The “accidental” leak of the Stellar Blade demo on the PlayStation Store might just be exactly what the upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive needs ahead of its launch.
Developed by Shift Up, a relatively unknown studio based in South Korea, Stellar Blade drew comparisons to Bayonetta, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and NieR: Automata due to its female protagonist and atmospheric setting. But while the initial comparisons were based mostly on the gameplay trailers, which featured particularly notorious character design usually targeted at male audiences, the leaked demo has showcased that Stellar Blade is is a solid game with compelling gameplay at its heart.
This unexpected release of Stellar Blade‘s unannounced demo gave select individuals a chance to download and explore the game before the demo was quickly removed from the PlayStation Store. The brief availability, lasting around 20 minutes, was enough for streamers and players to share early impressions and gameplay footage across social media and streaming platforms.
While unfortunate, this unintended glimpse into Stellar Blade has sparked considerable interest, with players praising its combat system, soundtrack, and enemy design.
Curiously enough, the leak happened on National Women’s Day. Thus, Stellar Blade‘s presentation of its lead character could be seen as a celebration of women’s autonomy over their bodies, rather than an exploitation.
Nevertheless, those initially critical of Stellar Blade‘s choice portrayal of its protagonist might find solace in the potential the demo revealed. This perspective, alongside the positive reception to the demo’s content, suggests that Stellar Blade could indeed be more than just a game that caters to those with voyeuristic tendencies.
Players who managed to access the demo before it was locked have shared their experiences, highlighting the game’s challenging yet rewarding combat system, which they describe as a more accessible version of the notoriously difficult Soulslike formula.
Ultimately, the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the leaked demo emphasizes Stellar Blade‘s potential to be a significant title for the PS5. It leak has effectively served as an impromptu marketing success, helping heighten anticipation for the official demo’s launch and the full game’s release on April 26.
Speaking of demos, they’ve made a comeback in recent years. The continued success of such previews help build anticipation for the game while providing a tangible sense of gameplay, helping to inform purchasing decisions possibly more than reviews would. It remains to be seen if Rise of the Ronin, a fellow PS5 exclusive coming out on March 22, will get a demo. But it’s been confirmed that the review embargo will lift on March 21.
