Possible Stellar Blade DLC should bring a weak part of Eve’s kit up to par

star sword has made quite an impression since its release in April earlier this year. As a AAA game from a previously lesser-known developer, Shift Up, the third-person action title launched to a very warm reception, notably becoming the PlayStation 5 exclusive with the highest user score in this moment. Although star sword While there was a bit of a fuss over some of the character designs and cosmetics, its finely tuned gameplay proved to be one of its true stars and was hailed as an accomplished and satisfying experience in many areas.

Having exceeded expectations, and Sony and Shift Up are now contemplating a star sword sequel, the studio has also been providing various updates and hinting at possible DLC ahead of a full follow-up. While the updates have been welcome, they have been relatively minor so far. However, if there is now more likely to be more substantial content, then we should try to make protagonist Eve’s ranged weaponry more robust and practical, since as it stands, her potential may seem a bit stifled.

Future Stellar Blade DLC Should Make Eve’s Ranged Options More Viable

Stellar Blade’s Drone Gun is useful, but could be improved further

The Soulslike dance of parries, dodges, and retaliatory attacks is star swordIt’s the central focus of combat and handles this aspect quite well. However, shortly into the story, after players likely get used to the feel of hand-to-hand combat, they will acquire a mod that activates a weapon function for Eve’s companion drone. Starting with a standard semi-automatic rifle mode, fans can then unlock guided missiles, a shotgun form (upgradable to explosive rounds), and a laser beam. While all of these can be useful in certain situations, the weapon is still secondary to the flashy and elaborate melee moveset, and pound for pound it doesn’t really compete with Eve’s sword.

star sword contains some horror-adjacent sections, such as Altess Levoire. In addition to the change in tone and design, these parts also remove Eve’s sword and force players to rely exclusively on the drone’s weapon and its more limited capabilities. Outside of these segments, it can be used freely, but more often than not it takes a backseat, becoming mostly an afterthought to the much more developed and satisfying melee mechanics. Still, the drone’s weapon provides some additional tools for dealing with various enemies and could help in a pinch against some of star swordThe most difficult encounters. Therefore, it has the potential to expand in the future.

How Stellar Blade Could Improve Eve’s Firearms

star swordThe hand-to-hand combat is absolutely one of its highlights, and by updating some of the existing ranged options, it could serve as a taste of what the sequel could improve. Perhaps integrating combos that consist of alternating melee attacks with the weapon in a perfect chain, star swordThe remote design could be elevated. This can also encourage a greater variety of playstyles and make repeat playthroughs more interesting by switching up and trying new tactics that weren’t available before.

Even if you don’t go as far as incorporating the weapon into the previous tier, something like more ammo types or some additional varieties of functionality for the drone, like a magnum or a sniper, could work well. Of course, it will need to be balanced so that it doesn’t somehow overtake melee combat, but it could breathe life into combat again and give the ranged mechanics a chance to shine. star sword seems poised to capitalize on its success, and one way to do so is to modify its elements remotely to create an even smoother experience.

star sword

Stellar Blade is an action role-playing game developed by Shift Up and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game follows the protagonist Eve as she attempts to save a devastated Earth from invaders called Naytiba.

Systems

Released

April 26, 2024

Developers

Change up

Editor(s)

Sony Interactive Entertainment

PS Plus availability

N/A