Shift Up’s Stellar Blade was finally released on the PlayStation 5 on April 26, 2024, and it’s safe to say that the game has been well-received by the fans. With many positive reviews, Stellar Blade has successfully managed to prove itself as a worthy PlayStation exclusive. As players progress through the game, they have come across various exciting easter eggs and references.
Fans can discover the reference to two iconic video games when Stellar Blade’s protagonist, Eve, comes across drinking cans in the game. The jingle sound and the sequence will remind the fans of the Zelda franchise as well as NieR: Replicant. Apart from this, players can also discover an easter egg that references the manga Battle Angel Alita, which served as an inspiration for the game.
Stellar Blade referenced two popular video games with this small sequence
In Stellar Blade, whenever the game’s protagonist, Eve, finds a drinking can she does a small sequence where she holds the can up in a dramatic way. Fans have been sharing clips of these on X, pointing out how “cute” this is. After the post went viral, players pointed out that this sequence is a direct reference to the Zelda franchise as well as NieR: Replicant.
Many players have stated that Stellar Blade feels like a blend of Nier: Automata, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, or Bayonetta. Even though the game was inspired by these titles, director, Kim Hyung-tae, explained in an interview with RuliWeb, that Stellar Blade has a unique identity that helps it stand out.
Stellar Blade also references Battle Angel Alita manga
Another viral X post recently pointed out that Stellar Blade has a direct reference to the manga Battle Angel Alita as it served as inspiration for the creation of this game. From the game’s worldbuilding to its combat style, one will feel like it’s inspired by many iconic games but like Hyung-tae explained, the game feels like a fresh experience.
Stellar Blade gained the spotlight after there was criticism about the over-s*xualisation of Eve, the game’s protagonist. Many felt like Eve was objectified as Shift Up wanted the game to attract the male audience as the marketing heavily leaned on the s*xual appeal of Eve. Fortunately, Shift Up was able to shut down all the criticism with Stellar Blade‘s demo as the game met everyone’s expectations.
Stellar Blade was exclusively released for the PlayStation 5 on April 26, 2024.
