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Stellar Blade

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Stellar Blade
Item: Stellar Blade
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableApr 26, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5

DeveloperSHIFT UP Corporation

Overview

Eve and her comrades land on the surface to reclaim the extinct Earth and cross paths with a survivor named Adam. Eve is then led by Adam to the last surviving city, Xion, where she meets the elder of the town Orcal and is told many stories. In order to serve her mission to save Earth, Eve develops close relationships with the key members of Xion and contributes to rebuilding the city. On a mission to save Earth from the NA:tive, Eve is also faced with helping out the citizens of Xion. Whether you will help the survivors or not, depends purely on your decision as the player. The game originally was announced as "Project Eve" in 2019. It was set to release for PS4/Xbox One consoles and PC, but a September 2022 State of Play revealed the game would instead launch only on PS5 and PC.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Stellar Blade's story has divided critics, with praise for its post-apocalyptic setting and strong narrative elements, but criticism for flat characterizations and predictable storytelling. While some appreciated the engaging world-building and character dynamics, others found the lack of depth and emotional engagement disappointing. The game offers compelling moments but struggles to deliver a consistently impactful and original storytelling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

49%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Stellar Blade has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many reviewers appreciated the post-apocalyptic setting and the strong narrative elements present in the game. CGMagazine highlighted moments of complexity and character development for the protagonist EVE, while Dexerto and Impulsegamer praised the engaging narrative set in a post-apocalyptic universe with themes of revenge and mystery. The dynamic between characters like Adam and Lily was noted as a strong point by COGconnected, adding depth to the lore through side quests and diverse locales. On the other hand, some critics pointed out shortcomings in the storytelling of Stellar Blade. Critics like Gamer.no and Movies Games and Tech criticized the writing and voice acting, stating that they fell flat and lacked depth, respectively. IGN and RPG Site mentioned the lack of character development and emotional engagement, with IGN Benelux specifically noting the stoic nature of the characters and flat voice acting as detractors from the overall narrative experience. GamesRadar+ and Shacknews highlighted predictability and generic elements in the story, with the latter mentioning a lack of engagement and captivating plot threads. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Stellar Blade leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciated the engaging narrative, strong world-building, and character dynamics, others found the storytelling predictable, lacking in depth, and failing to fully captivate the player emotionally. Positive aspects such as the thematic exploration of hope, multiple endings, and intriguing mysteries were acknowledged, but criticisms of flat characterizations, generic plot elements, and unoriginality were also prevalent. Despite the varied opinions, it seems that Stellar Blade manages to offer an immersive post-apocalyptic narrative with some compelling moments but falls short in delivering a consistently impactful and original storytelling experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics raved about Stellar Blade's engaging combat mechanics, praising its precision and challenging yet accessible nature inspired by games like Dark Souls and Sekiro. The game received acclaim for its stylish fighting mechanics, combo system, and fast-paced combat with a variety of abilities to master. Despite some critiques on stiffness in combat and inconsistent movement, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for its depth, challenge, and rewarding nature, offering a thrilling and addictive gameplay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Stellar Blade for its engaging and complex combat mechanics, with a strong emphasis on precision and skill. CGMagazine highlighted the stylish fighting mechanics and combo system, while Digital Chumps commended the depth added by various systems and skills as players progress. Critics like God is a Geek and Noisy Pixel appreciated the fast-paced, slick, and spectacular combat, with a Variety of abilities and combos to master, creating a rewarding gameplay experience. The game's combat system, inspired by popular titles like Dark Souls and Sekiro, received acclaim for its challenging yet accessible nature, offering a mix of melee battles, parrying, dodging, and ranged attacks. On the downside, some critics noted issues with the combat experience in Stellar Blade. Destructoid mentioned that the combat could feel stiff and clunky at times, impacting the overall gameplay. Inconsistent platforming and aerial movement were highlighted by critics like Dot Esports and Inverse as areas that could use improvement. Additionally, Forbes pointed out aspects like gunplay and certain modes being less compelling, while IGN Portugal mentioned that the combat did not evolve significantly throughout the game, and the upgrade system felt limited. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Stellar Blade. The game's combat system, which draws inspiration from a mix of popular titles like Dark Souls, Devil May Cry, and Nier: Automata, was widely praised for its depth, challenge, and rewarding nature. Critics appreciated the Variety of skills, abilities, and combat mechanics, as well as the engaging boss fights and enemy encounters. While there were some criticisms regarding specific aspects like platforming and certain combat elements, the overall sentiment is that Stellar Blade offers a thrilling and addictive combat system that keeps players engaged and entertained throughout their gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics praised Stellar Blade for its stunning graphics, realistic character designs, and immersive environments, utilizing PlayStation 5 hardware. Some critics criticized the over-sexualized protagonist and lack of environmental diversity. Overall, reviewers lauded the game for its visually impressive world and engaging monster designs, making it a standout title on the PlayStation 5 platform.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Stellar Blade, highlighting various positive aspects. CGMagazine commended the game for its realistic human character designs, diverse environments, and detailed enemies, utilizing the PlayStation 5 hardware potential to deliver impressive graphics and haptic feedback integration. COGconnected also lauded the sumptuously designed locations and character models with astounding detail, along with particle effects and cinematic vistas that enhanced the visual experience. Additionally, Dot Esports appreciated the fantastic character models and immersive environments that effectively conveyed the despair of the post-apocalyptic world, while GamesHub singled out the standout feature of the game being the visually impressive and engaging monster designs. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of Stellar Blade. Daily Star criticized the over-sexualized depiction of the protagonist, EVE, which was a point of contention among reviewers like Metro GameCentral and IGN Portugal as well. Digital Chumps noted the lack of visually distinct environments and diversity in settings as a potential drawback, while Forbes highlighted the limited biome diversity in the open-world zones as a downside. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment regarding the game's graphics was overwhelmingly positive. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Stellar Blade excels in its Graphics and Visual Design, with many reviewers praising the stunning visuals, detailed character models, immersive environments, and impressive enemy designs. IGN described the game as featuring gorgeous visuals with excellent character and monster design, creating an exciting and visually appealing world for players to explore. Additionally, PlayStation Universe considered Stellar Blade to be one of the best looking Unreal Engine 4 games, showcasing strong visual aesthetic and well-crafted cutscenes. While there were some criticisms regarding character portrayal and environmental diversity, the general sentiment leans heavily towards the game delivering a visually stunning and immersive experience on the PlayStation 5 platform.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics unanimously praise the exceptional Sound Design and Music of Stellar Blade, highlighting its stunning soundtrack, diverse genres, and emotional impact. Keiichi Okabe's compositions blur the lines between Stellar Blade and Nier Automata, enhancing the immersive atmosphere. While some critics mention minor drawbacks like repetitive tracks, the overall consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. Stellar Blade's audio design is described as sublime, brilliant, and phenomenal, significantly enhancing the gameplay experience and leaving a lasting impression on players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of multiple reviewers unanimously praise the Sound Design and Music of Stellar Blade, with the majority highlighting it as a standout aspect of the game. Critics like COGconnected, Dexerto, and Digital Chumps commend the game for its stunning soundtrack, mentioning elements such as melancholic vocals, guitar-heavy tracks, and ethereal sound design that elevate the overall experience. The music is described as enthralling, diverse, and engaging, with references to genres like K-pop and J-pop, contributing to the immersive atmosphere of the game. Keiichi Okabe's composition is particularly lauded for blurring the lines between Stellar Blade and Nier Automata, as noted by Dexerto and GamingTrend, enhancing the emotional impact and atmosphere of the game. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Stellar Blade is positive, a few critics did mention some minor drawbacks. New Game Network points out that some tracks in the background music can become repetitive, indicating a potential lack of Variety in certain sections. Shacknews notes that the music may not always match the setting perfectly, suggesting a slight disconnect between the audio and the game's environment. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus remains overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics praising the exceptional audio design and music of Stellar Blade. In conclusion, the Sound Design and Music of Stellar Blade receive high acclaim from critics, with the majority expressing admiration for its exceptional quality. The soundtrack is described as sublime, brilliant, and phenomenal, with critics like Push Square and TechRadar Gaming highlighting its seamless transitions between different genres and its ability to enhance the gameplay experience significantly. The emotional depth, immersive sound effects, and memorable compositions by Keiichi Okabe contribute to making the audio experience of Stellar Blade a standout feature that resonates with players. The overall consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Stellar Blade are top-notch, elevating the game to a higher level and leaving a lasting impression on players, as evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from various reviewers.