Flash and Slash- X-Blades Reviewed

Perhaps, the developers at Gaijin Entertainment remember that era, as indicated by their most recent title. X-Blades for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, offers a simplistic hack and slash that while graphically impressive, features mechanics that wouldn’t be out of place in a pre-Devil May Cry universe. Players have no need for maps- levels are composed of successions of rooms. Most contain monster generators that require destruction, making the affair feel like a 3D Gauntlet at times.

Main character Ayumi begins her journey in a Tomb-Raider-esque location, with attire that would make Ms. Croft seem prudish.  Relinquishing the protection found by say, a suit of chain mail, our protagonist battles foes wearing little more than a thong and a baby t-shirt. Despite her severe deficiency of defensive attire, Ayumi is well equipped offensively- she carries two gun-blades for close and ranged attacks.

Player press the ‘X’ button to swing Ayumi’s blades, while the right trigger fires her pistol toward long-range targets. Gamer can press the ‘A’ button once to jump, while a double tap initiates a summersault. As players slay enemies, the protagonist automatically accumulates souls, which can be used to purchase additional moves. The moves can be mapped to the two remaining face buttons (‘Y’ and ‘B”) and well as the two bumpers. While combat is enjoyable, many players may bemoan the game’s lack of diversity. Gamers will repeatedly clear room after room of any antagonists before challenging a level boss. 

Whereas dispatching the nefarious inhabitants of X-Blades should be an exhilarating release, it is often a troublesome endeavor. Crab beasts are often too quick for Ayami’s blades, while flying monstrosities are too high for melee combat. Other fiends are impervious to anything but magic attacks, while bosses frequently send out packs of smaller creatures that constantly linger around the player, sapping health. X-Blades’ combat is often frustratingly reductionist; weapons and spells either are effective, or completely useless.

Those looking for a complex and innovative title may be disappointed by X-Blades. The title is an unapologetic ‘hack and shoot’, which while graphically competent, has a core game mechanic that harks back a few hardware generations. Gamers who are not detracted by the simplicity or redundancy of a title such as Dynasty Warriors, may certainly find enjoyment here.