Genuine PlayStation-style action. I confess to you that I came to Stellar Blade with some uncertainty. With my body ready to face a clone science fiction world, starring Korean idols and full of pre-cooked ideas served after passing through the microwave. Now I release the DualSense with the feeling of being in front of that game to which I would gladly dedicate the entire afternoon. I'm not even able to take off their musical themes while I write these words to you. And I am convinced that the same will happen to you if you are passionate about action games with an extra point of challenge.
Don't get me wrong: Stellar Blade He doesn't invent gunpowder and he doesn't need it either. The feeling I have after destroying dozens of nightmarish monsters in their demo is that the Shift Up studio has sought for its debut on consoles to capture all its playable obsessions, resulting in a well-drawn melting pot of influences in which you have the dynamics of fight-die-reborn from FromSoftware, the setting of Nier: Automata and that cinematic point of Bayonetta between missions. Without clinging enough to anything in particular. And that, as you will see, is good.
In fact, and despite what was shown in the trailers, I can already tell you that Stellar Blade does not follow the path started by Devil May Cry. What's more, it doesn't even seek to be accommodating to the player who comes along and expects each fight to be resolved by mashing buttons in any way. If you want to survive you are going to have to be precise. If you want to advance you are going to have to get into trouble. If you need a code to open a door, you will have to earn it by using your sword to attack, block or deflect. And that, by the way, means having to keep your skill tree up to date.
Why Stellar Blade It is the child of many action games, but it absolutely refuses to be a pastiche. That, despite the inevitable comparisons, it is considered a mere substitute. And the way it gets us to that point involves attention to detail. Sometimes represented by how its world has been designed after the tutorial, other times by the fact that it is completely localized (with dialogues in Spanish) and, above all, combining different Action RPG and Hack'n Slash mechanics so that they play at your service. .
So that every great victory in Stellar Blade Not only is it the culmination of a visual spectacle, but it also conveys a feeling of achievement. Of having overcome a challenge based on skill, perseverance and initiative. Even when the counterattack has such a special presence. And that makes it a game that, perhaps, is not for all player profiles, but that knows how to connect with those who love challenges and modern action games. Those that work so well on Sony consoles.
Halfway between the Miyazaki style and PlatinumGames
Planet Earth has been completely reduced to rubble, but there is still one city worth fighting for: after losing the war against the Naytiba (or NA:tives) the colony of survivors launches an offensive whose plan, roughly , is to reduce the monstrous threats and make your way to Xion at all costs. In the process, and between slashes and thrusts, we are shown little by little, through Eve's eyes, what the world was like before it went to hell and, perhaps, an explanation for this debacle.
Stellar Blade is an action game that presents very clear ideas to whoever holds the controller: this is not about clearing waves of enemies by pressing any button, but about knowing when to hit, making the most of blockades and when it is best to move away and rethink the strategy. As the protagonist, Eve is solvent in each and every one of these sections, although the beginning is not easy at all: with less than five hits received we will return to the last save point. And that's where FromSoftware's influence comes in.
Let it be known that Stellar Blade is not a Dark Souls o one Bloodborne, although there are elements of Miyazaki's work in his way of presenting combat or unraveling the plot. As a character, Eve has more dynamic mobility that includes Hack'n Slash tricks and resources that draw on the legacy of the current PlatinumGames. Taking note of what works, but also understanding what is expected from these types of experiences. Driving the result towards something of your own.
The other card that Shift Up plays is to convert playable sensations that seemed confined to PS2 or PS3 titles and update them on PS5 in all its technical sections. Not through cinematics, but taking the opportunity to offer good performance on screen and a better setting in favor of the result. Promoting the presence of our protagonist through sections that ask to be explored by hanging from ledges. Borrowing just a little bit from Aloy or Lara Croft, although without losing perspective of what it is and what is expected of Stellar Blade.
As expected, the use of DualSense is an extension of this initiative. In fact, Stellar Blade It is that kind of game that instead of using the triggers for cuts and actions, it once again uses the right thumb buttons for quick, strong cuts, dodges and jumps. Luckily, and as far as I played, the camera accommodates the action even indoors. Letting Eve shine on screen while encouraging us to make epic counterattacks. Or that we use a special attack that we just unlocked.
Starting that aforementioned loop of fighting until you die and returning with the lesson learned in which you not only advance to see how the story evolves, but also to see what you are capable of doing with your character through your achievements at the controls and your new skills. With enemies that are sometimes too predictable, other times they will put us in trouble and are always frightening to look at, but deliciously rewarding, between slashes and blocks, that we take the initiative. Challenging us to repel the next blow and, from there, take control of the duel.
Stellar Blade, the PS5's ace in the hole
It is still early to make an assessment of Stellar Blade, but the direction Shift Up is pointing is as clear as its influences. In any case, beyond the technology, the plot or all the games it is inspired by, which are quite a few, what will make the game resonate with players will be your feelings at the controls. By far the strongest point of the initiative.
PlayStation Studios, who publishes the game, knows this for a fact and, precisely for this reason, has enabled a demo for PS5 with the introduction of the plot, a first raid and, if we survive both, a Boss Rush way. A great appetizer of the set and, furthermore, a great way to internalize the gameplay of Stellar Blade one month after his departure. There is no stitching without thread here.
Originally known as Project EVE, the full version of Stellar Blade reach next April 26 to PS5 through two editions: the standard one and a Deluxe edition in which Eve is given more outfits and accessories, as well as in-game currency so that we can treat ourselves when we arrive at a camp. Or we invest it in first aid kits. And I can tell you that you will need them.
In any case, Stellar Blade part with the advantage and responsibility of being the next ace up the sleeve of a PS5 that is little by little launching at least one game every month of 2024: we started with the remake of The Last of Us 2, tasted success with the sequel from Helldivers, took us to feudal Japan with Rise of the Ronin… Which means that the bar that Eva must face is not exactly low.
Although, on the other hand, this good streak on PS5 also represents a great opportunity for Shift Up that further and better cements the true intentions of Stellar Blade: consolidate a broad legacy of action and adventure video games on PlayStation. And, in the process, give players a new obsession. One that will cost you patience, but that always rewards skill with the DualSense.
And although aspirations for the best of the year are something that will have to be earned from this point of contact, Stellar Blade It has good qualities to fascinate fans of Japanese-style action RPGs. For now, there is wood for a new saga. One that, since its first game, refuses to go unnoticed.
PlayStation 5- Stellar Blade™
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Stellar Blade sheet
Platforms: PS5
Multiplayer: No
Developer: Shift Up
Company: YOU / PlayStation Studios
Launch: April 26, 2024
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