Stellar Blade Review - "Buy, Wait for Sale, Never Touch?"

[@carpetfluff35]

Considering we're talking about devs from South Korea, where making a big console game is basically not a thing, the fact that ShiftUp have done as well as they have on their first attempt is pretty amazing.

[@vest816]

Wow, really? That's awesome! Knowing that this is a first attempt by a fledgling studio from a country mostly invisible in the AAA game dev space has really piqued my interest.

[@damenb8786]

Lies of P was another big game out of Korea, it's great to see newer studios doing first time non mobile games and really hitting it out of the park, especially compared to the "AAA" or in Ubisoft's case "AAAA" (so they think) track record of just utter garbage.

[@carpetfluff35]

@@damenb8786 That's true. Dave the Diver is Korean too, but obviously not on the same scale (great game though).

[@carpetfluff35]

@@vest816 Can't really call them fledgling as they've been around since 2013 and were making mobile games. They started on this one 6 years ago, but it was much smaller in scope before Sony saw the prototype and offered a deal.

[@damenb8786]

@@carpetfluff35 Ya I spent a lot of time in that game as well. Shame their next game looks so...not good lol

[@sikevillain]

Between this and Lies of P. Im really starting to think these South Korea devs know how to cook up some great games with almost no prior knowledge or experience from they're previous projects. Really impressive

[@Shadowhunterbg]

They do but that being said Western gaming is so bad that it's not a hard thing to beat.

[@sikevillain]

@@Shadowhunterbg facts 💯 🔥

[@jakstheoneandonly]

Yeah, making an actual fun game is now an eastern foreign concept

[@ChillGuySammy]

There's amazing talent everywhere,it's just companies want to make money not games and the devs are being replaced by talentless whales There's a reason why most of all retro games were good and smaller AA gamers were more prevalent before money really crawled its way into the industry

[@Mohgenstein]

@@Shadowhunterbgyet most western games score higher then both of them 😂

[@SuperKendoman]

Ths game is a breath of fresh air and knowing that a small studio from South Korea made it, makes me want to support them by buying this.

[@denglong7180]

Small studio known for their big boobies gacha game Nikke.

[@GoHardOrGoHome85]

No its not we already have bayonetta and devil may cry where this game got its inspiration 🤦‍♂️

[@SuperKendoman]

@@GoHardOrGoHome85 So by your logic then, the rest of the games made after Final Fantasy or Zelda shouldn't be made then? Because the modern games you love were all inspired by mechanics that were present in older games.

[@MalGK24]

@@GoHardOrGoHome85 Reread what he said.

[@euphoriia209]

I've supported them as well by buying the game, but they're not truly a "small" studio. They're making millions off the mobile gacha game they made called NIKKE.

[@reizak8966]

Had to buy this one on physical because it is a dying breed. No micro-transactions, the entire game is on the disc, the characters are stylized and gorgeous, and I love to play dress-up with them all, and its just genuinely fun to play. We're probably not going to get many more games like this. Yes, it is very nostalgic to play. Nier Automata is one of my favorite games. Probably my all-time favorite game, and this definitely scratches that itch while also playing into my love of Souls games. If you're bothered by what she's wearing, have no fear, she has many outfits you find along the way, and many of them are 'tasteful'. You can even change Lily's outfit if the sight of skin on a woman offends you.

[@gutuio2407]

@@reizak8966 Wdym by dying breed is why you bought it on disc also would you not buy this on disc just to be able to resell it after you’ve finished the game?

[@rhysiescups]

@@gutuio2407 Have you never heard of collecting? Lmao. Plus buying on disc means you actually own it, not just a license to play it

[@MaryHarper-x6r]

The dlc isn't on the disc

[@bradtrainer]

Can't believe you mentioned Remember Me. Demo reminded me so much of that title. It really does feel like the game has a strange shared lineage with PS3 games like that.

[@iDEATH]

I liked Remember Me, but always felt like it was 75% of a finished game. Mostly because they didn't take the systems, like the create a combo and memory manipulation thing, as far as they should. I really hoped for a while they'd do something to iterate on that stuff, because it was pretty neat. It's always cool for me to find someone else who remembers that game!

[@Jim26D]

Was that the one in neo Paris?

[@JeffreyThrash]

Thought he was referring to "Remember Me" from Coco for a second.

[@Bloodhurl67]

I love how ironic the title is for that game dx

[@Jim26D]

@@Bloodhurl67 I occasionally still think of that game but can never remember what it was called, pretty funny actually. I really enjoyed it and the city is one of the iconic cities in gaming to me up there with city 17

[@ACGreviews]

As I said in the review for sure issues are noticeable. And the buy rating is sort of in the "just barely" state. It comes together enough and with N+ is worth checking out if you like that. However be aware of the parry timing window being animated slow and just some not perfect moments. Lots of competition in this space right now. www.patreon.com/AngryCentaurGaming

[@armandoberumen4612]

I had this same complaint and I’m glad that you validated it. Thank you sir.

[@morgoth9590]

I noticed that while playing the demo and noticed you need to parry earlier for the animation which I hope they can patch it to make it more of an instant parry.

[@A.R.T.4]

A patch was released to quicken the parry and swing animations

[@ExpertContrarian]

The parry animation is not slow

[@crazydeath8658]

@@morgoth9590 theres also upgrades in the leveling that makes them easier to hit so it works pretty well

[@Starless85]

I preordered after beating the demo, but still been looking forward to your thoughts. Thanks!

[@ACGreviews]

Have fun!Thank you for this. Sorry but youtube just now turned on the super thanks alert for my channel!

[@brucewayne404]

That title... bravo sir.

[@benjaminamouroux8395]

PunINTENTIONAL moment for sure!

[@ShadowBaneling]

full of CAKE.

[@christopher_munn]

Classy title

[@joner10hunt56]

If thats what he meant...then that's genius level

[@christopher_munn]

@@joner10hunt56 we’re all people of taste here 🥸

[@ShadowBaneling]

I didn't expect you to review this game. It's a great review! And the people who aren't happy about Eve are always unhappy, so there's nothing to worry about concerning their whining.

[@BlakeCDMedia]

Even if they had leaned fully into the sexiness of the characters, there would be nothing wrong with that. I hope a lot of people support this game. And that it emboldens more developers.

[@Amadeus_Eisenberg]

@@BlakeCDMedia I miss the days when sexiness was so normal that no one even mentioned it. Everyone just enjoyed the games.

[@Flaris]

Tastes are definitely going to vary so it's definitely a fair enough review. Still definitely going to pick it up though. Demo was good and there wasn't enough in this review to dissuade me on that choice.

[@ACGreviews]

Enjoy

[@pavlotverdokhlib7627]

Will be neat to play this once the PC version's out. Looks like Sony picked a solid team to back with this one.

[@Ghues]

Stellar Blade looks fun enough that I will definitely pick it up somewhere down the line, but for me to get a game for the full price at release, the writing/story has to be convincing as well. The game seems to be a bit bland in that department, which is a shame, as the gritty enemy designs made me hope for some equally gritty storytelling.

[@bazikon7717]

The first review I saw from you was MGS:TPP - You are still true to your mission even after all these years. Top tier, detail oriented, fair and informative. We can always count on you to give us the "real review" without bias. Awesome as always d=(O.o)z

[@GonzoJohn733]

I bought it because of the future sci-fi setting. Played it for a couple hours last night and am really enjoying myself so far.

[@thepabs911]

I'm on my 4th playthrough. First was story mode. Second was normal NG+. Third was hard NG+. Now I've started again on normal from scratch. Love this game!

[@apt9gaming]

In the demo I thought the robot following you around was being controlled by the guy you meet and it was just him talking remotely through it to ya. But its like an AI?

[@enya64]

No it's the guy Adam

[@Dronetothetop]

This game is forever etched in my heart. Never had this kind of experience in decades. Some might even say there are games before and after divided by Stellar Blade and I agree.

[@VZAAGE]

A couple of cracks... that's pretty cheeky!

[@vitormv]

Here, have my like sir.

[@bbqR0ADK1LL]

There are so many games with slow-paced Souls inspired combat these days. It's nice to see a game that has some fun, flashy combat again. I hope this one comes to PC.

[@Softlol]

For multiple reasons lol

[@AintPopular]

oh no yellow ledges.. i can already see the debates

[@AlexanderMartinez-kd7cz]

the worst part is that the scan thingy makes interactables literally flash. like why?

