Stellar Blade may resemble Nier: Automata at first glance, but its gameplay draws inspiration from the Soulslike genre. While toning down some of the genre's harsher aspects, Stellar Blade retains a common annoyance found in FromSoftware games. Yet, by offering a more forgiving experience, the game provides a way to mitigate the challenge of facing enemies strategically positioned in inconvenient spots.

Stellar Blade takes a different approach to traditional Soulslike elements, making the genre more welcoming. Unlike typical Soulslike titles, Stellar Blade does away with the need for corpse retrieval, opting instead for camp checkpoints equipped with various useful amenities to aid players in their encounters. Although enemies can still be placed in frustrating spots, the game introduces a scanner mechanic to alleviate the tension associated with unexpected attacks.

Breaking the Mold: Stellar Blade's Enemy Placement Strategy

Soulslike games are renowned for their difficulty, with FromSoftware titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne notorious for hiding enemies in unexpected locations. This design choice not only leads to jump scares but also teaches players to be vigilant while searching for hidden items in the game world.

Stellar Blade follows FromSoftware's lead by concealing enemies off the main path, ready to surprise players exploring for collectibles like Supply Boxes. Encountering these hidden foes can prove perilous, especially when low on health, emphasizing the importance of cautious exploration. However, the game equips players with a tool - the scanner mechanic - to anticipate these threats, reducing the typical challenges associated with this design element.

Enhancing Player Experience: The Scanner Mechanic

One of Stellar Blade's standout features is the scanner mechanic, activated through the DualSense's touchpad. This innovative tool reveals hidden elements like items and enemies nearby, allowing players to plan their approach wisely. By utilizing the scanner, players can preempt enemy ambushes, making certain placements less daunting by visualizing enemy locations in advance.

While the scanner aids in predicting surprise attacks, players must remain vigilant and scan regularly to spot hidden threats before they strike. Stellar Blade strikes a balance between traditional Soulslike difficulty and an optional tool to shift the game's challenge towards combat prowess rather than unexpected enemy encounters. This approach ensures that enemy placements remain significant, offering unscanned players a surprise challenge while rewarding scanner users with heightened situational awareness.