Stellar Blade has achieved Metacritic’s highest user score of 2024 so far.

The game has a9.2 user ratingfrom 1,899 ratings, the highest for any game with a significant amount of ratings (there are a few games with higher scores, but fewer than five ratings.)

Stellar Blade has 2024’s highest Metacritic user score so far

For comparison,Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthmanaged a 9.0 user score from 3350 ratings,Helldivers 2earned an 8.2 from 1558 ratings, andPersona 3 Reloadachieved a score of 8.5 from 645 ratings.

VGC’sStellar Blade reviewsays the game offers “both the perfect entry point into the Souls-like genre and a refreshing refinement of the well-worn character action formula”.

Stellar Blade (PS5)£41.99£69.99$69.99£69.99$69.99

“For those who wished thatGod of War Ragnarokoffered a bit more challenge or thatBayonettahad a bit more weight to its combat, this slick sci-fi slasher is the perfect tonic,” we wrote.

The game has faced some criticism for in-game lag when dodging and parrying, however,the game’s director has said it is intentional.

PlayStation VR2$399.99£405£459£529.99$549.99

The game recently received a New Game Plus mode in aday-one update.

Stellar Blade’s day one patchalso removed in-game graffiti that “unintentionally” references a racial slur.

Shift Up’s plans forStellar Blade DLCinclude free costume bundles for protagonist Eve, which will add to the 30 outfits available in the base game.