Drop Rate
Episode
19

STELLAR BLADE, stay for the big meaty monsters but the platforming can jump

There are some truly wonderful weirdos in Stellar Blade but that might not be enough to compel everyone to keep playing.

May 17, 2024 8:30 AM

STELLAR BLADE caught the attention of many when it first debuted, but not necessarily for its gameplay. Flashy in more ways than one, it's certainly generated plenty of heated discussion online.

Stephanie Panecasio (GamesHub) and David Smith (Kotaku Australia) join Drop Rate to unpack the many layers of this flashy action RPG. Stellar Blade's methodical and stylish combat consistently proves to be a highlight, while its derivative paint-by-numbers structure slows it down.

And that's even before talking about the platforming, well the less said, the better, but there is one thing we can all agree on, however: the gruesome boss designs rule.

Amidst the noise surrounding Stellar Blade, it doesn't necessarily do anything new. For the most part, it plays to its hard-hitting strengths, as familiar as they may be to anyone familiar with FromSoftware's catalogue but as far as homages and takes on well-worn formulas go, Stellar Blade is among the better examples.

Even if it doesn't take everyone's fancy.

A copy of STELLAR BLADE on PlayStation 5 was provide to SIFTER for the purpose of this review.

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Stellar Blade
Shift Up
Some good ninja stuff, good samurai stuff, it took them a long time to get here but boy I'm glad they did.
8
Pros:
  • Naoe feels like the old assassins from previous games
  • Yasuke definitely doesn't, which is very welcome change
  • Absolutely stunning world that feels busy and lived in
Cons:
  • Maybe the world actually might be too big?
  • It's an evolution not a revolution, if you've bounced off Assassin's Creed in the past this doesn't break the mold.
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Stellar Blade

PlayStation 5
Developer:
Shift Up
Publisher:
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release Date:
April 25, 2024
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