Summary
Studio Shift Up’sStellar Bladeis a third-person action-RPG with intense and flashy combat, along the lines of titles likeDevil May CryandBayonettabut with some clearly Soulslike influences as well. Set on an Earth ravaged by invading alien-like creatures known as Naytiba,Stellar Bladefollows the journey of main character, EVE, an elite “Angel” sent from a colony in space to protect the remnants of humanity, while learning more about the history of what caused the devastation from the companions she gains along the way. As EVE explores the world and furthers her relationships, deeper truths are revealed that recontextualize much of her worldview.
Released this past April as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, and despite some initial controversy,Stellar Blade went on to become the bestselling game in the USAfor the month, and one of the highest rated PS5 exclusives to date.Stellar Blade"surpassed expectations" according to the developer, and this rise to success has positioned it to receive robust post-launch support and additional content. Shift Up has already announced plans like a possible PC port, DLC, and its intention to produce a full sequel. The latter is perhaps the most exciting news for fans, as there is certainly more to its characters and world. However, a prequel would arguably be preferable given how things stand now.
In addition to its post-launch and future content plans forStellar Blade, it’s been reported that Shift Up is working on a gacha title currently codenamedProject Witches.
Why a Stellar Blade Prequel Might Work Better Than a Direct Sequel
Stellar Blade’s Lore Points to a History Rich With Potential for a Prequel
Stellar Blade’s post-apocalyptic settingshares some narrative aspects with games likeNier: Automata, with the fact that not everything is as it appears to be on the surface, and characters often only have one side of the story to go on. EVE is given a mission from her superior, Mother Sphere, to eliminate the Naytiba, told that it’s for the good of humanity, and believing she is acting as a savior for the survivors. However, it later becomes apparent that the reality of the situation is much more complex, and the nature and goal of the “monstrous” Naytiba is entirely different from what she initially understood.
WhileStellar Blade’s plot had its share of detractors, the world building it accomplished laid the groundwork for a variety of interesting avenues to pursue in a second entry. Particularly, the war that previously raged between humans and advanced cybernetic soliders, like EVE, is detailed by Adam, whom EVE meets and allies with. Adam explains the other side of the tale, revealing himself to be integral to the initial conflict, and how he was attempting to find a solution, which resulted in humans becoming the Naytiba. On its own, this is ripe for potential to serve as the basis for another title.
What a Stellar Blade Prequel Could Look Like
With the secrets uncovered by EVE and why she was really sent to Earth, it might be a trickier task to continue directly on from them.Stellar Blade’s endingscould also pose a hurdle to advancing the narrative, as presumably, Shift Up will need to pick one as canon to carry on from. There were some notable characters who played pivotal roles, and whose stories could be delved into in a prequel framework. Jumping backward in the timeline to follow the adventures of EVE’s fellow Angels, Raven and/or Tachy, might work well, as they were also soldiers on par with her, and could easily fit the protagonist spot in a prequel setup.
Though it seems Shift Up is currently set on a sequel, given certain details unveiled, such asMother Sphere’s true plan, a prequel treatment could further flesh out the events prior to EVE and Adam’s encounter that led to the climatic confrontation, and still provide more ofStellar Blade’s great combat and gorgeous visuals. While only time will tell what direction it goes in, there are various good reasons for the next title to walk the prequel path.
Stellar Blade
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RECLAIM EARTH FOR HUMANKIND The future of humanity hangs in the balance in Stellar Blade, an all-new story-driven action adventure. Ravaged by strange, powerful creatures, Earth has been abandoned, and what is left of the decimated human race has fled to a Colony in outer space. After travelling from the Colony, 7th Airborne Squad member EVE arrives on the desolate remains of our planet with a clear-cut mission: to save humankind by reclaiming Earth from the Naytiba – the malevolent force that has devastated it. But as EVE tackles the Naytiba one-by-one, piecing together the mysteries of the past in the ruins of human civilization, she realizes that her mission is far from straightforward. In fact, almost nothing is as it seems…