[@crazydeath8658]

i dont care that much but i will say it is lazy. in a game about sci fi and your character has a scanner it is not even needed. hell make it pop up yellow in the scan why take the lazy route and throw yellow paint in. and its not end of the world but they should find more immersive ways instead of yellow paint

[@Bloodhurl67]

@AlexanderMartinez-kd7cz My question about the scan system is... why put enemies in a specific spot to ambush you if you're just gonna let it be ruined by a wallhack?

[@AlexanderMartinez-kd7cz]

@@Bloodhurl67 because ambushes exist to catch you sleeping, if you're playing carefully you would never fall for an ambush even if you didn't have the scan. it's a 3rd person game, you already have camera hacks.

[@travisspazz1624]

I like yellow ledges. Helps me stay on track and focused.

[@goldjellyfish2452]

Im a bit late, but well done one mil! Well deserved. I been here since angry centaur gaming 😂🎉

[@shinygekkouga52]

I’m glad ShiftUp put out such a decent game, but I just can’t say it’s for me. It certainly is a mix of DMC and Dark Souls, but not in a way I can appreciate: the combo strings are flashy, but last too long to flow together, and actions are committal, but not committal enough for me to consider every action a la DS. The end result just feels unsatisfying to me.

[@orge9711]

@@shinygekkouga52 The balance doesn't feel rewarding, when I do a super flashy move when engaging in the Sekiro type of combat I only do a small bit of damage when in reality it's more rewarding to spam Eves abilities, the final boss felt anticlimactic because of these balancing issues, Eves god of war mode were she grows a wing also has problems, the fact that you completely stunlock every enemy type (even bosses) in this mode is a huge issues and feels like the only good move which is fine since it is Eves powerup mode but underlines that the combat lacks diversity, they want me to use the sekiro bar mechanic but if that isn't rewarding enough Id rather go to the system that lacks any sort of "skill" which is spamming eves abilities over and over again. Also $70 for a game is questionable, I could use that money to spend on 3 equally as decent games as stellar blade

[@mickodillon1480]

I've just bought it. Looks like a good fun game to me. 7 hours till playable. Cowboy seemed to quite like it. All games have some annoying stuff so hopefully the good outweighs the bad.

[@Cherokee_Ryu]

Keep Cowgirl off this Channel. He is nowhere near credible. ACG is the GOAT of Precise, Honest reviews. Cowgirl is lucky he has a Channel anymore after his Paid Sponsored Reviews.

[@joshuatealeaves]

Another great review brother. Class act 🙏🏻

[@happymoonapple]

People argue girls in game but ignoring extremely skinny girls in fashion shows.

[@Hashslingingslasherrr]

My favorite reviewer. We seem to have similar opinions on games. Thank you man.

[@ACGreviews]

My pleasure!

[@CreativeMonsterx]

Cracks, lol. Just an FYI; I guess there's a Teddy Bear costume if you have a problem with the way she looks.

[@ACGreviews]

Hahaha

[@LyonPercival]

Not sure how this was missed in the review - but Eve's body was scanned based on a Korean model, so..... it's not "out of proportion"

[@ACGreviews]

@@LyonPercival lol what? No we are saying the complaints are out of proportion. The model stuff is literally in their trailers

[@travisspazz1624]

Just doesn't really make sense for a combat android to look like that lol

[@thatHARVguy]

Teddy Bear costume? *2024 game of the year intensifies*

[@BrianCharles-t6f]

a bit of old school combat, a bit of DMC/ Bayonetta/ plus a very good soundtrack/ and I'm happy that more and more studios are dropping demos for games because playing the demo really sold me on this game. I think if a studio drops a demo they are happy with what they have - plus gamers can actually decide themselves if they want a game. Flashy expensive AAA CGI trailers followed by a review embargo isn't going to instil confidence in me. Stellar Blade is a refreshing change, even if it isn't re inventing the wheel.

