Pure Dead GamingPure Dead Gaming
  • Podcast
    PodcastShow More
    PDG Revisited – Sleeping Dogs
    August 24, 2024
    Podcast 191
    August 23, 2024
    Podcast 190
    August 18, 2024
    Podcast 189
    August 9, 2024
    Podcast 188
    August 2, 2024
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    Steel Seed review
    KARMA: The Dark World review
    Atomfall review
    Marvel Rivals review
    2024 Game of the Year Voting
    December 22, 2024
  • Classic Reviews
    Classic ReviewsShow More
    Okami HD Review
    Classic Games Revisited + Reviewed – Spec Ops: The Line (PC)
    The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Review
    April 19, 2024
    Golden Sun Review
    April 3, 2024
    Classic Games Revisited + Reviewed – Yakuza 0 (PS3 / PS4)
    January 20, 2023
  • Editorials
    EditorialsShow More
    Hades II – Hands On
    May 20, 2024
    Need For Speed, where did it all go wrong?
    March 25, 2024
    Biggest Gaming Releases This Week (November 20-24)
    November 20, 2023
    Ghostrunner 2 Hands-on preview
    September 11, 2023
    Summer Game Fest 2023: A Recap of Exciting Game Announcements
    June 9, 2023
  • Shop
  • Contact
Reading: Within the Blade | PS5 Review
Share
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Pure Dead GamingPure Dead Gaming
  • Podcast
  • Reviews
  • Classic Reviews
  • Editorials
  • Shop
Search
Follow US
© Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Pure Dead Gaming > Blog > Reviews > Within the Blade | PS5 Review
Reviews

Within the Blade | PS5 Review

Terry
Last updated: August 5, 2021 12:44 am
Terry
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

Developer: Ametist Studio
Publisher: Ratalaika Games
ReleaseDate: 16th July 2021
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch & PC
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
*Review code provided by the publisher*

Within the Blade is a game I knew nothing about going in. So when asked if I wanted to do a review, I quickly hopped on to YouTube, watched the trailer (see below) and instantly knew it was right up my street. I love punishing side-scrollers, where precision matters and skill is a requirement. Plus who doesn’t like Ninjas? No one!

The first thing you’ll notice about Within the Blade is the beautiful 16-bit graphics. Kills look brutal with ample blood on display. The procedurally generated levels are always detailed well enough, not distracting from the action, yet providing a decent backdrop throughout. The animation is also on point, with executions proving the highlight.

You play as Hideaki, a ninja of the Black Lotus clan, who is tasked with defeating the steel clan who decided to seek the knowledge of dark entities as Japan fell into civil war. After gaining the powers of an evil samurai warlord, the steel clan’s leader then summons a demon army, leaving Hideaki’s and his chums as the last hope.

Gameplay is fun and varied, although the melee combat is at times a little less precise than I would like. When you connect it feels great, but sometimes I was left feeling punished for what looked like a clean hit. Bombs, throwing stars and other such projectiles pad out the route one approach. I always got the vibe that this was how the game was intended to be played, but with stealth as an available option I just couldn’t help but gravitate towards that.

Whenever a stealth route is possible, I go with it. Attacking unsuspecting foes for a one-hit kill always felt great thanks to the excellent animation I spoke of earlier. Hiding in grass, waiting for the perfect moment to execute your foe. It doesn’t always work out so smoothly though. Often times being forced to jump to specific ledges for enemies would alert them, forcing you into combat.

Movement is very fluid, with players able to double jump, wall jump and also wall climb – but unfortunately they create noise. This left me feeling like the inclusion of stealth may have been implemented late in development. However, it does remain a satisfying option when the opportunity presents itself. Speaking of satisfying, the boss fights are a particular highlight, offering great variation and at times a steep challenge.

There are also some RPG-lite elements, allowing players to personalise their experience. You can focus on traversal, fighting and more. There is also a crafting system, with an abundance of options, but you are pretty much left to figure it out for yourself which I found a little jarring.

When it comes to trophies/achievements, this is not your usual Ratalaika Games list. Within the Blade is decent length and to get the platinum/1000G you will have to actually complete the full game instead of just the opening few levels like many of their library. It is a path worth taking though, as the game provides an ample challenge throughout. Coming in at £8.99 on PlayStation, you get both the PS4 and PS5 versions – giving you the option of two platinum trophies.

Within the Blade is a game that is worth your time. It may not hit the heights of The Messenger or Mark of the Ninja, but if you liked those games I think you’ll find enough here to enjoy, especially with the solid price point.

-Terry 🦊

You Might Also Like

Steel Seed review

KARMA: The Dark World review

Atomfall review

Marvel Rivals review

2024 Game of the Year Voting

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print

Latest YouTube Post

X-twitter Youtube Spotify Tiktok Instagram

Random Reviews

Reviews

Dave the Diver review

July 14, 2023
Reviews

Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners | PSVR Review

May 12, 2020
Reviews

A Plague Tale: Innocence | PS4 Review

May 18, 2019
Reviews

Hades PS5 review

September 8, 2021
Reviews

WWE 2K22 Review | A Championship Contender

March 18, 2022
Reviews

A Juggler’s Tale Review

October 23, 2021

Pure Dead Gaming © 2024

You guessed it. This site uses cookies.
We use non-personal cookies for analytics, and also some social media cookies to allow us to personalise ads. There are also one or two to take care of security. If you click 'Accept' this will allow us to use Analytics and Marketing cookies. You have full control over which cookies may be set by clicking 'Settings'. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Go to mobile version
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?