Stellar Blade Review: As a fan of fast-paced action-adventure games, I’ve played titles like Vanquish, Bayonetta, and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Stellar Blade, developed by Director Hyung-Tae Kim, takes inspiration from the SoulsBorne genre and delivers an exciting gameplay experience.
Shift Up, the developer, and Sony Interactive Entertainment, the publisher, have collaborated to create Stellar Blade, an action-adventure game that is set to be released on April 26, 2024, exclusively for the PlayStation 5.
Initial release date: 9 March 2024
Developer: SHIFT UP Corporation
Platform: PlayStation 5
Mode: Single-player video game
License: proprietary license
Genres: Action-adventure game, Fighting game
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Stellar Blade Review
Let’s start with a Steller Blade review:
The Setting
The Earth lies in ruins, a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Humans have sought refuge in a space colony, leaving behind a planet overrun by horrific monsters known as Naytiba. You step into the shoes of Eve, a member of the 7th Airborne Squad, tasked with eliminating the Naytiba threat on the surface.
The Story
Stellar Blade’s story unfolds predictably. Eve joins forces with the last remnants of human civilization, embarking on a quest to collect four hypercores guarded by formidable bosses. These cores hold the answers to Earth’s fate, the origins of Naytibas, and the reasons behind humanity’s exodus to space. While the back half of the story becomes more intriguing once all cards are on the table, the front half suffers from a lack of character development.
Character Depth
Eve, our protagonist, lacks personality, charm, and charisma. After 30 hours of gameplay, I can barely tell you anything noteworthy about her beyond her dedication to the mission and her aversion to getting wet. Her interactions with fellow squadmates Adam and Lily remain shallow, leaving us disconnected from their bond.
The Combat
Thankfully, the heart of any action game lies in its combat, and Stellar Blade excels here. The combat is smoothly animated, challenging, and deeply satisfying. With a variety of enemies to face, combat never becomes overwhelming. As Eve, you’ll slice and dice your way through hordes of foes, evolving your skills across the 30-hour adventure.
Visuals and Design
Stellar Blade boasts excellent character and monster design. The world is beautifully crafted, and the environmental details are jaw-dropping. Director Hyung-Tae Kim’s visual prowess shines through, making up for the game’s storytelling shortcomings.
Conclusion
Stellar Blade isn’t flawless, but it’s sharp where it counts. If you’re seeking a visually stunning action-adventure experience with engaging combat, this game is worth your time. While the story may not be groundbreaking, the gameplay and worldbuilding make it one of the best action games of the year.
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