Developer – Point Blank Games

Publisher – 505 Games

Platforms –  PS5,Xbox Seris S|X, Xbox One , PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Publisher

Stray Blade is an action-adventure game that plunges players into a world of ancient ruins, lost civilizations, and fierce battles, all within the mysterious realm of Acrea the Lost Valley. As an adventurer brought back to life in this war-torn land, you’ll uncover secrets, face deadly foes, and strive to restore balance guided by your trusty companion, Boji. The game’s premise promises an unforgettable journey, and indeed, it delivers on many fronts. However, there are some notable issues that need addressing.

On the positive side, Stray Blade shines in several areas. The world and level design are impressive, with a nod to the interlocked areas reminiscent of Dark Souls. The concept of backtracking and witnessing the world’s evolution in response to your actions is a commendable feature. The game world feels dynamic, alive, and constantly evolving, offering a unique and engaging experience that few other games provide.

Stray Blade certainly boasts a visually captivating world, from overgrown city ruins to frozen caves and winding canyons. However, some players may experience persistent low FPS (frames per second) throughout the game. This can be a significant drawback as it hampers the overall gaming experience. A consistent and smooth frame rate is crucial in an action-adventure game like this to fully immerse players in the world and provide a seamless combat experience.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Stray Blade is its intricate crafting system. The ability to gather rare materials and discover new recipes keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting. Your character and companion, Boji, both have their individual talent trees, which adds depth to the progression system. Nevertheless, some players may find that the crafting and resource balancing needs some tweaking. At times, it can feel a bit overwhelming, and some items might seem too rare to obtain, making it challenging to fully engage with the crafting aspect of the game.

Another issue that plagues Stray Blade is the camera system. The camera can often feel clunky and uncooperative, which can be frustrating during intense combat sequences. The game’s hyper-responsive combat system demands precision, and an uncooperative camera can disrupt the flow of battles and make the gameplay less enjoyable.

The story, lore, and characters are well-crafted, despite not being the primary focus of the game. The interaction between the main character, Farren, and Boji is natural and enjoyable, adding depth to the narrative. The lore and history of Acrea are seamlessly integrated into the gameplay, and the visuals reflect the original residents’ culture and elements used in the world’s design. It’s a rich and immersive experience for players interested in diving deep into the game’s lore.

In conclusion, Stray Blade offers a captivating world, intriguing lore, and a combat system with potential. However, it’s marred by resource balancing issues, low FPS, and a clunky camera system.