The fact that it came from a mobile gaming company and there isn’t any mention of micro transactions deserves a nod 👌🏽

The fact that a game like this would sell tons of costumes DLCs yet they still gave us 30+ costumes that are unlockable for free is such a chad move. Really liked the game!

Stellar Blade is the perfect example of a "first entry" that gets all the fundamentals right (Mass Effect 1), to hopefully get a massively imrpoved 2nd game.

Stellar Blade feels like a game straight out of the 6th or 7th gen Era, and I mean that in a good way. It has such a back to basics approach to game and level design, and the visuals and music reminds me of that older era of games. I'm absolutely loving it.

"I mean... A Poster ... Of Eve, that's one thing, I mean, Come on" 😅😂😂😂 Lmao the delivery there just had me cracking up lmao

Games, at their core, are art, and as such, they have this X factor you can never truly put your finger on even if you really try to explain this. This is such a brilliant medium.

Stellar Blade is a work of art: it doesn't need to be perfect. I would argue that the fact that it puts a smile on your face is enough. The vibe, the graphics, the world, the monsters and character design and of course the combat, all these elements make it a unique and fun experience. I even enjoy exploring and trying to collect everything. This game is worth its price, given everything they're giving the player and the fact they're not including micro transactions, season pass and what not...

7:36 man of culture 🤝

It also didn’t release a buggy mess like some of the beloved AAA games released in that past few years

I 100% agree with Jake. S Korea has been on a tear. Lies of P was my game of the year and I was 100% sold on it because of the demo. I had a few reservations about Stellar Blade but I thought it always looked fun and I had been following it since the 2019 Project Eve concept teaser. I can’t stop thinking about the game and I’m listening to the OST EP that was released while at work. I don’t know if Jake knows but there’s another Korean game probably dropping next year that’s a hack and slash/souls called First Berserker Khazan. If that ends up being as good as Lies of P/Stellar Blade I think it’ll cement that S Korea is ready to take over lol

As I said in SkillUp’s review, the fact that this released in such a solid and polished state and most of all is FUN already earns lots of praise from me which is sadly a high bar for most games nowadays. Not everything has to have a deep philosophical narrative to it, unless it’s specifically advertising that or taking itself seriously enough. It’s a video game first and foremost, and a fun one at that.

This is a great game to cleanse the pallet after being deep in FFVII Rebirth for the past 2 months.

After having watched a bunch of reviews, the broad consensus is: Nier Automata: deeper narrative Stellar Blade: better combat system

I love how you keep saying “it gets better after the demo” because I enjoyed the demo!

Picked this game up last night and been having a really great time with it.. The insanely fun combat system and eye candy visuals with some wicked looking monster designs/bosses are some awesome highlights. Flawed in some aspects but really good game

A buddy of mine who introduced me to Nier was like "yo check out this game" after playing the demo I was instantly sold by the combat alone!

The look and style of this game reminds me of the action titles of the PS2 era, which is pretty much my favourite era of gaming. I miss the days of straight to the point action games. No micro transactions, minimal to no RPG upgrading/skill tree upgrades, just a balls to the wall fast paced action game. I’m all for this genre of game making a solid comeback! Also, Jake’s t shirt in this video f**king rules!

FUN, man

Since when is a 7 or 8 out of 10 bad? It's so annoying how a movie or game has to be a 9 or 10. This all or nothing trend sucks. A good time and fun to play is great.

This game is such a breath of fresh air. I was definitely not expecting it to be this good.

I really appreciate your opinions and how you approach your game reviews. You always seem genuinely open minded and point out the good and bad. You never jump on the trend of just trashing a game, and you just seem like someone who loves video games. Keep up the good work!!

Why can't games be just fun? Everything is now either a Big Open world RPG or a souls like. I just need some linear, fun adventure games like Devil may cry or even like Max Payne 3.. Games that focus on just the fun element with fairly decent story on it

Personally, I think they did a great job considering it's their first console game. Combat & music are awesome.

from what I understand this game is exactly what I expected from day one of its announcement and that's why I'm buying it. it has not subverted my expectations.

