Stellar Blade is a production SHIFT UP which arrives exclusively on PlayStation 5. While waiting for the arrival of this new adventure, we were able to lay our hands on a trial version which has something to titillate. Indeed, and for the first time, we were treated to a real overview of the gameplay and the universe. What to make you salivate? Let’s not beat around the bush, the answer is “yes”.
Electric, brutal and wild.
The visual part is really excellent. We are immersed in an apocalyptic world where we must kill some strange, slightly macabre creatures. The game is polished, the textures are crisp and the animations are impeccable; only a few facial expressions need to be reviewed, but overall, it works. Concerning the artistic direction, our eyes land on a universe inspired by various licenses. The first one that comes to mind, Bayonetta…And for good reason, there is a certain voluptuousness and sensuality that emerges from the title, despite the violence and gore in the image; just like the beautiful witch of PlatinumGames. Then the outfit looks like a Plugsuit ofEvangelion, since it adapts to the shapes of our protagonist and has particular characteristics. Finally, the “cyber” / “robotic” / “mechanical” aspect makes us think of Ghost in the Shell. You would have understood it, there are many inspirations to give birth to an attractive new production.
Stellar Blade, what is it concretely? In the soul, it is a Beat’em All. We follow a corridor where we can, from time to time, explore small places, while massacring creatures of all kinds. On our way, we collect currency, but also different utensils which allow us to boost our heroine’s skills in rest areas. It’s eclectic, brutal and wild. We can’t help but think about the franchise Bayonettasince it takes the same type of gameplaynamely the possibility to execute various devastating offensives, counterattack or even dodge (at the right time) to surprise the opponent and inflict maximum damage. Unsurprisingly, the controls change throughout the adventure since we can unlock new abilities via skill trees.
The more we progress, the more we need a real war machine with the ability to launch fierce and vigorous blows. A pure delight. Regarding exploration, Eve can climb walls, swim, dive, or even sprint, she uses a small mecha which allows her to scan an area in order to find objects, but also to spot hidden enemies; the little brats… Are they hard to beat? Let’s say that we must understand their movements, understand their attacks, and once assimilated, you just have to adapt to the enemy to kill him. We also faced a boss who seems easy at first, but which evolves throughout the fight; giving a bit of trouble. In short, the difficulty is well balanced, impossible to get bored.
As for the soundtrack, our esgourds were able to delight in sweet chantsvery girly like the heroine. The notes speed up when the action gets intense, it’s a pleasure to listen to. In addition, we have put the game in the language of Molière, for the moment we are more than convinced. The French actors did an excellent job, the intonations are perfect, it’s just right to immerse us as it should ; goodbye subtitles!
After these few minutes spent with Stellar Blade, we can’t wait to go back. And for good reason, the totally offbeat and assumed universe was able to convince us without difficulty. Now, although we are under the spell of the ravishing Eve, we have some fears about what happens next. Monotony ahead? Will the progression be the same throughout this new experience, or will there be intense and varied phases to make an impression and avoid boredom? In the meantime, the studio has captured our attention, keenly!
You can pre-order Stellar Blade at: