Stellar Blade Review | A Stunning and Stellar Debut

Stellar Blade is a story-driven action-adventure game where you play as an airborne squad EVE, developed by Shift Up 시프트업 and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Read our review to learn what it did well, what it didn't do well, and whether it's worth buying.

Stellar Blade Review Overview

What is Stellar Blade?

Stellar Blade takes place on a post-apocalyptic Earth, where humanity is driven off-planet by monsters known as the Naytiba. The surviving humans, in hopes of reclaiming their planet, deploy Airborne squads to combat and investigate. Players will take control of EVE, one of the members of the 7th Airborne squad. She will undertake the dangerous and almost impossible task of cleansing the world of the monsters by taking down their leader, the Elder Naytiba.

Stellar Blade features:
　⚫︎　Triple AAA Visuals That Blends Beauty and Horror
　⚫︎　Flashy and Deep Combat System
　⚫︎　Post-Apocalyptic-Centered Narrative
　⚫︎　Over 30 Unlockable Suits
　⚫︎　Cinematic and Challenging Boss Battles
　⚫︎　Large Pool of Side Quests
　⚫︎　Over 8 Voice Language Dubs To Choose From

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Stellar Blade's gameplay and story.

Digital Storefronts
Playstation
$69.99

Stellar Blade Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Stellar Visuals Stellar and Satisfying Combat Stellar Soundtrack Stellar Boss Battles Stellar EVE	Parry and Lock-On System Can Be Not So Stellar At Times Story Could Have Been More Stellar and Fleshed Out

Stellar Blade Overall Score - 90/100

Stellar Blade lives up to its name, delivering an absolutely stellar experience. Despite its somewhat lacking story and occasional control issues in combat, the game is an absolute joy to play. From its breathtaking stellar visuals and mesmerizing stellar soundtrack to its engaging stellar combat, it stands out as a PlayStation exclusive destined to join the ranks of iconic PS titles like Crash and Uncharted. EVE shines brightly amidst it all, a standout character in her stellar glory. Shift Up faced immense expectations with their first AAA title, navigating numerous controversies along the way, but Stellar Blade rises to the challenge and delivers. I have high hopes for its future as a successful franchise, as there are undoubtedly many more stories waiting to be told within its stellar universe.

Stellar Blade Story - 7/10

Even though the story of Stellar Blade is by far its weakest aspect—most characters aren't given enough development, and some of the scenes and dialogue are clumsy and awkward—I was still able to enjoy it for its biblical allusions, themes, and very NieR-inspired plot. EVE truly shines as a protagonist, and witnessing the amazing development of her character is a true highlight in Stellar Blade.

Stellar Blade Gameplay - 9/10

Stellar Blade truly excels in its fun and deep combat system, which can be hard to master but absolutely satisfying to pull off. Despite common comparisons to NieR, Bayonetta, or DMC, this game sets itself apart with a focus on its unique parry and dodge mechanics. While it features flashy animations, Stellar Blade prioritizes strategic gameplay, offering slower yet immensely satisfying battles. Enemies pose a formidable challenge, requiring players to master patterns and combos for success. The game's boss battles are epic, cinematic, and challenging. However, my only complaint is that the game needs to improve with parry inputs and its lock-on mechanics.

Stellar Blade Visuals - 10/10

The visuals in this game are truly stellar. From the intricately crafted set pieces to the biblically-accurate yet mesmerizing Naytiba, I found myself completely captivated and in awe. However, what truly steals the show are the characters. Their designs are striking, reminiscent of Korean Manwhas, with female characters boasting striking features and gentle soft faces, while male characters exude a cool demeanor. Each character is gorgeously rendered, but EVE undoubtedly steals the spotlight, particularly with the option to customize her with various outfits and accessories.

Stellar Blade Audio - 9/10

Stellar Blade's music and sound design are simply incredible. Whether it's the adrenaline-pumping boss battle tracks or the soothing hymns accompanied by Pernelle's beautiful vocals, the audio in this game is a real treat. The sound effects are sharp and satisfying, especially when you land those heavy-hitting beta skills. Personally, I can't get enough of the camp songs—they really add to the overall vibe of the game. While the English voice acting has its flaws, EVE's voice stands out as exceptional. However, if you want the ultimate voice-acting experience, the Korean dub is unmatched in quality and is definitely my top choice.