If anyone's upset about 7/10 it should be us Baldur's Gate 3 backers and launch players who saw an entirely unplayable Act 3 get 10/10 from media outlets that clearly never never got far enough to see the flaws. Sure it eventually patched itself into a state that undeniably deserves that score, but this was an early access title with half a decade of feedback that still managed to flub the landing. That a first time offering from a mobile game developer is held to higher standards is a bit of an ass-pull, though we all know that the western man is broken in enough to be forced to add "weird" in front of "sexy" for fear of being cannibalized by their peers. Glad you liked the combat though!

Its like youve stated several times before, the game is good ol fun, and there is nothing wrong with that. Everygame will have its shortcomings if you continue to analyze and pick it apart. Always appreciate your insights and videos!

I’m a veteran Shift Up player. I didn’t like them at first but they grew on me. They’re great with the small details. I’ve seen so many people start off skeptical then fall in love with their work.

I agree with you, man. I'm excited about this game because I've also missed an old school linear or semi open action adventure game and this is scratching that itch so bad!

I’m playing it and absolutely loving it. It currently *IS* my Game of the Year contender. Realistically, it should be Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, but I couldn’t pass the damned intro Queen’s Gambit or whatever minigame match against the crybaby in Kalm, and I kind of rage quit it. Once I either beat him or, more smartly, decide to ignore that whole minigame, I’ll probably go back and fall in love with that game. But I’m like Stellar Blade more than Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Rise of the Ronin. It’s everything. The combat, the music, the art design, the world. It’s activated that lizard brain mode of “oh I’ll just play for 20 minutes,” then 2 or 3 hours pass. I like exploring the environments, fighting enemies and finding hidden items or bits of lore. The fact that the locations are moderately sized rather than a massive open world makes it all feel more doable. Like you said, it’s all a *vibe*. Also, I don’t have a problem with the voice acting personally, but I’m playing with the Korean voices. I played a little with the Spanish voices during the demo and thought those were good too, but British accents kind of take me out of a video game, unless it’s set in a medieval fantasy world. But yeah, it’s really good. Been awhile since I’ve had trouble putting a game down. This is exactly what I’ve needed for years now. Just a fun, stylish action game. Not a walking simulator, cinematic game or open world.

I have a disability which impacts my reaction speed. However I find playing on story mode with action assist on, it was accessible enough. You can also automate QTEs if you need to. I'm enjoying it so far.

This game unlocked the divorced hooters dad within me. Loved hunting all the costumes that made Eve’s butt look good.

Really enjoying the game. Love the Nier Automata vibes.. a game i platinumed. I dont like the Nier is better comparison even tho its true lol. This is a great FIRST triple A game from a mobile studio! And no microtransactions! From a mobile studio. Praise it for that alone lol. But seriously the combat, graphics, music, world have me hooked. The sexiness is a nice plus on top of the more important gameplay aspects

Stellar blade is absolutely beautiful and remember never apologise for wanting beautiful characters in our games

Loving it. Playing through now and enjoying it a lot. Some things can just be there because they are beautiful. Not everything needs to be a philosophy PhD material. Want more of these, will pay 70. Better than Tlou 2. They PLEASED the audience, instead of hating us.

He's not lying. It does have the toned butts.

The demo sold me on this for sure. I'm ok if the story isn't the best, but the combat has to be excellent, which i think it is. Eve is also great to look at and kicks some serious ass. I mean wow 35 plus outfits that don't cost real-world money, you know, like Diablo IV or Suicide Squad KTJL.

I'm about 4 hours in, having an absolute blast. The combat/music/world is just fantastic.

Eve from Stellar Blade is the new Faith from Mirror's Edge Catalyst.

watched your “before you buy” played the demo and bought it immediately afterwards - I have no regrets. ❤️❤️❤️

This guy knows how to appease the gooners.

🌴🌿. 4:52 same. I fell in love with that type of gameplay back in the day playing "God of War 3. I still enjoy it just as much. 👍

Coming from someone with emerging ataxia (causing me to have garbage reaction and physically can't mash, among other things.) The accessibility options are amazing

I followed the link from your Friday video to yell at you. I ENJOY YOUR CHANNELS! ALWAYS! GREAT CONTENT, THAT I LOOK FORWARD TO DAILY! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU AND YOUR TEAM DO! SEE YOU TOMORROW!

The best thing about this game is that there's a physical copy. So it can be installed and played offline. They'll be no censorship on my play through.

Thanks Jake! If it ever comes to pc, I'll pick it up on sale!

