Sea of Stars Reviews

I feel like this game was made with love and care, the music and art work might be some of the best I've ever seen. I really enjoy how challenging combat can be and especially love all the boss battles, especially their designs. Most boss' have some kind of gimmick that needs to be accounted for and I think that in general is great design. What is surprising is the Zelda like platforming, I thought it was really a breath of fresh air in a way to have that in a JRPG with turn based combat. It really breaks up the pace and allows you to enjoy the environment. I also really like the pacing of the game, it doesn't allow you to get too powerful too quickly and each fight matters, which forces me to account for the resources in my inventory, so I need to manage my resources which is something I would expect to do on a long arduous journey no? It makes me feel like every item I find matters and that nothing is useless and has a use case scenario. Did I mention the boss music as well? honestly it's been such a treat so far. The only cons which I don't think distract from the game, instead If I was to iterate on it would be - A more mature story I'm sure a lot of us are familiar that this is heavily inspired by Chrono trigger and the themes that were tackled in Chrono trigger were way more mature but as a child I still understood the gist of the situation and it was their tragedy and trauma that allowed us to really connect with the cast in that game, in which case they were all memorable in their own way. The game was quite bleak and dark in certain aspects and I think it was a good contrast to the hope and aspirations of the characters aim to try and save the world and the context it gave the characters allowed us to connect with them more. - More Puzzles. Like I said earlier, I think the puzzle elements were a neat touch and I think having a little more complexity would have gone a long way. Perhaps add a hint feature if you're scared about people not getting it at all (like the toggle for hard and normal mode). The Zelda oracle of time and seasons series is a good example of puzzle design even though the game is marketed for youth. -Linear gameplay and story (apparently, I've only just gotten free roam with the ship so i can't comment that it is the case, i"ve just gauged this opinion from comments below) To be honest, I don't mind linearity because honestly if it means that the pacing and gameplay become out of wack because I over leveled, I'd rather have a steady challenge during the main narrative. I wouldn't know where to look for good inspiration when it comes to non linear jrpgs done well as I don't really frequent the genre as much as I used to when I was younger though that being said, part of the reason a lot of us like Chrono trigger is that even saving the main character is almost a side quest, on top of all the side quests that are there. You can even have Frog fight Magus and that effects the stories ending. Even FF6 as well, a lot of the content becomes optional at some point as well. I think it allows for player agency, a way to shape the story in their own way. Do I save Chrono or do I fight Lavos straight away? Do I opt for a super challenging fight? A player can infer the reasons as to why and when certain decisions are made Also as a side tangent, the thing about side quests that they should only be included if they matter and in Chrono Trigger and FF6, you felt that they did, which makes you feel like it isn't a side quest. Honestly, it's quite interesting to look back and think how innovative the story telling was and how in influenced the game play. Over all, I really recommend the game, It's really great, don't let my critiques put you off, these are just ideas I would think about if I was to iterate on an already beautiful game

Im a big fan of pixel-like RPG's and i gotta say this game is an amazing rpg that takes a lot of inspiration from games like Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG! The art of this game is absolutely PHENOMENAL i'd say its the best thing of this game. Art direction and even the monster designs/characters are just so good!!! Battle System is very Super Mario RPG like with the timed attacks but honestly its quite simple and i like it for that! Story wise it starts a lil slow but it eventually picks up end ends up being a decent story. Not anything groundbreaking but good enough to get through the game. The SOUNDTRACK of this game is so good!!! I love that they brought in Yatsunori Mitsuda into this too since hes done songs from the Xeno series! The game overall had a decent pacing aside from a rushed ending i guess? The DLC on the other hand is amazing aside from the fact that the dungeons on that feel like they drag a lil too long but its still more of Sea of Stars and its was fun to play through regardless!!! Great JRPG honestly!!!

Great game. Interesting mix ups to make turn based combat more spicy which is a nice change. Art style is fantastic and has a lot of fancy effects with lighting and shadows. Soundtrack is pretty solid as well. The story is generally interesting, although there's some stumbles.

