Stellar Blade Review (PlayStation 5)

Since its release, Stellar Blade has earned widespread acclaim from the gaming community, swiftly rising to claim the title of the third highest-rated game in PS5 history. In less than two weeks on the console, it has captured the hearts of players with its immersive and action-packed gameplay. 

The game offers a gripping journey through a post-apocalyptic world brimming with mystery. Stellar Blade has made a mark on the action-adventure genre with its dynamic combat system and captivating anime-inspired aesthetic. Players are flocking to experience the game firsthand, eager to explore every corner of its richly crafted universe. Are you ready to embark on this thrilling adventure? Let’s jump right into the Stellar Blade review and discover everything it has to offer.

Survive the Post-Apocalypse

In the world of Stellar Blade, humanity faces its darkest hour as the Naytiba threat pushes civilization to the brink of destruction. In the game, you are forced to abandon your home planet, Earth. And now, the survivors seek refuge in a distant Colony, leaving behind a lonely and forsaken world. 

Yet, amidst the despair, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of the 7th Airborne Squad. The 7th Airborne squad is a courageous band of warriors tasked with confronting the Naytiba. Also, they seek to restore peace to their shattered homeland.

Now, players must step into the shoes of Eve, a brave member of the 7th Airborne Squad. They embark on an epic quest to combat the Naytiba and reclaim Earth for humanity. Alongside steadfast companions Adam and Lily, Eve navigates the game’s landscapes, from the hidden depths of Xion to the scary expanses of the Great Desert. 

As Eve goes deeper into her mission, she grapples with profound questions of identity, purpose, and the true nature of the enemy she faces. Similarly, with each encounter and revelation, players are drawn deeper into a thrilling adventure. 

The emotional resonance of Stellar Blade’s narrative is strong, drawing inspiration from games like NieR: Automata. Despite its ambition, Stellar Blade’s storyline may have pacing issues and some underdeveloped plot points. However, its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking themes invite players to make choices that shape their destiny in a dangerous world.

The Charm

Stellar Blade’s character designs are a big hit among players, and for good reason. They’re colorful, unique, and full of personality. Inspired by anime and manga, each character stands out with their own special traits. From Eve’s mysterious charm to Adam’s strong determination, every character adds something special to the game. 

Furthermore, the protagonist, EVE, is a central figure in Stellar Blade. Notably, her character design reflects her role as a powerful and charming warrior. She is depicted as a sleek and agile figure with futuristic armor and weaponry that shows her combat prowess. EVE’s design is characterized by clean lines and bold colors, which gives her a sleek and stylish appearance that stands out on the battlefield.

In addition to EVE, Stellar Blade features a diverse cast of characters, each with its own distinct visual identity. These characters come to life through their unique designs, from allies to enemies. They range from humanoid automatons to towering monsters and other creepy creatures. 

Overall, the character designs in Stellar Blade play a crucial role in shaping the game’s world and narrative. Through their visual appearance and characterization, the characters help to create a rich and immersive experience. They draw players into the game’s universe and keep them engaged throughout their journey. 

Action! 

Stellar Blade offers an adrenaline-pumping action experience like no other. Apparently, this is one of the aspects that made the game receive such acclaim on the PlayStation 5. Players control EVE, wielding a variety of weapons and abilities. The game’s combat system is fast-paced and fluid, designed to make players feel like unstoppable anime heroes.

Combat in Stellar Blade revolves around lightning-fast swordplay. So, players can unleash devastating combos and dodge incoming attacks. Plus, they can unleash special moves to take out their enemies. Thanks to the devs, the game’s controls are responsive, allowing players to transition between different attacks and moves seamlessly.

One of the highlights of Stellar Blade’s action is its emphasis on spectacle. Players can engage in epic battles against hordes of enemies, including towering bosses. The game’s dynamic camera angles and stylish animations enhance the excitement, making each encounter feel like a cinematic experience.

Moreover, Stellar Blade offers a deep and customizable combat system that allows players to tailor their play style to suit their preferences. The game features a wide range of upgrades, abilities, and combat modes to unlock. Also, players have the freedom to experiment and develop their own unique fighting strategies.

