Summary
Despite some initial preconceptions, Shift Up’sStellar Bladehas proven that it is more than meets the eye. At the height of its praise has been its fast-paced, action-packed combat, which, although its focus on parry mechanics conjures justifiable comparisons toSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, manages to set itself apart by encouraging players to play more aggressively than they might have inSekiro. WhileStellar Blade’s combat is thoroughly gratifying, its eye-catching visuals are among its best features. Boasting striking, albeit controversial, character models and often detailed environments, it is undeniably one of the best-looking games in recent memory. With such stunning visuals,Stellar Bladenow deserves to be next in line to receive the same treatment Guerrilla Games’Horizonseries has received over the last four years.
When it comes to breathtaking graphics, it’s nearly impossible not to bringHorizon Zero DawnandHorizon Forbidden Westto mind. Both games have stretched the PS4 and PS5 consoles to their limits in their beautifully saturated environments and realistic character models, andHorizon 3is likely already on track to supersede them both. Guerrilla Games hasn’t stopped there, however, as it has ported both games to the PC, thereby enhancing each game’s visuals even further by taking full advantage of the power that modern GPUs and processors can provide. Now,Stellar Bladehas proven itself as the next visually remarkable game worthy of the PS5-to-PC port treatment, just like its spiritual ancestor,Horizon.
Stellar Blade Deserves Horizon’s PC Port Treatment
Horizon’s PC Ports Have Proven It Was Meant to Be Played on the PC
Even beforeHorizon Zero Dawnlaunched on the PS4 in 2017, it cemented its position as one of themost visually stunning gamesever made. This was due in large part to its vibrant colors, realistic use of lighting, and intricately detailed environments. Then, when it was finally released, it proved it was every bit of that and more, as players got to experience firsthand the fire-haired warrior Aloy and the unique world she called home. Guerrilla Games then launched theHorizon Zero DawnComplete Edition on PC in 2020, proving it could accomplish even more graphically than it could on the PS4.
Horizon Forbidden Westwas released just under two years later for the PS5 and somehow managed to look better than its predecessor’s PC port. Every bit of the PS5’s power was utilized to ensureForbidden Weststood out as a significant visual improvement overZero Dawn. Guerrilla Games then established a tradition with the franchise when it portedHorizonForbidden WestComplete Edition to PCin March 2024, once again showcasing the full potential of the series' breathtaking graphics and all but confirming that bothZero DawnandForbidden Westwere meant to be played on the PC. It would do well for Shift Up to take note ofHorizon’s trends and approachStellar Blade’s future with the same mindset.
Stellar Blade Could Be Even Better on PC
Before the launch ofStellar Blade’s demo, a significant emphasis was placed on its visuals, to the point that they became all anyone really talked about. Much of the discourse centered around its controversial character models, but the focus was on its visuals nonetheless. As it turns out,Stellar Blade’s graphical excellence goes beyond the character models themselves and gives more than enough reason why it should eventually be ported to the PC.
It’s currently unclear whether Shift Up plans to eventually portStellar Bladeto PC, but there is little reason why it shouldn’t.
Stellar Bladelooks great and performs really well on the PS5, even with its Resolution Mode turned on. However, there is little doubt it could excel even more on PC, with more capacity for detail and potentially much higher frame rates. It’s currently unclear whether Shift Up plans to eventually portStellar Bladeto PC, but there is little reason why it shouldn’t. Now that more and morePlayStation exclusives are being ported to PC,Stellar Bladesimply needs to get in line.
Stellar Blade
WHERE TO PLAY
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…