Jake, can you give us a tour of your new home office? I want to see what all those cool things on the walls and shelves are.

I think it plays a lot like Jedi Survivor with the dodges and parries. There's wall running and parts where your swinging on ropes. The gameplay loop is just like the Jedi games

I'm 45 and been playing since the 80s. And Stellar Blade is one of the few games that I actually started a new game right after I finished my first play-through at 55 hours. I find the dialogue and the script to be awful; yes, I'm very critical about stuff like that. But the reason it didn't affect me at all is because I never play games like Ninja Gaiden series, Soulsborne series, Devil May Cry series, Bayonetta, Nioh and so on for their story and dialogues. In fact, in most of those games I have no idea what the heck is going on even to this day because I'm 100% focused on the combat. And I consider all those games masterpieces. When I actually want story and dialogue I purposely play a western or jrpg. I never had so much fun hunting for new costumes for Eve.

A phrase I've seen being thrown around a few times with Stellar Blade is "One of the best xbox 360 games you'll play today", sounds like a weird insult but its quite the contrary and I totally get it. Personally, and I'm sure a lot of other gamers can relate, are getting burnt out from todays gaming landscape. Stellar Blade is a good old single player video game that reminds me of the 360 era, the sort of gaming experience I find myself looking for more and more these days. Multiplayer/live service games are fun and all but single player games are my comfort food and Stellar Blade has me fat and happy.

Honestly, with Stellar Blade's story being solid, low-key a rough draft, I REALLY hope we get a sequel to Stellar Blade. With a lot of constructive feedback, Shift Up can take it and make a better, polished Stellar Blade.

Ive never really understood the hate of quick time events either

I loved this game.. it was awesome unlocking so many outfits and hair customization styles, and for no extra charge!

The music is super good!!

I had so much nostalgia while playing this game. I genuinely felt like I was able to turn my brain off and just play. It felt like a Saturday afternoon on my PS2 when I was 12. A hilariously over sexualized hot main character (not a dig it's awsome). Crazy fun combat. Clunky traversal. Everyone but the main characters having rather flat acting. A story that does it's basic function and nothing else. Just a reason to go from point a to b. Although I think the story was slightly better than that but not by much. And to round it all off it wierdly ignited my need to collect things in a video game. I hardly ever do that. For some reason I actually want to find all the cans.

One thing I really like about this game is I bought the physical, yet I was still able to purchase the $10 digital deluxe portion of the game. For so many physical releases they lock you out of the digital deluxe items.

The games fantastic, I also like that it feels like a final fantasy game where it can be kind of linear yet open at the same time, I love exploring the world and finding all the memories etc. it’s a good game imo, the story meh, the gameplay is fun af, and the boss fights are amazing, I love that it turns into anime/manhwa style combat mid fight.

It's like dmc and God of War with button finishers

I love the game and I enjoy it just as much as I enjoyed Elden Ring. Even the things you critize, I found simply charming for what it is. It's not realistic to have every part of the game perfect, especially since this is Shift Up's first major title. In comparison, Elden Ring and Monster Hunter World are the result of decades of development. But even so, Stellar Blade does a lot of things exceptionally well. Technically there is almost nothing to complain about. The combat is one of the best I've experienced. Even though the game also gives you the option to just breeze through the game without much trouble. We have a female lead who is simply stylish and sexy, but also has a personality that is reasonably interesting and not offensive or stupid in any way. And it's also extremely commendable that the game has multiple localizations. I'm not sure what you think of the English voiceovers, but I really like the German localization. The music is also just... well... let's just say I'd pay $100 for a full CD or vinyl soundtrack combilation. As for the side-quests, I like them too. The loot is mostly rewarding (smooth progression and lots of costumes), and they provide more reasons to engage with the world. It even has fishing. Every completed board quest also gets a little insight / written commentary from Eve. The quests/story may be shallow compared to a game like The Witcher 3 but at least they are much better than in Dragon's Dogma 2. ;) And the game also has parts that reminded me of Resident Evil games. As a new franchise entry in the action-adventure genre, this is a 10/10 for me, in terms of what is delivered, the fun factor and the technical aspects. Exploration and combat to me, is also more fun here, than it is in Bayonetta, Nier Automata and DMC. But if you also evaluate the weaker elements to what is the current standard, then the game is an 8/9. However, Sony unfortunately also took some actions that sabotage the success of the game. And they lost a lot of goodwill over it. On the plus side, there are no microtransactions. But Shift Up kept the window open for collaboration costumes that would cost something. (Nikke seems likely - but we'll have to wait and see.)

