Have a skim of my 2 part review of Shift Up's action adventure game, Stellar Blade. With all the controversy of it's supposed 'overtly' sexual design of the protagonist to it's seemingly generic game themes - I get to the nit and grit, no B.S.
Above photo: playground.ru
April 5th
Action Gaming masterpiece in the making? When this game first came to my attention via Youtube vids the obvious Ass-thetics of the protagonist EVE in full glory and its graphical extravaganza from the trailer, I was somewhat whimsical and generating hype. I have played the epic action games of its same ilk such as Bayonetta and Nier: Automata which I believe the developers have taken most of their inspiration from. And I will say this - it went from PS5 wishlist to digital deluxe pre-order within a week after playing the demo. This game has weight to it. Not only from a gameplay perspective with crunchy impact response from button presses. But a story tone from the beginning that matches that of a Nier/Bayonetta, even Alien inflection. Don’t even get me started on the soundtrack! It all feels otherworldly, similar to what Tekken 3 managed to capture with its tone back in the day. The action is top tier and on point (move over casuals!) and left me wanting more after tasting more of EVE’s combos from the unlockable boss challenge. This is one game that I am genuinely excited about and will more than likely leave a gushy review in the coming months. Watch this space...
Photo: media-amazon.com
After 5 days with the game
I am having a BLAST! The game definitely delivers as a stand-out action adventure game of 2024. And, goes above and beyond with incorporating many gaming industry standards set by other triple AAA titles (which the communities expect). It does all that and still manages to carve out its own identity. If you own a PS5, this is a must have. Maybe not digital deluxe, however, it does offer some decent aesthetics to your characters early on in the game. The gameplay is stellar* (pun intended). Combat is fun, challenging and deep as you want it to be. As you progress in the game you get to unlock more specials such as the burst R1 moves which adds to your arsenal. The game gives you the option to grind out dense enemy areas for SP to unlock moves early or head straight over to main story mission. There is a huge variety of monsters with epic designs, plenty of side missions and a decent semi-open world to explore.
The music is simply incredible, track after track. Story isn’t perfect but keeps you engaged enough with beautiful visuals. I really have noticed the influences from titles such Nier Automata (its coming for its heels!), Bayonetta, Devil May Cry, and even Final Fantasy VII Remake and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild series. There are some laggy moments with the frame rate at times, even in performance mode, but nothing that takes you out of the immersion. Plenty of hot outfits for EVE to unlock leaving your jaw constantly wide open! Can't lie, I’m loving it - 9/10
Comments