Stellar Blade Value for Money - 10/10

Despite its hefty price tag, Stellar Blade offers exceptional value for money. With approximately 25-50 hours of gameplay, a new game plus option available from day one, and a plethora of side quests and collectibles to explore, it's a true stellar bang for your buck.

Stellar Blade Review: A Stunning and Stellar Debut

Before diving into this review, I must extend my congratulations to Shift Up Studios and Director Hyung-tae Kim for overcoming the odds and controversies, particularly with this being their first AAA game.

Stellar Blade truly shines and exceeds expectations, though it does have its shortcomings that could be addressed in the future. Let's start with its weakest aspect: the story.

While I found it generally enjoyable, it undeniably suffers from several issues. It's evident that the game draws inspiration from the NieR series, especially NieR: Automata, with certain scenes feeling reminiscent of that game's narrative, which isn’t a bad thing, and I quite enjoyed it.

I particularly appreciated the thematic nods to biblical elements, such as the presence of characters like EVE, Adam, and Lily, being obvious references to the Adam and Eve story along with the concept of Naytibas as biblically-accurate angels.

However, these intriguing aspects are unfortunately overshadowed by underdeveloped characters and inconsistent pacing and writing.

At times, I find myself feeling lost, unsure of the direction the narrative is taking, or observing characters who seem like mere talking heads, lacking the natural chemistry with each other.

Thankfully, the story does improve as it progresses, and EVE herself stands out as a remarkable character and protagonist.

My main issue with this game lies in its parry and lock-on systems. In a title that emphasizes the importance of precise parrying and counterattacks, it can feel frustratingly unfair when the parry system fails to respond sometimes.

Similarly, the lock-on system, mapped to the L3 button, feels cumbersome and restrictive, hindering movement, vision, and combat flow. It often forces players to focus solely on one target, disrupting the overall experience.

While it's thankfully not a big concern and only happened a few times, I hope these issues are addressed in future patches to enhance the intuitive feel of the combat, which is otherwise fantastic and highly addictive.

As I mentioned in my demo review, the combat in this game draws influences from titles like Jedi Survivor and Souls-like games, incorporating flashy, over-the-top elements found in hack-and-slash games.

Unlike Bayonetta or Dante, where players may feel like godlike beings, this combat requires focus and strategy, with less emphasis on juggling enemies.

It's a challenging yet rewarding experience where impatience can often lead to defeat, highlighting the importance of mastering combat skills.

The gameplay revolves around dodging, parrying, and utilizing both light and heavy attacks, gradually becoming more complex and enjoyable as new weapons and abilities are unlocked.

Personally, I often found myself relying on dodging or parrying to charge up my beta skill, which deals significant damage and offers various moves, such as wide slashes that hit multiple enemies or precise strikes that hit one enemy and push them back.

Mastering combos is rewarding, and I highly recommend spending time in the training room to refine your techniques.

However, the true test of skill lies in the boss battles, which are both exhilarating and formidable. Success requires keen observation of enemy patterns and a patient approach.

For those who enjoy using the Skin Suit, I recommend utilizing Suits in boss battles, as bosses can deal substantial damage and you’ll need that extra shield. The Skin Suit adds an extra layer of challenge to gameplay, not only during combat but also in exploration, as it can be somewhat distracting.

Exploration in the game is quite fun, especially with its semi-open world map. There's a plethora of detailed and unique areas to discover, each filled with puzzles and platforming segments that provide a welcome break from the action.

One area that particularly stood out to me was Xion City, with its vibrant atmosphere and side quest characters.

While many quests may fall into the typical fetch quest category, there are occasional standout moments that are truly memorable. Additionally, the inclusion of a fast travel system proves to be invaluable when navigating between locations, especially when there are areas or chests that you may want to revisit later on.

Exploring the game world not only rewards you with new collectibles and items but also grants access to various suits that can be utilized in Camps. These Camps serve as rest areas, reminiscent of the hub areas in Dead Space, where you can upgrade your abilities, gear, suit, and even fast travel options depending on the camp's size.