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Sea of Stars on Steam stands out as a masterful homage to classic JRPGs, seamlessly blending nostalgic pixel art with modern storytelling and gameplay mechanics. From the moment you dive into its vibrant world, you're greeted with beautifully crafted pixel environments that evoke the golden era of 16-bit RPGs, yet infused with contemporary animation and visual effects that bring the world to life. The game’s art style strikes a perfect balance between retro charm and fresh, detailed design, creating a lush, immersive environment filled with diverse locales, from lush forests and bustling towns to mysterious dungeons and open seas. The soundtrack complements this aesthetic beautifully, with a sweeping orchestral score that heightens the sense of adventure and emotional weight, making every moment feel both epic and intimate. Gameplay in Sea of Stars centers around turn-based combat that feels fluid and strategic, emphasizing timing, positioning, and unique character abilities. The game introduces innovative mechanics like combo attacks and elemental interactions that encourage players to experiment with different strategies for each encounter. The combat system is deep yet accessible, allowing newcomers to enjoy the mechanics while rewarding more experienced players with complex tactical options. The game also features a compelling progression system, where players can customize their party members' skills and equipment, unlocking new abilities and playstyles as they explore. Exploration is rewarded through a variety of side quests, hidden secrets, and lore-rich environments that encourage curiosity and reward attentive players with rich storytelling and character development. The narrative of Sea of Stars is a standout aspect, offering a heartfelt and well-crafted story that delves into themes of friendship, destiny, and sacrifice. The writing is sharp, often infused with humor, emotional depth, and moments of introspection, making the characters feel relatable and multi-dimensional. The game’s pacing balances moments of intense combat with quieter, story-driven segments, allowing players to connect with the characters and the world they inhabit. The game also features beautifully animated cutscenes that enhance key story moments, adding a cinematic quality that elevates the overall experience. The lore is rich and layered, providing a sense of history and depth to the game's universe, encouraging players to piece together clues and immerse themselves in the story's unfolding mysteries. One of the most impressive aspects of Sea of Stars is its tight level design and world-building. Each area feels thoughtfully crafted, with environmental puzzles, interactive NPCs, and lore snippets that deepen the player's understanding of the game's universe. The game’s pacing ensures that players remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed, offering a steady stream of discoveries, battles, and story revelations. The game’s difficulty curve is well-balanced, providing a satisfying challenge that tests strategic thinking without feeling punishing. The soundtrack, sound effects, and voice acting (where present) all work harmoniously to create an immersive auditory experience, further drawing players into this beautifully realized world. While Sea of Stars is largely a triumph, some players might find certain side quests or exploration elements a bit formulaic or optional to the core story, which could lead to a slightly repetitive feel if pursued excessively. Additionally, although the game aims for broad accessibility, some players may find the combat mechanics or puzzle elements challenging initially, requiring patience and experimentation. Technical performance is smooth overall, with minimal bugs or glitches, and the developers’ attention to detail is evident in the polished presentation and well-crafted user interface. Overall, Sea of Stars is a remarkable tribute to the JRPG genre, capturing its essence while infusing it with new life through refined gameplay, compelling storytelling, and stunning visuals. It appeals to both nostalgic fans of classic titles and newcomers seeking a heartfelt adventure brimming with exploration, strategic combat, and memorable characters. Its blend of old-school aesthetics and modern design makes it a standout title that promises dozens of hours of engaging gameplay and emotional resonance, cementing its position as a must-play for RPG enthusiasts and adventure lovers alike. Rating: 9/10

fully believe this game was hand made for me personally. loved it. felt incredibly nostalgic while keeping things like combat and treasure hunts refreshing and new if you play a lot of rpg maker games. the writing is mid but its cute. multiplayer function seems sort of asinine but it could be useful for playing online, or if you need to hand a controller to a younger sibling/cousin/child/etc. all in all a very fun and cute game. the art style is just beautiful and each area felt unique and stylized. good variation of enemies. the clockwork dlc scratches every itch the main game misses, and also adds some substance to the main characters which is a nice touch. every inch of this game oozes the developer's genuine love for making it. 10/10 adorable game

Game is very linear and there is nothing much to do in combat. You use the same 3 skills, do the same tactics every fight, no build variety, no sidequests, and pretty much every character have the same gameplay only different elements for breaking. I do not recommend this game if you are into turn based rpg.

