Once I started Hard mode I came to the realization that the combat really isn't that great. You perfect dodge or parry to gain meter and then use that meter to deal damage. You pretty much can drop using the weak and strong attack buttons entirely because they deal practically zero damage to bosses or the bosses have such tight combo strings that you'll never even get a chance to use the buttons. It just doesn't feel very balanced or great after the halfway point. If you still get massive amounts of dopamine from parrying or dodging, then I think Stellar Blade will satisfy you. If you go in thinking this is going to be the next Great Action Game I think you'll be sorely disappointed.

Stellar Blade does excel with its sharp presentation, level design(for the most part), and excellent music. I had enough fun with the game to play through Hard Mode New Game + and got all the endings, but I firmly disagree that the combat is anything but mid. Its not going to be sitting at the table with Devil May Cry 5, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, or Nier Automata but its I guess passable for a first attempt. I hope Shift Up reworks the combat for the inevitable sequel.

Once I started Hard mode I came to the realization that the combat really isn't that great. You perfect dodge or parry to gain meter and then use that meter to deal damage. You pretty much can drop using the weak and strong attack buttons entirely because they deal practically zero damage to bosses or the bosses have such tight combo strings that you'll never even get a chance to use the buttons. It just doesn't feel very balanced or great after the halfway point. If you still get massive amounts of dopamine from parrying or dodging, then I think Stellar Blade will satisfy you. If you go in thinking this is going to be the next Great Action Game I think you'll be sorely disappointed.

Stellar Blade does excel with its sharp presentation, level design(for the most part), and excellent music. I had enough fun with the game to play through Hard Mode New Game + and got all the endings, but I firmly disagree that the combat is anything but mid. Its not going to be sitting at the table with Devil May Cry 5, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, or Nier Automata but its I guess passable for a first attempt. I hope Shift Up reworks the combat for the inevitable sequel.

Realm Reborn's main story quest really felt like a Trails Of story where 80% of the game is fluff and pretty tedious but the ending sinks its hooks in you and you have no choice but to continue on with the expansions to see where it goes.

I don't know if I'd recommend XIV but I'm definitely hooked. Its one of those "it gets good after 100 hours" kind of experiences. In the long run I have a feeling I'll be going "I should have played a bunch of other games in that time instead of spending all this time playing this" but we'll see.

Realm Reborn's main story quest really felt like a Trails Of story where 80% of the game is fluff and pretty tedious but the ending sinks its hooks in you and you have no choice but to continue on with the expansions to see where it goes.

I don't know if I'd recommend XIV but I'm definitely hooked. Its one of those "it gets good after 100 hours" kind of experiences. In the long run I have a feeling I'll be going "I should have played a bunch of other games in that time instead of spending all this time playing this" but we'll see.