Is Stellar Blade’s Animation REALLY Better Than Nier: Automata?

[@professorGoo]

TO BE FAIR I'm sure Yoko Taro wasn't judging the animation in particular heheh. This was just a fun comparison in something that I personally have expertise on so I thought I'd weigh in. Stellar Blade and Nier: Automata are both very good games obviously. Shoutout to the artists and animators at both Shift Up and Platinum for their amazing work.

[@BunnyAnimation.]

Do hsr part 2, but this time, put the new character. Trust you will love it.

[@markgarr7836]

2:38 "the thing we're supposed to focus on" probably wasn't the weapon in their eyes

[@gentlelight8758]

LMAO right.

[@tylorhobbs8920]

Pretty sure it's not what Yoko Taro was focusing on either.

[@sidharthbommineni7780]

Man i wish you looked through DMC5 combat animations. So many of them are so satisfying

[@jurtheorc8117]

Soulstice was a good one too. Had DMC5 as a big inspiration. Came out about two years ago.

[@angrymidget4728]

YES! Would love to see a video on that!

[@sodathejunker]

Loving this analysis so much. In real time doing these actions mid-battle is fine, you get the spacial intent and are immersed enough that it still feels cool with the haptic feedback. But as an animator there are so many times I thought to myself “why that pose” or “why that angle”. Some of the coolest moments in this game lose impact purely due to readability, when a simple camera movement or slightly more dynamic pose would take it from a 7-8 to like an 11. You really broke down exactly what I was seeing and thinking during play. Great analysis.

[@2Rice]

I really like how satisfying 2B's spins are. They way the momentum slows, especially at 10:51, where you can feel the dancing twirl as she slows. I think in another video you said that animating dancing is difficult, and 2B feels like every move is a practiced and elegant shift in momentum and power.

[@tonyjung3967]

The style of the two are different. Nier leans more towards stylistic action and motion SB Leans more towards realism”. This does limit the creative things you can achieve with SB in comparison to Nier. When playing you can feel the weightlessness and lack of gravity/forces in the combat action with Nier which works for their style of hack n slash action. SB feels the opposite, you feel the weight of the movements and motion, it feels more “grounded” and each motion feels like they count in combat, something more akin to the action combat of Jedi fallen Order and Sekiro which SB is more inline with than Nier. It’s really comparing apples to oranges in the end and both work and in service to their respective gameplay which matters most.

[@ChaoTix.S]

Very well said. I agree with all your points there.

[@oh4835]

Trying to compare two drastically different styles is a joke

[@ChaoTix.S]

@@oh4835 Yes 100%

[@crimson-foxtwitch2581]

yeah, i feel like SB’s animation is *pretty good* but not perfect. gets the job done especially for its genre, where hyper-polished animations aren’t the norm at all. also it’s ShiftUp’s first-ever console game, seeing them achieve such quality on their *first try* is impressive by itself

[@multivact3729]

yes I don't understand what he is saying with the 'ball' thing. This motion makes sense to me.

[@KingKabisi]

I think what im noticing here most is that with NieR is that they are more willing to make 2B contort her body to create interesting movements and poses for a more visually appealing result. However i think NieR lacks the weight of Stellar Blade in its animation. I feel like i do more damage in that game than I ever do in NieR because everything is so consistently fast. I usually hate slo mo but i think Stellar Blade really took advantage of it in a good way

[@ZeroPlaytime]

Tbf, Automata is more of Platinum Games works with Yoko Taro handling the story. Yoko Taro previous games doesn't even look as good animation wise. So the comment probably coming from him as this is Shift Up first big games and they already did better than him back then.

[@Adammekkk]

I loved this video. It shows your expertise in animation and provides helpful tips or corrections for certain parts. It's very interesting.

[@apple8098]

Bro do more videos like this. I would like so see your reactions and analysis on arc system games. Those games are just eye candy

[@syzygy2464]

if you've seem one arc system game you've seen them all. die hard arc system fans are insufferable like k-pop stans.

