Story Highlight
  • Stellar Blade draws inspiration from Devil May Cry 5 and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, offering a mix of aggressive offense and strategic defense.
  • Mastering dodges and counters is crucial for success, similar to Sekiro’s combat flow.
  • The game seems to capture the same thrill of combat that made Devil May Cry 5 a hit.

Devil May Cry 5 reignited the love for frantic, stylish combat in the hack-and-slash genre. It’s been a while since then, and gamers hungry for that high-octane action have been left wanting.

Stellar Blade, an upcoming PlayStation exclusive from Korean developer SHIFT UP, is building noteworthy hype. From the recent previews, it’s shaping up to be a serious contender for the title of best hack-and-slash since Capcom blew gamers away.

Why it matters: Inspired by popular games renowned for their combat systems, Stellar Blade is set to offer high-octane and violent combat.

Stellar Blade Combat
Stellar Blade combat shares similarities with the combat systems of Bayonetta, DMC 5, and Nier Automata.

Stellar Blade: Taking Inspiration From The Best

SHIFT UP clearly takes cues from popular games like Devil May Cry 5 and Bayonneta, two of the finest in the genre. Add a pinch of the Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice combat, and you have the perfect recipe.

Director Kim Hyung Tae has also admitted to drawing inspiration from NieR: Automata so players can anticipate stylish combat in a post-apocalyptic setting that offers more than just linear sections of non-stop action.

However, at the heart of every awesome hack-and-slash game lies its combat, and Stellar Blade aims to nail it. Early glimpses reveal Eve, the main character, swinging a massive sword, creating a chaotic spectacle of mayhem.

The focus seems to be chaining together light and heavy attacks, seamlessly weaving in dodges and parries to maintain an aggressive flow. Furthermore, the narrative appears to offer a blend of dark fantasy and stylish action.

Stellar Blade Takes Inspiration From Popular Titles
Stellar Blade’s boss battles seem incredible so far.

Comparisons With Sekiro

In Stellar Blade, players soon discover that success lies in attacking fiercely and mastering defense, much like in Sekiro. Timing is everything when it comes to parrying and dodging, two elements vital for staying alive.

With moves like Blink and Repulse thrown into the mix, combat becomes even more detailed, demanding players to predict and counter enemy moves. Though it might be initially tough, getting the hang of these moves brings a satisfying feeling of achievement and control over the game’s obstacles.

Stellar Blade finds the sweet spot between going on the offense and playing it smart defensively. Beta Skills let players interrupt enemy attacks, while clever positioning and timing set up powerful counter moves.

This balance keeps the fights lively and exciting, letting players adjust their strategy depending on the enemies they face and the situations they’re in. Plus, with lots of gear and ways to customize, players can fine-tune their playstyle, making the game even more immersive.

Impressive World Design

Stellar Blade transports players to a stunning world that feels straight out of a classic Japanese anime. Through charming character designs and nostalgic environments, it captures the essence of a bygone era.

Even though the game puts a lot of emphasis on combat, it doesn’t forget about the thrill of exploring and finding new things. Whether it’s digging up hidden loot or solving tricky puzzles, players are urged to stray off the main path.

Simple platforming and underwater adventures mix things up, making sure the game isn’t just about non-stop battles.

As the release date of Stellar Blade draws near, excitement mounts for this unexpected mix of action and strategy. With nods to beloved classics and fresh gameplay ideas, Stellar Blade is set to provide an unforgettable gaming adventure. 

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Salman Fareed
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