While the action in Stellar Blade is undeniably thrilling, it has challenges. To succeed, players must master the game’s mechanics and learn to adapt to their enemies’ strategies. Overall, the action in Stellar Blade is heart-pounding and will keep players on the edge of their seats from start to finish. 

The Spirit of Manga

Stellar Blade perfectly captures the essence of anime in its gameplay, visuals, and narrative. From its character designs to its storytelling, the game brings forth a distinct anime feeling that will resonate with fans of the genre.

Visually, Stellar Blade adopts an art style reminiscent of anime, featuring bold, colorful characters and environments that burst with personality. The character designs are stylish and expressive, drawing inspiration from classic anime while adding a modern twist. From Eve’s sleek, futuristic appearance to the monstrous enemies she faces, every aspect of the game’s visuals is designed to evoke the spirit of anime.

In addition to its visual style, Stellar Blade embraces the storytelling conventions of anime, delivering a captivating and emotionally resonant narrative. The game explores themes of identity, friendship, and redemption, following an epic journey that will keep players hooked. 

Hack n’ Slash

Stellar Blade offers a thrilling hack-and-slash gameplay experience. The game’s hack-and-slash mechanics emphasize fast-paced combat, fluid movement, and strategic decision-making. Plus, Players unleash devastating combos and special moves to overcome their foes.

In Stellar Blade, players engage in intense swordplay against various enemies, including monstrous creatures and hostile automatons. The game’s combat system allows players to combine attacks, dodges, and counters to create dynamic combos. It also requires quick reflexes and precise timing to evade enemy attacks and unleash heavy counterattacks.

One of the highlights of Stellar Blade’s hack-and-slash gameplay is its emphasis on spectacle and style. Players can perform flashy and cinematic moves. That includes aerial combos, charged attacks, and powerful finishers that showcase EVE’s incredible combat abilities. Similarly, the game’s dynamic camera angles and stylish animations further enhance the sense of excitement and immersion. 

Moreover, Stellar Blade offers a deep and customizable combat system that allows players to tailor their play style to suit their preferences. With a wide range of weapons, abilities, and upgrades to unlock, players can experiment and develop their own unique fighting strategies.

Overall, Stellar Blade delivers an exciting hack-and-slash experience that will keep players engaged. With its fast-paced combat, fluid movement, and stylish presentation, the game offers a thrilling and rewarding gameplay experience for fans of the genre.

The Bad

Stellar Blade has drawn attention to its combat mechanics, which have, to some extent, caused frustration among players. Specifically, players have encountered enemies with high health and persistently stunning abilities, alongside inconsistent parry and dodge mechanics. Dealing with enemies possessing high health can prove particularly challenging when they obstruct progress towards the next level.

Additionally, early in the game, players may struggle more against groups of regular enemies than against major bosses. This leads to moments of shifting focus, which can leave them feeling overwhelmed and defeated.

Moreover, Puzzle and platforming challenges often require a level of precision that feels at odds with the game’s controls. Additionally, the lack of clear and consistent checkpoints may cause frustration, forcing players to restart from distant bonfire-style camps and hindering the flow of gameplay. 

These issues collectively contribute to a sense of frustration that occasionally overshadows the game’s potential for immersive exploration and adventure. However, with dedication from the SHIFT UP Corporation team, these challenges can be addressed through updates and patches. Despite these hurdles, Stellar Blade offers a captivating world ripe for exploration and exciting adventures. 

Verdict 

In conclusion, Stellar Blade stands out for its visually striking character designs, which contribute significantly to the game’s overall appeal. The game perfectly brings anime and manga styles to life, and it features characters with unique traits and personalities that resonate with players.

Moreover, the positive reception from the gaming community speaks volumes about the success of Stellar Blade‘s gameplay. Players have expressed appreciation for the developers’ efforts in creating characters that are visually striking, relatable, and memorable. 

Despite its minor flaws, Stellar Blade offers a memorable gaming experience that stands out in today’s gaming landscape. The developers should work on updates that can address the issues that are arising and ensure ongoing improvement. Whether you’re a fan of hack-and-slash action or appreciate immersive storytelling and stylish visuals, Stellar Blade is a title worth exploring.