The new PS5 game Stellar Blade has already sparked a lot of discussion before its release, mostly about superficial aspects. Now, 98 reviews for the game have been published, and it can be said: The game has more to offer than just the heroine Eve. With a score of 82%, Stellar Blade is doing well. For some testers, it is even the perfect action game. We take a look at the test ratings before the release on April 26.
Why has there been so much talk about Stellar Blade?
- Stellar Blade used the full-body scan of a South Korean model to create the protagonist Eve.
- This sparked a debate months before the release: Players said this was a counterpoint to heroines in Western games, which have been deliberately designed in recent years to not conform to unrealistic beauty ideals.
- With further comments and features like the “Skin Suit”, which allows you to play the heroine Eve practically nude, the debate’s flame was continuously stoked. There was little criticism of Stellar Blade itself – the criticism was directed at the Western developers and the Western gaming press for supposedly developing and writing against the wishes of the players.
But let’s see if there really is outrage against Stellar Blade.
“The perfect action game” shines with graphics, sound, and a fantastic world
Now here are the positive reviews:
Eurogamer Germany gives the full score of 5 out of 5 stars, praising the game in the highest terms as the “perfect action game.” The combat system is versatile, the bosses are creative, and the soundtrack is wonderful.
Dotesports gives it 90%, also praising the sound and graphics. The design of the world earns a bonus star.
In the game’s home country, South Korea, the magazine Inven is also satisfied with Stellar Blade, calling it a “beautiful action game” that combines fast combat with the tension of a Souls-like.
Boring characters and mediocre story are criticized
What do the more critical reviews say? The international edition of IGN gives it 70% and says the game suffers from boring characters, a mediocre story, and frustrating RPG mechanics. However, it is strong in the key elements of an action game.
GamesRadar describes the game as more ambitious than expected, but also unwieldy. One has to take it as it is, or enjoy the quirky sexual facade, the site concludes.
PC Games gives it 70% and says: The game loses out compared to masterpieces but is not a bad choice.
Is the game controversial at launch? No, not really. The assumed “outrage” from the Western gaming press over the highly sexualized protagonist is absent. In any case, one had to search very carefully to find criticism that could be considered upsetting.
Stellar Blade has rather been used to criticize a development in the Western gaming industry through the backdoor of “South Korea.”
More about Stellar Blade:
The new PS5 game from South Korea sparks a discussion about beautiful women in video games
