Shift Up has been developing a game that shows promise as an ideal PS5 exclusive but is also responsible for creating a controversial character design for a protagonist in the lead role. Stellar Blade’s Eve is a complex character who’s been a topic of many conversations lately.
According to an interview, the studio’s lead, Hyung-Tae Kim, explained his desire for an attractive character in the game, especially with how the body type and attire look from a third-person POV.
Hyung-Tae Kim Would Rather Have an Exquisite Character Than a Mediocre Protagonist
The interview focused on a lot of the controversies surrounding the game and how it has been having a cultural impact across different gaming communities. Fans have been a bit divided about Stellar Blade’s characters, especially regarding the physical attributes they possess.
When asked about the character design choices, Hyung-Tae Kim was quite clear about his vision regarding the kind of protagonists he’d like to see on screen:
Honestly, when I play a game I would like to see someone who is better-looking than myself. That’s what I want. I don’t want to see something normal; I want to see something more ideal. I think that is very important in a form of entertainment. This is, after all, entertainment targeted for adults.
This may read as something that fans would want for themselves in a video game, but it’s surprising to hear a studio’s CEO express this himself. Say what you may about the design choices; it does seem like Stellar Blade doesn’t shy away from being itself, not caring much about the opinions of different fans worldwide.
Stellar Blade’s Portrayal of Eve Isn’t Just Limited to How She Looks
Eve can easily be considered the ‘poster child‘ of Stellar Blade, and the latest demo showcases this very well. Not only is she a charming protagonist who sways and fights skillfully, but she’s also a complex character who begins her journey as a soldier on a mission but slowly empathizes with her environment as the game progresses.
Hyung-Tae Kim is well aware of this, and his statement about having a character that’s larger than life lives up to be true. It’s likely that players will find more such details about different personalities in the game as they explore Stellar Blade when it is released on April 26.
So far, feedback for the demo has mostly been positive, and PlayStation fans eagerly wait for the game to make its mark as a fast-based and challenging title that may just be the next-best exclusive the platform has to offer.
What are your thoughts on Eve’s character design? Let us know in the comments below.