[@chocolocojames213]

I thought about getting it. But this feels all too familiar and samey. Thanks for the review tho Karak 😊😊😊

[@michaelstevens1004]

For a studio first real console game its really good

[@triptriad1101]

Are you saying you didn’t enjoy the “AUHUAHHHH” every time you land a parry or power attack? Yeah I got exhausted from it just playing the demo, might try Korean maybe it’s different

[@npaz123]

one minute in and ive already noticed several glaring cracks

[@scottfernandez161]

Great review appreciate the transparency ACG👍

[@nickb6425]

That title CAN'T be a coincidence 😂 Edit: THANK YOU for your first point about EVE's appeal. Like how in the world is her outfit the most outlandish thing these people have seen for starters?

[@jimcarrey2866]

IKR. It doesn't make any sense for a man to dress in a bat suit walking around helping the police. But peoeple like it, and it's fun if you just give it a chance

[@Uni0nDirect0r]

You thank someone for agreeing with your point of view? How unsecure can you be? 😢

[@nickb6425]

@@Uni0nDirect0r my security's more intact than your spelling 😆

[@SENATORPAIN1]

​@@nickb6425u stink

[@stillsyncing]

Well, no one said "her outfit is the most outlandish thing I have ever seen", for starters. This nonsense claim really exemplifies the discourse re: Stellar Blade character design - both sides seem to be totally incapable of having an earnest conversation, choosing instead to grossly misrepresent the "other" side using a strawman. People like you, and equivalents on the other side, are just embarrassing.

[@drhfuhruhurr4253]

Im not ashamed to admit that a nice bum on the main character is enough for me to buy and play a game! 😊

[@jonmagic1123]

I've been waiting for this review. You're the only reviewer I trust anymore.

[@MisterTOGaming]

Hey, did you see the day one patch made adjustments to the attack input lag and parry timing? Also, they added a toggle for film grain and chromatic aberration.

[@fenbops]

I’m gonna buy this because it’s pissed off all the right people. Oh and it’s a great game, I enjoyed the demo. Win win.

[@ladyhawk7408]

the audio of the voices bugs the crap out of me. like they were filmed under water in a phone booth. glad to see reviews are atleast being fair and pointing out obviouse flaws that were in the demo.

[@Bruce-c9i]

Good Review, I have one question . You said it has normal and story mode. Is story mode easier? I assume it is, but just checking. I turn 67 in two weeks and have been playing computer games since the 1970s. And I remember the games having easy, normal and hard mode. I do hope there is not too much hop skip and jumping for traveling across areas.(I'm Bad at that)

[@Bruce-c9i]

@vidar2607 tyvm

[@markwhitt8256]

I’m about 6 1/2 hours into the game and I can tell you right now. It’s a 20 out of 10.

[@SuperKendoman]

Regarding the voice issues, have you experimented with the korean voices vs english voices? Is there a big difference in quality when it comes to the game being voiced in it's original language?

[@brettw1518]

@@SuperKendoman yes, if you speak Korean and English I think the Korean voice actors do a better job, but the English voice acting isn’t terrible.

[@Justin-Thyme]

One question regarding the voice over: is it possible to switch dub on the fly? One thing I like to do when a dub doesn't click for me is to switch to a different language and see if they made a better job.

[@Shauk]

Question: are you really that frame sensitive that dropping from 60 to 50 for a moment warrants changing to a visually subpar mode? Digital Foundry showed performance VS balanced basically saying VRR would cancel out the occasional dips.

[@ACGreviews]

Its noticeable for sure. Especially without a VRR monitor. When I was on the VRR monitor no. But off a VRR monitor, which many don't have, in super busy sections and doing them many times, or N+ runs, the parry(which already has its issues) is noticable. And 50 to 60 during busy times is noticable to many.

[@204017754]

First time I've seen one of your videos. Subbed for the title and the honest take. No BS.

[@ACGreviews]

Thanks sir

[@SojiFro_0]

What releases first: Fallout 5 or Lost Soul Aside

[@merasmussen82]

Can this game be played one-handed? Asking for a friend.

[@Izopen82]

@@merasmussen82 🤣🤣

[@Malficious]

This was the review i was waiting for. I usually align pretty closely with Karak and knew i would be able to trust his take given all the 'controversy' around the game.

