Stellar Blade™
Last updated: 2025-06-12
- Fluid combat system with satisfying parry/dodge.
- Appealing character designs, especially protagonist Eve.
- Excellent, immersive soundtrack enhances the experience.
- Great PC optimization and impressive performance.
- Extensive, free character customization options available.
- Inconsistent difficulty balance affects gameplay experience.
Verdict
Mostly positive
Summary
Positive 91% · Negative 9%. Score: 9 / 100
Positives:
- The combat system is a major highlight, praised for its fluidity, responsiveness, and depth. It blends elements from various genres like Soulslike and character action games, offering satisfying parries, dodges, and combos. The game rewards skillful play and provides a sense of progression as players master the mechanics.
- Many reviewers appreciate the character design, particularly the protagonist Eve, noting her visual appeal and detailed animations. Some reviewers specifically mention the attractive and feminine design of the female characters and the availability of numerous visually appealing outfits. However, some reviewers also noted the sexualized content.
- The game's soundtrack receives widespread acclaim for its quality and its ability to enhance the overall experience. Reviewers often compare it favorably to the music in games like NieR: Automata, highlighting its immersive qualities and dynamic shifts during exploration and combat.
- The game is well-optimized for PC, delivering smooth performance and high frame rates even on mid-range hardware. Reviewers appreciate the attention to detail in the PC port, noting the absence of common issues like stuttering or lag. This contributes to a positive and immersive gaming experience.
- The PC version is often considered superior to the PS5 version due to improved graphics, performance, and additional features like ultrawide monitor support and modding capabilities. Some reviewers enjoyed the game so much on PS5 that they purchased it again on PC to experience these enhancements.
Negatives:
- Some reviewers felt the game's difficulty was inconsistent or unbalanced. Some found it too easy, while others struggled with the controls and enemy encounters. The game's normal difficulty may be too challenging for action game beginners.
- Reviewers found the level design uninspired and linear, lacking the intricate exploration of similar games. Side quests were often repetitive, boring, and offered minimal rewards. The game also lacks a map, making navigation difficult.
- Several reviewers reported issues with the game's saving system. These issues include save data loss, freezing during saving, and the lack of manual saving. These problems can lead to significant frustration and lost progress.
- Some reviewers found the characters underdeveloped and lacking in charisma. Eve, in particular, was described as a 'Blank Slate' with generic features. Some reviewers expressed frustration with perceived double standards regarding the character's appearance.
- The game suffers from inadequate hit feedback, making combat feel unsatisfying. Monster attacks lack impact, and the player character receives insufficient feedback when hit. This issue detracts from the overall combat experience.
Gameplay:
- The combat system emphasizes parrying and dodging, drawing comparisons to games like Sekiro, Dark Souls, Bayonetta and Nier Automata. However, the game is generally more forgiving than typical Soulslike games, offering a balanced challenge without being overly punishing. Some reviewers mention that the game is "souls-lite".
- The game features a variety of enemies and bosses, each with unique designs and mechanics. While some reviewers found enemy designs repetitive within maps, others appreciated the variety and the need to adapt to different enemy types. Boss fights are generally well-designed and challenging.
- The game features a mix of linear and open-world areas, encouraging exploration. Exploration is rewarded with hidden treasure chests, items, and resources needed for upgrades and customization. Some reviewers noted the presence of puzzles and climbing sections.
- The story is considered average by many reviewers, serving primarily to maintain engagement. While some found the plot twists interesting, others felt it took a backseat to the combat. The game's difficulty is generally moderate, providing a challenge without being overly difficult.
- The game offers multiple difficulty levels, including an easier 'story' mode. It also features a New Game+ mode and frequent save points, making it accessible to a wider range of players. Multiple endings are determined by a final decision.
Performance:
- The game is exceptionally well-optimized across various PC configurations, often exceeding expectations for a PC port. Reviewers consistently report smooth performance, high frame rates, and minimal issues, even on older hardware or handheld devices like the Steam Deck. Some reviewers are calling it the best optimized PC port in years.
- Many reviewers praise the game's graphics, noting detailed textures, smooth animations, and impressive use of Unreal Engine features. The PC version, in particular, is highlighted for its visual fidelity, with some reviewers finding it superior to the PlayStation version. The game also supports ultrawide resolutions.
- The game performs commendably on portable devices like the Steam Deck, with some reviewers noting exceptional performance. The OLED Steam Deck can handle increased graphics settings in some areas, making it a viable platform for playing the game.
- Reviewers have noted that the inclusion of Denuvo anti-tamper technology does not appear to negatively impact the game's performance. This is a positive observation, as Denuvo is often associated with performance issues in PC games.
- The game does not require an always-online connection and allows users to decline telemetry. This is a positive aspect for players who value privacy and offline play.
Recommendations:
- The game is overwhelmingly recommended by reviewers, with many calling it a must-buy, a masterpiece, or a game of the year contender. Reviewers highlight the overall quality, fun gameplay, and satisfying experience as primary reasons for their strong endorsements, often giving it perfect scores.
- Many reviewers specifically recommend the game to fans of action games, especially those who enjoy titles like NieR: Automata, Sekiro, Devil May Cry, and Soulslike games. The stylish combat, challenging boss fights, and engaging gameplay are frequently cited as reasons why fans of these genres will appreciate the game.
- The PC version is praised for its excellent performance and optimization, often exceeding the Playstation version. Some reviewers even purchased the game twice, once on Playstation and again on PC, to experience the superior PC port, highlighting the care the developers put into it.
- Reviewers express strong support for the developer, Shift Up, praising their dedication to quality and optimization. Many indicate a willingness to purchase future games from the studio, highlighting the importance of supporting developers who prioritize player experience and deliver polished products.
- Some reviewers advise caution due to performance issues, recommending that potential buyers wait for optimization improvements before purchasing. A few reviewers are considering refunding the game due to these problems, indicating that performance can significantly impact the player experience.
Miscellaneous:
- The game heavily features fan service and character customization, with numerous unlockable outfits and a focus on the protagonist's appearance. Some reviewers appreciate the aesthetic and customization options, while others find the sexualization distracting. Mentions of NIKKE code and NieR DLC indicate cross-promotion and additional content.
- Reviewers draw comparisons to games like Nier: Automata and older PS3-era titles, noting similarities in gameplay, setting, and overall vibe. The game is described as an ARPG set in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi world, with some considering it a throwback to action games from the late 2000s/early 2010s.
- There is a strong interest in modding support for the game, with some reviewers already noting the availability of mods. Players anticipate that modding could significantly expand the game's content and replayability beyond just cosmetic changes. The developers are encouraged to support the modding community.
- The game offers DLC and a New Game Plus mode, extending the gameplay experience beyond the initial playthrough. Reviewers estimate that completing the game takes around 40+ hours, depending on player engagement and playstyle.
- The game features a distinctive soundtrack, with music varying across different areas. The MONACA studio, known for their work on Nier, contributed to half of the soundtrack, enhancing the game's atmosphere.
