Stellar Blade, ShiftUp’s massively popular PS5 exclusive, expects players to approach boss fights with the same level of aggression and style as the game’s protagonist, Eve. However, one player’s attempt to tackle these fights with a more cautious, Soulslike approach has sparked a heated debate on the Stellar Blade subreddit.
Meet u/cheetocat2021, a brave soul who dared to post a video of their fight against Abaddon, the game’s second boss, in an effort to prove that they’ve “made progress” in understanding Stellar Blade‘s mechanics.
A Soulslike Approach to Stellar Blade
One look at the video, and it’s clear what’s rubbing players the wrong way about cheetocat2021’s approach aside from the fact that they’ve completely turned off the in-game music:
I recently got roasted for how I play the boss battles, I think I’ve made progress on understanding the game. Am I not being strategic and defensive here? I recognise/intercept attacks, then get my own in. No button mashing, acting like it needs to end in one minute, played different jrpg music.
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The excessive use of the guard button and the lack of aggression throughout the fight have led many to compare their playstyle to that of a “Dark Souls” character dropped into the world of Stellar Blade:
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Another user summed up the community’s collective feelings about the gameplay clip with the perfect GIF:
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The problem, as many have pointed out, is that Stellar Blade‘s combat is designed to be fast-paced, more akin to Bayonetta or Devil May Cry than a methodical Soulslike. By holding block for extended periods and only attacking sparingly, cheetocat2021 is not only making the fight more tedious but also missing out on the game’s intended experience.
Some users even went as far as to suggest that cheetocat2021 should heed the advice of their previous critics:
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Others couldn’t help but point out the irony of the post itself:
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Stellar Blade‘s combat system is indeed designed to reward aggressive, stylish play, and by clinging to a defensive playstyle, you not only make the game harder for yourself but also miss out on the satisfying flow and rhythm that come with mastering the game’s mechanics.
Tough Love: Some Guidance Amid the Roasts
Despite the roasts and jabs, some Redditors took the time to offer cheetocat2021 some genuine advice and constructive criticism on how to improve their playstyle and better enjoy the game.
One user acknowledged that mastering the combat system in Shift Up‘s hit title takes time and practice, encouraging cheetocat2021 to keep at it and assuring them that they’ll eventually find their rhythm:
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Another user offered more specific tips on how to approach boss fights in Stellar Blade, emphasizing the importance of parrying, dodging, and aggressive play when the opportunity arises.
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What do you think about cheetocat2021’s approach to Stellar Blade‘s boss battles? Have you ever found yourself struggling to adapt to a game’s intended playstyle? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