[@joserico2223]

Love your videos was curious could you make a playlist just for the Buy, Wait for Sale videos? keep up the good work

[@starsidescav9487]

Gotta say, I got intensely interested in the type of shoes she wears from this game, and after having bought a pair I can say while not better than just normal shoes obviously, if you really want combat heels these are way easier, you're essentially just standing on your tip toes making moving quickly MUCH easier than a standard pair of heels.

[@MillywiggZ]

They must have employed the same architect as ‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ hahaa!

[@NeverB_Gameover]

Can't wait to feverishly play this game over and over again.

[@lotheravanti4295]

I'm one of those who play for the story and gameplay, yes. The hot girl protagonist is a bonus.

[@gsg1975]

Great review as always and I'm planning on buying this game

[@rankyb8088]

there's only 1 crack i care about, and its a 10/10

[@jeffmofo5013]

It's like bayonetta?......sold. I like weird games.

[@vmonk722]

How's the general difficulty compared to the bossrush mode in the demo? Not really my genre so I got all the asses including my own handed to me there.

[@srslywhathappened]

Quite a... Cheeky title you have there

[@JewTube001]

its an arse of a title

[@Bloodhurl67]

Fantastic review but I have one question, I know you said that the writing was a negative, but were the characters any good, interesting, or memorable despite the voice acting being lackluster?

[@ProjectPhoenix21]

Out of respect I’m still gonna watch the review because you’re my number 1 go to for game reviews but you sold me on the title alone. Well done ACG, you never disappoint.

[@MrShogo997]

Thanks for the honest review. Might pick this up.

[@ODIOPOWER]

i'll wait for the PC port by Nixxes, next year ?

[@ProfessorChaos2050]

Enjoying stellar blade digital deluxe edition.🥂✌🏾😎

[@Kenno10rapid]

Something tells me this game is as much about the sequel as it is itself. Possibly could turn into a franchise so the game has played it safe on its first outing. This definitely looks worth playing because of the style of the visuals and the appeal of the kind of gameplay. It's in my backlog now but I think I will hold on for a pre-owned copy when the price drops a bit.

[@justinp_]

Seems like the kinda game I dont have to worry about story spoilers with. So i'll wait for the inevitable PC release and might grab it on a steam sale

[@DD-jr4vt]

Nice Review! Couldn't look at the footage since it's too risky for me... and I would like to go in as blind as possible :>

[@superstatus2640]

I've only been listening to these video reviews as well 😄😄😄

[@thefugetive1979]

For me a wait for sale, not worth my 80 euro. But for the lovers, happy game time.

[@nickcook4184]

I guess comments help you and I love your content and style so here it is. Keep it up!

[@kimuratakuya4118]

So what you're saying is it's 11/10. Fantastic.

[@carlosmelendez8317]

I cant wait to seewhat the modding community does with this on PC

[@LookHearMeOut]

Really solid and tight review my dude. I subscribed and looking forward to more 🍿

[@MikeRavia-xp5ig]

I didn't feel the combat until I beat the first boss. Then I was like....ok I get it. Can't wait to see how it evolves.

[@jaku9730]

Between this and Lies of P I’m excited for the future of Korean games

[@jamestaylor2333]

I always enjoy your reviews. I'm having lightweight buyer's remorse but I'll wait until I play it myself tonight. I thoroughly enjoyed the demo but of course, that's devoid of any real story elements. I keep hearing how much this game is like Nier: Automatica which is a game I own but never played.

[@badassgamer]

I really liked the demo. Played it for a couple hours.

[@inuclearpickle8628]

Great review felt very fair

[@ACGreviews]

Glad you liked it

[@inuclearpickle8628]

@@ACGreviews with how people are around this game I appreciate a great level headed review so keep up the hard work

[@yanshaoumo6076]

Platinum girls are still the best.

[@ExpertContrarian]

Nah

[@Mohgenstein]

Platinum combat is still the best too. Bayonetta, Astral Chain.

[@AJRcoin]

For me, I agree that some elements of the game are out of date. the most frustrating thing about combat in this game is when fighting larger groups of enemies, they clip through each other and ignore each others damage from attacks

[@MrChronick17]

Another review I trust, honestly the only reviewer I trust. I don't buy games ever based on reviews but this man knows more about the stuff he talks about than actual "brands" that have channels based around "reviews" I can't wait to pick this game up tomorrow

[@TheTygre]

I’m glad to hear the enemies have some challenging ai to go with their great designs.

