Is Stellar Blade a Soulslike?

Stellar Blade, an upcoming action game for PlayStation 5, has captured attention with its intense combat and challenging bosses. But, is Stellar Blade fall under the Soulslike category? Let’s explore.

What are Soulslikes?

Games inspired by the Souls series, known for brutal difficulty, punishing combat, and unique storytelling through environmental details. Key elements include loss of experience upon death and having to reclaim it.

Will Stellar Blade Be a Full Soulslike?

No, Stellar Blade won’t be a pure Soulslike experience. The developers have confirmed it will contain Soulslike elements blended with other gameplay styles.

Soulslike Elements in Stellar Blade

• Challenging Boss Battles requiring strategy and precision
• Players must carefully study enemy attack patterns and look for openings
• Combat requires mastering parrying and dodging techniques
• Limited health resources that replenish at specific points
• Option to level up/upgrade skills only at designated areas

Non-Soulslike Elements

• Difficulty Settings to adjust challenge level for differing playstyles
• No loss of Experience/Currency upon death
• Combat combines styles from Nier Automata (action hack-and-slash) and Sekiro (parry-focused)

The developers aim to provide an engaging but flexible experience – hardcore for Soulslike fans, but accessible to newcomers wanting a riveting story-driven adventure.

Will It Appeal to Soulslike Fans?

Stellar Blade seems positioned to strike a balance. The core challenge and mastery requirements of a Soulslike remain, but adjustable difficulty expands its potential audience. Soulslike purists may consider it too accommodating, but many will likely embrace the game’s ambitious gameplay fusion.

In summary, Stellar Blade innovates by blending Soulslike fundamentals with more accessibility options and varied gameplay influences. Whether this ambitious combination succeeds remains to be seen when Stellar Blade launches in April 2024.

FAQs

• Is Stellar Blade soulslike and is it open-world?
  • No. Details are still emerging, but gameplay footage suggests levels are more linear/segmented than open-world.
• Does it have online multiplayer?
  • No credible information on multiplayer has been revealed yet.
• How long is the main story?
  • The developers haven’t provided an estimate, but most modern premium games offer 15-30 hour campaigns.