To me, this game was everything I wanted it to be. I could tell from the demo it wasn’t exactly going to a story driven game, I just wanted a solid ass game with great combat and gameplay and that’s exactly what this is. The puzzles, combat, bosses, and even (semi) open world sections just worked for me. Exploring , getting new outfits, these STUNNING ability animations truly hooked me. My only complaint is That almost any souls like player is going to be really really irritated at how easy the game is, I think they should give you access to hard mode right off the bat and then add a harder difficulty after the first story play through. I died way more to the platforming than any of the bosses. It’s very forgiving by design which is great for new players but some more challenge would be rly appreciated. A lot of people didn’t like Eve, I didn’t mind her, she does have a very soulless personality but there are many nods to it that she is aware of it especially after a certain story segment. She has her goal and never really considered anything outside of it. However ADAM is the most NPC, AI generated character ever. The voice acting sounds like a commercial and there’s zero charm to him. Lily is quite like able while also forgettable. I’d love to see a stellar blade 2. It seems they really found their footing at the last part of the game and if you could take that and continue it for an entire sequel, we could very well be looking at an ACTUAL Nier Automata competitor in my opinion. But this is an outstanding first non mobile release by shift up and I’m very excited for whatever they do next. For me, 8.5/10

I like the grown man game room aesthetic you got going on in your studio bro super chill

I recommend to everyone playing, turn off the auto-lock when attacking in the settings. It gives more movement and camera control when fighting. (You will still be able to manually lock on when you want)

I love when you guys recommend junk food video games on here and gameranx. That's how I update my backlog. Need more of those lists! Thanks, Jake

I’ve been having an ABSOLUTE BLAST playing Stellar Blade. The combat/animations are top tier. The music is outstanding. And can we stop for a moment & recognize a refreshingly SOLID PERFORMANCE upon release. Admittedly, the characters fall flat. I like that’s its own thing… with lots of influences. About halfway through & worth every cent so far. 100% agree w your review, Jake 🔥💪🏻😎

Honestly, good to know. The game was on my radar for the obvious NieR inspiration, but after trying the demo I was kinda let down (although, that was mostly on me for making so many comparisons against one of my all-time favs). However, the combat does indeed look incredibly cool, so I will absolutely give it a full shot at some point.

I was on the fence about this one, until I played the demo, and it sold me, 1st I love that demos are coming back, we need more of that but 2nd It was a fun demo I enjoyed it and I think I'm going to enjoy the rest of the game.

Jake--I too was born at the perfect time to play RE4 on release, and I too enjoy a good QTE lol

Glad to hear it gets better after the demo as I already have a put a few hours into the demo just messing around with combat. Gonna buy it soon.

Great review Jake!. I had a lot of fun with Stellar Blade! It met my expectations, and in some areas even exceeded them!. To me, this is one of my games of the year. I Can definitely get a poster of Eve wearing a sexy outfit, no problem! lol

Hey Jake. So I took a week, Played some Stellar Blade (Because of you) Was it fun? Yes. Did it fundamentally change my life? No... Is that enough from a game? Sure. Thank you for inspiring me to play another game I would have over looked. You have a good day, man.

Sad to say but having this not be a complete buggy mess is refreshing to see.

Plan on checking it out for sure!

Fun factor is a really important point to gauge if I like a game, but it has nothing to do with how much I LOVE a game.

I purchased the game, but I'm trying to finish Dragon's Dogma 2. But, I'm very excited to get into the game. PLUS!!! What was not reviewed is the DLC that landed on release day. Game+ and 34 new costumes. So now we have a replay-ability factor. I'm sure DLC will continue to come. I've only played the demo, but I'm looking forward to Stellar Blade 2 lol.

Jake: stellar blade has its hooks in me The hooks: two giant eve buns

I just beat it and it surpassed my expectations for it. I initially played the demo and figured it'd be worth buying. I can happily say that game is super fun, combat got me hooked especially with the later skills and abilities. Easy recommend to any action game fan.

