Review of Sea of Stars: “A delicious, Michelin-starred tasting menu of an RPG”

Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG that pays homage to the classics of the genre, such as Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy. .

The game is set in the same universe as The Messenger, a retro-inspired platformer that came out in 2018, but it takes place thousands of years before the events of that game. You play as two young apprentices of the Solstice Order, a group of warriors who can harness the power of the sun and the moon to fight against the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.

The game features a beautiful pixel art style that captures the charm and nostalgia of the 16-bit era, with vibrant colors, detailed animations, and dynamic lighting effects. The game also boasts an original soundtrack composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, the legendary composer behind Chrono Trigger and Xenogears. The music perfectly complements the mood and atmosphere of each location, from serene forests to ominous dungeons.

The combat system is simple but engaging, with a mix of real-time and turn-based elements. You can move your characters around the battlefield to avoid enemy attacks or position yourself for better strategies. You can also use environmental objects, such as rocks or barrels, to deal damage or create diversions. Each character has their own unique skills and abilities, such as healing, buffing, debuffing, or unleashing powerful attacks. You can also combine your skills with your partner’s to create synergies and combos.

The game also offers a lot of exploration and side activities, such as fishing, crafting, cooking, and collecting. You can find hidden secrets and treasures in every corner of the world, as well as meet interesting characters and quests. The game has a lot of humor and personality, with witty dialogue and references to pop culture and other games. The game also has multiple endings and branching paths, depending on your choices and actions throughout the story.

Sea of Stars is a game that will appeal to fans of classic RPGs, as well as newcomers who want to experience a charming and captivating adventure. The game is currently in development by Sabotage Studio, and it is expected to be released in 2022 for PC and consoles. You can support the game by backing its Kickstarter campaign, which has already surpassed its initial goal and reached several stretch goals. If you are looking for a game that will make you feel like a kid again, Sea of Stars is definitely worth checking out.