PlayStation’s upcoming PS5 title, Stellar Blade, has made quite a stir in the gaming community even before its release, largely stemming from its explicit character design. The game’s developers did not shy away from granting the protagonist with “ample” features, and gamers all across the board have fallen in love with her.
The latest stir involving the game was the skin-tight NSFW outfit you’ve probably already seen. People were already mesmerized at how graphic the suit was, but you’re going to be even more shocked when you find out the outfit’s catch.
Stellar Blade’s Fan Service-y Outfits Come With a Caveat
Stellar Blade has captured the internet’s attention, but not for its gameplay. The game is very upfront about its visual appeal, with a protagonist who dons skin-tight clothing and has garnered quite the following even before its release.
However, it’s a particular NSFW outfit that has sent shockwaves through the gaming community.
STELLAR BLADE demo has some eye-catching outfits👀🚀
How do you feel about such cosmetics in video games?😎 (cheers @dgs_dubbnasty12🙌🏼) #PlayStation #PS5 #Gaming pic.twitter.com/GvXm1Whu0u
— Rino (@RinoTheBouncer) March 9, 2024
This outfit, while visually striking, comes with a peculiar caveat—it disables the character’s shields, adding a new layer of challenge to gameplay. PlayStation apparently wants its players to work for their fan-service instead of giving handouts.
SB isn’t the only game to introduce inadvertent ways of affecting difficult levels. The South Park game, Fractured But Whole, had a difficulty slider that also served as a skin tone selection screen.
It was rumored that it didn’t affect combat but had consequences on other aspects of the game. While some found it funny, others questioned its implications. Ubisoft later clarified it was a joke, and the game remained the same for any skin tone.
SB‘s NSFW outfit has caused a stir, much like Fractured But Whole‘s infamous difficulty slider. While some see it as adding challenge and depth to the game while being harmless fun, others worry about objectifying characters and reinforcing stereotypes.
The Stellar Blade and NieR: Automata Debate
Stellar Blade has drawn numerous comparisons to NieR: Automata, another game celebrated for its captivating protagonists and unabashed embrace of sex appeal. Both games feature protagonists that have caused a frenzy on the internet either in praise or criticism.
The similarities between the two extend beyond aesthetics, with both games revolving around an Earth that’s been ravaged by enemies and a human colony that has fled to outer space. Stellar Blade also features music from Keiichi Okabe, who worked on many of Nier‘s mastermind Yoko Taro’s projects.
🎧Stellar Blade OST
—>40% tracks by Keiichi Okabe (Nier Automata)🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/CnJz8YUotB
— Pure PlayStation (ピュア プレイステーション) (@Pure_PS) March 11, 2024
NieR: Automata‘s also has an NSFW outfit like SB‘s, but it works a bit differently. Players can make the protagonist, 2B, self-destruct to reveal her inner lingerie, albeit at the cost of leaving her at 1 health.
Whether you’re intrigued by the game’s innovative mechanics or hesitant about its portrayal of characters, one thing is certain—Stellar Blade is going to take over the internet on the day of its release. As it continues to generate buzz with its provocative design choices, we’d like to ask you: Will you be playing?
