"Stellar Blade" is an action role-playing game developed by Shift Up, the studio behind "Project EVE", led by Kim Hyung-tae, the founder of Shift Up and a renowned game creator known for titles like "Blade & Soul" and "Destiny Child".
Set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a cosmic catastrophe, the story unfolds in the near future where Earth has been invaded by extraterrestrial forces, leaving it in ruins and humanity forced to flee their home planet. Humanity's fate hangs in the balance as Earth, ravaged by powerful alien beings, is abandoned by humans who survived the massive slaughter, seeking refuge in colonies scattered across outer space.
Players take on the role of Eve, a paratrooper warrior from the colonies, with a clear mission to reclaim Earth from the clutches of the malevolent force known as NA:tive and save humanity. However, as Eve battles NA:tive and uncovers the mysteries of humanity's past within the ruins of civilization, she realizes that her mission is far from simple. In fact, almost nothing is as it seems...
"Stellar Blade" is built using the latest version of the industry-standard Unreal Engine. Led by Kim Hyung-tae, a creator known for his emphasis on artistic expression, the game boasts incredibly detailed and visually stunning graphics. From the ultra-sexy female protagonist to the extremely eerie monsters and the desolate post-apocalyptic Earth scenes, everything featured in the demo exhibits consistent and meticulous design. The game's default "Balanced" mode already offers a balanced performance in terms of resolution and smoothness, but players can also choose between "Performance Priority" or "Resolution Priority" modes based on their preferences.
Combat System
The game features a gameplay style that combines third-person action with exploration and adventure. Key controls include light attacks with the ☐ button, heavy attacks with the △ button, dodging with the ◯ button, jumping with the ✕ button, defense with the L1 button, long-range attack aiming with the L2 button, and long-range attack firing with the R2 button. Additionally, there are four "Beta Skills" that can be activated by combining the L1 button with the △ / ◯ / ✕ / ☐ buttons. The directional buttons are used for consuming potions and using items.
By combining light and heavy attacks, players can unleash a variety of combos, including relentless combos starting with light attacks and ending with heavy attacks, as well as mixed combos of light and heavy attacks. Holding down the heavy attack button allows for a "charge" attack that automatically dashes towards enemies, which is useful against agile bosses. These attacks can be further enhanced and diversified through skill acquisition. Long-range attacks serve as supportive means since aiming restricts movement and ammunition is limited, but they offer high safety and significant damage.
Equipment System
Equipment in the game is divided into three main categories: "Exoskeletons," "Modules," and "Appearance." Exoskeletons are core equipment that can alter combat styles, including defense-focused "Guardian," attack-focused "Chain," and block/dodge-focused "Reaction" types. Modules enhance specific abilities such as attack, defense, and speed, with up to four slots available for unlocking. Appearance items are purely cosmetic, including clothing, facial adornments, and earrings. Notably, the highly anticipated revealing nude-colored bodysuit, which presents Eve's nude form when equipped, disables the use of shields and serves as a challenge for hardcore players... or perhaps a tantalizing reward?
Conclusion
As the debut console AAA game from Shift Up, founded by the renowned artist and creator Kim Hyung-tae, "Stellar Blade" shows promising potential based on the demo. It features finely detailed characters and environments, exhilarating yet technical combat systems, and, of course, visually appealing and seductive characters that many players eagerly anticipate. While the game's Korean-inspired art style and unique world-building might not appeal to all players accustomed to Japanese or Western games, and despite the presence of almost exclusively sexy female characters, the game does not shy away from graphic violence, delivering shocking scenes of dismemberment and bloodshed right from the start. Though such elements are common in hardcore action games, their presentation through sexy female characters might be unsettling (or perhaps more exciting?) for some players. It's worth noting that this is an "Adults Only" game, so underage players should refrain from playing without proper discretion!