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Stellar Blade. Some praised it for bringing characters to life and enhancing immersion, while others criticized it for being flat and lacking emotional depth. The quality of voice acting in the game is subjective, with some finding value in it despite its flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Stellar Blade has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Some reviewers, such as Gamereactor UK and Impulsegamer, appreciated the voice acting for bringing the characters to life and suiting the universe well, respectively. Noisy Pixel specifically praised the main trio's performances for emoting and enunciating effectively. PLAY! Zine also highlighted the excellent voice acting for enhancing the immersive atmosphere of the game. These positive opinions suggest that, despite some flaws, the voice acting managed to engage players and contribute positively to the overall experience. On the other hand, several critics expressed negative views on the voice acting in Stellar Blade. Critics like IGN Benelux and Movies Games and Tech criticized the voice acting for being flat, lacking depth, and failing to convey emotions effectively. New Game Network went further to describe the dialogue as basic, characters as one-dimensional, and the delivery as mundane. Push Square mentioned a dire English dub that hindered the emotional impact of the story, while VG247 criticized the limited character interactions and voice direction. These criticisms point towards a lack of depth, emotional connection, and overall impact in the voice performances, which may have detracted from the game's storytelling and immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Stellar Blade leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciated aspects like bringing characters to life, suiting the universe, and enhancing immersion, others found the voice acting to be lacking in depth, emotional delivery, and impact on the storytelling. The varying opinions suggest that the quality of voice acting in Stellar Blade may be subjective and dependent on individual preferences. Players interested in the game's narrative and immersion may still find value in the voice performances despite some shortcomings highlighted by critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics mostly praised Stellar Blade on PS5 for its smooth performance, stable frame rates, and optimized gameplay, with great visuals and haptic feedback. Some minor issues like control frustrations and crashes were noted, but overall, the game delivers a technically solid experience showcasing the PS5's capabilities for immersive gaming.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Stellar Blade on the PS5, the majority of critics praised the game for its smooth performance, stable frame rates, and optimized gameplay. Critics like Digital Chumps and Impulsegamer highlighted the smooth framerate and sharp visuals, indicating a technically sound performance. GameSpew also commended the quick loading times, great use of haptic feedback, and no noticeable performance issues, showcasing the capabilities of the PS5 effectively. Additionally, Push Square noted that the game maintains a relatively robust performance at 60fps even in intense moments using Balanced mode, further emphasizing the technical prowess of the game on the PS5. On the flip side, some critics did point out certain negatives regarding the technical performance of Stellar Blade on the PS5. Daily Star mentioned frustrations with controls, particularly in movement and dodging mechanics, impacting the overall experience. Worth Playing highlighted issues with traversal and platforming controls feeling loose, occasional crashes, and a sudden difficulty spike in a boss battle, detracting from the overall gameplay experience. PLAY! Zine also noted frequent crashes as a major drawback, indicating potential stability issues that need addressing for a smoother gaming experience on the PS5. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Stellar Blade on the PS5 leans towards the positive side, with most reviewers acknowledging the game's optimized performance, smooth gameplay, and immersive features like haptic feedback on the DualSense controller. While there were some criticisms regarding control issues, crashes, and occasional technical hiccups, the general sentiment is that Stellar Blade delivers a technically solid experience on the PS5, showcasing the potential of the platform for immersive gaming experiences. Critics like TechRadar Gaming and PlayStation Universe further support this sentiment by highlighting the game's excellent performance across different graphics modes and consistent frame rates, contributing to an overall positive reception of the game's technical performance on the PS5.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise Stellar Blade for its strong replay value due to multiple endings, side quests, and customization options. Some mention drawbacks like repetitive environments and lack of fast travel but overall, the game's diverse gameplay mechanics and exploration incentives make it worth revisiting for different playstyles and outcomes. Despite some room for improvement, Stellar Blade keeps players engaged with its depth and variety of content, enhancing its replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

