BLADECHIMERA, the latest from developer Team Ladybug and publisher PLAYISM, isn’t quite a Metroidvania—but it flirts with the genre’s edges while carving its own path. Initially, I was disappointed with the team veering from the Metroidvania formula I’d come to adore, but over time, I gradually came around to their vision and they nailed it with striking precision. Fans of the studio’s past gems like Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth and Touhou Luna Nights will recognize the pixel-perfect art, intuitive UI, and tight gameplay even as the genres drift apart.
Here, though, those hallmarks hit new peaks, blending cyberpunk vibes with Japanese folklore flair in a way that’s as captivating as it is unique. After sinking about 20 hours into its world, I can say this: BLADECHIMERA is Team Ladybug’s finest hour yet.
Developer & Publisher // Team Ladybug, Playism
Platforms // PC, Nintendo Switch
MSRP & Release Date // $19.99, January 15th, 2025
Reviewed On // PC
Neon & Ash — The Setting and Premise of BLADECHIMERA
Taking place in a neon-soaked, cyberpunk rendition of Osaka, you step into the boots of Shin, a Vicar sworn to the Archpriest of the Holy Union—a zealous, militaristic monarchy that reigns over the city. With no memory of his life before the Union’s embrace, Shin is tasked with hunting demons and enforcing the regime’s ironclad laws. The story ignites against the aftermath of a demonic outbreak 33 years prior, a cataclysm that propelled Archpriest Baal and the Holy Union to power.
Enter Lux, a spectral demon whose enigmatic bond with Shin transforms her into an unexpected yet formidable ally. Together, they unravel the tangled web of human-demon relations, toeing the blurred lines of good and evil as well as unearthing the secrets of Shin’s lost past.
Pixels & Beats — The Visuals and Soundtrack
The immediate standout of BLADECHIMERA is the pixel art—refined, smooth, and brimming with Team Ladybug’s signature flair. Compared to their past works, the visuals here are a quantum leap forward, thanks to masterful lighting effects and intricate shadow play that bring the world to life. It’s a visual treat that never gets old, even dozens of hours in. A modernized take on Symphony of the Night is an apt comparison. The silky-smooth animation and signature ghost trails that flare up during specific moves brought me straight back to the nostalgic charm of the PS1 classic.
The backdrop of this sci-fi Osaka riddled with demons based on traditional Japanese folklore and mythology makes for a unique contrast. This world is accompanied by a synthetic bass-heavy electronic soundtrack, but a handful of tracks garnish a touch of Japanese folk, a dash of hip-hop, and a pinch of slow jazz, crafting a rich sonic mix. You’ll sway from the eerie, occult vibes of Rising Sun to the hip-hop infused Peacemaker, then plunge back into the frenetic synth storm of Demon Hunter.
Blades & Guns — The Combat
Gameplay is where BLADECHIMERA truly shines. Combat feels fantastic from the jump, with a slick moveset that only gets better as you unlock new skills. Shin can equip two weapons at a time—pistols, swords, shotguns, whips, full-auto rifles, staffs and more—mapped to separate face buttons for seamless swapping. I loved pairing a ranged weapon on Y with a melee option on X using an Xbox controller. A handy dodge roll with I-frames—brief windows of invulnerability—rounds out your core kit, but the real star of the show is Lux, a spectral demon Shin encounters early on.
After Lux rescues Shin from the jaws of a titanic demon—gigantic beasts that normally take a squad to fell, her sudden, cryptic devotion to him unlocks a trove of supernatural abilities. Transforming into a massive, hovering blade, Lux conceals herself from the Holy Union’s watchful eyes while arming Shin with a versatile arsenal. Her powers fuse offense and defense into a seamless dance, anchoring the game’s core experience with flair and finesse.
Phantoms & Echoes — The Combat Cont’d
Lux’s blade is a marvel of control—hurl it in nearly any direction, and it boomerangs back to your side. Hold the button, and it locks in place, spinning like a deadly buzzsaw that chews through foes while draining your MP slowly. The kicker? It doubles as a shield, swatting away incoming projectiles to keep Shin safe. Toss it into the floor or a nearby wall, and Lux conjures a “bubble shield,” a protective dome that repels most attacks and punishes enemies bold enough to breach it. It’s a versatile mechanic that’s as fun to master as it is stylish to watch.
Lux’s talents extend beyond combat. She can summon “Echoes“—phantoms of shattered objects or lost souls—rewinding time to restore them to their former glory as long as she holds dominion over the space. Picture a totaled car snapping back into pristine shape to block a lethal barrage, or a wrecked elevator instantly restored to lift Shin to uncharted heights. These moments of temporal manipulation inject clever variety into both combat and exploration, however, distance fuels Lux’s deadliest trick.
As Shin strays from her side, a counter ticks upwards; recall her, and she fires toward him in a blazing assault, smiting everything in her path. The longer the separation, the more catastrophic the strike—culminating in a force that can obliterate foes in a single, well-timed blow. It also restores your vitality—the more havoc you wreak, the more health floods back into your veins. The downside is that while separated, you’ll be unable to tap into most of your skills—like the aforementioned bubble shield and Echoes—creating a tricky risk-reward scenario you’ll need to navigate carefully. Though, if mastered, even the toughest mobs will crumble like paper.