What enhances the exploration even further is the stunning visuals. While there may be some mundane areas like the sewer or parking lot, there are numerous breathtaking set pieces that compel you to pause and admire the world's intricacies.

It's fascinating to witness the juxtaposition of beauty and despair throughout the world, as each area has its own tale to tell. Discovering letters from the deceased adds depth to the narrative, offering glimpses into life before and during the Earth's conflict, and prompting reflection on the plausibility of our world taking such a turn.

Without a doubt, the character designs take the spotlight. Shift Up has done an excellent job of developing a cast that is both visually appealing and memorable, regardless of gender. EVE stands out as perhaps the most appealing character in video games in 2024. She wears glasses, earrings, and various hair colors with ease and always looks great.

She resembles a Korean Manhwa Webtoon heroine in the vein of True Beauty. I enjoy wearing the Punk Top outfit, though I'm still unsure which is my favorite. Every character demonstrates the designers' thorough understanding of what drip is about.

There are so many things to love about this game, and while it does have some flaws, Stellar Blade is ultimately a certified banger that I hope will be commercially successful, and the story behind how it was created is truly inspiring.

You're going to spend a lot of time in this game because there's so much content, especially in finding suits alone, which I really enjoy. Stellar Blade certainly merits a sequel and franchise.

Pros of Stellar Blade

Things Stellar Blade Got Right
Stellar Visuals Stellar and Satisfying Combat Stellar Soundtrack Stellar Boss Battles Stellar EVE

Stellar Visuals

Let's face it, post-apocalyptic settings often run the risk of feeling drab due to their inherent bleakness. However, Stellar Blade breaks this stereotype by creating a visually stunning world filled with breathtaking backdrops and scenery that rival even those found in NieR. The graphics team truly shines in their attention to detail, with the characters standing out as a highlight. Their models and designs are simply amazing, and EVE looks absolutely stunning in every outfit and accessory you adorn her with. Shift Up demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of visuals in gaming, drawing on South Korea's renowned beauty and fashion standards to create a truly mesmerizing aesthetic similar to modern Final Fantasy games.

Stellar and Satisfying Combat

While I occasionally encounter issues with the parry and lock-on mechanics, they don't detract from the overall combat experience. In many ways, the combat in Stellar Blade feels reminiscent of Soulslike games rather than the typical action slashers we're accustomed to. However, it improves upon the Soulslike formula by eliminating the exhaust meter and delivering flashy, exhilarating combat, especially as you unlock more combos. It strikes a perfect balance between strategic enemy encounters and empowering player abilities, starting off challenging but becoming increasingly rewarding as you progress. The beta skills are a standout feature, adding depth, more damage, and extra flash to battles. With a diverse range of enemies, you'll feel like an unstoppable force with each victory. I highly recommend spending time in the training mode to master and learn combos, as precision can often mean the difference between life and death in combat.

Stellar Soundtrack

If you find yourself feeling a sense of familiarity with the beats and musical style in Stellar Blade, there's a good reason for it. The music studio behind the game is owned by none other than Keiichi Okabe, known for his work on the NieR series. While Okabe couldn't contribute directly to this game, his influence is unmistakable, thanks to the talents of Hwang Joo-Eun, Oliver Good, and Keita Inoue, who crafted a memorable soundtrack. Personally, I find the camp songs and Xion City's theme to be particular highlights.

Stellar Boss Battles

The boss battles in this game are an absolute blast to engage with and conquer. They're cinematic and challenging, so prepare yourself for some tough fights and the occasional need to start over. Patience and keen observation are key as you face off against these formidable foes. Their demonic and memorable designs make each encounter thrilling, with the first actual boss, Abbadon, setting a high bar for what to expect. Defeating each boss gives a lot of rewards and a satisfying sense of accomplishment, truly pushing your combat skills to the test and to their limits.