Im a few hours into the game and personally I think it has high highs and low lows. It's by no means winning any awards on its story telling but it scratches that old ps2 era itch that so few games scratch. I appreciate the extra free content and that the studio chose to give us so many things for free.

Good to know because when I had first saw the title from the notification being JUNK FOOD GAMING, I had understood what you mean completely as it really is kind of like that defending on the preference etc. I feel like or think that we all would probably want the perfect "junk food" game? When really it's not possible but making it better is always a possibility even though we all have our own opinions and preferences for what might me the perfect junk food game.

Everything pre-release about Stellar Blade made me think it was too good to be true. It felt like it was going to be a Cyberpunk 2077 situation all over again. It looked amazing yet it was from a fairly inexperienced developer. The graphics were too next level to be legit. Even when the demo came out and the demo was great I thought, yeah it's probably a 5 hour game-no way the game maintains that quality for any substantial amount of time. I'm happy to have been proven VERY wrong about Stellar Blade. I think the game is terrific and is definitely a game of the year contender. I loved it start to finish.

"In like a normal, non-toxic way"

I just started the game today and I have to say you definitely need to spend your talent points wisely. Especially at first, I think.

I love Oppenheimer AND I love Psycho Goreman! Stellar Blade has a place in my game collection. Played it all weekend and loved it.

Jake you’re the shit and always speak your mind in the most friendly and frank way. Keep grinding my brother

Honestly I’m happy that they got an 82 on Metacritic, especially for a new IP and a developer making their first game on console. It’s impressive and inspiring. I honestly don’t mind paying the full price just cause of that. It’s well deserved.

There's nothing flawed about it Jake! It's just a great game!

Definitely playing this after i finish FF16. My favorite games of all time have been described as very video gamey fun, so this looks right up my ally. Plus those costumes on Eve be looking 🤌

Is it safe to say, a future 3rd Prince of Persia could look like this?!

I kind of wish we had a Jake channel where we watch you play through these games and get real time thoughts and opinions

Describing most video games! Gameplay is key and the combat is absolutely top notch

I like Radiohead, I like Van Halen. I like filet mignon, I like Arby’s. I like ‘Toy Story 3,’ I like ‘Beavis and Butthead Do America.’ I like to think I made my point.

You talk and explain properly and nicely

Also sad didn't get to have a beer with you in Montréal 😢❤

Hope the game meets/exceeds sales expectations. If this is Shift Up's first try at a console game, I cannot wait to see what a little refinement can do for their next title.

Ty Jake. I'm not into this one, but its always great when people find a game they enjoy!

The demo should have been a couple hours running around the wasteland. The first area is fine but it doesn't make much of an impression. I'm loving this game but it took me like 4 hours to realize that

I like the religious undertone of it, adam, eve, angels, demons, theres a Jesus saves graffiti tag in the game. I like it.

hey jake. question: what beverage do you drink while gaming?

I think there’s a little bit of critic-groupthink with the “SB is good but flawed, and apes Nier too much narrative.” Granted I’m playing with Spanish voiceovers and those people are doing solid work. SB mixes dope combat, music is good, that it reminds us of Nier is a GOOD thing, there’s silly non-combat gameplay to break up the combat and its visually stunning. We need more games like SB to break the mold. I want more 9/10 AA experiences and AAA to try new things.

Jake you are correct they just don't make these kinds of games anymore. Hack and slash have always been my favorite kind of games. I'm not able to play FPS games because they make me very ill. Sometimes a race sim will do it. Burnout Paradise really did a number on me with my Grandson on Thanksgiving so yeah only sports and 3rd person shooters are my games. I enjoy Stellar Blade because it does remind me of when these types of games were king. I wish they made more but that ship I fear has sailed so I play what I can and leave the rest alone. And yes I also love fighting games so I do have games to play. I enjoyed your Before You Buy on this game and went ahead and purchased it afterwards so yes your reviews do make a difference. Be well!

This is the only video I’ve watched on stellar blade. I’ve purposely avoided them. But for you Jake. I’ll watch

It's fun. The end. Yes, there are areas that it lacks in as a AAA title but as a freshmen console effort from a mobile studio it's incredible! I hope it sells well enough for a sequel to be green lit as I think that will see a much more mature Shift Up. Combat is incredible once you have a fair portion of the skill trees unlocked, the action is slick, stylish, deep and the parry mechanic is the most satisfying I've played since Sekiro.