Korean games developer SHIFT UP released a new trailer for its game Stellar Blade, which was originally known as Project Eve, during PlayStation's State of Play presentation. Stellar Blade is a PS5 console exclusive and is set to release sometime in 2023 and focuses on fast-paced, third-person action-based combat.
Stellar Blade, still known as Project Eve at the time, was first revealed during another PlayStation showcase last year, during which fans got to see some gameplay, combat, and other details. The story, setting, and characters of Stellar Blade place it in a science-fiction, fantasy genre that has been getting a lot of attention recently. Many fans seem to resonate quite strongly with games that appear far from reality, but still somehow manage to build deep immersion, so much so that the role-playing aspect of the game becomes stronger.
The story seems to follow a post-apocalyptic society, centered around the main city of Xion, which is built beneath a desolate wasteland that is the result of whatever caused humanity to fall into shambles. One of the main characters, Adam, reveals that the people in the city are in a deep sleep due to "energy depletion," which, if allowed to continue, will cause eternal darkness. The next part of the trailer shows off the game's combat against Stellar Blade's main enemies known as NA:tives.
The combat in Stellar Blade is reminiscent of Nier Automata and also a Platinum game like Bayonetta, as there are both melee sword-like weapons as well as ranged gun-like weapons involved. Bullet-time slowdown effects, weak-spot manipulation, and usage of the environment to aid in combat are just a few of the details that make the combat in Stellar Blade look dynamic and vibrant. The combat looks to have the difficulty and more-involved mechanics of a From Software game, but also the I-frame dodging and skills and arts-based attacking that other games would have.
If all of these details about the combat in Stellar Blade are true and come together into a smooth and seamless experience, then fans have a lot to be excited about when this game releases in 2023. Stellar Blade could be a blend of Nier Automata and Dark Souls that also includes a deeply involved storyline, which could all result in a greatly enjoyable gameplay experience.
The State of Play trailer ends with an elderly hybrid human and mechanical character asking Eve if she will be able to save their colony from annihilation. Stellar Blade is likely to be an action-packed game with fast-paced combat and an interesting story that fans can look forward to sinking their teeth into sometime next year.
Stellar Blade releases in 2023 for the PS5.