Stellar Blade Review: Why This Game is Redefining Action RPGs in 2025
Picture this: You’re dodging a laser beam from a biomechanical horror, your sword humming with energy as you counterattack with a flourish that would make a samurai weep. Welcome to Stellar Blade, the game that’s been living rent-free in my head since its release. If you’re on the fence about whether this action RPG deserves your time (and let’s be honest, your sleep), buckle up. This isn’t just another review—it’s your backstage pass to what makes Stellar Blade one of 2025’s most unforgettable gaming experiences.
What Exactly is Stellar Blade?
Developed by Shift Up and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Stellar Blade is a third-person action RPG that feels like someone took the best parts of Nier: Automata, Sekiro, and a cyberpunk anime, then blended them into something fresh yet familiar. You play as Eve, a warrior from an orbital colony fighting to reclaim a post-apocalyptic Earth from the Naytiba—think of them as your new nightmare fuel.
The Gameplay That Hooked Me (And Probably Will Hook You Too)
Where Stellar Blade truly shines is in its combat system. It’s the kind of deep-but-accessible design that rewards mastery without punishing casual players. The parry system is so satisfying that landing perfect counters feels like conducting a symphony of destruction. And when you unlock later skills? Let’s just say I may have yelled “I AM UNSTOPPABLE” at my screen more than once.
- Combat Depth: Over 30 unlockable skills that completely change how you approach fights
- Exploration: Semi-open zones packed with hidden lore and upgrades
- Boss Fights: Spectacular set pieces that test everything you’ve learned
Stellar Blade vs. The Competition: How It Stacks Up in 2025
| Feature | Stellar Blade | Nier: Automata | Sekiro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat System | Fluid combos with gunplay integration | Fast-paced with weapon switching | Precision parry-focused |
| Story Depth | Sci-fi epic with multiple endings | Philosophical narrative | Straightforward samurai tale |
| Accessibility | Multiple difficulty options | Moderate learning curve | Brutally challenging |
| Visual Style | Cyberpunk meets post-apocalyptic | Minimalist futurism | Feudal Japan |
Why Stellar Blade is Perfect for 2025’s Gaming Landscape
This year has seen action RPGs leaning harder than ever into hybrid combat systems, and Stellar Blade arrives right when players are hungry for something that blends melee and ranged combat seamlessly. The 2025 trends it nails:
- Accessible Depth: Games that are easy to learn but hard to master are dominating player time
- Character Customization: Eve’s extensive skill trees and gear options speak to today’s build-crafting obsession
- Spectacle with Substance: Players want jaw-dropping moments that aren’t just eye candy
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because No Game is Flawless)
Now, I’m not here to simp unconditionally. The camera occasionally gets fussy in tight spaces, and there’s one particular sewer level that overstays its welcome by about 15 minutes. Also, while the English voice acting is solid, I strongly recommend playing with Korean voices for maximum immersion—Eve’s performance in particular hits differently in the original language.
My Personal “Holy Crap” Moment
There’s a sequence about halfway through where you’re scaling a collapsing skyscraper while fighting flying enemies, and the camera pulls back to show the sheer scale of the ruined city. I actually paused the game just to process what I was seeing. Moments like this are why I fell in love with gaming in the first place.
Stellar Blade FAQs
How long is Stellar Blade?
A straight story run takes about 25 hours, but completionists can easily sink 40+ hours into uncovering all secrets and endings.
Is it PlayStation exclusive?
As of 2025, yes—it’s a console exclusive for PS5 with no announced PC port yet.
How hard is it compared to Souls games?
On normal difficulty, it’s more forgiving than FromSoftware titles but still challenging. There’s also a story mode for those who just want the narrative experience.
Worth buying at full price?
If you enjoy action RPGs with deep combat systems, absolutely. The production values justify the price tag.
The Verdict: Should You Play Stellar Blade?
After 35 hours with Stellar Blade, I can confidently say it’s one of those rare games that sticks with you. It’s not just another action RPG—it’s a masterclass in how to make combat feel both weighty and graceful, wrapped in a world that begs to be explored. While it has some rough edges, they’re easy to overlook when you’re in the zone, slicing through enemies like a cybernetic ballet dancer.
Final score: 9/10 – A stellar (pun intended) debut that sets a new bar for action RPGs.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Grab your copy, turn down the lights, and prepare to lose track of time. And when you get to that boss fight (you’ll know the one), remember: parry like your pride depends on it—because it totally does.
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