by MORGAN Jack - Published 2 months ago

Stellar Blade x Nier Automata Crossover: Mind Blown

Before Stellar Blade launched, I criticized it for heavily drawing inspiration from Nier: Automata without truly capturing the essence of Yoko Taro's masterpiece. It shares elements like a post-apocalyptic setting, sad music, a drone companion, and a female android protagonist, but lacks the substance of Nier: Automata.

Despite its attempts to be like Nier: Automata, Stellar Blade falls short in many ways. Visually, it's more appealing, and its combat system, inspired by the Souls series, is smoother. Additionally, the protagonist, Eve, is highly sexualized by the camera and outfit choices. However, these factors combined still don't measure up to Nier: Automata.

Some gamers have praised Eve as an anti-woke figure, which seemed absurd given that most critics found Stellar Blade to be fairly good.

No matter how I try to view Stellar Blade, its blatant imitation of Nier: Automata prevents it from standing on its own. It's clear what they're doing, but I'm unsure if I'm taking its lack of originality too seriously, especially since even director Yoko Taro has praised aspects of Stellar Blade. Am I clinging too tightly to a game from six years ago? It certainly seems that way.

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After Taro's initial praise, I thought the two titles would avoid further comparison, as it could be detrimental to both. However, this week's State of Play saw Shift Up announce an official collaboration with Nier: Automata, introducing new outfits, cosmetics, and other content to Stellar Blade.

As soon as Stellar Blade appeared on-screen, I remarked to a friend about how much better it could have been if it had embraced its own identity instead of constantly borrowing from Nier: Automata. While the photo mode was a good addition, and highlighting the music was something fans requested, the appearance of Eve in 2B's outfit felt like a cruel joke.

I recognized the familiar font and melancholic music before Eve appeared in her new attire, and I felt a mix of confusion and disappointment. Dressing her as 2B with a drone by her side only emphasizes how blatant the inspiration is. Then, she's shown gazing across a desolate landscape that pales in comparison to anything found in Automata. It's a strange collaboration, seeming more like Shift Up and Square Enix are catering to the shallow desire to see Eve in another sexy outfit rather than considering the narrative implications.

While details of the collaboration between Stellar Blade and Nier: Automata are still under wraps, we know it’s coming this year and will include a 2B costume. However, it might be much more significant than just a costume. Perhaps it will even take a bold approach by directly addressing the similarities between the two games. Stellar Blade has a light, generic storyline, but it features likable characters and creative world design. This was one of the main reasons why its reveal was so popular; it offered something new.

But in reality, Stellar Blade had its weaknesses and could have been much better. It attempts to emulate Nier: Automata’s greatness but falls short. The direct collaboration was unexpected, but now it’s happening. The fact that it’s coming out later this year, rather than being a surprise update, suggests a substantial addition that aims to tell its own interwoven story, exploring deeper themes. Or it could simply be a soulless cash grab with fan service. Either possibility exists.

Regardless of what the future holds, my interest has been piqued. I appreciate Stellar Blade, despite its clear similarities to Nier: Automata, and believe it can overcome comparisons if the collaboration offers more than just expensive skins. The crossover, within a strange fictional world, is plausible, and with the right approach, a compelling, non-canon story can be told. But it will require more than just some revealing outfits.