NieR Meets Stellar Blade
Stellar Blade made waves when it launched on the PS5 earlier this year, capturing players with its stunning visuals, exhilarating combat, and its protagonist, EVE, whose elegance and ferocity define the gameplay. The game wears its inspirations proudly, but few could have anticipated a crossover with what many consider the greatest action game of all time: NieR: Automata. Now with a collection of costumes and cosmetics inspired by Yoko Taro’s masterpiece, does this DLC fulfill fan fantasies or leave them wanting more?
Shift Up, the South Korean developer behind Stellar Blade, has consistently supported the game post-launch. From a Boss Challenge mode to new costumes and a robust photo mode, the team has committed to enhancing the experience. Their latest effort, however, takes things to an entirely new level: a collaboration between Kim Hyung Tae and Yoko Taro.
A Dream Collaboration
This partnership brings Emil’s iconic shop from NieR: Automata into the world of Stellar Blade. You can find Emil in the Wasteland and Great Desert, where you’ll collect Stellar Tears to unlock eleven special items:
Four Nanosuits for EVE
One face accessory for EVE
Three hairstyles for EVE
One cosmetic each for the Drone, Adam, and Lily
These additions allow you to cosplay as NieR: Automata’s iconic characters, seamlessly integrating their aesthetic into Stellar Blade’s world. While the costumes and cosmetics are beautifully designed and add a fresh layer of customization, the DLC stops short of its potential. There are no missions or gameplay expansions to accompany the new items, making this collaboration feel more like fan service than a fully realized crossover.
A Missed Opportunity
NieR’s approach to storytelling is one of the many aspects that received universal praise. Combining these elements with Stellar Blade’s rich world would have elevated the expansion. Instead, you will find yourself retreading old areas to collect Stellar Tears, which feels more like busy work than meaningful content.
The Stellar Blade x NieR: Automata DLC is a visually stunning addition that will delight fans of both franchises. The costumes are faithfully recreated and fit seamlessly into Stellar Blade’s aesthetic, allowing you to step into the shoes of your favorite NieR characters. However, the lack of narrative content or gameplay innovations makes the DLC feel like a missed opportunity. If you are eager to see EVE dressed as 2B then this expansion delivers. But if you are hoping for something deeper, this collaboration may leave you longing for more.
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