Blade & Sorcery
- June 17, 2024
- WarpFrog
- 35h median play time
Get on Steam"Blade & Sorcery" is a fantasy combat simulator set in a detailed sandbox environment. Use physics-based fighting techniques and magic spells to battle opponents, with a focus on realism and immersion. The game features a variety of weapons, spells, and enemy types to keep the combat fresh and challenging.
Reviews
- gameplay1,511 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Blade & Sorcery" is widely praised for its immersive and dynamic combat mechanics, offering a unique blend of melee and magic that allows for creative and visceral interactions. While many players enjoy the physics-driven gameplay and extensive modding community that enhances replayability, some express concerns about the repetitiveness of the core gameplay loop and the need for more content and variety in enemy types and environments. Overall, the game is considered a standout in VR for its engaging mechanics, though it may benefit from further development to expand its gameplay depth.
“Best VR combat gameplay of all time, and the crystal hunt progression/story mode is addictive.”
“The gameplay is immaculate but beware, you'll need a good PC to play with decent graphics without frame drops!”
“The final release of Blade and Sorcery is an interactive blast, the gameplay and story are both unique and fun, the weapons provide countless playstyles and mechanical freedom.”
“The climbing mechanics are by far the worst game mechanic I've seen in any game.”
“The gameplay definitely needs to be refined, and the game made me very motion sick, which was weird because I never got like that during VR gameplay.”
“The game play mechanics are poorly polished or don't even work, most of the time.”
- story1,364 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect has received mixed feedback from users. While some appreciate the introduction of a "Crystal Hunt" mode that adds a basic narrative and progression system, many feel that the storytelling is minimal, relying heavily on scattered notes and lacking immersive plot development. Overall, players enjoy the combat mechanics and sandbox elements but express a strong desire for a more fleshed-out story and varied missions to enhance the gameplay experience.
“The story mode is fun, and insanely intuitive. I would highly recommend anyone try it, but due to this lack of content it does get somewhat repetitive.”
“The new crystal hunt story mode is very enjoyable because it is difficult enough to be engaging but intuitive enough to not be frustrating.”
“With the introduction of a fully-fledged story mode and with all the polish given to the core mechanics, this game has a lot to offer - as well as a robust modding community to expand the experience even more.”
“The story is basically save up coins to get new weapons then raid dungeons then fight bosses; the boss is the same boss each time, and sword fighting with NPCs is really bad.”
“The 'story' is fed to you through lore tidbits you stumble upon in your journey, so don't expect any big plot.”
“The story mode consists of repeating the same dungeon and fighting the same boss 6 times before achieving the ending; it's fun for the first or second time around, but by the third time you killed the exact same boss in the exact same dungeon you really wish they would at least switch it up.”
- graphics969 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics in this game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning quality and immersive detail, often described as some of the best in the VR genre. Players appreciate the beautiful environments, realistic physics, and the ability to enhance visuals through modding, although some have noted performance issues on lower-end systems. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's engaging combat and gameplay experience, making it a standout title for VR enthusiasts.
“The graphics are stunning, with detailed environments and realistic character models that bring the game world to life.”
“The graphics are amazing, the combat is realistically scary, and the gore makes you want to throw up.”
“The graphics are breathtaking and the mechanics feel really good.”
“Unplayable graphical glitches in first cave, makes game useless in current form.”
“The graphics, while serviceable, lack polish and fail to fully immerse players in the fantasy world.”
“The game overall feels somehow worse than early access: AI characters all walk around like they are string puppets who really need to poop, lots of graphical and model glitches, loads and loads of bugs.”
- optimization599 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering, low frame rates, and crashes, particularly during large battles or when numerous enemies are present. While some updates have improved performance, many users still find the game demanding on hardware, often requiring high-end systems to run smoothly. Overall, while there are signs of progress, the game still needs substantial optimization to enhance the experience for a broader range of players.
“Very good game, and since the last update (1.0.3) the game is way more optimized and runs way better on my PC now.”
“The graphics are stunning, and are really well optimized and I have very little issues with lag.”
“The performance update actually makes the game playable, so yes, I'd highly recommend it now if you enjoy challenging sandbox style fighting.”
“This game is great but the performance is so bad it's unplayable.”
“The performance is also a complaint; I have a 3070 and an i5 which should be enough, but to even get 120fps I have to go into the arena map and not spawn enemies.”
“The optimization problems of this game are the only thing making this game not my favorite VR game.”
- humor397 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The humor in this game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the absurdity and hilarity of its physics-based combat and ragdoll mechanics. Many reviews mention the enjoyment derived from violent yet comical scenarios, such as decapitations and creative weapon use, often accompanied by maniacal laughter. The game's modding capabilities further enhance the comedic experience, allowing for even more outrageous and funny moments during gameplay.
“Just be prepared for some epic (and often hilarious) mayhem!”
“There is something fun about grabbing a bandit by their ankle, hanging them over a cliff, laughing manically before dropping them to their doom.”
“The game's physics engine can be funny at times but even that can be edited to a certain degree, whether you want it to be more realistic or more 'jumpy'.”
“The reviews are a little exuberant (aka unfunny), but I guess they are just different kinds of gamers than me.”
“You're not funny!”
- stability288 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that detract from the overall experience. Issues range from minor visual glitches to game-breaking problems, such as freezing during gameplay and unresponsive controls. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these issues, the consensus is that it remains unpolished and requires further development to achieve a stable and satisfying experience.
“It looks great, it runs great, and it feels great.”
“Almost no glitches, fun content, and immersive controls.”
“This game gets great updates, runs great, and the mods also help it so much!”
“Can't recommend this game as it's just too unpolished and buggy to have a good experience.”
