While this may be a bold claim, Stellar Blade might just be on track to become the next Devil May Cry.
Recently, Shift Up announced that they’re already working on a sequel to their hack-and-slash action game. This isn’t entirely surprising, given that the game has sold over 4 million units across PC and PS5 since launch; that’s a massive achievement for a brand-new IP.
This raises an interesting question. With Devil May Cry currently stuck in limbo, could Stellar Blade step in as the ideal successor to a genre that feels like it’s slowly fading away?
Stellar Blade’s Advantage
The reason Stellar Blade could carry the torch that Capcom lit years ago is pretty clear: it wears its inspirations on its sleeve. Stellar Blade follows in the footsteps of the greats, and it’s obvious that Devil May Cry is one of its biggest influences.
Right now, Devil May Cry seems to be in a state of uncertainty. Hideaki Itsuno, the series’ longtime director, has moved on to a new studio, and Capcom hasn’t been very open about what’s next for the franchise after Devil May Cry 5. It’s looking more and more like the series is being shelved for the time being. We might not see another mainline Devil May Cry for another decade. For now, the Netflix series by Adi Shankar seems to be Capcom’s way of keeping the brand alive.
This leaves a big gap in the market, one that Shift Up is in a perfect position to fill. Character-action games aren’t nearly as common as they used to be. We’ve long given up on hopes for a Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance remaster, and Lost Soul Aside had some potential but ultimately failed to revolutionize the genre the way fans had hoped. There’s clearly an audience craving these kinds of experiences, and Stellar Blade is already making waves in that space.
What gives Stellar Blade an edge is its accessibility. While its combat can be tricky at first (especially for newcomers to the hack-and-slash genre), it becomes much easier to grasp after just a few hours of play. Plus, let’s be honest, many players were drawn in at first by Eve’s striking “gooner” design and the game’s impressive visuals. Once they got past that initial appeal, they discovered a surprisingly approachable combat system and a game that’s both challenging and rewarding.
What the Sequel Can Improve
With a sequel already confirmed, Shift Up has an opportunity to expand Stellar Blade’s combat even further. It doesn’t have to follow everything Devil May Cry had with air combos and juggles; it just needs to be a polished experience where players can feel every weight of its combat satisfying.
One of the biggest upgrades they could make is adding multiple weapon types. Stellar Blade only had Eve’s hairclip sword as a weapon, as well as her arm guns. It isn’t much, but it could’ve been more. For the sequel, introducing new, experimental weapons could give players more variety, similar to how Dante and Nero switch between weapons in Devil May Cry.
The story could also benefit from more depth. Devil May Cry thrived on its dramatic narratives centered on demons, family rivalries, and Vergil’s endless lust for power and motivation. Stellar Blade, on the other hand, goes in a completely different direction with a sci-fi setting where humanity faces extinction and advanced machines dominate the world. This opens up endless possibilities for the series. The ending of the first game teases even bigger stakes, showing that Shift Up has only just begun building this universe.
Looking Ahead
While Devil May Cry will always be remembered as a pioneer of the character-action genre, Capcom has clearly shifted its focus to its other major franchises like Monster Hunter and Street Fighter. With no clear competition in sight, Stellar Blade has a real chance to rise as the genre’s new flagship series.
If Shift Up nails the structure and execution of its sequel, it could be a true game-changer. The studio already has momentum, a passionate player base, and a strong foundation to build on. With all these factors combined, Stellar Blade has the potential to honor the legacy of Devil May Cry, as well as push the genre forward in exciting and “sexy” new ways.
And honestly? As a huge fan of both games, I can’t wait to see it happen.
For more like this, stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, the best website for gaming features.