Incredible Celestial Exploration: Sea of Stars Review | RPGFan

Sea of Stars, the latest release from indie developer Sabotage Studio, is a game that captures the essence of classic RPGs while adding its own unique twist. With stunning visuals, an engaging storyline, and a memorable soundtrack, Sea of Stars proves to be every bit as special as gamers had hoped it would be. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects of the game and discuss its strengths and minor shortcomings.

The world of Sea of Stars is one beset by an evil alchemist and his monstrous minions. Players take on the roles of Zale and Valere, two Solstice Warriors who, accompanied by their talented chef friend Garl, embark on a quest to defeat a powerful Dweller. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and abilities, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

One standout character in Sea of Stars is Seraï, a mysterious assassin whose backstory is revealed alongside one of the game’s most surprising plot twists. Garl, on the other hand, serves as the heart of the party, providing moments of levity and joy throughout the game.

While Sea of Stars may have a classic “good versus evil” setup, it introduces interesting nuances and unexpected plot developments that keep players engaged. The ending may be a bit abrupt, and not all plot threads are tied up neatly, but overall, the adventure feels satisfying and the world feels fully explored.

The game’s lore is further enriched by a traveling historian named Teaks, who shares stories with players at various campsites. These tales, often centered around relevant areas or characters, add depth and intrigue to the game’s universe without bogging down the main story.

Sea of Stars is a feast for the eyes, featuring vibrant and detailed 2D pixel graphics, complemented by modern features such as dynamic lighting and real-time reflections. Each area of the game feels meticulously crafted and unique, with a classic world map adding to the sense of exploration.

The character designs in Sea of Stars are endearing, even among non-playable characters. The pixel art portraits accompanying major characters are particularly lovely. The addition of hand-drawn animations further enhances the visual experience, making Sea of Stars a truly visually stunning game.

Sea of Stars incorporates platforming elements, allowing players to run, jump, climb, and swim through its environments. The inclusion of these mechanics not only adds freedom for exploration but also creates more varied locales, hidden secrets, and clever puzzles. The ability to change the time of day adds an additional layer of complexity, opening up new possibilities and allowing for unique interactions with the environment.

Sea of Stars features turn-based battles centered around the Locks system. Enemies charging special moves display locks that players must break using certain attack types. Breaking locks reduces the power of the charged move, and if all locks are broken, the move is canceled. This introduces an element of strategy, forcing players to prioritize which attacks to counter.

The combat system also includes timed hits and blocks, reminiscent of Super Mario RPG, where properly timing attacks and defense can increase or decrease damage. The live mana system adds an additional strategic layer to battles, allowing characters to boost attacks by utilizing magic power left behind by regular attacks.

Sea of Stars also introduces combo attacks and ultimates, providing players with powerful and visually impressive moves to unleash upon enemies. Overall, the combat system in Sea of Stars is well-crafted, blending classic turn-based mechanics with innovative elements that make battles engaging and enjoyable.

While Sea of Stars largely delivers an exceptional gaming experience, there are a few minor complaints to note. Visibility issues occasionally arise, making it challenging to discern which enemy a set of locks is attached to. Additionally, characters may reposition themselves in ways that hinder visibility during certain skills.

Backtracking can occasionally feel like a chore, especially when searching for missed items or uncovering hidden goodies. While combat can be avoided in old areas, there is no option to escape battles if they do occur. Lastly, the cooking system introduces a limitation on the number of items players can hold, which may prove frustrating if one accumulates a surplus of ingredients without the ability to use them.

The music within Sea of Stars, composed by Eric Brown with contributions from Yasunori Mitsuda, is a standout feature of the game. The compositions are incredibly catchy and boast a crunchy retro soundscape that perfectly complements the game’s nostalgic theme.

What makes the soundtrack truly exceptional is the incorporation of day and night versions for area themes and the main battle theme. The synths seamlessly change depending on the time of day, creating a dynamic and immersive musical experience. The game also introduces a group of pirates who perform band versions of the game’s music, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for players.

Sea of Stars is a nostalgic callback to the golden era of classic RPGs while standing proudly as an instant classic in its own right. With its gorgeous visuals, engaging storytelling, innovative combat system, and captivating soundtrack, Sea of Stars offers players a truly magical gaming experience. Despite minor quibbles and a somewhat abrupt ending, the game delivers on its promise, providing a nostalgic and memorable journey that will captivate RPG lovers and newcomers alike.

Whether you seek a nostalgic experience or simply a great RPG, Sea of Stars is an absolute must-play. Sabotage Studio has created a gem that deserves a place among the best in the genre.