A Nostalgic Gem in RPG Gaming – Sea of Stars Review

Sabotage, renowned for their 2018 hit “The Messenger,” returns with their latest creation, “Sea of Stars.” This delightful throwback RPG draws inspiration from classic 16-bit RPGs, infusing modern innovation while sidestepping the frustrating elements of its predecessors.

Whether you plunge into the game uninitiated or well-prepared, it’s recommended to read the Kickstarter update titled “Prologue – The Two Alchemists.” This serves as a primer for the universe in which Sea of Stars unfolds, introducing key characters that enrich the gameplay experience.

In this captivating world, the sinister and immortal alchemist known as the Fleshmancer plagues the realm alongside his formidable minions, the Dwellers. You may also read Iconic Sublime with Rome Set to Ignite Kiwi Summer Tour.

Opposing these malevolent forces are the Solstice Warriors, individuals born on the summer or winter solstice, wielding solar and lunar magic. Meet Zale and Valere, two fresh Solstice Warriors accompanied by their skilled chef and loyal friend, Garl.

Embarking on a journey to thwart a potent Dweller, they explore a series of islands, encountering a charming array of characters, some joining their party while others offer vital support. Among them, Seraï, a secretive assassin, stands out, and her backstory revelation intertwines seamlessly with a captivating plot twist.

The game’s standout feature undoubtedly lies in its turn-based battle system. Encountering monsters on the map triggers battles in plain sight, with your trio of heroes springing into action right then and there. This system ingeniously amalgamates elements from various RPGs, incorporating timed button presses reminiscent of the Mario & Luigi series for added damage.

Character-based combo attacks akin to Chrono Trigger. Basic attacks also replenish your limited magic points, and you can eventually swap in additional party members without cost, reminiscent of Final Fantasy X.

For those merely progressing through the main story, Sea of Stars can conclude in approximately 25-30 hours. However, the inclusion of side quests, fishing, and other diversions can extend gameplay to over 50 hours or more. Your total playtime largely hinges on your gaming style and penchant for exploration.

Given the abundance of RPGs demanding substantial hours, Sea of Stars’ relatively shorter completion time could be a welcomed relief, especially amidst a busy gaming season. Notably, reviews for the game are overwhelmingly positive, boasting an impressive overall score of 95 on Opencritic, which aggregates scores across all versions of the game.

Movement mechanics aren’t solely designed to alleviate monotonous point-to-point travel. Delving into the game’s intricately designed dungeons evokes a sensation akin to playing a top-down Zelda-like adventure. Puzzles aren’t overly convoluted, and the architecture lacks the labyrinthine twists of Zelda, yet each new area introduces distinct challenges and novel ways to navigate your surroundings.

This dynamic approach not only enriches the gameplay but also unveils a trove of concealed secrets within the pixelated landscapes. What appears to be a mere bunch of leaves could potentially be much more, and a ledge that was once unreachable now beckons for exploration.

Sea of Stars provided a rare gaming experience. As the climactic showdown approached within the antagonist’s lair, I chose an unconventional path. Instead of proceeding with the final battle, I turned back, retracing my steps. Utilizing my trusty ship, I traversed oceans to rediscover ancient, sealed doors, submerged landmarks, and long-forgotten chests that had eluded me earlier.

Picture yourself reconfiguring pipes to access different rooms or combining colored gems to forge diverse portals. You should also check $4 Movie Tickets! Don’t Miss Out on National Cinema Day.

This detour led me not only to anticipated super bosses and legendary armaments but also to a subtle homage, perhaps unintentional, to Final Fantasy IV’s shifting world. It felt akin to rediscovering the world afresh; transformations, both significant and subtle, had occurred. Structures under construction for hours stood now complete.

Previously silent NPCs presented new quests. Extending my time with the game exposed not just revelations, but a fundamental truth: when a creation is crafted with passion, that love manifests in the minutest of details.