Stellar Blade's Patch 1.009: A Double-Edged Sword of Content and Bugs
Stellar Blade's highly anticipated update, Patch 1.009, delivered the promised Photo Mode and NieR: Automata DLC, but unfortunately, also introduced several game-breaking bugs. Players reported being softlocked in a main quest within an earlier dungeon, preventing further progression. Additional issues included game crashes while using the Photo Mode's selfie camera and cosmetic items failing to render correctly on the character Eve.
Shift Up, the developers, are actively working on a hotfix to address these problems. They advise players to avoid forcing quest progression and wait for the patch to prevent permanent softlocks.
A Collaborative Triumph (with a Few Glitches)
The NieR: Automata collaboration is a significant addition to Patch 1.009. As detailed on the PlayStation Blog, the collaboration stemmed from the mutual inspiration between directors Kim Hyung Tae and Yoko Taro. Players can find NieR character Emil, who offers 11 exclusive collaboration items.
Photo Mode and Enhanced Customization
The long-requested Photo Mode finally arrived, allowing players to capture stunning images of Eve and her companions. New photo challenges further enhance this feature. Four new outfits for Eve, a new accessory (unlocked after a specific ending), and a "No Ponytail" option for increased customization were also added. Further improvements include lip-sync support for six additional languages, improved projectile auto-aim and bullet magnet functionality for the instant death skill, and various minor bug fixes.
In summary, while Patch 1.009 brought exciting new content, the accompanying bugs highlight the need for swift developer action. The upcoming hotfix promises to resolve these issues and deliver a more polished gaming experience.