Very linear game. There wasn't a wide variety of different attacks or strategies in combat. It just dragged towards the end. The story was very uninspired. Very uninteresting characters. This is definitely a game for children.

What first pulled me in was the artwork and the whispers I’d heard about the game’s nostalgic feel, and in that regard, Sea of Stars delivers. The visuals are genuinely beautiful. I played it on the Steam Deck and it ran flawlessly, giving me real GBA-era RPG vibes in the best way. Combat starts off simple and kind of meh, but as the game progresses and you unlock more skills, it opens up in a satisfying way. The timed-hit system was especially fun, at first I was missing constantly, but once it started to click, it felt really good to land those consistently. It’s the kind of system that’s easy to learn, but rewarding to master. Character building was a bit of a letdown. I didn’t really connect with most of the cast, only one character stood out to me as having real soul. The others felt a bit flat. Now, I’ll be honest, the hype set my expectations pretty high, and the final product didn’t quite live up to that. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad game. In fact, I think it deserves a chance. It succeeds at blending familiar RPG elements with some thoughtful modern touches. Also, the free expansion Throes of the Watchmaker was a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed the content and the world it introduced, it added a lot more fun and value to the overall experience.

I wanted to like this game so bad after dropping it back in 2023. 2 years later I came back and completed everything in the base game including the true ending. After 40 hours, I can say confidently that I have zero interest in playing the DLC. Story 3/10 (EDIT: 2/10) The story is what I would argue is my biggest gripe with Sea of Stars. The story starts off 'cute', but never really evolves pass that. The characters are incredibly one dimensional, bland and never develop. I mean this with every single character in this game. Why even offer a choice between two protagonists who have less personality combined than a silent protagonist? Do not be fooled by the illusion of choice: Valere and Zale are exactly the same and share the same similar opinion on everything. There is no difference between who you pick, and they might as well have been the same character. At the end of the day, your opinion on the story will be based off how much you can tolerate the 'Mary Sue' (Garl), because the writers have made it their goal to shove him down your throat at every point in the story. If its not clear -- I did not like Garl. EDIT: I had some time reflecting the true ending, and I think I was being GENEROUS with giving this game's story a 3. The true ending completely solidified my thought that the team desperately needs to hire a writing team. Music 7/10 No comment here. Sea of Stars has a lot of great tracks and I would say the OST is one of the game's strong points. Visuals 9/10 The visuals are stunning, and is what drew me to it in the first place. Gameplay 4/10 I played with the Tactician's Mettle relic on (this is the game's toggle-able 'challenge' difficulty) and everything else disabled. Each character has 3 individual skills, a ultimate and a handful of combination skills. Each characters Ultimate skill uses a shared resource that you build up in combat. For this reason, there is very little reason to use any other ultimate besides Resh'an's because 4 out of the 6 other ultimates do not have a secondary effect. The visual and sound cues for the QTE are not clear nor define. There is so little skill expression and customization in this game. The equipment in this game lacks any depth. Found a new weapon? Well, 4 ATK is higher than 2 ATK. Found a new armor? Number go up. Why aren't there more interesting trinkets that change gameplay like ones that increases the damage or timing window of specific skills (i.e. Moonstone Bracer & Celestial Ray)? Instead, 80% of the trinkets are bland that 'increase max HP by 15'. Why are the party trinkets such a no-brainer equipment slot and why are there so few of them? Often when you find one, you have enough party members to just equip them all, and they apply the effect to the whole party -- so there really is no thinking involved: just equip them. This is such a shame because a lot of the party trinkets offer a tad bit of flavor and add a bit of much needed variance to the gameplay. Unfortunately, there just aren't enough party trinkets in the game. So many questionable decisions from the dev team from a balancing perspective. Much like the story, the gameplay barely evolves over the course of the game. Fun for the first 10 hours. Overall 4.5/10 Sea of Stars is disappointing. There was so much potential for it to be good, but unfortunately, just misses. The creators drew inspiration from great titles like Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG, but forgot to evolve from the 90s. I hope they continue to make games and learn from the criticisms to work towards a masterpiece. But for me, Sea of Stars was undercooked and mid.