Stellar Blade, the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 exclusive previously known as Project EVE, has finally launched, and the reviews are pouring in. The game, developed by Shift Up, features EVE, an “angel” battling the invasive Naytiba. Pre-release discussions heavily focused on the game’s combat, drawing comparisons to Devil May Cry, NieR, and Bayonetta, as well as EVE’s character design and revealing outfits. But now that the embargo has lifted, what’s the critical consensus?
Stellar Blade Review Roundup: A Positive Reception
Metacritic currently places Stellar Blade at a respectable 83, firmly in the “green” zone. Over 15 reviews awarded scores of 90 or higher, bolstering the average. Many reviewers praised the dynamic combat, stylish action sequences, and creative enemy design. While some acknowledged pacing issues with the narrative, many found the world-building refreshingly immersive.
MaagX’s Take on Stellar Blade
Our review awarded Stellar Blade a 4/5 (equivalent to an 80 on Metacritic). We found the combat surprisingly engaging, exceeding expectations. However, we noted some shortcomings in the open-world segments, clunky traversal mechanics, and narrative pacing. Despite these issues, we concluded: “Considering EVE’s potential and Stellar Blade‘s surprisingly deep combat system and intense boss fights, we’d be interested in seeing how the game evolves in a potential sequel.”
Addressing the Controversy: EVE’s Portrayal
EVE’s character design, specifically her revealing outfits, has been a point of contention. While present in both positive and negative reviews, the sexualization of EVE appears to have influenced some lower scores. Critics weren’t necessarily objecting to EVE’s design itself, but rather the dissonance created when these outfits appear in emotionally charged cutscenes. Some reviews, including ours, acknowledged the character design while emphasizing the game’s other strengths, suggesting players could either appreciate the overall package or pass if it wasn’t to their taste.
Stellar Blade’s Future on PS5
Stellar Blade officially launched exclusively for the PS5 on April 26th. The game’s solid Metacritic score and generally positive reception suggest a promising start. While some aspects could be improved, the engaging combat and unique world are clearly resonating with many players. Time will tell if Stellar Blade receives post-launch support or a sequel to address the criticisms and further explore EVE’s potential.
