Newcomers to the action game genre are greeted with excitement and anticipation, especially when they present groundbreaking potential. ‘Stellar Blade,’ developed by South Korean studio Shift Up, has generated significant buzz leading up to its release in 2024. As game enthusiasts eagerly awaited the demo, the question emerged: can ‘Stellar Blade’ carve out a niche for itself among genre-defining giants like ‘Bayonetta,’ ‘Devil May Cry,’ and ‘Nier: Automata’?
‘Stellar Blade’ drops players into a post-apocalyptic scenario, casting them as Eve, the game’s protagonist, in the aftermath of humanity’s defeat by the eerie Naytibas, which has forced humans from Earth. The game begins dramatically with the annihilation of Airborne Squad 7 and Eve narrowly escaping to the planet’s surface. Eve sets out on a perilous quest to unite human survivors and take back their planet. Along this journey, players uncover the enigma of the Naytibas while Eve accumulates an eclectic mix of attire—because even in the face of monstrous adversaries, fashion remains a priority.
The game echoes the feel of ‘Nier: Automata’ with its thematic elements but also charts its own narrative path, drawing from a multitude of gaming influences. While it is evident that ‘Stellar Blade’ aims to synthesize these inspirations into a singular, coherent experience, it sometimes stumbles in the execution. Despite stunningly crafted characters, formidable foes, and arresting scenery, the game’s overall storytelling and character depth are lacking. They often come across as two-dimensional protagonists being maneuvered to drive the storyline.
Where ‘Stellar Blade’ truly excels is in its world-building. The game provides vast landscapes for players to explore, with the fluidity of the combat system propelling the action. The combat borrows elements from ‘Sekiro’ swordplay and the lithe agility from ‘Bayonetta,’ though missing the iconic ballistic footwear. The combat becomes more engrossing with the introduction of Beta Skills, which adds complexity to the combat dynamics, allowing Eve to string together powerful combo attacks in the throes of battle.
The eclectic array of enemies, especially the daunting Elite Naytibas, turns combat into a thrillingly challenging aspect of the game. While exploration offers the rewards of scenic views and additional costumes for Eve, the platforming aspects fall short, with Eve’s movement mechanics feeling clunky at times. Not to mention the unwieldy password system which frustrates the gameplay flow.
Visually, ‘Stellar Blade’ is nothing short of a spectacle. It boasts fluid animations, bedazzling effects, and intricately detailed environments. The surreal design of the enemies adds an otherworldly dread that contrasts with Eve’s angelic allure. However, certain costume choices for Eve seem inappropriately modern and clash with the overall aesthetic, disrupting the game’s immersive atmosphere.
As a debut title, ‘Stellar Blade’ is a noteworthy effort, displaying promise for the birth of an exciting new series. Despite the few areas where it falls short, the game provides a satisfying experience that gracefully blends essential elements of its predecessors in the action genre. The hope is that future updates will smooth out the current rough edges, particularly concerning the platforming mechanics, to refine the gameplay experience further.
In summary, ‘Stellar Blade’ stands out as a valuable addition to the action game category, marked by its outstanding art design and dynamic combat system. While it may not flawlessly execute every aspect, its ambitious undertaking and the potential for future refinement make it a game worth noting for fans of the genre. The gaming community will undoubtedly watch closely to see how ‘Stellar Blade’ evolves and whether it can indeed achieve the status of a beloved classic within the action gaming pantheon.