Ghouls & Goblins — The Enemies of BLADECHIMERA
Enemies range from cannon-fodder demons to colossal bosses mostly inspired by mythical beasts—dragons, phoenixes, and more. Enemies in Blade Chimera come in an array of different forms, from lumbering humanoid zombies to towering, coiled snake demons rooted menacingly in place. The demon designs are mostly great, sparking excitement with each new foe I got to cut down. What’s impressive is the rarity of lazy recolors—most enemies boast unique looks and fresh attack patterns, keeping every new encounter a thrill.
Skills & Thrills — The Progression and Platforming
Shin and Lux’s growth unfolds through a skill tree, fueled by enemy kills and quest completions. It’s not the deepest system out there, but it delivers game-changers like air dashes and double jumps that help you reach the various collectibles throughout Osaka—HP and MP boosts, new weapons, and puzzle pieces for hidden doors. Compared to the thrill of ability unlocks in a true Metroidvania, it feels a tad underwhelming, yet it still elevates an already stellar gameplay loop in its own right.
The first half of the game is almost too easy, but the stylish combat and fun level design keep it engaging enough to mask it. Difficulty ramps up later, testing your full arsenal, while boss fights steal the show with multi-phase spectacles that demand precision and strategy. Side-quest bosses can be even tougher, adding welcome variety. You can also grab a variety of items with cash earned from quests or stumbled upon in the world—think HP and MP boosts, temporary invulnerability, or buffs to attack and defense—but I rarely had a reason to touch them until the final boss and one of the brutal post-game showdowns.
Though lighter on challenge than cream of the crop Metroidvania such as Guacamelee and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, BLADECHIMERA‘s platforming is tight and satisfying enough, paired with a grid-based map brimming with secrets, collectibles, and puzzles. Progression hinges on skill tree unlocks rather than ability-gated barriers—a shift that might jar at first but settles into a rhythm that complements the game’s unique flavor.
Sidetracks & Plotlines — The Side Quests and Narrative
Unlike Team Ladybug’s Metroidvania roots, BLADECHIMERA opts for a mission-driven structure. You’ll visit the Holy Union’s hub, grab quests, and venture into uncharted zones to progress. The main story clocks in at around 10 hours, but dozens of side quests and collectible hunts can pad that up to 20 hours. Varying from standard fare fetch and kill quests to multi-part sagas that flesh out Shin, Lux, and the world, the side quests are 100% worth completing. It elevates the experience with expansive character moments for Shin and Lux, unique mission structures not found in the main quest line, thoughtful world building and rewarding payoffs.
What truly caught me off guard in BLADECHIMERA was its narrative. I dove into the game with low expectations in that regard, only to find myself pleasantly surprised by an anime-esque tale that, while mostly predictable, delivered genuine enjoyment and a few twists. Shin starts as a loyal Vicar with a more lenient take on the rules set by the Holy Union, but Lux’s influence sparks a journey of doubt, challenging the regime’s black-and-white morality. A rebel faction, The Peacemakers, appears later in the story adding even further intrigue to the situation.
While some recurring side characters feel underdeveloped, Shin and Lux’s evolving bond carries the story, culminating in a well-executed plot twist that had me shouting “No way!” at my screen and seemingly bringing meaning to the title BLADECHIMERA. From there, the narrative soars, delivering a satisfying climax—yet the real magic happens if you push for 100% completion.
Endings & Achievements — The Endgame
I’m not at all the type to chase platinum trophies or 1000/1000 scores—once the credits roll, I’m usually on to the next game. Yet BLADECHIMERA hooked me in a way few games these days do, compelling me to experience everything it had to offer. Trust me when I say this: pushing for full completion transforms the experience into something extraordinary, and you’ll be glad you did it.
Should you take on this fairly easy and hardly demanding quest to conquer every corner of the game, the reward is substantial. An equally enjoyable plot twist awaits, setting the stage for a standoff with the game’s toughest boss—a grueling gauntlet that hurls one of the steepest difficulty spikes I’ve encountered in years. Persevere, and you’ll be treated to a richer, more fulfilling conclusion, tying up the narrative with a near-perfect bow on top.
Departures & Pay-offs — Final Thoughts on BLADECHIMERA
In the end, BLADECHIMERA stands as a testament to Team Ladybug’s evolution—a departure from their traditional Metroidvania roots that is satisfyingly unique. Sure, the early ease and lighter platforming might not fully satisfy hardcore genre purists, but it builds into an excellent experience with razor-sharp combat, pixel-perfect visuals, and a narrative that sneaks up on you with surprising depth.
The neon-lit streets of its cyberpunk Osaka, drenched in Japanese occult lore, brings the experience to life, accompanied by an energetic soundtrack that encapsulates it further. Lux and Shin’s bond delightfully brings together your playthrough with rewarding gameplay and narrative beats. It’s a game that is great for a quick playthrough but further rewards you if you choose to dive deeper into its side content, leaving a lasting impression either way. For fans of the studio or anyone seeking a finely crafted action platformer, BLADECHIMERA wholeheartedly proves to be a worthy investment.
Final Score 8.5/10
Pros
- Beautiful Pixel-Art and UI Design
- Unique Setting
- Engaging Combat from Start to Finish
- Meaningful Side Content
- Surprisingly Satisfying Narrative
- Awesome Boss Fights
- Must-play Postgame Content
Cons
- Early Game Could Be More Challenging
- Underdeveloped Side Characters
- Shallow Skill Tree
- Not Enough Focus on Platforming
Written by Lord Don Otaku
