Stellar Blade arrives on PS5 with high anticipation, set for launch on April 26. A recent free demo lets players complete a level in about an hour and challenge the first major boss. Yet the game’s buzz isn’t only about its action. The striking appearance of the female lead drew immediate attention, prompting an early hands-on look to determine if there is more beneath the surface than eye-catching design.
Not for children’s anime
From the start, the visual options stand out. In addition to standard brightness and trigger vibration, a dedicated image menu offers three presets: performance, balance, and quality. Each mode is well-handled. Even when the frame rate dips in quality mode, the experience remains comfortable and responsive, allowing players to react to situations as needed. Since Horizon Forbidden West, this is the second Sony title where the image quality option delivers a solid experience. The other modes hold their own, keeping the visuals clearly top-tier for this new release.
Eva’s doll-like look should not mislead. She is a formidable opponent with a dangerous edge.
The length and physics of Eva’s hair catch the eye. The entire model, including strands, moves with realistic physics. A comparable approach appeared in a 2013 Tomb Raider reboot, where Lara Croft’s hair physics strained performance, yet here the effect feels balanced. Players can tailor the experience to their preference, though observing the long-haired presentation helps illustrate the technology at work.
The demo unfolds from the very start. An anime-inspired scene shows landing pods descending on an unexplored planet while a fleet comes under attack. A dramatic mechanic appears early, requiring players to perform actions that usually belong to cutscenes. To open a capsule, one must repeatedly pull a lever from a first-person perspective. The demo hints at more moments like this, and there are special quick-time events to discover within the hands-on portion.
As the story progresses, Eva reveals herself as a member of an elite paratrooper unit composed entirely of women. They wear striking outfits, wield energy-enhanced gear, and fight with swords that can transform into hairpins. Stylish visuals are deliberate, signaling a mature tone with limited realism. From the outset, the game embraces its anime-inspired aesthetic rather than aiming for strict realism.
Along the way, players encounter additional skydivers who join the journey. Eva’s physique and costume design emphasize her presence, a choice echoed by Hyung-Tae Kim, a studio head who noted that third-person games often frame characters from behind. Some may celebrate this design direction, while others may wish for a broader representation. Shift Up, a South Korean studio, takes pride in focusing on beauty while not shying away from graphic violence. The project commits to a bold, fully mature style without softening edges.
The adversaries are biotic monsters with a vibe reminiscent of Devil May Cry, but more insect-like in appearance. The bestiary starts small, yet is expected to grow as the game progresses.
The narrative twist involves a failed landing, the loss of Eva’s friend, and a rescue-by-stranger named Adam. This triggers Eva’s decision to aid him, leading them to a ruined city in search of crucial information. Two revelations emerge. First, the game draws inspiration from NieR: Automata, presenting a post-apocalyptic setting with familiar, partially ruined architecture and occasional Russian text in shops. Second, Stellar Blade embraces a soul-like design: bonfires, enemy respawns, and numerous shortcuts pepper the experience.
Despite the excitement, the creators strike a balance. The game avoids excessive difficulty and unresponsive controls, framing challenges as enjoyable rather than punishing. The result is a surprisingly approachable experience that many players may find inviting within this genre.
There is a moment of unexpected appeal: a sense that the game can be enjoyed long after the initial playthrough. The pace keeps encounters varied. A mutant might fall with a single strike, or a surprise attacker can appear from behind. Players can face a crowd of lesser foes or engage in a tougher duel, with Eva wielding her hairpin in inventive ways. When a character falls, confidence in progress remains because souls persist and power grows, and each fight can unfold in a fresh way.
The boss encounter merits attention. It may not be exceedingly difficult, but it clearly signals what lies ahead. Players must use parries, dodges, and rapid movement through area-based attacks. Even if initial attempts fail, persistence usually leads to success on later tries. The balance between challenge and comfort stands out, a rare achievement among similar titles.
The exploration also adds variety. Eva can climb certain ledges, and standard jumps minimize risky missteps. Swimming is possible, suggesting the heroine is a highly capable, tech-enabled operator who cannot drown in oxygen-poor environments.
In summation, the Stellar Blade demo presents a strong case for the full release. The developers have refreshed a familiar genre by enriching exploration, combat, and pacing with stylish flair. The heroine remains a captivating focal point as she performs impressive feats. While comparisons to NieR: Automata are natural, they do not overshadow Stellar Blade’s own identity. The hands-on impression is favorable, and the release date is worth circling on the calendar. The game appears to justify the hype.
The question lingers for players: have you tried the Stellar Blade demo?
Times