It’s all about Link this week, but there is another notable release arriving for the Switch 2 on the same day. It’s Shift Up’s action game, Stellar Blade.
We’ve already taken a look at the port here on Nintendo Life, and despite some drawbacks, Eve’s outing stands tall on the hybrid platform. Here’s how we summed it up:
Nintendo Life – 7/10:
“Despite some drawbacks, Stellar Blade stands tall as an impressive and enjoyable action game that occupies a nice niche in the Switch 2 library. Rewarding exploration, thrilling combat, and tough but fair difficulty carry this game far and make it an easy recommendation, even if its story can be a bit bland and the visuals aren’t always up to the task.”
“Despite some drawbacks, Stellar Blade stands tall as an impressive and enjoyable action game that occupies a nice niche in the Switch 2 library. Rewarding exploration, thrilling combat, and tough but fair difficulty carry this game far and make it an easy recommendation, even if its story can be a bit bland and the visuals aren’t always up to the task.”
So, what did other critics have to say? Read on to find out…
Nintendo Everything – 4/5:
“Stellar Blade is one of the best action adventure titles to release in the current console generation. Comparisons to NieR: Automata and Bayonetta are inevitable (particularly with the DLC costumes to highlight the similarities), but mostly only down to shared aesthetics and some thematic similarities with the former, as the game carves out its own unique identity with its superb combat. The visual cuts are there, and it is absolutely unplayable with frame generation enabled, but with some slight tweaks to the default settings, it delivers a fantastic experience on Nintendo Switch 2 – particularly in handheld mode.”
“Stellar Blade is one of the best action adventure titles to release in the current console generation. Comparisons to NieR: Automata and Bayonetta are inevitable (particularly with the DLC costumes to highlight the similarities), but mostly only down to shared aesthetics and some thematic similarities with the former, as the game carves out its own unique identity with its superb combat. The visual cuts are there, and it is absolutely unplayable with frame generation enabled, but with some slight tweaks to the default settings, it delivers a fantastic experience on Nintendo Switch 2 – particularly in handheld mode.”
GoNintendo (no score):
“Stellar Blade Complete Edition is a shining testament to what developers with the right know-how can achieve on Switch 2. Shift Up has clearly taken this project very seriously and they’re out to not only expand the reach of their IP, but also flaunt their technical chops. Having poured a ton of time into Stellar Blade Complete Edition”
“Stellar Blade Complete Edition is a shining testament to what developers with the right know-how can achieve on Switch 2. Shift Up has clearly taken this project very seriously and they’re out to not only expand the reach of their IP, but also flaunt their technical chops. Having poured a ton of time into Stellar Blade Complete Edition”
Polygon – impressions (no score):
“All told, Stellar Blade Complete Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is a great way to experience Shift Up’s action game ahead of the series’ next entry. It might have some graphical blemishes on Nintendo’s comparatively underpowered hardware, but those blemishes don’t quite matter during the moment-to-moment, adrenaline-pumping gameplay that Stellar Blade delivers in spades.”
“All told, Stellar Blade Complete Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is a great way to experience Shift Up’s action game ahead of the series’ next entry. It might have some graphical blemishes on Nintendo’s comparatively underpowered hardware, but those blemishes don’t quite matter during the moment-to-moment, adrenaline-pumping gameplay that Stellar Blade delivers in spades.”
COGconnected – 80/100:
“The Switch 2 version of Stellar Blade is competent but struggles to hit the same heights as the original. With its steady framerate, the game runs extremely well both docked and handheld. While it’s incredible that Shift Up has managed to get the game working on Nintendo’s latest hardware, some compromises have been made. Animations dip at a distance and the game isn’t as responsive as the original. It may not be the best version of the game, but it remains a worthwhile option for those who want to experience EVE’s adventure on the go.”
“The Switch 2 version of Stellar Blade is competent but struggles to hit the same heights as the original. With its steady framerate, the game runs extremely well both docked and handheld. While it’s incredible that Shift Up has managed to get the game working on Nintendo’s latest hardware, some compromises have been made. Animations dip at a distance and the game isn’t as responsive as the original. It may not be the best version of the game, but it remains a worthwhile option for those who want to experience EVE’s adventure on the go.”
The Outerhaven – 4.5/5:
“If you haven’t played this Korean hit, or want it on Nintendo consoles, now is the perfect opportunity. It includes Nier Automata and Goddess of Victory: Nikke DLCs, updates, and quality-of-life improvements. Properly optimized for Nintendo Switch 2, this port is an example of what developers can do when they set their minds to it. The exclusive Bayonetta DLC costumes are the icing on this cake. It does not apologize for being sexy and wears it with pride and honor. A game for fans and the consumer’s joy and awe. An example of what games can and should strive for.”
“If you haven’t played this Korean hit, or want it on Nintendo consoles, now is the perfect opportunity. It includes Nier Automata and Goddess of Victory: Nikke DLCs, updates, and quality-of-life improvements. Properly optimized for Nintendo Switch 2, this port is an example of what developers can do when they set their minds to it. The exclusive Bayonetta DLC costumes are the icing on this cake. It does not apologize for being sexy and wears it with pride and honor. A game for fans and the consumer’s joy and awe. An example of what games can and should strive for.”
So will you be making time for Eve this week? Let us know in the comments.
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