Stellar Blade hacks ‘n’ slashes multiple genres and iconic franchises, taking the best bits and combining them into something special. The result is an epic action-adventure that not only shows its pedigree and holds its own as an excellent first-party PlayStation exclusive, but also has the potential to grow into something bigger and better.

At first glance, you might think Stellar Blade is a half-baked sci-fi thriller that underperforms, but nothing could be further from the truth. Shift Up’s new IP really sets the bar high, and its combination of exhilarating combat, lush graphics, and deep systems ensures it thrives in an era full of high-end contemporaries.

Originally dubbed Project Eve in 2019, Stellar Blade is led by the striking and heroic heroine—Eve. The cool and calculated combat extraordinaire is sent back to Earth from a safe space environment called the Colony as part of the 7th Airborne Squad. Her mission is to reclaim Earth from a deadly enemy known as the Naytiba. These vile organisms come in all shapes and sizes, and their presence is widespread.

Eve doesn't fight the good fight alone, however; she is aided by several allies. For example, Adam is a member of Xion, the last inhabited city on Earth, and wants to rid Earth of the Naytiba at all costs. His intentions are good, but his manner and general behavior are a bit bland.