Stellar Blade Review

Stellar Blade

Release: April 26, 2024
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Developer: SHIFT UP
Genre: PlayStation 5 Reviews, PS5 ReviewsReviews
PEGI: 18
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Stellar Blade, the latest exclusive to hit the PS5, is a game of contrasts. It boasts gorgeous visuals and a thrilling combat system, but stumbles with a repetitive structure and a narrative that fails to capture the imagination. Here’s a deep dive into what Stellar Blade offers, and where it falls short.

The ruined city of Xion and the overgrown remnants of Earth are brought to life with stunning detail. The developers have crafted a world that feels both hauntingly desolate and strangely beautiful. Environmental storytelling is on point, with ruined buildings hinting at a lost civilization, and overgrown flora reclaiming the concrete jungle. Character design is equally impressive, with protagonist Eve and her crew looking suitably stylish and well-equipped for the harsh world they inhabit.

Stellar Blade’s combat is its strongest element. Borrowing inspiration from titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the game emphasizes parrying and deflecting enemy attacks to create openings for counters. Mastering these mechanics leads to a dance of offense and defense that can be genuinely thrilling. The game throws a good variety of enemies at you, each requiring a slightly different approach to conquer.

However, the combat encounters can become repetitive after a while. While the core mechanics are solid, the enemy types aren’t particularly diverse, and the game relies a bit too heavily on the same basic formula throughout. Boss battles offer a welcome change of pace, often requiring specific strategies and showcasing impressive enemy designs, but even these can feel like remixes of previously encountered mechanics.

The story of Stellar Blade feels predictable and derivative. Humanity’s last hope returns to a ruined Earth to find a mysterious survivor, and fight off monstrous creatures. The characters themselves are also a bit one-note, with Eve fitting squarely into the stoic, amnesiac hero archetype, and her companions offering little in the way of personality development. There are hints of a deeper story lurking beneath the surface, but the game never quite manages to pull it all together in a satisfying way.

The world of Xion offers a decent amount of side content, from hidden collectibles to optional bosses. While these activities can provide some additional challenge and extend playtime, they don’t feel particularly integrated into the overall experience. It can feel like checking boxes rather than meaningfully engaging with the world.

Stellar Blade runs smoothly on the PS5, with no noticeable frame rate drops or technical glitches. The fast-paced action is well complemented by the responsive controls. Load times are also mercifully brief.

Stellar Blade is a game with a lot of potential, but it doesn’t quite live up to the hype. The combat system is excellent, and the visuals are a treat for the eyes. However, the repetitive structure, forgettable story, and one-dimensional characters hold the game back from greatness. If you’re looking for a visually stunning action game with a solid combat system, Stellar Blade is worth a look. But if you’re craving a deep and engaging narrative experience, you might want to look elsewhere.

Strengths:

• Stunning visuals
• Thrilling combat system
• Good variety of enemy types (initially)
• Impressive boss battles

Weaknesses:

• Repetitive combat encounters in the long run
• Forgettable story
• One-dimensional characters
• Uninspired side activities

Overall, Stellar Blade is a decent action game with some impressive technical aspects. However, its repetitive nature and lackluster narrative prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Trailer