[@Tsukidal]

I'd love to see your thoughts on DMC5 animations, maybe an emphasis on Nero's Buster animations since he has a unique command-grab-like sequence for all medium- and large-sized enemies as well as each boss enemy

[@gethinfiltrator6700]

I really like how they took hammer throwing, where you rotate your body and release the object while your body is rotating and when 2B's sword is thrown, both objects keep rotating. It gives incredible feeling of momentum. For Stellar Blade. I think they could've just borrowed a bunch of stuff from wushu jian styles. Basically anything. What a shame

[@LostTerminalVideos]

A day with a new Prof Goo video is always a good day

[@ynmioga9077]

Show him the finishing animations in "For Honor"!

[@m3lod552]

This is the Shift Ups first dive into Console Gaming yoko taros like 7th time Shift Up has immense potential if this is just their first imagine the kinds of animation well have in more games by them

[@PWNINSWAGMASTER]

When I saw the thumbnail, I was like “Well the graphics certainly are!”

[@TheChrowne]

Also, I think Automata has more freedom when it comes to combo creativity partly because it's a hack and slash. Stellar blade is closer to a soulslike when it comes to combat. Not quite a souls like, it definitely has hack and slash elements too. But not enough to have Nier levels of freedom

[@TheChrowne]

I think Yoko was talking about the Graphics and also just said Eve was hotter. Also something about camera angles in shops?? But he didnt say better animation from what I remember. I think he talked about how the combat felt too.

[@foomiumperorosaurus8066]

Makes me appreciate Nier. It has that flair and refined direction. If both games were to come out simultaneously, Nier would be more memorable.

[@ComplexAce]

I'm a game dev who played Automata and watched some Stellar Blade, the only thing that has "weight" in it in what I watched was the way she falls and rolls on the floor, NGL the motion was amazing that I want to adapt the idea. But everything else felt like a fair try in Stylish Action, jsut very inconsistent Automat was spot on with the animation work, it was all clear, fluid, obviously less "finisher options" but it's where it needs to be, the combat system is extensible and the fluidity of the movements allows to make different combos with ease, and still feel like it's one fluid combo. I'm on team "Woman Appreciator" with this one.

[@dabalolaa]

You said you're a game dev but its kinda crazy describing the weight of the combat of a game you didn't even play.

[@ComplexAce]

@lelli726 I watched someone play it, when you do animation yourself you start noticing things like that (and maaaybe become picky about it) I happen to work on 3D animation, not specialised, but I know a thing or two about action animation (streamed animating a couple of times)

[@saint_luiz]

It would be nice to see Ninja Gaiden 2 and 3 Razor's Edge execution animations.

[@rvisionsgaming]

You should do another video with the official release

[@Bobba_Ross]

You should’ve checked out 2B’s walking animation, it is something special.

[@DeadBatteryRed]

I love both games equally.

[@alejandroALV02]

It would be really funny see him react to Yakuza like a dragon special skills

[@arberrexha7312]

Shame you didn't review the boss finishers

[@MorbidEel]

2:35 belly flop ... 3:11 feels like the camera movement is robbing some of the impact from the twist. At least it seems like there is a twist? Camera movement makes that unclear. A major issue with comparing the two at least with the examples here is that lighting in Nier makes every move much easier to read while Stellar Blade just seems too dark but it does make the shiny butt much easier to read I guess. The other thing is camera distance. Stellar Blade is so close that sometimes part of the character is off screen. Definitely agree that Nier is better.

[@bronskyi]

React to withering waves animations pls 😢

[@nyx_pablesta3700]

just a coment, stelar blade is more a parry system combat, nier is a hack/slash, I THINK (not an expert, just a player) thats why nier has more "creativity" on their attacks (like Sekiro and God of war for example) PS: the first clip of nier attack to me it seemed scuffed and kind of bad, the second one it looks great

[@matthewlugo2417]

U should check out sekiro combat animations they are like movie quality choreography fights when the game clicks

[@HalfBoiIed]

All you did was see some very minimal combat skills from a demo. While using the full capacity of NieR. NieR is one of my favorite games and I do like it overall better than Stellar Blade, but you need to redo this fairly.

[@Fineartguy]

The biggest thing in SB that I disslike is that the character moves like she's uncomfortable. It's not like 2b or bayonetta that move with alot of confidence and little restriction. It makes SB's animations into bad pandering imo. Like they couldn't decide between burlesque or God of war and got stuck in an unapealing inbetween.