“The game is very janky and somewhat unpolished, parkour and some combat is very unsatisfying and quite buggy, however, when the game works as it is intended to, it is an absolute blast!”
“However, there are too many game-breaking glitches for me to recommend.”
- replayability199 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is highly praised, largely due to its extensive modding community and recent updates, such as the "crystal hunt" mode and dungeon features, which add fresh challenges and content. While some players note that the base game can feel repetitive over time, the ability to customize experiences through mods significantly enhances longevity and enjoyment. Overall, many reviewers consider it one of the most replayable VR titles available, with nearly infinite replay value.
“The game has a 213213213521323/20 replayability; you can always renew with the mods thanks to the community, they're the best.”
“With the 1.0 release and the addition of the 'crystal hunt' story mode, the longevity and replayability is great.”
“The modding support certainly gives it yet another level of replayability.”
“While there is replayability, I feel like at some point progressing through the procedurally generated dungeons will start feeling a little dull.”
“This game falls into that first category, beautifully polished by the small studio behind it, but with only two game modes (basically creative mode or a limited dungeon crawler with one main map), it lacks replayability besides its other major redeeming feature, extensive mod support.”
“The devs promise a new game mode with limited story which will be fun, but I'm not convinced it will breathe much more replayability into the game itself.”
- music122 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its ability to enhance the immersive experience during combat and boss fights, while others find it repetitive or lacking in variety. Many users recommend playing with their own music playlists, particularly heavy metal or soundtracks from other games, to elevate the gameplay. Overall, while the sound design and ambiance are appreciated, the original soundtrack may not be memorable enough for some players.
“The game is very immersive, the music and sounds are great and match the atmosphere perfectly.”
“The sound design further enhances the immersion, with realistic weapon clashing sounds and epic music that intensifies the gameplay.”
“I really love the way it all sounds; I think the loading music is great, the combat music is intense, and so on.”
“I think this game does not have a soundtrack, or at least I haven't heard one, maybe in the main menu.”
“Utter garbage that you can't turn off, super irritating and crap; thank the gods that you can download a mod named 'no music'.”
“The ambient sounds and occasional music add to the atmosphere, though the soundtrack is not particularly memorable.”
- grinding119 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that grinding in the game is a significant and often tedious aspect, with many players feeling it requires an excessive time commitment. While some appreciate the balance between story and grinding, others find the experience frustrating and repetitive, particularly with enemy encounters and resource collection. Overall, the consensus suggests that while grinding can enhance progression, it often detracts from the enjoyment of the game.
“Would recommend for everyone who is looking for a well-made and captivating game with rather quick and not grindy progression.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“Nexus is fine, if not tedious, for the time being though.”
“It's really intimidating at first, but once you know how to fight it, it just becomes tedious.”
“Also, there is a bug causing enemies to swarm within breathing distance, which combined with how the AI works in groups (only one enemy can attack at a time, the rest wait patiently) makes fighting tedious.”
“This made playing the game very tedious and nauseating for me.”
- emotional67 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are highly varied, with players expressing feelings ranging from joy and nostalgia to discomfort and guilt. Many reviewers highlight the game's immersive qualities, which evoke strong emotional reactions, including a sense of power and connection to the developers, while others note the unsettling realism of violence that can lead to feelings of psychopathy. Overall, the game elicits a complex emotional experience, blending wholesome moments with darker themes.
“Legitimately the first game that has made me feel this way since I played my brother's copy of GTA Vice City on our PS2 as a kid.”
“I have never seen game devs that put in this much effort for their community, and made me feel so connected to them. Thank you for Blade and Sorcery.”
“After the update, goddamn I think I cried a bit under my headset.”
- atmosphere15 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive qualities, featuring stunning visuals, impressive graphical fidelity, and effective sound design that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the deliberate design of environments, which evoke a sense of presence and adventure reminiscent of classic titles. While some suggest improvements in ambient sounds, the overall ambiance is considered unique and engaging, making it a standout in the VR genre.
“The graphical fidelity is impressive, and the atmospheric lighting and sound design further enhance the sense of immersion.”
“The game is very immersive, the music and sounds are great and match the atmosphere perfectly.”
“The atmosphere of the game, and the effects of the spells are something else... and about the climbing thing...”
“The visuals are stunning, adding to the sense of presence in the virtual world and creating an atmosphere that draws you deeper into the game.”
“The ambient sounds and occasional music add to the atmosphere, though the soundtrack is not particularly memorable.”
- monetization11 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 64 % negative mentions
Overall, the monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback. While some players appreciate the absence of microtransactions and express a desire for optional in-game purchases to support the developers, others criticize the game as a cash grab, particularly in relation to its combat mechanics and lack of content. There is a general hope for future DLC that enhances the experience without feeling exploitative.
“I actually want some in-game purchases to buy just to support the developers more.”
“0/10 shitty cash grab + no fishing”
“Just another VR swordfighting cash grab.”
“Get microtransactions for armor skins.”
- character development3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is currently limited, with players expressing a desire for more environments to enhance skill testing in combat and puzzles. An upcoming update promises to introduce a campaign mode, inventory system, and expanded character development features, which players are eagerly anticipating.
“Content: Not a lot yet, but the upcoming update alleges to contain campaign mode, inventory, and character development, plus a ton of other stuff you can look at in the update notes on the store page.”
“We need more environments to really test our player skills in both combat and puzzle mechanics. I believe this is needed most of all in high priority to world exploration and character development.”
“Content: not a lot yet, but the upcoming update alleges to contain campaign mode, inventory, and character development, plus a ton of other stuff you can look at in the update notes on the store page.”
