The boss of Stellar Blade: Blood Rain developer Shift Up has mentioned the design of latest essential character Evie, highlighting the variations between her and the protagonist of the primary recreation, Eve.
Shift Up introduced Stellar Blade: Blood Rain at Summer time Recreation Fest final week with an attention-grabbing trailer that exposed Evie, a model new essential character who prefers to punch her manner by way of enemies than take the slice and cube strategy favored by her predecessor.
The most important speaking level popping out of the trailer reveal was the design of Evie herself, with some expressing concern about her seemingly child-like face within the context of her extra adult-sounding voice appearing and physique design.
In an interview with IGN following the Summer time Recreation Fest reveal, Shift Up CEO Hyung-tae Kim confirmed that Evie being Eve’s junior was a acutely aware design resolution.
“Sure. She is youthful. She’s smaller in dimension. She’s shorter than Eve,” he mentioned, “however she has a stronger persona and engages in a lot more durable battles. And he or she’s truly a part of a particular squad that chases after a bunch of terrorists who trigger terror assaults right here and there within the metropolis.”
Eve in Stellar Blade is a extremely sexualized character, so we requested Hyung-tae Kim if he was frightened that by utilizing a young-looking character for Blood Rain, Shift Up was operating the chance that some folks would view Evie in a manner the developer doesn’t need.
“In case you truly play the sport, you’ll not suppose that,” he replied. “I undoubtedly like how Eve regarded within the earlier Stellar Blade. However this time, Evie, not simply her bodily appears to be like, however her persona, the best way she talks, the best way she engages in battles, all that may mix collectively, and you may see that she’s a really lovable character.”
The primary Stellar Blade is thought for its revealing, unlockable outfits, and from the sounds of issues there are not any plans to tone issues down for the sequel. “It will likely be much more interesting,” Hyung-tae Kim mentioned of Evie’s outfits. “That is all we are able to say.”
Elsewhere in our interview, we requested Hyung-tae Kim why Shift Up determined to go together with a brand new protagonist as an alternative of sticking with Eve within the first place, given her reputation with gamers. He replied to tease a plot level that may finally assist to elucidate the choice. “We can not inform you every part proper now as a result of this could be a spoiler,” Hyung-tae Kim mentioned, “however after you have performed the sequel, you will notice that Eve’s backstory will likely be extra memorable. It will likely be extra enticing in a manner.”
So, is Eve’s story over, or will followers get extra Stellar Blade story involving Eve?
“Properly, to begin with, the sequel story, it stands alone so you do not have to know the earlier story to correctly take pleasure in this,” replied Hyung-tae Kim. “However for those who did play the primary one, you will notice numerous factors right here and there, very memorable and spectacular moments the place it is like, ‘Oh, so that is what occurred. That is what it turned out to be.’”
Shift Up has mentioned Blood Rain is the “subsequent chapter” within the Stellar Blade franchise. It’s set in the identical universe as Stellar Blade, and continues the story past the occasions of the primary recreation. It’s nonetheless early in growth, however, Shift Up mentioned, the event staff “has made unbelievable progress.”
As IGN has reported, Shift Up has but to resolve on Stellar Blade: Blood Rain launch platform plans, however given it’s self-publishing the sequel, the door is open to a day one launch throughout PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Collection X and S.
Wesley is Director, Information at IGN. Discover him on Twitter at @wyp100. You’ll be able to attain Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.