[@ValedTime]

May I suggest a reaction video on other JRPG type games? Such as... Kingdom Hearts FF7 & FF14 and of course an in depths combat analysis of Nier: Automata

[@samizo5842]

Nice video and nice analysis,

[@anonimiti]

Please review wuthering waves I feel like it has a lot of influence from nier automata

[@documentationakari]

Can you rate all wuthering waves ultimates??

[@multivact3729]

Nier Automata plays more fluid and faster (like you automatically sprint after the dodge) which makes it incredibly fun to move around. SB is more methodical iand slower in its combat.

[@maksymadamenko]

stellar blade is just new. 6 year difference isn't a joke. Nier is FAR better in almost every aspect but not in animations

[@matryoshka-77]

Idk what im gonna type

[@snowball03-boop]

Cookies? 🍪

[@matryoshka-77]

@@snowball03-boop Thx

[@oh4835]

@@matryoshka-77I'll do you better. Cookies AND milk

[@matryoshka-77]

@@oh4835 yes i will dip it to the milk

[@yuukianimates3318]

​@@oh4835I can do you one better! Cookiee AND Cream!

[@SeifEddine1]

You have to check street fighter 6

[@BrandonGalaxy7]

Do an analysis on Astartes

[@noreencadavedo2742]

Hmm i dont think it's a very equal comparison to compare na and sb cuz the style and the vibes are all way too different, like sb focuses more on very close combat and blood and gore moves, while na is more on grace and fancy bladework, not much in cqc or blood and gore. I think goo did pretty well being sorta neutral with his review tbh, but for me im prolly too biased against na haha

[@sownheard]

Allot of Stellar Blade’s Animation feel weightless, Nier Clears

[@truthbetold6496]

yes

[@malcolmswindale6666]

React to honkai's new ults

[@kireingmlo7983]

Bruhhh I bet you watch Fate stay night animations Saber Belike hell ya 😅

[@dabalolaa]

Lol youre doing a review and comparison of the game's animations based off a demo?

[@TheSeriousPain]

Showing more butt is the only thing SB has going for it. The story and gameplay are definitely a lot worse then Nier.

[@LaplaceBacklogs]

Me personally, I had high expectations seeing Yoko Taro say that Stellar Blade is better than NieR:Automata. But after completing the game, he was definitely wrong in all aspects. There’s a reason why Automata is my favorite game of all time and not a single game that came out after it comes even close. (Yes, including Baldur’s Gate 3, you BG3 fanboys.) The game left me in a state that I can’t even begin to describe after I finished it all, and no other game has made me feel the same way upon completion ever since. NieR:Automata will always be my number 1 game.

[@Wizmaster-xc8hg]

I feel like it's unfair to compare two great games that were made at different times, because technology improves faster and faster overtime and animations and other effects become easier and more manageable now than it was before because of these advancements, even while it wasn't too long ago it was still a good amount of time and much can change in a small span of time but I like this a lot (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong)

[@bef5582]

Nier automata is superior to stellar blade in every way. Change my mind.

[@descriptiondescriptiondescript]

How come SB’s part is entirely based on the demo that only has a few basic moves? And that's 80% of the video... You’re only comparing, what, two basic moves? I mean, their combat systems are so different, I don't even think it's right to compare them one-to-one in the first place, but the limited sample size and quality make it look like you were already determined to bash one of the two and just selected specific animations that align with your preconceived notion. As a result, this looks like a low-effort video, which isn’t something you want when you’re comparing two different things. Because now I’m left thinking that your other videos might be of similar quality.

[@SyLuX636]

Dude sees only 2 animations from Nier and automatically decides its better, wut? Nier doesnt even have finishers.

[@ashwoke]

good animation is when finishers lol

[@gbtygfvyg]

Since when are finishers needed? Literally just look at the animations on 2B lol. There's a weightlessness but that allows them to do those graceful movements. Stellar blade's animations are bland by comparison but the combat is supposed to be more grounded so less stylistic combos.

[@SyLuX636]

@gbtygfvyg nah there too floaty and slow. Doesn't help that enemies are pretty easy like most Platinum gameplay. Flash over substance.

