Review of Stellar Blade
Stellar Blade, developed by Shift Up, is a visually stunning action RPG that blends fast-paced combat, a post-apocalyptic setting, and a protagonist whose design has sparked as much discussion as her story. While the game excels in its combat mechanics and aesthetic presentation, it stumbles in areas like narrative depth, character development, and pacing. However, the recent addition of the Nier Automata DLC has injected fresh excitement into the game, offering fans a crossover experience that elevates its appeal. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what makes Stellar Blade shine, where it falls short, and how the DLC enhances the experience.
The Good: Combat, Visuals, and Exploration
1. Combat That Feels Fresh and Rewarding
Stellar Blade’s combat system is its crown jewel. Drawing inspiration from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the game emphasizes precise parries, dodges, and counters. Enemies telegraph their attacks with color-coded indicators: yellow for unblockable attacks, blue for Blink dodges, and purple for Repulse counters. This system keeps combat engaging and requires players to stay on their toes.
Eve, the protagonist, wields a sword and a gun, with special abilities like Beta and Burst Skills adding depth to the gameplay. Beta Skills, such as wide sweeps and shield-breaking attacks, are fueled by landing hits and parries, while Burst Skills offer devastating power at the cost of harder-to-earn energy. The combat evolves throughout the 30-hour campaign, introducing new tools and mechanics that keep fights feeling fresh.
2. Gorgeous Visuals and Enemy Design
Stellar Blade is a visual feast. The post-apocalyptic Earth is rendered in stunning detail, from the desolate ruins of Xion to the sprawling deserts and industrial vistas. The Naytiba, the game’s monstrous enemies, are creatively designed, with over 48 variants offering unique challenges. Boss fights, in particular, are a highlight, featuring intense battles against massive, grotesque creatures that test your mastery of the combat system.
3. Exploration and Cosmetic Variety
The game rewards exploration with hidden collectibles, upgrades, and over 30 unlockable outfits for Eve. While some outfits lean heavily into fan service, others offer stylish and practical designs. Exploration is further enhanced by the drone companion, which helps scan for secrets and adds a layer of immersion to the world.
The Mixed: Story and Characters
1. Predictable Narrative with Missed Potential
Stellar Blade’s story follows Eve, a soldier sent to Earth to eliminate the Naytiba and uncover the truth behind humanity’s downfall. While the premise is intriguing, the execution falls flat. The plot is predictable, with twists that lack emotional impact due to underdeveloped characters. Eve herself is a blank slate, with little personality or growth throughout the game. Her companions, Adam and Lily, also suffer from shallow writing, making it hard to invest in their relationships.
2. Side Quests and World-Building
The game’s side quests offer glimpses of deeper world-building, with some NPCs providing memorable moments. However, many quests feel repetitive, involving backtracking through levels to fetch items or fight stronger versions of previous bosses. While some quests, like the one involving a broken-down singing android, stand out, others fail to leave a lasting impression.
The Bad: Platforming and Pacing
1. Frustrating Platforming Mechanics
Platforming is one of Stellar Blade’s weakest aspects. Eve’s movement feels inconsistent, with awkward momentum and imprecise jumps. This is especially problematic in sections requiring precise navigation, where even small mistakes can lead to frustrating deaths. The game’s attempt to blend platforming with exploration often feels forced and detracts from the overall experience.
2. Pacing Issues and Repetition
Stellar Blade struggles with pacing. While the combat remains engaging, the game’s structure can feel repetitive, with long stretches of backtracking and filler content. The open-world zones, though visually impressive, lack variety, with two desert-themed areas dominating much of the game. Additionally, the story’s pacing is uneven, with major revelations often feeling rushed or underdeveloped.
The Nier Automata DLC: A Crossover Done Right
The Nier Automata DLC is a standout addition to Stellar Blade, offering fans of both franchises a delightful crossover experience. The DLC introduces 2B’s iconic outfit and weapon, the Virtuous Contract, allowing players to dress Eve as the beloved Nier Automata protagonist. The inclusion of 2B’s weapon also brings a new combat style to the game, with fluid animations and a unique moveset that feels true to its source material.
Beyond the cosmetic and gameplay additions, the DLC features a special questline that pays homage to Nier Automata’s themes of existentialism and humanity. This questline, while short, adds a layer of emotional depth to Stellar Blade’s world, blending the two universes in a way that feels organic and respectful. For fans of Nier Automata, this DLC is a must-play, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience within Stellar Blade’s framework.
The Controversial: Eve’s Design and Tone
Eve’s character design has been a point of contention. While her exaggerated appearance aligns with the game’s stylish, over-the-top aesthetic, it often clashes with the story’s serious tone. The inclusion of skimpy outfits and the “Skin Suit” feels gratuitous, detracting from the narrative’s attempts to explore themes of identity and agency. This dissonance between style and substance is one of the game’s more polarizing aspects.
Conclusion: A Flawed but Fun Action RPG with a Stellar Crossover
Stellar Blade is a game of contrasts. Its combat system is a masterclass in action gameplay, offering depth, challenge, and satisfaction. The visuals and enemy design are top-notch, and the exploration rewards players with meaningful upgrades and cosmetic variety. However, the game is held back by its predictable story, underdeveloped characters, and frustrating platforming mechanics.
The Nier Automata DLC elevates the experience, offering fans a crossover that feels both nostalgic and fresh. For fans of action RPGs, Stellar Blade is worth playing for its combat and the DLC alone, but those seeking a compelling narrative or polished platforming may find it lacking. Despite its flaws, Stellar Blade is a promising debut for Shift Up, showcasing the studio’s potential to create memorable, high-quality games in the future.
Final Score: 8.5/10 (with Nier Automata DLC)