34%

Mixed (50-79)

66%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Stellar Blade generally highlight several positive aspects. CGMagazine, Dexerto, and Forbes mention the presence of multiple endings, side quests, collectibles, and customization options that enhance the replayability of the game. These elements provide depth to the game world and offer players the opportunity to explore different paths and outcomes. Additionally, features like skill upgrades, gear customization, and a New Game+ mode, as noted by Dexerto, further contribute to the replay value by allowing players to continue their journey with enhanced abilities and challenges. On the other hand, some critics point out certain drawbacks that may impact the game's long-term replayability. Digital Chumps and Forbes mention the lack of visually distinct environments and enemy Variety, which could potentially lead to repetitive gameplay experiences over time. IGN Portugal highlights the tediousness of open-world areas due to the absence of fast travel options, which may discourage players from fully engaging with the exploration aspects of the game. Moreover, Push Square criticizes the developer's inexperience in handling post-game content, suggesting a missed opportunity to extend the replay value through well-crafted additional challenges or narrative arcs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Stellar Blade offers a solid amount of replay value through its diverse gameplay mechanics, customization options, and exploration incentives. Critics like Impulsegamer and PlayStation Universe appreciate the challenging combat and meaningful upgrades provided by the skill trees, which encourage players to revisit the game for different playstyles and outcomes. While some critics point out areas for improvement, such as the lack of certain features like New Game Plus at launch or the need for smoother gameplay, the general sentiment is positive towards the game's ability to keep players engaged through multiple playthroughs. The Variety of content, including side quests, collectibles, and multiple endings, ensures that players have ample opportunities to delve deeper into the world of Stellar Blade and uncover its secrets, ultimately enhancing the overall replayability of the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics unanimously praise Stellar Blade for its standout positives, with many highlighting its engaging combat system, stunning visuals, and immersive storytelling. CGMagazine commends the game for offering a refreshingly unique and balanced experience, showcasing a promising debut title from SHIFT UP. COGconnected lauds the deep combat system, incredible art direction, and beautiful soundtrack, positioning it as one of the best action-adventure games of its generation. Additionally, Dexerto appreciates the solid experience provided by Stellar Blade, emphasizing its unique world, engaging narrative, and fast-paced combat. The game's polished gameplay, stylish combat, and impressive audio design, as noted by Impulsegamer, further solidify its positive reception. On the flip side, some critics point out certain negatives in Stellar Blade that detract from its overall appeal. Daily Star mentions room for improvement in image style and gameplay, while Destructoid notes rough edges and missed opportunities for additional features like Photo mode and New Game Plus. IGN Portugal highlights inconsistent execution in open-world sections and narrative depth, indicating areas where the game falls short compared to its potential. Metro GameCentral also mentions flaws in female representation and pacing as areas for improvement, despite acknowledging the game's impressive core gameplay mechanics inspired by other successful titles. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Stellar Blade, with the game being praised for its engaging combat, stunning visuals, and immersive storytelling. Despite some minor issues and areas for improvement highlighted by various reviewers, the general sentiment leans towards recommending Stellar Blade as a solid action game that offers a compelling experience for players. The game's strengths in combat depth, evolving abilities, and replay value, as highlighted by Worth Playing, contribute to its overall positive reception within the gaming community. Stellar Blade's potential for future growth and success, as mentioned by VG247, further cements its position as a noteworthy addition to the action-adventure genre on the PS5 platform.

TL;DR

Critics rave about Stellar Blade's engaging combat system, stunning visuals, and immersive storytelling, dubbing it a standout debut from SHIFT UP. Despite minor flaws like image style and missed features, reviewers praise its deep combat, art direction, and soundtrack. Overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with Stellar Blade being recommended as a solid action game with great potential for success and growth in the gaming community.

MONSTER

Reviews

204 reviews found

100

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Stellar Blade is a challenging and rewarding third-person action game that hits the mark with its engaging story, diverse gameplay mechanics, next-gen graphics, and impressive audio design. It is a strong contender for Game of the Year.

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100

GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Stellar Blade exceeds expectations with its unique combat system, engaging story, outstanding visuals, sublime soundtrack, and varied gameplay. Deserves to be recognized alongside Sony's first-party offerings.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Stellar Blade is praised for its deep combat system, incredible art direction, and beautiful soundtrack. It is considered one of the best action-adventure games of its generation, despite treading closely to its inspirations.

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TechRadar Gaming

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Stellar Blade is considered an essential play for PS5 owners, offering a highly polished character action game with unique elements. The game's visuals, soundtrack, and atmosphere elevate it to potentially being one of the most unique PS5 exclusives since Returnal.

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Dot Esports

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Stellar Blade is praised for its combat, graphics, and sound design, with minor issues in supporting cast and platforming. Seen as a standout PS5 exclusive in 2024.

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KeenGamer

PlayStation 5

Apr 30, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Stellar Blade is praised for its story, gameplay, graphics, and sound design, making it a highly recommended game for players looking for a challenging and immersive experience.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Stellar Blade is described as a satisfying distraction that captures the spirit of a bygone era in gaming. While not groundbreaking, the game's engaging gameplay, narrative intrigue, and nostalgic elements make it a welcome addition to the PlayStation brand.

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PLAY! Zine

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Stellar Blade stands out as a top-tier title in the gaming landscape, showcasing exceptional quality and immersive storytelling. Comparable to Nier titles and recommended for fans of Jokoa Taro's work.

GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Satisfying action experience with room for improvement in storytelling and character development

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Stellar Blade is a phenomenal action game with rewarding combat mechanics to master and plenty of player individuality present via countless cosmetics. Between the terrific boss design and compelling exploration, this is a genuinely gripping experience bursting with depth and satisfaction.

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