[@gbtygfvyg]

@@SyLuX636 You literally lost any semblance of a point the moment you said that 2B's animations are slow. Bruh

[@TheChrowne]

Nier does have finishers, they just DID NOT WORK VERY WELL, but nier did have finishers

[@syzygy2464]

When you're talking about the one finisher losing momentum and dissapearing into a ball, and not having any strength in the kick because her legs are bent, lets keep in mind that you're talking about a character that is a cybernetically enhanced supersoldier, not just a powerful normal human being. I think you're trying to apply way to much realism logic to sci-fi fantasy which is pretty weird considering the genre's you yourself animate. I mean, it's ok if you just don't like the animators style, but some of the criticisms sound like you came into this ready to not like it and aren't actually thinking these comments through very well.

[@linhbuihoang1067]

But let's also not forget that Eve's supposed to be a highly-trained combatant as well. Leaving the style aside, her postures, footwork and the way she swings her weapons are incredibly inefficient and completely lack in weight + finesse. She looks more like a supermodel posing with a sword than (and I'm pretty sure that's what Shift Up was going for, with all the focus on her "assets") someone who's actually trying to put their full power into decimating monsters. In comparison, even with the some of the blindingly fast animations for 2B, you can clearly see good key postures/frames, displaying both grace and skill at the same time. Do 2B's animations look realistic? Hell no. But they're much more visually pleasing (not in a horn-y way) without suspension of disbelief.

[@TheChrowne]

Although I understand your point, that kind of idea doesn't translate as well in animation itself. Majority of the time, you still have to make sure the animation showcases the weight properly. You CAN make it unrealistic and fun, but I feel like if Shift up wanted to do that, they should've exaggerated it EVEN more than they did. I don't think Stellar Blade's animations are bad tho. Some poses are weaker because they wanted to focus on Eve's butt, but other times they go SO UNIMAGINABLY HARD, that I feel like they do it on purpose.

[@bijoohere568]

Yoko Taro must have dropped Emil his head for a moment. Stellar blade isn't bad, but bruh, no way. They don't even belong in the same category in any aspect audio, visuals, animation, combat/mechanics, and storyline even the sex appeal (2B is a video game🌽icon without nearly as much effort as stellar jade put in for sex appeal LOL). Someone tighten the screws on his Emil head, please.

[@oh4835]

Hey cut the game some slack, man. It's shift up's first game. And it's not like Yoko Taro was flawless to begin with. Automata is a result of SEVERAL of his mediocre games(Drakengard series, original Nier). I know Automata is a masterpiece, but stop acting like it doesn't have flaws.

[@hentisenti]

He's just gasing up stellar blade, it's only ok

[@SyLuX636]

Tbh, most of Yokos games were passion projects, and most are garbage games. If it wasn't for Square and Platinum games it wouldn't be so popular.

[@quoctrungnguyen4553]

some aspect i can agree with but you said Nier animation, combat/mechanics better is pure copium or you should take your weebs brain to walk , Nier bosses are so boring to fight lmfao

[@oh4835]

@@quoctrungnguyen4553 Ikr? It's like you have to try to die.

[@edg8-eddylikescake312]

It is lol yoko is not wrong

[@frizen9328]

Yoko is just being nice, there is nothing Stellar Blade does that Nier Automata doesn't do better aside from jiggle physics.

[@dabalolaa]

@@frizen9328I played Nier Automata and I was defensive as well when SB came out. SB has the better gameplay mechanics, bosses, with different variety of puzzles with over 80 outfits, the music has Nier-esque vibes but they do more variety of everything. Nier Automata has an amazing story with better execution of said narrative very few games in general can compete with, It has better music with consistent emphasis on feeling of melancholy and emptiness with 11/10 ending sequence and delivery of route E. It's kinda crazy how you can be disengenous when Nier Automata literally forces you sometimes in some stupid angles for certain sections and bosses.

[@GollumsJealous]

@@dabalolaa I came to the same conclusion after playing Stellar Blade. Nier was certainly a masterpiece, and extremely underrated for its time. Ironically Nier being that good is only brought up when comparing to Stellar Blade. Other times, its not even considered in the big league yet Nier's influence is guaranteed to be bigger than the grossly overrated Horizon, Alan Wake 2 and Hifi Rush. Now head to head, Stellar Blade only has two very obvious aspects its weaker than Nier at but these are very clear, i.e. originality and story. Everything else however Stellar Blade is much better at. Even when it comes to music, I preferred the in house rock music than Monaca's more melancholic beats. People are really disingenuous when making the comparisons between the two. Yoko Taro himself is a big fan of Stellar Blade and I'm sure that is the highest form of praise.

