Summary
Despite taking things in its own direction, it’s clear thatStellar Bladedraws heavy inspiration from successful action RPGs of the past. From the get-go, players familiar with the genre will likely notice that the world and story ofStellar Bladefeel very reminiscent ofNier: Automata, while its gameplay takes a more clear-cut Soulslike approach. The blending of these two elements works inStellar Blade’s favor, allowing developer Shift Up to pay homage to the legacy of past titles while iterating upon them in a unique and interesting way.
There’s an air of mutual respect betweenStellar Blade’s director Kim Hyung-Tae andNier: Automata’s director Yoko Taro, withTaro recently praisingStellar Bladeand even calling it better thanNier: Automata. This makes it evident thatStellar Bladeis meant to be a love letter toNierthat also capitalizes on the current popularity of Soulslikes to recontextualize its themes and aesthetic with a new style of gameplay. However, there are distinctions between the wayStellar Bladeincorporates its Soulslike elements and itsNier: Automataones, creating a familiar yet refreshing experience for players.
How Stellar Blade Incorporates Elements of Nier: Automata and Soulslike Games
Stellar Blade’s World Takes Cues From Nier: Automata
The world ofStellar Bladeis one where humanity has been driven from Earth bycreatures known as the Naytiba, forcing them into space Colonies. Protagonist Eve is sent by these survivors back to Earth to battle the Naytiba and reclaim their home, where she finds the remnants of humanity struggling to survive in the city of Xion. This premise feels very similar to that ofNier: Automata, and its atmosphere is complete with the backdrop of crumbling cities that paint a bleak, post-apocalyptic picture for the inhabitants ofStellar Blade’s world the same way it does forNier: Automata’s version of Earth.
Similarly toStellar Blade,Nier: Automatafollows the story of 2B, 9S, and A2, threeandroid members of YoRHasent by humanity to fight the machines that have taken over Earth. WhileNier: AutomataandStellar Bladeshare a similar theme of reclaiming Earth after humanity has been ousted by an invading species, the games differ in the details surrounding humanity’s fall and the lore behind their respective protagonists. However, fans ofNier: AutomataandStellar Bladewill likely see parallels between characters like 2B and Eve, despite their stories taking them in different directions.
The Combat of Stellar Blade Pulls Mechanics from FromSoftware Soulslikes
On its surface,Stellar Bladeseems to mirrorNier: Automatain its narrative and world design, but its combat sets it apart from this title by adopting several staple mechanics of the Soulslike genre.Stellar Bladeisn’t a Souslike in the traditional sense, given it is much more forgiving in its punishment for failure. However, Soulslike fans will likely notice thatStellar Bladehas several other hallmarks of the genre baked into its combat design, including a stagger meter, a parry mechanic, and an emphasis on precise attack and dodge timing.
The parry mechanic inStellar Bladeseems pulled right out of a game likeFromSoftware’sSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, putting an emphasis on learning enemy attack patterns and nailing its parry window just right.Stellar Blade’s camps where Eve can rest and upgrade her abilities seem to follow the formula of theDark Soulsseries' Bonfire system, which offers players checkpoints as they traverse a dangerous world with enemies lurking around every corner. The mix of Soulslike mechanics with themes and a world inspired byNier: AutomatahelpsStellar Bladeappeal to fans in both camps while still feeling like a cohesive package that stands on its own.