Stellar EVE

Before the game even hit the shelves, EVE stirred up quite a bit of controversy due to her overtly sexualized design and costumes. While I won't deny the developers' intent in creating her with a certain appeal, I believe EVE transcends mere aesthetics to become an exceptional protagonist. Unlike her counterparts such as Bayonetta, 2B, or Dante, EVE's strength lies not just in her badassery, but also in her vulnerability. She's not the invincible hero from the start; rather, Stellar Blade presents her journey as a coming-of-age tale, where she evolves into the savior of Earth. EVE is destined to become an iconic character within the realm of video games and PlayStation's roster of remarkable heroes.

Cons of Stellar Blade

Things That Stellar Blade Can Improve
Parry and Lock-On System Can Be Not So Stellar At Times Story Could Have Been More Stellar and Fleshed Out

Parry and Lock-On System Can Be Not So Stellar At Times

While the parry system and lock-on feature generally function well, there are occasional instances where they feel a bit unreliable. I've encountered situations where I press the parry button, expecting EVE to execute the action, only to find myself taking damage instead. It's unclear whether this is a bug that needs addressing. Additionally, the lock-on system can be cumbersome, as I often find myself wishing for a simpler control scheme, such as using a bumper button instead of clicking R3. This setup can feel sluggish, and there are times when attacks fail to connect with other enemies when locked on. Thankfully, these moments are a few and far between, but I hope they do get addressed soon by the developers.

Story Could Have Been More Stellar and Fleshed Out

While the game's story has its moments where it truly shines, there are instances where it feels oddly paced, badly written, and fails to address key moments adequately. The pacing can be somewhat inconsistent, leaving the narrative lacking in certain aspects. However, it does redeem itself during the climax and ending, offering multiple endings where player choices truly matter. Unfortunately, these high points are somewhat dampened by awkward pauses, peculiar dialogue, and hardly any character development for all but a few individuals. Thankfully, EVE is among those who receive proper attention in this regard. Overall, the story feels somewhat directionless at times, but there's hope for improvement in future games or potential DLC.

Is Stellar Blade Worth It?

It's Absolutely Worth It!

How often have I emphasized the word stellar in this review to leave no doubt in your mind? Despite my gripes with the game, Stellar Blade is worth buying and picking-up even at its relatively high price point of $70. As a AAA title released in 2024, it unquestionably lives up to its hype, particularly in its combat alone. You're likely to spend countless hours immersed in the training room alone. With its potential to be one of the standout games of the year, I'm hopeful for its success.

Digital Storefronts
Playstation
$69.99

Stellar Blade FAQ

Who is the model EVE is based on in Stellar Blade?

Shift Up Director Kim Hyung Tae stated that the model for EVE’s body was Shin Jae-eun or zennryt who is a South Korean model and social media personality from South Korea.

Does Stellar Blade have Multiple Endings?

Yes, Stellar Blade has multiple ending that you can unlock.

Does Stellar Blade have New Game Plus?

Yes, Stellar Blade has New Game and is available on its Day One Launch Patch.

Is Stellar Blade Coming to PC?

Stellar Blade is currently unavailable on Steam or PC as it is a PS5 exclusive and it won’t likely come to PC anytime soon.

Is Stellar Blade a Souls Like?

Stellar Blade draws comparisons to Souls-like games, but it's actually a fusion of various combat styles. While it embraces the flashy animations of action hack-and-slash games, it also incorporates elements of parrying and dodging, reminiscent of the Soulsborne games or the Star Wars Jedi: Survivor games.

How Many Outfits Are Unlockable in Stellar Blade?

Stellar Blade has 30 Unlockable outfits with 34 new outfits to unlock on New Game Plus.

Who are the Main Characters in Stellar Blade?

Stellar Blade has 3 main characters that you will follow throughout the story. The protagonist and the character you’ll be controlling is EVE, second to her is Adam, and last is Lily.

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Stellar Blade Product Information

Title	STELLAR BLADE
Release Date	April 26, 2024
Developer	Shift Up
Publisher	Sony Interactive Entertainment
Supported Platforms	PlayStation 5
Genre	Action, RPG
Number of Players	Single-Player (1)
Rating	M for Mature
Official Website	Stellar Blade Official Website

Uriel Rodriguez

Writer | Gamer | Self-Proclaimed Digimon/Sujimon/Persona/Palworld/Pokémon Master