Analysis of Shift Up’s Stellar Blade Character Design
Shift Up recently introduced a demo of its upcoming action-adventure game, Stellar Blade, for the PlayStation 5. The game has stirred some controversy regarding the design of the main character, Eve. She has been portrayed with a focus on what some may refer to as the male gaze. Much of the discussion revolves around her outfit choices, mainly consisting of tight, shiny suits with various accent elements. This has divided gamers, with some finding it acceptable while others deem it distasteful.
As an avid gamer with a preference for characters like Bayonetta and Lara Croft, I see no issue with characters having sex appeal if done tastefully. However, in the case of Eve’s design in Stellar Blade, my concern lies elsewhere. The lack of coherence in her outfits and the disconnect between the design choices and Eve’s character portrayal are the key aspects that need addressing.
Inconsistencies in Eve’s Design
The default Planet Diving Suit worn by Eve features a green color palette and is accessorized with a white lace dicky, a green necktie, and mechanic gloves. While the gloves may be justified as pilot gear, the presence of a necktie on a futuristic soldier tasked with combating giant parasites seems out of place. A neckline adorned with neon lights might be more suitable and coherent with the outfit’s overall aesthetic. Additionally, the Skin Suit’s dual-colored tan pattern detracts from the character’s appearance, resembling a spilled foundation mishap rather than a deliberate design choice.
If the intention is to exude sexiness through Eve’s attire, it should be executed with purpose and consistency. Avoiding avant-garde fashion elements and focusing on enhancing the character’s allure cohesively would strengthen the design overall.
While initial impressions raise concerns about Eve’s design in Stellar Blade, a full assessment will be reserved until after experiencing the complete game. In the meantime, exploring contrasting titles like Open Roads offers a diverse gaming experience, providing a welcome break from recent releases such as Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Rise of the Ronin.
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