Stellar Blade Review: Cyberpunk Action Game Overshadowed by Controversy

Stellar Blade, a highly anticipated cyberpunk action game developed by Korean studio Shift Up, has launched to mixed reviews amid a culture war controversy surrounding its portrayal of the protagonist Eve. The game features impressive visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4 and the PlayStation 5 hardware, with a variety of environments, character models, and physics. However, the game's hyper-sexualized character design and presentation have drawn criticism.

Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth where humanity has lost a war against the alien Naytibas, Stellar Blade casts players as Eve, a cybernetically enhanced soldier tasked with reclaiming the planet. The combat system blends soulslike elements with stylish action, featuring light and heavy attacks, parrying, dodging, and cinematic kill animations. While the boss battles are praised as challenging and engaging, some reviewers found the overall gameplay repetitive and the platforming sections frustrating.

The game's narrative has received mixed reactions, with some critics describing it as convoluted and lacking in character development. Director Hyung Tae Kim stated that he is more focused on the game's visuals and gameplay rather than its story. Optional side content is considered essential for developing attachment to the characters and world, but certain quest chains feel unfinished.

Controversy erupted over the game's suggestive character design, exaggerated visuals, and a piece of in-game graffiti that many claimed carried racist undertones. Sony has acknowledged the unintentional inclusion of the offensive phrase and announced that a day-one patch will remove the problematic graffiti. Shift Up has stated that the game is intended for mature audiences and will be released uncensored globally, despite the controversies.

Why this matters: The controversy surrounding Stellar Blade highlights the ongoing challenges developers face in navigating cultural sensitivities and representation in their creative works. As the gaming industry continues to grow and reach a diverse global audience, it is vital for developers to be mindful of the potential impact and interpretation of their artistic choices.

Early reviews indicate that Stellar Blade is a solid action game with excellent combat and visuals, but its handling of cultural elements has overshadowed its merits. GameSpot's review praised the game's "seamless blend of style and substance," while noting that the story "features several unexpected twists and turns." Despite the pre-release hype from PlayStation fans, the consensus among reviewers is that Stellar Blade is a good game, but not necessarily a groundbreaking or must-play title.

Key Takeaways

• Stellar Blade, a cyberpunk action game, launched to mixed reviews.
• The game's hyper-sexualized character design drew criticism amid a culture war.
• The combat system blends soulslike elements with stylish action, but gameplay is repetitive.
• The narrative received mixed reactions, with some finding it convoluted and lacking character development.
• Controversy erupted over the game's suggestive content, leading to a day-one patch to remove offensive graffiti.