Just How Good Is Stellar Blade? Based on Metacritic Review

FromSoftware’s classic Souls games may have heralded gaming’s modern action RPG renaissance, but Stellar Blade is evidence the thrilling subgenre is still pushing forward. Created by the Shift Up team, this PlayStation 5 exclusive is already one of 2024’s first Game of the Year contenders–receiving raves from both critics and fans for its combat excellence, beautiful HDR, and gripping post-apocalyptic setting.

With the review scores continuing to pour in, one thing is certain– stellar Blade is a masterpiece that lives Up to the considerable hype and solidifies Shift Up as a new force in the action RPG world. Let’s take a look at what critics are saying about this ambitious title’s brilliance.

A Souls-Inspired Standout

While the soulslike DNA is unmistakable, critics are celebrating Stellar Blade for cleverly iterating on the winning formula with its own unique twists and flourishes. IGN’s 9.5/10 rave review declares it “stands out as one of the best action-adventure games of its generation,” applauding the”deep and multilayered” combat system that makes every encounter “an exhilarating experience.”

Over at Game Informer, their 9.25/10 review hails the “sublime soundtrack and engaging story” underpinning the stellar gameplay. Even when tackling what they perceive as slight narrative pacing issues, GI still deems Stellar Blade “near perfect” and “a modern masterpiece” overall.

High Praise All-Around

It’s a similar story of glowing admiration across the rest of the gaming press. GameSpot’s 9/10 review dubs it a “beautiful, yet deadly action game” lauding the difficulty customization that caters to all experience levels. Meanwhile, Push Square’s 9/10 appraisal crowns it “an exceptional action game” representing a new high bar for the genre.

Beyond the stellar review scores, critics are absolutely gushing over Stellar Blade’s multitude of achievements. The combat system is universally praised as a true evolution – challenging yet gratifying, stylish yet strategic. The visuals are described as sublime and immersive, from the breathtaking post-apocalyptic vistas to the kinetic animations of every sword swing.

Even when criticisms arise around elements like story delivery or precise movement complexities, they almost feel like nitpicks when weighed against the overall brilliance on display. Shacknews’ 8.5/10 review perhaps says it best – “While Stellar Blade may still find itself eclipsed by titans of the genre, it nevertheless stands tall as a new benchmark for action games and open-world adventures.”

Phenomenal User Scores

Of course, all these rave reviews only tell one side of the conversation. Stellar Blade’s incredibly positive 8.9 user score on Metacritic paints a clear picture that players are equally enamored with Shift Up’s maiden effort. User reviews celebrate everything from the rewarding boss battles to the addictive gameplay loop of exploration and empowerment.

As one fan review put it, “Stellar Blade effortlessly combines the best of Souls-like combat with more open, immersive world design for an experience that’s as breathtaking in scope as it is thrilling in action.” High praise indeed for a game being touted as a genre redefiner by gaming’s most passionate audiences.

A PlayStation Masterpiece

While Stellar Blade carries clear inspirations and influences from some of gaming’s most acclaimed titles, critics are applauding Shift Up for crafting a lovingly unique new adventure that plays to familiar strengths while finding innovative new ways to dazzle, challenge, and engage players from start to finish.

Whether it’s the incredibly polished core gameplay loop, the cinematic sci-fi spectacle, or the empowering sense of exploration and growth, Stellar Blade is being firmly enshrined as an essential new PlayStation 5 exclusive and a shining new milestone for the action RPG genre as a whole. If these rave reviews are any indication, Shift Up’s grand apocalyptic opus isn’t just “good” – it’s one of the new generation’s first bona fide masterpieces.