Sony’s upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive ‘Stellar Blade‘ is shaping up to earn one of the most restrictive age ratings in the gaming industry. According to reports out of Korea, where developer Shift Up is based, Stellar Blade is likely to receive an adults-only rating due to significant nudity and graphic violence.
This harsh rating will apparently stem from two of the game’s core elements. Firstly, the revealing costumes and designs for many of the female characters have caught the eye of ratings boards. Gameplay footage shows numerous shots of partially naked women in sheer outfits or scant armor. While some may view this as titillating, officials seem to consider it crossing a line for teenage players.
Secondly, the game’s brutal melee combat will contribute to the severe rating. Stellar Blade’s protagonist Eve dispatches foes using her massive sword to dismember and decapitate enemies in bloody fashion. The heavy gore and dismemberment on display are likely seen as too intense for young gamers.
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Neither of these factors seems particularly surprising given Stellar Blade’s clear anime influences and flashy combat previews. Overseas ratings like America’s ‘M for Mature’ are expected to follow suit as well. But the restrictive rating could limit the game’s potential audience.
On the other hand, a restricted rating rarely hurts sales for certain genres like horror or mature action games. And Stellar Blade’s director recently expressed pride in earning comparisons to ‘Nier Automata’, a similarly racy and violent action-RPG. Overall, while an adult-only tag may hinder mainstream appeal, core gamers familiar with the niche Japanese action genre will take little issue.
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Shift Up is moving forward unfazed, confident Stellar Blade will find its audience when it launches PlayStation 5 exclusive on April 26th. Players eager for an eye-catching and unapologetically gory adventure can look past the harsh rating to appreciate Stellar Blade’s stunning visuals and satisfying combat. The game appears set to embrace its mature elements rather than shy away.
“Engage in epic battles and explore a post-apocalyptic Earth in our Stellar Blade review. Discover the challenging combat and stunning visuals of this action-packed adventure as Eve fights to save humanity from the monstrous Naytiba.”
