Stellar Blade Review: A Visual Feast with Combat Clout
In the hands of Stellar Blade’s Director Hyung-Tae Kim, the game’s visual spectacle takes center stage, overshadowing the narrative’s shortcomings. Stellar Blade emerges as a breathtaking action game with unparalleled character and monster designs. Its combat system, a blend of familiar and innovative elements, captivates and evolves over the 30-hour adventure.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth, Stellar Blade follows Eve, a member of the 7th Airborne Squad, tasked with eliminating monstrous Naytibas. The predictable tale unfolds as Eve uncovers the fate of Earth and the origins of the Naytibas. While the story’s revelations lack surprise, its emotional impact falters due to underdeveloped characters.
Eve, despite her dedication to her mission, remains a bland protagonist, devoid of personality or charm. Her interactions with her squadmates are equally shallow, hindering emotional investment in the narrative. This lack of character depth extends to the supporting cast, making it challenging to engage with the world of Stellar Blade.
Thankfully, Stellar Blade’s combat more than compensates for its narrative deficiencies. Its defense-oriented system, akin to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, emphasizes precise parrying to break enemy balance and unleash devastating blows. The inclusion of Beta Skills and Burst Skills adds depth and variety to the combat, incentivizing strategic decision-making.
Stellar Blade boasts an impressive array of over 48 enemy types, each with unique weapons and techniques. Boss fights are particularly thrilling, pitting Eve against formidable and aggressive creatures that demand constant vigilance. The game’s level design alternates between linear and non-linear segments, offering diverse gameplay experiences.
Exploration is also rewarding, with hidden collectibles, side encounters, and optional sidequests. However, the sidequest grind can become repetitive, often requiring backtracking through previously explored areas. Additionally, the absence of a New Game+ at launch limits post-game content.
Despite its narrative shortcomings, Stellar Blade’s exquisite visuals, stellar combat, and rewarding exploration make it a captivating action game. Its well-executed combat mechanics, enemy variety, and innovative features elevate the experience, showcasing the strengths of developer Shift Up. While a more compelling story could have made Stellar Blade truly exceptional, it remains a sharp and enjoyable action game that delights with its visual spectacle and gameplay prowess.
