77
MONSTER
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.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
70
Stellar Blade offers an intriguing premise with potential depth, but critics widely agree it falters in execution. While some praise its engaging narrative and complex characters, many highlight dull writing, robotic dialogue, and a predictable plot that lacks emotional stakes. The consensus is clear: despite a solid foundation, the story feels generic and derivative, ultimately failing to captivate players or carve out its own identity.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
70
Positive Reviews (80-100)
34%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
55%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
11%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Stellar Blade offers an intriguing premise with potential depth, but critics widely agree it falters in execution. While some praise its engaging narrative and complex characters, many highlight dull writing, robotic dialogue, and a predictable plot that lacks emotional stakes. The consensus is clear: despite a solid foundation, the story feels generic and derivative, ultimately failing to captivate players or carve out its own identity.
Gameplay Mechanics
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85
Stellar Blade impresses with its engaging combat, drawing comparisons to Sekiro and Devil May Cry for its depth and challenge. Critics praise its rewarding boss fights and exploration elements, catering to various skill levels. However, there are concerns about repetitiveness, stiff mechanics, and camera issues that can hinder the experience. Despite these flaws, the consensus is that Stellar Blade offers a compelling action-adventure journey worth checking out.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
85
Positive Reviews (80-100)
82%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
18%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Stellar Blade impresses with its engaging combat, drawing comparisons to Sekiro and Devil May Cry for its depth and challenge. Critics praise its rewarding boss fights and exploration elements, catering to various skill levels. However, there are concerns about repetitiveness, stiff mechanics, and camera issues that can hinder the experience. Despite these flaws, the consensus is that Stellar Blade offers a compelling action-adventure journey worth checking out.
Graphics and Visual Design
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84
Stellar Blade impresses with stunning graphics, detailed environments, and vibrant visuals, earning praise from critics for its character models and immersive landscapes. However, some reviewers criticize the unnatural and overly sexualized designs of female characters and inconsistent environmental quality. Despite these flaws, the consensus is that the game delivers a visually striking experience, blending realism with artistic flair, solidifying its graphics as a major strength.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
84
Positive Reviews (80-100)
71%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
29%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Stellar Blade impresses with stunning graphics, detailed environments, and vibrant visuals, earning praise from critics for its character models and immersive landscapes. However, some reviewers criticize the unnatural and overly sexualized designs of female characters and inconsistent environmental quality. Despite these flaws, the consensus is that the game delivers a visually striking experience, blending realism with artistic flair, solidifying its graphics as a major strength.
Music and Sound Design
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83
Stellar Blade's sound design and music receive praise for their emotional depth and genre-blending, with many critics calling the soundtrack exceptional. However, some find it distracting or repetitive, and voice acting issues detract from the narrative. Overall, it’s an ambitious auditory experience with notable strengths and weaknesses, recognized for enhancing gameplay but not universally appealing.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
83
Positive Reviews (80-100)
70%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
26%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
4%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Stellar Blade's sound design and music receive praise for their emotional depth and genre-blending, with many critics calling the soundtrack exceptional. However, some find it distracting or repetitive, and voice acting issues detract from the narrative. Overall, it’s an ambitious auditory experience with notable strengths and weaknesses, recognized for enhancing gameplay but not universally appealing.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
64
The voice acting in "Stellar Blade" has received a mixed reception; while some critics praise its execution and language support, others highlight significant flaws. English and Italian dubs are criticized for lacking emotional depth and poor dialogue editing, leading to inconsistent quality across localizations. Overall, while it enhances the game for some, many reviewers find it ultimately mediocre and forgettable, failing to elevate the storytelling.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
64
Positive Reviews (80-100)
20%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
52%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
28%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
The voice acting in "Stellar Blade" has received a mixed reception; while some critics praise its execution and language support, others highlight significant flaws. English and Italian dubs are criticized for lacking emotional depth and poor dialogue editing, leading to inconsistent quality across localizations. Overall, while it enhances the game for some, many reviewers find it ultimately mediocre and forgettable, failing to elevate the storytelling.
Technical Performance
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77
Stellar Blade on PS5 impresses with smooth performance, sharp visuals, and effective DualSense integration, but suffers from control responsiveness issues, camera problems, and occasional frame rate drops. Critics praise its overall stability while noting minor bugs that need addressing. It's a strong showcase of PS5 capabilities, but optimization is still needed for a flawless experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
77
Positive Reviews (80-100)
56%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
44%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Stellar Blade on PS5 impresses with smooth performance, sharp visuals, and effective DualSense integration, but suffers from control responsiveness issues, camera problems, and occasional frame rate drops. Critics praise its overall stability while noting minor bugs that need addressing. It's a strong showcase of PS5 capabilities, but optimization is still needed for a flawless experience.
Replay Value
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70
Stellar Blade has a mixed but generally positive take on replay value, with multiple endings and side quests boosting engagement. Critics praise its exploration and character customization, but concerns loom over repetitive gameplay, a predictable story, and the absence of a New Game Plus mode. While it offers some depth, many believe these limitations may deter players from multiple playthroughs, leaving its long-term appeal in question.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
70
Positive Reviews (80-100)
21%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
73%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Stellar Blade has a mixed but generally positive take on replay value, with multiple endings and side quests boosting engagement. Critics praise its exploration and character customization, but concerns loom over repetitive gameplay, a predictable story, and the absence of a New Game Plus mode. While it offers some depth, many believe these limitations may deter players from multiple playthroughs, leaving its long-term appeal in question.
Overall Verdict
77
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
77
Positive Reviews (80-100)
80%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
19%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Stellar Blade shines with engaging combat, stunning visuals, and an impressive soundtrack, drawing comparisons to Sekiro and Nier. However, it falters in storytelling and character development, with many reviewers citing clichéd narratives and repetitive gameplay. While critics acknowledge its shortcomings, they agree it's a solid action game that appeals to genre fans, leaving room for potential growth in future titles.
77
MONSTER
Reviews
234 reviews found100
GameSpew
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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93
COGconnected
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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90
GameMAG
Nov 19, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Stellar Blade is praised as one of the best action-adventure games of the year, combining elements of modern sci-fi with engaging gameplay and strong visuals.
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90
KeenGamer
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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90
TechRadar Gaming
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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90
Dot Esports
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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90
Noisy Pixel
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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90
God is a Geek
Apr 24, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Stellar Blade is a fun, well-designed adventure that excels in combat, offers a mix of heartfelt storytelling, and provides a lot of content for players to enjoy.
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90
Vgames
Apr 24, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Stellar Blade is a fantastic game recommended for fans of Nier: Automata and Souls-like titles, praised for its beauty and mechanics, with hopes for future installments.
90
GRYOnline.pl
Apr 24, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Stellar Blade is a visually stunning and engaging game with satisfying gameplay, despite some minor flaws. It successfully combines various elements to create an enjoyable experience.
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