Stellar Blade, developed by Shift Up, offers a different approach from what one might expect from a game in the Soulsborne genre. The player is not thrown into the midst of the game with a slew of abilities and levels but instead is given a couple of hours to ease into the game. The game presents a dilapidated city on Earth, where the protagonist, Eve, encounters grotesque monsters.
Combat in this game requires precision, timing, and memorization of enemy patterns, rewarding patience and expertise. The game offers special attacks and finishing moves as rewards, rather than as something to heavily rely upon. The combat arenas and explorable spaces are intricately detailed, allowing players to slowly but surely master them.
Intertwining paths bring the world together, and players learn the locations of enemies to conquer and avoid with each new run. Death in the game is not something to fear, but rather an opportunity to gain valuable experience and refine one’s playstyle. The game encompasses a post-apocalyptic world, providing a fleeting sense of beauty amidst hopelessness.
The enemies in the game evolve over the course of battle, presenting a challenge where one wrong move could lead to demise. The demo of the game hints at the inclusion of ranged weapons and further customization options for the protagonist’s loadout in the full game. The game is described as an extension of the Soulsborne genre with elements of Nier and Devil May Cry, offering a unique experience.
Stellar Blade follows the story of Eve as she battles the alien invaders in an attempt to reclaim Earth for humanity.
