Blade & Sorcery
- June 17, 2024
- WarpFrog
- 37h median play time
"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
- gameplay1,646 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Blade & Sorcery" is widely praised for its immersive and intuitive mechanics, particularly in melee combat and physics, which many players find to be the best in VR. The game offers a sandbox experience with a variety of weapons and spells, allowing for creative combat strategies, though some players note that the core gameplay can become repetitive over time without the addition of mods. The active modding community significantly enhances the gameplay experience, providing endless customization and new content, making it a must-have for VR enthusiasts.
“The game not only has the best physics that I've ever seen of any VR game that I've played, it is also one of the most masterful when it comes to delivering immersion, storytelling, graphics, and gameplay!”
“Incredibly fun, brutal, and creative gameplay that is only made better by including community mods, and the support for it has been so cool to see.”
“The gameplay is addicting and the active modding community keeps the game fresh with anything from WWII weapons to a banana that sends people flying into the stratosphere.”
“The gameplay loop of completing dungeons and fighting a boss is so repetitive.”
“The climbing mechanics are by far the worst game mechanic I've seen in any game.”
“The gameplay is pretty intense and the slow-mo mechanic can make for some great satisfying clips.”
- story1,553 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect has received mixed feedback, with many players noting that while the newly introduced "Crystal Hunt" mode adds some narrative elements, it often feels repetitive and lacks depth. Players appreciate the lore presented through scattered notes and the immersive combat experience, but many express a desire for a more structured and engaging storyline, character progression, and varied missions. Overall, while the game excels in gameplay mechanics and modding potential, its narrative remains a secondary focus, leaving some players wanting more in terms of story content.
“The lore, fantasy-themed combat, brutality, and storytelling all culminate together to bring the player into the beautifully articulated and masterfully curated, war-torn kingdom of Eraden!”
“Now that the game is in full release, with a story mode that I've already probably dumped 6 hours into, only completing 3 outposts, the story is solid, has good voice acting and is very fun to play.”
“The story mode added in 1.0 is just what the game needed to be a complete experience, and I downright binged it.”
“The 'crystal hunt' quest is kind of underwhelming; all it seems to do is add a boss that's pretty fun to fight but also relatively easy to deal with, as every fight is the same as the last.”
“The story mode is a decent experience, and while not on the levels of other story-based games, it certainly holds up well and isn't intrusive to the gameplay, which I think for a game like this is vital.”
“The story mode consists of repeating the same dungeon and fighting the same boss six 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.”
- graphics1,065 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics in this VR game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and immersive environments, often described as some of the best in the genre. Players appreciate the realistic physics and detailed character models, which enhance the overall experience, although some have noted performance issues on lower-end hardware. Overall, the game balances impressive graphical fidelity with engaging gameplay, making it a standout title for VR enthusiasts.
“The game not only has the best physics that I've ever seen of any VR game that I've played, it is also one of the most masterful when it comes to delivering immersion, storytelling, graphics, and gameplay!”
“Absolutely fantastic VR game, had possibly the best update out of any VR game ever released this year, became a full game with tons of stuff added, absolutely gorgeous graphics, fantastic physics.”
“The graphics are stunning, with detailed environments and realistic character models that bring the game world to life.”
“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 - even the sandbox game is worse, somehow with crappier spawn selections.”
“The graphics are nothing like I've seen in a beta game, the sounds are crisp and satisfying, and the music is just glorious.”
- optimization629 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting severe performance issues, including stuttering, low frame rates, and crashes, particularly during large battles or when numerous NPCs are present. While some updates have improved performance, players still express frustration over the game's demanding requirements and inconsistent optimization across different hardware setups. Overall, while the game offers engaging gameplay, its optimization remains a critical area needing attention to enhance the user experience.
“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 made this playable for me and that's pretty neat :)”
“The performance is horrid and has been for years now.”
“No matter what I do with this game, there will always be an issue; it's either stuttering, frame rate capped at 45, or straight up won't launch.”
“The game is fantastic but recently the game just starts stuttering and having frame rate issues so bad that it's making it unplayable.”
- humor441 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding joy in the absurdity of physics-based combat, such as throwing enemies off cliffs or using their bodies as weapons. Many reviews highlight the comedic potential of the game's mechanics, especially when enhanced by mods, leading to hilarious and chaotic moments. Overall, the game is described as a fun and entertaining experience that often elicits laughter through its violent yet playful interactions.
“It also does a good job of showing that throwing enemies off of high places in video games will literally always be funny no matter how many times it happens.”
“The first boss is a treat and made me laugh out loud the first time while in VR.”
“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 reviews are a little exuberant (aka unfunny), but I guess they are just different kinds of gamers than me.”
“You're not funny!”
- stability309 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 and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, such as freezing, physics issues, and AI malfunctions. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these problems, others describe it as unplayable at times, particularly after updates. Overall, the game is seen as fun but in need of substantial polish and fixes to improve its stability.
“It looks great, it runs great, and it feels great.”
“Almost no glitches, fun content, and immersive controls.”
“Runs great, looks great, feels great.”
