The action game impresses with its intact lighting systems and solid performance, but requires players to accept gradually reduced visual detail.
Shift Up’s Stellar Blade has been available on the Nintendo Switch 2 since this week. While you’ll have to put up with a few compromises compared to the other versions, overall the action game holds its own on the console.
Meanwhile, the team at Digital Foundry has also published its technical analysis of the Unreal Engine 4 title. According to the experts, the port turned out better than expected and features fewer compromises than other current titles.
Mild Compromises Instead of Graphic Cutbacks: Digital Foundry Praises Visuals
“Technically, the game doesn’t break any new ground,” they say. “The rather conservative graphics approach doesn’t push the current console generation to its limits the way many other big-budget productions do. But in the end, that’s exactly what makes for a Switch 2 port that turns out better than expected and requires far milder compromises than some more recent releases.”
“Not every detail remains untouched, but the visual style doesn’t suffer at all from omitted lighting systems or the like. Instead, players should expect gradually scaled-back assets, most of which only really stand out when viewed in direct comparison.”
Frame Generation Instead of Native 40 fps: Solid Verdict and Playable eShop Demo
Given the Switch 2’s CPU and GPU limitations, Digital Foundry also considers frame generation “not a bad choice.” For Stellar Blade, however, they would have preferred a 40-fps option instead of 60 fps with frame generation. You can also disable the feature, which causes the frame rate to stabilize at around 40 fps.
All in all, the technical experts rate the port as “solid,” noting that it delivers a highly playable experience. Anyone who wants to try it out for themselves before making a purchase can download a demo from the eShop.
