Stellar Blade Release Date and Demo Review

Stellar Blade Release Date and Demo Review

Time Stamp: April 13, 2024 12:00 PM
Source Node: 2544867

Stellar Blade, the highly anticipated role-playing game hack and slash, developed by SHIFT UP Corporation, released a playable demo exclusively on PlayStation 5. Stellar Blade will release exclusively on PlayStation 5 on April 26, 2024.

The Premise:

The game follows EVE trying to rescue Earth from certain doom. Along with Adam, her friend and companion who follows EVE throughout the game while providing tips, knowledge, and secrets about humanity before it is nearly wiped out. 

While this was only a demo, it offered good insight into the current events in the game but there is surely more to be unlocked in the full version. It left me wanting to know more about EVE, Adam, and other potential characters we may meet. 

Gameplay:

Arguably the biggest strength of this game. In the first few moments of combat, I instantly thought it to be a regular hack-and-slash, however, playing further quickly re-evaluated my original thoughts. 

EVE can combo attacks, deflect, and dodge to maneuver her away around the different archetypes of enemies. There are various strings to choose from, the game also offers a practice mode for players to familiarize themselves with combos and skills they have unlocked. 

My biggest complaint about combat is that sometimes parrying and dodging felt a bit stiff. Mainly because it does not seem you can animation cancel moves once they are thrown out. I found myself attacking then realizing the enemy was attacking and before I knew it, I was getting hit because my parry was late. Disturbing my entire flow and giving opportunities to my enemy. 

However, when parries do land, they are extremely satisfying, it felt as if I was playing Sekiro, all over again. I found that instead of attacking and moving to parry, standing still and parrying was more successful. 

The game also features a “camp” mechanic where players can rest and recover health recovery items, health, and any other applicable items. At camp players can upgrade skills also. 

However, resting does respawn all enemies in the surrounding area. The camp also features a nice jukebox for the player to change the camp music while resting. 

There are also “supply depots” which is a camp but improved, from there players can fast-travel, upgrade their body with permanent upgrades such as increasing attack. And do everything else they can do in a regular camp. 

After beating the demo there is also a “boss challenge” where players can take a much more upgraded EVE and fight a stronger boss to test of the potential that EVE has when upgraded. From there you can also change EVE’s original outfit into a more stylish set of clothing. 

Exploration:

As mentioned before, Adam assists EVE in uncovering what certain events happened in the world. Adam will point out certain buildings and what they used to be. As well as helping the player find their way to the objective. 

EVE can sprint around and investigate the various areas that the demo allows. The game offers different styles of traversing such as running, swimming, and climbing. Personally, I loved all three as they provided a nice change of pace from combat. 

Music:

Music is one my favorite elements in a video game. And while it does not make or break a game, it really only adds to the effect and situation the player is in. The demo featured songs while traversing that really gripped me. I truly felt as if I was exploring the ruins and destruction of humanity. 

And when facing mini-bosses and bosses, I felt as if I was fighting for my life. Which I was. I am truly excited to see what kind of songs will be unlocked throughout the actual game. 

The Verdict:

I have not thoroughly enjoyed a hack-and-slash like Stellar Blade since “NiER Automata” and “Devil May Cry 5.” However, the combat of Stellar Blade felt like a combination of NiER Automata and Sekiro, with even some fun and interesting traversing mechanics. 

After beating the demo and seeing the trailer that appears, it increased my anticipation for this game tenfold. Gamers who enjoy hack-and-slashes and/or NiER Automata will surely enjoy Stellar Blade

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