It’s clear that Stellar Blade was still adding things to the final release at the last minute, as its huge New Game+ patch actually went live between when review embargo dropped from critics and the game’s actual launch. But a few more things were left by the wayside.
Of all the games to be missing a photo mode, it was surprising that Stellar Blade launched without one, given its relentless focus on its much-discussed protagonist and her 70+ collectible outfits. Add to that some pretty stunning landscapes and it’s a bit strange that most of the screenshots of Eve are relegated to mid-cutscene snaps or her holding a collectible can.
Now, in addition to the Boss Rush mode that’s being worked on for a future Stellar Blade update, SHIFT UP has an update on photo mode as well. According to the game’s technical director, a photo mode, which they acknowledge has been highly requested by fans, is being considered internally. There’s likely no reason it won’t happen, though there’s no timeline for it, just like its other promised future updates.
One other addition is going to be a crossover with Goddess of Victory: Nikke, SHIFT UP’s shooter where you “recruit and command various maidens to form a beautiful anime girl squad.” SHIFT UP has always been unapologetic for its focus on sexy characters, and both Stellar Blade and Nikke employ a distinct focus on its character’s butts as a result.
So, naturally, these two games lend themselves to a crossover, which will happen down the line. That means Nikke outfits in Stellar Blade for Eve, of which there are loads to choose from, and some Stellar Blade Eve outfits in Nikke, no doubt.
Stellar Blade is not a live service game, but at this point it’s pretty clear that it’s going to be supported post-launch pretty well. None of the upcoming features mentioned appear to have a price tag attached to them, and the game is also an excellent example of using collectible cosmetics to drive exploration and gameplay, rather than selling them all in a cosmetic shop (and no doubt that could have made a ton of money with the right outfits in this game). In that vein it’s like Insomniac’s Spider-Man where mass costume collection is a big part of the game.
So, we’ll see when we get a timeline on these updates. The Boss Rush mode certainly sounds the most interesting and you know what I’m guessing will be the reward for that? More costumes.
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