[@frizen9328]

@@dabalolaa How am I being disingenuous? I don't see how different angles and unique segments of boss fights is a bad thing? It makes bosses way more interesting when how you engage the boss completely changes. How is Stellar blades bosses better? You fight everyone the same way, hit them with a limited moveset until they attack you then parry or dodge. Stellar Blade has less mechanics than Nier and what they do have is the same gameplay mechanics as Nier but just not implemented as well. Nier has a parry but unlike SB it doesn't have a bunch of delay and actually feels good. SB has a few predetermined combos full of animation lock with abilities that all function the same. They don't change how you interact with the enemy or how the enemy interacts with you, they're all a big hit that does damage with a tacked on menial attribute like "does more shield damage." Nier has several combo routes per weapon and per weapon placement if its in the light or heavy slot and per weapon set combination with full combo and jump cancels. It also has moves that push, pull, slow and trap enemies along with options to push or pull your self towards the enemy all of this able to be done in a seemless combo. You can also taunt with A2 giving a buff to you and the enemy, reinforcing the point of active gameplay that affects interactions of the player and enemy. Both have drones that can be used as ranged weapons but SB is you just shoot stuff and can do nothing else. Nier has more unique options with ranged attacks, with full character mobility and can be used simultaneously with melee combat creating even more combo opportunities. They both have perfect dodge, Nier has multiple options one of which is a combo launcher allowing you to do a million different things while SB gives you 2 predetermined options which are essentially the same. Both have a double jump but SB makes you have to unlock it for some reason and makes Eve even more limited than what she is on the ground. I will say the music does have more variety and all the outfits are nice, wish they gave the Nier characters more outfits. I like Stellar Blade but people are gassing it up a bit too much and letting recency bias take over. The gameplay isn't even close in quality. Not only because of how limited it is but also because a core part of the combat (parrying) actually feels bad due to the delay.

[@nosferiazafora]

@@frizen9328 I prefer Nier's physics to the jello ones from SB.

[@rovinteyvat4706]

What exactly is Yoko Taro saying?? The mechanics on the blows of Stellar Blade are not that amazing if you ask me. The charas' moves are actually emphasizing more of just their 'assets' than anything leading to weak-looking finishers.

[@SyLuX636]

Yoko took about 5-6 games to become popular, most were garbage. This is Shift ups first game ever for mainstream and done a great job.

[@dabalolaa]

what the guy said you do know Nier Automata isn't Yoko Taro's first game? The only reason you know about it now is because Platinum worked on the combat system and combined with story made a game that you otherwise would have not known where in comparison it's literally Shift's up first non mobile game

[@TheRealTopGunZ]

Yeah, have to see what this dude is involved into as an animator so as to avoid it.

[@edg8-eddylikescake312]

And nier automata has horrible momentum in the game, this one is far better

[@matthewlugo2417]

Okay virgin

[@neamraven]

Lol, this guy bashes some of the coolest animations and then praises some of the more meh ones.

[@pantoamanat2335]

No

[@malvinventura9161]

Trash analysis, Like ur animation is better than the game itself. Stellar blade have so many diverse combo, the one you look at is just the basic 😂

[@SyLuX636]

A RWBY animator? Eww, no wonder the animation was gargabe after only a few seasons.

[@snowball03-boop]

He quit before it went to shit, though.

[@snowball03-boop]

He's a former RWBY animator. 👀 Said this in an older video when I first checked out this channel.

[@snowball03-boop]

Besides, you should check out his work. It's really great. ^^ If you dislike it, then that's fine.. But the animations he's made for ..eh. Genshin. Ooh, like this little series he's made uh... Progenitor! It's like if Genshin met frickin' Cyberpunk, I think. I love it. ^^ ❤ Better than RWBY imo. Hope you check it out~

[@ashwoke]

Leave it to the stellar blade weirdo to get emotional in the comments over some critique of their gooner game lol

[@oh4835]

@@ashwoke Leave it to the Automata boomer pretending not be a gooner. That can't get over nostalgia and always have to downplay another game

[@non3xt0520]

Nier wins-ez

[@campylooksnice]