Stellar Blade Director Says NieR: Automata is a “Huge Driving Force” for the Project

Of all the titles showcased during the recent State of Play, Shift Up’s Stellar Blade looked surprisingly solid. Furthermore, it’s out this Spring as a $70 title. Those who might have played NieR: Automata doubtless noted some similarities, either in the plot or some of the combat.

Speaking to Famitsu (translation via Gematsu), studio CEO and director Kim Hyung Tae confirmed that PlatinumGames’ acclaimed title was a “huge driving force” for the project.

“Yes. NieR: Automata was a huge driving force behind me working on this project. It made me realize once again that I wanted to make a game like Stellar Blade.” Other titles that served as inspirations include Bayonetta, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Tae is also a fan of God of War, which offered the “experience of a vast world without being completely open-world.” This may explain Stellar Blade’s semi-open world approach, especially as players venture into the desert to fight Naytibas, haywire robots, hostile human survivors, and mutated monstrosities.

Stellar Blade launches on April 26th, exclusively for PS5. Head here for more details on the story. A Deluxe Edition is also available to pre-order for $80 and includes some outfits for protagonist Eve and supporting characters Lily and Adam.