The VR sandbox fighting game’s latest update has come out…sort of. Though the update was originally intended to be published in Q1 2022, it’s been delayed slightly, with only a beta version of the update released so far. The update can be easily installed through Steam by opting into the beta.
Though not as polished as a full release, the update still brings reworked features like a more robust magic system, the ability to change the avatar’s clothes, and most exciting of all, a reworked animation system. Together, they revitalize the game as a whole, especially the sorcery part of Blade and Sorcery.
Blade and Sorcery U11 Magic Changes
The changes to the magic system introduce new, much more compelling reasons to use spells instead of going in for heroic duels. Each of the elements has been reworked to fit a specific niche.
Fire spells are all about burning single targets to a crisp. The fireball is the same as always but can be combined just like a Kamehameha into a much larger Meteor that will absolutely obliterate whichever target it hits. Smashing a fire-imbued staff into the ground will trigger a swarm of smaller fireballs to attack a target.
Electricity spells, in shocking contrast, are about crowd control. The Sith-like chain lighting is about the same as it was until it’s put on a staff. Holding down the cast button will make a crackling whip shoot out of the end and can be twirled around to shock and even dismember unlucky enemies. Hitting the ground with it will send out a wave of stunning electricity, stopping approaching enemies in their tracks.
Gravity is now about mobility and utility. It can still be used to bounce around, just that it’s much easier to use this time. It’s even possible to fly Iron Man-style, using palms to direct gravitational forces to control your descent.
Combat changes
Combat has been made much more exciting, thanks to the new animations. These feel a lot less canned than the older ones and feel much more dynamic to fight against. Unfortunately, this area is where the patch’s beta state is most obvious. Sometimes, enemies will be content to start a staring contest, looking on at the avatar without swinging first. That is, of course, until you turn your back.
Some of those animations are also a little clunky. Still, it’s a lot of fun to play with and against the game. If you got used to the old animations, this patch would spice things up for a while, at the very least.
Other New Parts
There’s also reworked lighting released in conjunction with improved game performance with the patch, making things look nicer while still running better, which is something that is very welcome considering how nauseating VR can get when the framerate starts tanking.
The new armor system is excellent too, just that it doesn’t change gameplay all that much overall. At least, not yet.
Final Thoughts on the U11 Beta
As always, this is another exciting update that brings new, fresh content mixed in with some very welcome improvements to the game, such as the new optimization. Though the core experience is much the same, the game is a little fresher and much smoother.