Blade Chimera: Everything We Know

The Metroidvania genre, a portmanteau of Metroid and Castlevania, has become a prominent and beloved category within the gaming world. It's one where a love-hate relationship can quickly ensue. One minute, you're bagging rewards; next, you're back at one due to its punishing nature. You're not just playing levels; you're exploring a living, breathing puzzle. The rush of finding that secret passage or unlocking a game-changing ability makes Metroidvania games the cool kids on the gaming block.

For Team Ladybug, this genre is their bread and butter. With beloved titles such as Tohou Luna Nights and Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit, there's no stopping them. The studio is on the verge of releasing a new title, Blade Chimera. And guess what? It's a Metroidvana title. If you had money on that, you'd be as right as guessing the pope is a fan of Sundays. So, what's the scoop on Blade Chimera? Dive into the deets in our latest article, Blade Chimera – Everything We Know.” 

What is Blade Chimera?

“When the past catches up to you in various forms, desolation becomes strength.”

Blade Chimera is an upcoming 2D action title by Team Ladybug in collaboration with WSS Playground and PLAYISM. Like with other games by the studio, you'll be navigating the futuristic cyberpunk dystopian world of Osaka. 

Playing as Shin, the demon hunter, you'll encounter various enemies, making your journey as treacherous as it could be. When you're not vanquishing demons, you'll find resources, maneuver platforming sections, piece together your lost memories and skills, and locate your missing wife.

The game description hints at a revisit of the past, which ties to the protagonists' newly found quest. You get a trusty blade, Lux, as your sidekick. The sword is a metallic representation of the Lumina Demon Lux. Not only does it act as your primary defense, but the blade opens portals and provides a link to the past. 

Story

Three decades after surviving a demon onslaught, Shin's world is on the brink of a new threat. This time, cities are under attack by ghouls and twisted monsters, causing chaos and fear. 

Dealing with demons is nothing new for them, as they conquered the darkness and defeated demons thirty years ago. In the aftermath of that victory, the Missa Association was formed. A powerful religious group with the knowledge and abilities to combat these monstrous invaders. 

Fast forward to the near future, and the Missa Association steps up to defend civilization once again. However, a mysterious hero emerges. Saved from the ruins in a cryopreserved state, Shin, with no recollection of the past, rises to become the ultimate warrior and defender.

By his side is Lux, a “brilliantly beautiful demon” blade that is a peculiarly familiar blade, triggering a sense of déjà vu in Shin. Even if it means going against the association's beliefs, Shin is captivated by the blade. The destiny of civilization now rests in the hands of Shin and his magical weapon.

Gameplay

As an action indie title, the action centers on your blade and the massive power it harnesses. You alter the Lux's form by recovering your lost skills. Consequently, Shin grows stronger and accesses different parts of the expansive world. 

Besides the Lux, players can access other weapons, including long-range guns and swift daggers. You can swap weapons to suit your preferred fighting style. It's like a gaming buffet, and the developers proudly carried this feature over from their previous gem, Deedlit in Wonder. Because, hey, having the freedom to choose your weapon is all part of the fun, according to the game-making maestros.

The game will have varied enemies, from potions-wielding humans to gigantic birds. But it's not a challenging feat for the Demon Hunter. As expected, the levels will progressively get orders, but thanks to the skill tree system, you earn points as you level up. You can use these points to unlock skills that are undoubtedly instrumental to your survival. 

Development

Publisher PLAYISM and developers Team Ladybug and WSS Playground are seeing through the game's production. For a studio that has dabbled in Metrodivania action before, selling over 50,000 units with the Tohous Project, this is familiar ground for Team Ladybug.

From the game's description page, the upcoming title will feature the studio's “critically acclaimed gorgeously animated pixel art, in which each frame is painstakingly detailed.” A quick glance at the game from its trailer reveals nostalgic graphics that are a nod to the retro era. The pixel art is both vibrant and visually appealing. Fans on Reddit are already praising its smooth animation as they gear up for its release. 

Trailer

Now, to transform these words into a pretty picture, the developers were kind enough to give fans a sneak peek at their latest creation. The trailer hints at the gameplay and the impressive pixel art that breathes life into the cyberpunk dystopia. You can see for yourself above.

Release Date, Platforms, and Editions

Blade Chimera will be coming to Nintendo Switch and Steam in spring 2024. While the exact launch date is still a mystery, the anticipation suggests this game is cooking up some serious gaming magic in its early development stages.

The game will be available as a timed console exclusive once it drops on Steam. This means you can get a feel for the game before it launches on other platforms. 

As for the price tag, the developer is keeping us in suspense, so we'll have to wait a bit longer to know how much treasure we'll need to plunder for this gaming gem.

To stay in the loop and catch all the latest updates on “Blade Chimera,” keep your eyes peeled on Team Ladybug's official social handles. Any hot-off-the-press news will be delivered straight to you. And fear not, dear gamer, if anything juicy pops up before the grand 2024 debut, we've got your back with all the essential details right here on gaming.net. 

So, what's your take? Will you pick up a copy of Blade Chimera when it releases on Nintendo Switch and Steam? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.