mar 25, 2015
    7
    Bladestorm: Nightmare a clumsy method pushes a true appearance of hope going into boring, same as in 2007, but now 2015. The idea is nice, butBladestorm: Nightmare a clumsy method pushes a true appearance of hope going into boring, same as in 2007, but now 2015. The idea is nice, but not enough energy is essential, this game so great difficulty develops. Hoping for fun game, but I did for sometimes played alone with no army! It was like I can beat all little people back and forth with true powers. I don’t know, maybe I will forget later and come back and change points, but at is right moment 7 out 10!… Full Review »
  3. Kai82
    Jan 5, 2020
    7
    Bladestorm Nightmare can best be described as Dynasty Warriors with squads set in the hundred years war between France and England. You are aBladestorm Nightmare can best be described as Dynasty Warriors with squads set in the hundred years war between France and England. You are a mercenary on his/her way to glory. Mercenaries were used by both sides in real life and could be real efficient. You got 2 games in 1 (The Hundred Year War and Nightmare). As you follow the story you get up to 4 squad leaders. Game play: The battles are set up in the regions of France. Before each battle you chose between supporting France (Joan of Arc) and England (Edward the black Prince). You are not limited to one side. You can change your support until pretty late in the game when you have to make the final decision. The winning side gets stronger in the region after the battle. You chose a side, region and a contract / mission with different winning conditions (You can fail the missions). In the battles you chose a starting point. There are village, cities and capitals. You goal is to capture other villages / cities by marching to them and defeat the squads / leaders there. After capturing the village it is a new cantonment and starts putting out new squads against the enemies while the enemies cantonments do the same against you. There is a time limit for each quest. There are RPG elements in the game. You can get different usable items, armors, weapons, unlock new squads, level up the squads (Better / new abilities) and unlock new side characters. It should be noted that the game is not meant to be historical correct. You get Japanese / Chinese characters, weapons and squads (and even more). I like it because it gives more options and it is entertaining. There are side quest you can unlock. The story and side quest are not special, more a vehicle to carry on with some good side quests. This changes in Nightmare. Here fantasy elements are added as you fight against monsters up to dragons in mankind's dire battle for survival and are able to command them later on. You get an interesting story with all the characters. “Slight spoilers”: After you finish the campaign you unlock the monster squads for the main game. “End of spoilers”. While I enjoyed the game I will admit that is a bit repetitive. The graphics are outdated but are fitting for this kind of game. Overall it is a hit or miss game that you ether enjoy or hate. If you can try it before purchase.… Full Review »
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