“Can't recommend this game as it's just too unpolished and buggy to have a good experience.”
“Very buggy game, items fall through the floor, items won't go in your inventory, enemies get stuck in weird places, grabbing a surface requires an animation so trying to grab things in mid-air is hit or miss.”
“The only downside I have with the game is how incredibly buggy it is, but knowing it's a beta, I shouldn't really expect no bugs; they just get in the way a lot of the times.”
- replayability224 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The game is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, largely attributed to its extensive modding community and the introduction of new game modes like "crystal hunt" and dungeon exploration. Players appreciate the variety of playstyles and combat mechanics, which keep the experience fresh and engaging, despite some concerns about repetitive environments. Overall, it is considered one of the most replayable VR titles available, with many users reporting hundreds of hours of enjoyment.
“When the full release dropped with the crystal hunt game mode, I played this game for 3 days straight. It is so good, and the amount of playstyles available with all the spells makes the game very, very replayable.”
“Blade and Sorcery is, in my humble opinion, the single most replayable and enjoyable experience I've found in VR.”
“The amazing moddability just adds a wonderful element of replayability, and the constant content updates like the new dungeons keep the game constantly fresh.”
“While there is replayability, I feel like at some point progressing through the procedurally generated dungeons will start feeling a little dull.”
“The game has a lot of potential, but it lacks replayability due to its limited content and repetitive environments.”
“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.”
- grinding133 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely described as extremely time-consuming and often tedious, with many players feeling that it requires an excessive investment of time to unlock skills and abilities. While some find the rewards, such as unique abilities and engaging boss fights, worth the effort, others express frustration with repetitive tasks and the overall grindiness of the experience. Despite the mixed feelings, many players continue to engage in grinding, indicating a level of enjoyment despite the challenges.
“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.”
“One long, tedious grind.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Repeating the same boss fight over and over is a lot tedious.”
“This made playing the game very tedious and nauseating for me.”
- music127 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising its ability to enhance the immersive experience during combat, while others find it repetitive or lacking in variety. Many recommend pairing the game with external soundtracks, particularly heavy metal or iconic game scores, to elevate the gameplay. Overall, while the sound design and ambiance are generally well-received, the original soundtrack could benefit from more diversity and memorability.
“The game is very immersive, the music and sounds are great and match the atmosphere perfectly.”
“The sound design is top notch with beautiful ambiance and music, the sounds of battle like the clashing of swords and arrows whizzing by your head, to the horrific screams from your dying opponents.”
“The graphics, gameplay, soundtrack, etc. all compose together to create this absolute masterpiece of a game.”
“The music is a mixed bag.”
“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.”
- emotional72 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are highly varied, with many players expressing feelings of nostalgia, joy, and connection to the developers, while others report intense and conflicting emotions, including feelings of psychopathy and guilt associated with the game's violent mechanics. Players appreciate the immersive experience that evokes a range of emotions, from wholesome fun to overwhelming realism in combat, leading to both satisfaction and discomfort. Overall, the game elicits strong emotional reactions, making it a memorable experience for many.
“I got a Quest 3 because of this game, and playing through this crystal hunt progression made me feel like I was a kid again.”
“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.”
- atmosphere19 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 26 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its impressive graphical fidelity, immersive sound design, and detailed environments that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the unique and engaging settings, with many noting the breathtaking dungeons and the deliberate placement of elements that contribute to a rich, atmospheric journey. While the ambient sounds and music effectively complement the gameplay, some reviewers suggest that additional atmospheric elements could further elevate the experience.
“The graphical fidelity is impressive, and the atmospheric lighting and sound design further enhance the sense of immersion.”
“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 atmosphere of the game, and the effects of the spells are something else... and about the climbing thing...”
“While this is definitely my go-to when thinking of a VR fighting game, the atmosphere of each level and every small crack in the ancient stone to plank on the roof was placed deliberately.”
“The ambient sounds and occasional music add to the atmosphere, though the soundtrack is not particularly memorable.”
- monetization14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 64 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews; some players appreciate the absence of aggressive microtransactions and express a desire to support the developers through optional in-game purchases, viewing the game as a labor of love. Conversely, others criticize it for being filled with unwanted features and microtransactions, perceiving it as a cash grab that detracts from the overall experience. Overall, while some players are supportive of fair monetization practices, others feel disappointed by the presence of paywalls and questionable content.
“I actually want some in-game purchases to buy just to support the developers more.”
“Get microtransactions for armor skins.”
“No microtransactions.”
“0/10 shitty cash grab + no fishing”
“Far from what was expected, filled to the brim with unwanted features and microtransactions alongside a roadmap that made you raise questions as to what 'improvements' and what this could mean for future characters (did they need to get purchased? (yes. but they did add in-game grind)) etc.”
“Just another VR swordfighting cash grab.”
- character development4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Character development in the game currently lacks depth, with users noting limited content available at this stage. However, an upcoming update promises to enhance this aspect significantly by introducing a campaign mode, inventory system, and additional character development features, which players are eagerly anticipating.
“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.”
“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.”