Developed by: Sabotage Studio
Published by: Sabotage Studio
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch and PC
Thanks to its gorgeous retro-style pixel art graphics, Sea of Stars is immediately reminiscent of classic 16-bit JRPGs such as Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI and Breath of Fire – proving just how timeless and beautiful the graphics from that era are. Of course, Sea of Stars modernizes the visuals with contemporary enhancements such as impressive character animations and a dynamic lighting system (which becomes key to solving some of the puzzles later in the game) but it never loses that ‘Super Nintendo vibe’.
On paper, the plot feels extremely derivative of other titles in the genre – the lead protagonists are a pair of twins – Solstice Warriors imbued with solar and lunar powers that are destined to protect their world from ancient evils. However, the game frequently subverts expectations with a number of intriguing plot twists and a complete visual and tonal shift midway through the game that is absolutely genius. Without wanting to spoil too much, I loved how difference the first and second half of the game were from one another – almost changing genres from fantasy to science-fiction. Even the narration boxes change look, which is a lovely little detail. With the current zeitgeist surrounding multiverses and parallel universes, it feels very timely and also allows the developers to homage a different aspect of the 16-bit JRPG era.
The nostalgia extends beyond the superficial and into the gameplay mechanics also with a mix of real-time exploration and puzzle-solving combined with strategic turn-based combat. Wisely ditching the irritating random encounters of older Final Fantasy titles, Sea of Stars gives players the option to attempt to avoid combat or instigate surprise attacks to gain an advantage on the situation. This, coupled with the puzzle solving elements, leans more towards the action RPG scale, evoking memories of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – a title which also had a recent revival on the Nintendo Switch.
While the combat system might appear simplistic in comparison to the detailed spells, jobs and skills that populated those 16-bit Final Fantasy games, there are some tactical decisions from the player that need to be made in order to improve combat efficiency. Enemies can launch powerful attacks after a number of turns, but these attacks can be defused if players can break their ‘locks’ – which appear as a series of icons relating to different attack types. For example, one enemy might have their attack defused if players are able to deliver a poison and blunt damage within a single turn – in order to do this, the player would have to either use a combo move that combined those damage types, or find an alternate way to deal the relevant damage. This adds a huge strategic element to the combat as it becomes essential to defuse or weaken some of the more devastating attacks. The game also encourages active attention during the combat sequences by allowing players to block incoming attacks through carefully timed button presses, reducing damage if a defensive pose is struck at the right time.
Combat is relatively fast-paced and the bosses are naturally huge set-pieces with gargantuan creatures taking over half of the screen. Difficulty-wise, the game is never excessively tough as long as those core tenets surrounding blocking attacks and defusing locks are adhered to. To make the experience accessible, the game does feature a number of options to simplify the fight system so no player is left behind.
As with most JRPGs, the game features a variety of different and quirky characters to play as; each with dedicated strengths and weaknesses. The lead protagonists, Zale and Valere, are the least interesting of the group, occupying that traditional hero role with little differentiation between the two. Their childhood friend, Garl, is a much more fascinating character and provides a heavy mix of comedic relief and tragedy throughout the adventure. Subsequent characters such as Serai, Resh’an and B’st each bring a fresh dynamic to the game with new elemental powers and fun personalities. I really enjoyed playing as Serai, especially during the second half of the game when more and more of her backstory was revealed.
Aside from the main quest, the game also allows players to undertake a number of side-quests and mini-games, as every good RPG should! I really enjoyed the ‘Wheels’ mini-game which introduced a whole new tactical element to the game as players competed against champions to earn new mini-figures to augment their game. Similar in structure to ‘Orlog’ in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Wheels involves gambling on a series of randomly-generated slots to earn credits which can be spent on attacks or defense. A mixture of chance and strategy, it is a great mini-game and also forms part of the post-game questline to unlock the alternative ending. Other side-quests include character-specific missions to earn endgame weapons, cooking food at campfires and that age-old RPG staple of catching fish from a lake.
Sea of Stars is undeniably a title rooted in nostalgia, taking the very best elements of that 16-bit RPG era and revitalizing it with new and shinier graphics. With over 50 hours of game-time required to beat the story completely, it certainly boasts the longevity of a traditional RPG title despite its indie studio origins. Sure, the plot drags a little bit at the beginning with a lengthy flashback sequence, but the game is eerily effective at recreating that classic JRPG era for a modern audience. A flawless recreation of a bygone era, Sea of Stars deserves to be remembered alongside all of those legendary games that inspired it.
Score – ★★★★ ½
Sea of Stars is available digitally on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch and Windows PC. It can also be bought in a physical format for the same platforms via Amazon UK.
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