Blades of Time (2012) Full Play Through - Stream 1

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Released in 2012 by Gaijin Entertainment and published by Konami and Iceberg Interactive, Blades of Time is a hack-and-slash action-adventure game available on Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. Featuring the spirited treasure hunter Ayumi, the game blends fast-paced combat with time manipulation mechanics, set against the backdrop of a mysterious ancient island. While it offers some intriguing ideas and moments of fun, its overall execution leaves much to be desired, resulting in a mixed reception that reflects both its potential and its pitfalls.
Gameplay and Mechanics
At its core, Blades of Time delivers a satisfying combat system that combines swordplay with gunplay, allowing players to switch between melee and ranged attacks seamlessly. Ayumi’s arsenal is complemented by a unique time-rewind ability, which serves as the game’s standout feature. This mechanic enables players to manipulate time to solve puzzles, revive themselves after death, or even summon past versions of Ayumi to assist in battle, creating a dynamic team-up experience. The concept is innovative and adds a layer of strategy, particularly in tougher encounters where coordinating with your past self can turn the tide.
However, the execution is marred by clunky controls and inconsistent responsiveness, which can frustrate players during intense combat sequences. The level design offers variety, with lush environments and occasional puzzles, but it often feels repetitive, with players moving from one enemy-filled zone to the next with little narrative cohesion. The game’s length is commendable, providing a decent amount of content, yet the lack of replay value in the single-player mode diminishes its longevity.
Story and Presentation
The story follows Ayumi as she explores a dangerous island in search of treasure, only to uncover a deeper conflict involving ancient powers. While the narrative is shallow and doesn’t take itself too seriously, it manages to be entertaining at times, bolstered by a charismatic heroine. The voice acting, however, is a significant weak point, with awkward delivery and dialogue that often feels out of place. The in-engine cutscenes are frequent but plagued by audio synchronization issues, further detracting from the experience.
Visually, Blades of Time feels dated even for its time, with mediocre graphics, texture pop-in, and occasional frame-rate dips. The art style and music lack the personality needed to elevate the game, making it a step back from its spiritual predecessor, X-Blades. This technical mediocrity contributes to the impression that the game is a product of its era, struggling to stand out in a crowded genre.
Strengths and Highlights
Despite its flaws, Blades of Time has moments that showcase its potential. The time manipulation mechanic is a highlight, offering creative solutions to combat and puzzle challenges. The game also benefits from a certain charm in its lighthearted tone, and some players may find enjoyment in short bursts, particularly on platforms like the Nintendo Switch where it was later ported. The combat system, when it works, provides a satisfying hack-and-slash experience that fans of the genre might appreciate.
Weaknesses and Criticisms
The game’s technical issues are a recurring complaint, with reviewers noting its boring and unstable performance. The story fails to engage deeply, and the heroine, despite her appeal, is undermined by poor writing and voice acting. Critics have ranked it among the weaker titles of its year, with an average score reflecting its bottom-tier status. The repetitive gameplay loop and lack of polish make it a frustrating experience, especially for those expecting a polished action-adventure title.
Verdict
Blades of Time is a game of missed opportunities. Its innovative time mechanics and entertaining protagonist hint at a product with love and thought behind it, but these are overshadowed by technical shortcomings, dated visuals, and a lackluster narrative. Priced under $10 on platforms like Steam, it might appeal to budget-conscious fans of hack-and-slash games or those curious about its unique gimmick. However, it falls short of being a must-play, serving better as a curiosity than a standout title. For every moment of fun, there’s a reminder of what could have been with better development and refinement.