[@jimcarrey2866]

That was a fair assessment. No more buy wait for sale or skip?

[@karl343]

He said buy at the end.

[@zemasa]

“for me it’s worth getting, and that’s the rating” I had to watch the whole video three times and still come to the comments to find it

[@Toutvids]

ShiftUp are phone game developers. This was their first console game.

[@wolfsmith1374]

Yeah, lies of p is way better I think, and I'm still sad there was never a full lies of p review :( It is definitely one of the best soulslikes out there imo

[@machomeech]

Yeah, what games he chooses to review always drives me nuts

[@garythebard]

Lies of P was very good, but man all of those 2 health bar bosses were a real drag. I hated that. Some of the later bosses were really challenging! Great game.

[@dragoonseye76]

This game was fantastic. Solid mechanics

[@MrSpartan993]

I liked it! Beat it once. The amount deserts and fishing was too much though. Sound effects when fighting are crazy satisfying.

[@devilsavacado84]

Really miss the sound section where we could hear the game, but I presume there’s a reason for it’s disappearance. Thanks for the review!

[@Nobody-w8n4s]

Why did you take down your Harold Halibut review?

[@shira2151]

Let's be real, is this game fan service? Yes However since when are other adults allowed to tell us what we are allowed to view? Stop trying to force me to live your life, Iike looking at beautiful woman just like how women like looking at beautiful men. There are exceptions to this pedophilia and etc...we all agree that shit is wild

[@SuperShrooms]

I bought this to piss off the blue hair left

[@tropictom5996]

The people who have problems with the couple of cracks in this game tend to live near the Grand Canyon or the Midwest flatlands.

[@izumolee6714]

I do think playing the game in its native language improved the characters & overall emotion of the story as the VA work & acting gave off a better feel for the story. The EN voice cast are all good actors in other games they've been in so it may have been a problem with the direction they were given. With the demo playing on Korean language was more enjoyable i would say.

[@eriponchi]

Thanks for the review. I loved the demo, but it's a buy on sale for me. Don't think there's enough in here that warrants a $70 price tag.

[@alpsalish]

Yeah, too high a price for this.

[@JeffreyThrash]

Will probably get it on sale. Definitely gets points for not being a sequel or remake despite the (I assume) hefty budget, as well as being far more gameplay driven than most of Sony's exclusives as of late.

[@SpardaDVLKing3]

I'm guessing this is your first korean game if you think Eve is oversexualized. Stayed at South Korea for a few years and I've seen worse. lol

[@vivi_izy3344]

Well I guess there is a spectrum of oversexualized women. Some are more oversexualized than others but it does not mean they aren't.

[@GravityGames15]

This review kinda sounds like you weren't really all that thrilled with the game. I feel this one was a tad less in-depth than usual. Sort of almost feels like you were rushing a bit. I also feel like maybe you were a bit scared to give it a "wait for sale". Which if true, I can't entirely blade you for how people are acting towards any reviewer saying maybe it's not that best thing since sliced bread. $75 is pretty steep for a game like this.

[@BenD0v3r32]

You're first reviewer that mentioned the annoying shout she always does when attacking. I wonder if its in all language versions, or only english. Hopefully there will be mod for it on PC.

[@Cthulhu8762]

Devs posted on Twitter they will have a Day One patch fixing input time and parrying more responsive

[@NeoVejiita]

This game (along with FF7Rebirth) is one that makes me want to get a PS5. I’m glad more Korean developers are breaking into the “mainstream” console/pc gaming space, Lies of P was a title that was a bit janky but overall was an enjoyable title in the soulsborne genre. This looks like it would scratch the itch that I have for a character action game.

[@clonblurmin8194]

That same yell every attack string is a very annoying quirk. A little variety would do wonders

[@charmingpeasant9834]

It's less annoying in the Korean voiced version.

[@kingbuusaki7130]

I agree about the movement the demo didn't feel as smooth to run around as I was expecting neir levels.. I will definitely pick this up at the end of the year though

[@ACGreviews]

Ya its off a bit

[@thiagocabral1728]

What was most jarring to me in the demo regarding movement is how slow it gets when you toggle the lockon, guess we'll just have to get used to it