Sea of Stars, developed by Sabotage Studio, is a delightful RPG that successfully blends classic turn-based combat with a fresh and enchanting narrative. It’s a wonderful love letter to the RPGs of the SNES era while adding some modern flare. In case you’re rolling your eyes because every indie dev says that, it’s worth noting Sabotage Studio is the same dev who released the incredibly popular and beloved title, The Messenger. In fact, it turns out this game is set in the same universe and serves as a prequel that takes players on a celestial journey filled with magic, wonder, and adventure.
One of the first things that was immediately apparent to me when diving into Sea of Stars is how beautiful and vibrant the pixel art is. The game’s visual style is a nostalgic nod to classic RPGs of the ’90s, but with a modern touch that brings it to life in a way that feels both familiar and refreshing. Environments feature rich modern graphical flourishes that pair with the pixel art like reflections, smog/haze, lighting, and more The attention to detail in character design, animations, and environments is exceptional, making every location a joy to explore. The last time I remember being this stuck with pixel art was when Owl Boy came out.
Without going into too much detail to avoid spoilers, players assume the roles of child Solstice Warriors, Valere and Zale, who wield Eclipse Magic harnessing the power of the sun and moon. These powers aren’t common and those who harness this kind of magic are known as the Children of the Solstice. These powers are the only magic able to harm otherworldly monsters known as Dwellers which are the creations of an evil god-like alchemist called the Fleshmancer. Their overarching quest is to gather the other Children of the Solstice and save the world from impending doom. Throughout your journey, Valere and Zale are accompanied by their chilehood friend, Garl, who is a normal person without any magical abilities. You’ll also fill out your party along the way by meeting other companions. Overall, the narrative is charming and family-friendly with humor and heartwarming moments and accessibility features called Relics can be switched on or off at any time to make it accessible to players of all ages.
I said above how the aesthetics are beautiful but it’s the gameplay where Sea of Stars truly shines. The turn-based combat system is brilliantly executed, offering a balance between strategy and action. As Valere and Zale, players must combine their unique abilities and those of their companions to overcome various challenges and enemies. Battles are engaging and require thoughtful planning, making them a highlight of the game. Exploration is another strong suit of Sea of Stars, offering an expansive world filled with secrets to discover, puzzles to solve, and NPCs to interact with. The variety of environments, each with its own distinctive charm, keeps the exploration aspect fresh and exciting.
The music and sound design also deserve special mention, as they add depth and emotion to the game. The soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda (known for his work on Chrono Trigger), complements the game’s atmosphere perfectly and serves to aids in immersing players in Sea of Stars’ enchanting world.
All in all, Sea of Stars is a remarkable RPG that pays homage to the classics while carving out its own unique identity. It delivers a captivating story, modernized beautiful visuals, engaging gameplay, and a memorable soundtrack. It offers a truly enchanting adventure that fans of the genre should not miss. Sabotage Studio has once again proven their talent in creating an unforgettable gaming experiences, and Sea of Stars is a shining example of their craftsmanship. Sea of Stars is available everywhere across PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
