I find myself in a bit of a tough spot regarding Stellar Blade, and even more so with its sequel, BLOOD RAIN, teased via a provocative trailer last June. We're introduced to Evie, a (very) young member of an anti-terrorist unit in a futuristic city inspired by Chongqing, China. My discomfort stems from the fact that the trailer raised some very legitimate questions regarding the protagonist's juvenile appearance, showcased in an excessively tight outfit and highlighted by voyeuristic camera angles. The game's director has waved away the critics, insisting that the heroine's personality will outweigh her appearance... all while promising outfits even more "appealing" than those in Stellar Blade. Coming from the studio behind Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, should we even be surprised?
That said, it is with a healthy dose of caution that I invite you to check out the first two tracks of the "Summer Game Fest EP" shared yesterday by SHIFT UP. Composed by Youngjee Lee—who was already heavily involved in the massive soundtrack of the first game—these pieces showcase two very different sides of the BLOOD RAIN atmosphere. The first, "Make up my mind," is an absolute R&B/soul delight that hits my feels perfectly thanks to its relentless groove and the singer's sustained vocals. "Off the line," on the other hand, shifts gears completely from the Stellar Blade OST by leaning into a heavy rock sound flirting with Drum and Bass—an epic track that makes you imagine yourself slicing through enemies in the heat of battle.
Ultimately, everyone is free to take Stellar Blade: BLOOD RAIN however they like. The original game's soundtrack remains an anomaly in the industry—boasting over 200 tracks and 10+ hours of music. Earlier this year, the British label Laced Records opened pre-orders for a vinyl edition. A release that is criticized by fans for its meager tracklist—only 44 tracks were selected, following what I imagine was a hell of a curation headache.
