Highly Anticipated PlayStation 5-Exclusive Action RPG Stellar Blade by Shift Up Receives 18+ Rating in Korea for Adult Themes.
The highly anticipated action RPG Stellar Blade, set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5, has sparked controversy with its recent 18+ rating in Korea. While this may not come as a surprise to many, it could potentially limit the game’s accessibility for certain players.
From the screenshots and trailers released thus far, it’s evident that the game’s protagonist, Eve, sports form-fitting attire that leaves little to the imagination. Shift Up, the developer, has even gone as far as to disclose that particular attention was given to Eve’s posterior, considering players will spend a significant amount of time viewing it.
Eve’s physique is modeled after Korean model Jae-eun, and in an interview with Push Square, Shift Up revealed their aim to craft the “most attractive-looking body” for players to admire. Stellar Blade boasts a variety of costumes, approximately 30 in total, which players can discover throughout the game. Some of these costumes are expected to be more revealing or provocative than others.
However, the developers haven’t solely focused on Eve’s physical attributes. Players will also have the opportunity to collect accessories like glasses and earrings for Eve, as well as costumes for the other main characters, Adam and Lily.
Understanding the 18+ Rating for Stellar Blade in Korea
The highest possible 18+ rating assigned to Stellar Blade in Korea isn’t solely due to suggestive costumes. According to the country’s Game Management Committee, the game features excessive violence, including depictions of red blood and mutilation. Machine translation of the rating decision also indicates that some of Eve’s costumes are deemed so revealing that they approach nudity.
While Europe and the US have yet to rate Stellar Blade, it’s anticipated that the game will receive a PEGI 18 and M rating, respectively, given Korea’s decision. Interestingly, many individuals on social media perceive the 18+ rating as a positive aspect, suggesting it could enhance the game’s popularity.
Determining what constitutes excessive vulgarity, suggestiveness, or violence is subjective. For example, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League received an 18+ rating in Singapore due to its violence and language, which didn’t bother many.
Many games are revered not despite their mature ratings, but because of them. Mature themes and necessary violence can enable developers to tell a story authentically, evoking emotions or reactions that leave a lasting impact. Whether Stellar Blade’s rating is justified for storytelling purposes or merely for aesthetic appeal remains to be seen.
Consider checking out my YouTube channel for more Pop-Culture news!
https://www.youtube.com/@reviewflicks
Comic Flick News 
Leave a comment