There’s something oddly comforting about jumping into a good action game after a long day. Whether it's the fluid motion of combat, the allure of a richly designed world, or just a chance to zone out and take down some otherworldly foes, games can be a great way to disconnect. For me, Stellar Blade hit that note. It gave off the energy of something familiar, but with just enough edge and personality to make it feel fresh. I really enjoyed playing it. This is one of my favorite games of 2024.
I’m the kind of player who likes to explore every nook of a game world and really get into the mechanics, but I also appreciate when a game respects my time. Stellar Blade doesn’t waste it. From the moment the first cinematic fades into gameplay, you’re right there in it and not just watching, but doing. And even if you’re not someone who normally picks up sci-fi action games, there’s something here that feels inviting, like a good story mixed with an arcade-style challenge.
Combat and Gameplay Mechanics
Stellar Blade's combat is punchy, responsive, and satisfying. At its core, it's about timing. You’re rewarded for learning enemy patterns, executing clean parries, and stringing together attacks that gradually fill a special meter. Once that meter is charged, you can unleash Beta Skills. Powerful moves that shake up the fight and break enemy guards. If you’re familiar with games like Sekiro or Bayonetta, it falls somewhere in that territory but doesn’t feel like a copy.
As you progress, the game introduces more systems like the Burst Gauge, which amps up your capabilities after a flurry of precise blocks and strikes. There’s a nice rhythm to it all, and the challenge ramps up at a fair pace. Beyond fighting, there’s a surprising amount of platforming with rope swinging, wall climbing, and exploring collapsed cities. It doesn’t feel like filler either. Side quests and collectibles are peppered throughout, and while not every side task is deep, the world encourages you to wander.
Visuals and Performance
One of the first things that stands out is how good this game looks. Stellar Blade makes great use of lighting, texture, and animation, especially in the character models. Eve, the main character, is crafted with care, and so are the environments, from ruined urban centers to alien-looking zones. Playing it on the PS5, the load times were minimal, and it gave the sense that the developers really understood the hardware.
You can pick between performance or quality modes. One gives you smoother frame rates, the other pushes the visual detail to the limit. I found both to be playable depending on what you're going for. The audio design deserves some love too. The soundtrack is subtle in calm moments and soaring in combat. It knows when to back off and when to hit hard. Combined with the DualSense haptics, it creates a tight sensory loop that keeps you in the zone.
Narrative and Characters
The story is straightforward but has some emotional weight behind it. You play as Eve, a soldier sent to a ruined Earth to battle monstrous alien beings called Naytibas. The remnants of humanity are scattered, and you slowly learn more about what happened as you explore. Along the way, you meet characters like Adam and Lily, who add to the story’s personal moments and offer support both in dialogue and gameplay.
That said, the plot doesn’t always aim for depth. It’s more of a vehicle for the action, which might disappoint players looking for rich character arcs or morally complex decisions. It delivers more through atmosphere and setting than long-winded cutscenes. If you’re here for a cinematic narrative on par with a prestige TV show, this won’t be quite that. But if you’re here for a solid action game with some sci-fi flair and emotional beats, it gets the job done.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Combat is tight, rewarding, and well-paced with layered mechanics.
- Graphics and art direction show off the power of the PS5 beautifully.
- Exploration is meaningful with side quests and optional content.
- Sound design and music elevate the emotional and action moments.
Cons:
- The story, while serviceable, may feel shallow to players who prioritize narrative depth.
- Side quests can sometimes feel like busywork or fetch missions.
- There’s a sense of style-over-substance in some design choices, particularly with character aesthetics.
Final Thoughts
Stellar Blade doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but what it does, it does with confidence. It's stylish, fast-paced, and well-crafted, with enough depth to keep you engaged through its runtime. Whether you're here for the flashy combat, the striking environments, or the solid gameplay loop, there’s plenty to enjoy.
It won’t be everyone’s favorite game of the year, but for those who enjoy action with a side of sci-fi and an emphasis on skill-based progression, it’s worth your attention. Just don’t expect too much from the story, and you'll likely come away impressed.