Korean video game developer Shift Up has announced an exciting crossover between Stellar Blade and NieR: Automata, unveiling a new DLC expansion arriving globally on November 20, 2024. This highly anticipated collaboration introduces exclusive content, including 11 themed items from NieR: Automata, and a free update loaded with exciting gameplay enhancements and customization features, as detailed in the official PlayStation Blog.
Since its 2024 release, Stellar Blade has captivated players with its dynamic third-person hack-and-slash gameplay set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic Earth. Available exclusively on PlayStation 5, the game follows protagonist Eve, a warrior fighting to save humanity from monstrous invaders. Praised for its immersive world-building, fluid combat mechanics, and engaging narrative, Stellar Blade draws significant inspiration from NieR: Automata, a connection Shift Up’s CTO DongKi Lee emphasizes, calling the collaboration between directors Kim Hyung Tae and Yoko Taro “a collaboration marked by mutual respect and creativity.
The DLC introduces Emil, the eccentric merchant from NieR: Automata (voiced by Maii Kadowaki), who makes a surprise appearance in Stellar Blade, bringing with him a collection of unique gear, costumes, and accessories, blending the essence of both games. These additions enhance the Stellar Blade universe while also giving NieR: Automata fans a nostalgic nod to the original game.
Accompanying the DLC, the free update is equally robust, introducing a much-anticipated Photo Mode, which allows players to capture stunning in-game moments—whether it’s sweeping landscapes, intense battles, or intimate character interactions. With tools for customizable filters, adjustable camera angles, and dynamic character poses, this mode adds an interactive layer to the experience, inviting players to craft personal snapshots.
Alongside Photo Mode, the update introduces four new costumes, adding fresh customization options for Eve and her allies, including “No Ponytail” hairstyle and the “Symbol of Legacy” accessory, which alters the appearance of Tachy Mode when equipped. On the gameplay front, the update enhances combat fluidity with refined auto-targeting and ballistics adjustments, including improved enemy insta-kill mechanics. The update also expands accessibility with lip-sync support for six additional languages—French, Italian, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Latin American Spanish—and a new option to select custom background music during camp breaks.
The Stellar Blade x NieR: Automata DLC will launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on November 20, 2024. For more information, be sure to visit the official PlayStation Blog.
Words by Khushboo Malhotra
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