Stellar Blade features Eve as one of its central characters (the game was formerly known as Project Eve), and it is no surprise (at least to those who have seen the game) most marketing efforts for the game seem centered on her, and fans are increasingly curious about her appearance and character design. Here’s an in-depth breakdown to satisfy that curiosity: IS EVE SEXY? Let’s see…
Is Eve Sexy?
I believe that she is but everything developers did was to tone it down, probably scared of being accused of sexism. But no matter how much you tone down a beauty, it is impossible not to notice her, even if you will not be fascinated like, to give you a classic example, Princess Leila in Star Wars. Eve boasts an expansive wardrobe selection that ranges from snug leather outfits and bikinis, bunny suits, cheerleader uniforms, and latex attire, down to silk dresses or vinyl miniskirts. In addition, despite the awful RPG elements, Stellar Blade offers features like jiggle physics that allow users to adjust her ponytail for unobstructed views, clearly the intention to make it sexy is there.
However, something does not work as it should, mostly because from a narrative and character development point of view, Stellar Blade is a poorly executed video game. All characters lack emotion and depth, and you can play and finish the game without learning too much about Eve. She is a fighter, she is dedicated, she has a few quirks (she does not like water), and that’s all you will learn about her. Not enough to like her. I know, you buy Stellar Blade for its combat, not storry, still… It is too little for such a game, and this poor execution is what prevents Eve from being iconic or even alluring. She does not flirt (no romance at all in the game), is blunt in all her interactions, and is always oriented toward the mission.
Does she resemble one of the manga characters?
Eve is designed with subtle manga influences in mind (and we cannot fault the developers for that); her determined expression and sharp features might recall classic manga heroines and if you omit her character altogether, she is sexy; however, her overall aesthetic leans more towards creating an accurate portrayal of an experienced warrior. Eve is not defined by her physical beauty alone, nor should she. But this is not an excuse to make unidimensional. Prioritizing practicality for combat and maneuverability through harsh post-apocalyptic environments in her, sometimes sexy, attire choices is understandable but it went too far in the other direction.
How Does Eve Look?
Eve is an average-height woman built for agility and strength who seems not to be aware of her sexuality. Eve’s features feature narrowed focus eyes that may range in color between blue, green, or hazel depending on in-game lighting conditions; and practical hairstyles or ponytails that hint at past lives or personal preferences. Eve was thought of as the main attraction, and I am sure developers wanted more (otherwise why so many sexy outfits? A military uniform would have been enough for what she’s doing in the game…) but they failed to provide leaving so many fans wanting.
Girl Power: How is Eve involved with other female leaders?
Eve will encounter various characters throughout her journey, particularly women survivors who will provide invaluable support, sharing stories (not notably interesting or emotional) and strategies while striving to rebuild. But if you make such a cinematic display as Stellar Blade does, you expect a little romance, otherwise you would have went to buy cheap PS5 games. And the total lack of romance is upsetting. Eve’s interactions are key in telling this tale of resilience but she does not seem to get closer to any in particular. Like The Last of Us teaches us, romance may only make the game better, how come the developers of Stellar Blade did not learn it? Eve may find allies or mentors among fellow female survivors who share in her efforts at recovery but will never find romance.
Conclusion
Eve was certainly designed to grab attention and keep viewers’s interest throughout but poor execution in the character development and the fear of being sexualized resulted in a flat, uninteresting Eve. She could have been the sexy vixen that players would have remembered for ages, instead, we have a nice looking Eve lacking personality and no more sexy than a drill sergent. Maybe I exagerate for impact… She has a great body, she has sexy outfits, let her be sexy… is not a shame to be sexy. It’s hard work, character, determintaion. Please guys, make it better!
