Why You Should Play Sea of Stars, a Retro-Style RPG That Pays Tribute to the Classics

What is Sea of Stars?

Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG that is inspired by the classics of the genre, such as Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, and Dragon Quest. It is developed by Sabotage Studio, the same team behind The Messenger, a critically acclaimed action-platformer that also paid homage to the retro era. Sea of Stars is set in the same universe as The Messenger, but thousands of years before its events. It follows the story of two Children of the Solstice, Valere and Zale, who have the power to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer¹.

Sea of Stars was successfully funded on Kickstarter in April 2020, raising over $1.6 million from more than 25,000 backers². It was released on August 29, 2023 for PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One³. It has received positive reviews from critics and players alike, praising its graphics, sound, gameplay, and story.

What Makes Sea of Stars Stand Out?

Sea of Stars is not just a nostalgia trip, but a game that brings some fresh and innovative elements to the genre. Here are some of the features that make Sea of Stars stand out from other RPGs:

Dynamic Environments

Sea of Stars features a dynamic environment system that challenges players to use environmental tools and powers they have collected throughout their playthrough. For example, there is a wind ability that can move platforms along a set path, a fire ability that can burn obstacles or light torches, and a water ability that can create bridges or extinguish flames. These abilities can also be used in combat to create combos or exploit enemy weaknesses⁴.

Real-Time Combat Actions

Sea of Stars also features a real-time combat action system that requires players to actively participate in each action. Unlike most turn-based RPGs where you simply select an option from a menu and watch it play out, Sea of Stars requires you to press a button at the right time to boost your attack power or reduce damage taken, or to move your character around the battlefield to avoid enemy attacks or position yourself for better strategies. These actions add more depth and challenge to the combat system, as well as more satisfaction when you pull them off successfully⁵.

Branching Skill System

Sea of Stars also features a branching skill system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities according to their preferences. Each character has two skill trees: one for their Solstice power (sun or moon) and one for their personal talent (swordsmanship or archery). You can choose which skills to unlock or upgrade as you level up, creating different builds and playstyles for each character. You can also equip different accessories that grant passive bonuses or special effects.

What Are the Critics Saying?

Sea of Stars has received rave reviews from critics who have praised its graphics, sound, gameplay, and story. Here are some of the quotes from the reviews:

• “Sea of Stars is a delicious, Michelin-starred tasting menu of an RPG” - GamesRadar+
• “A great chrono-tribute RPG” - IGN
• “Retro-style RPG lives up to classics” - Digital Trends
• “A stunning achievement” - Hardcore Gamer

How Can You Play Sea of Stars?

If you are interested in playing Sea of Stars, you can find it on PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One³. You can also visit the official website for more information about the game and its development.

Sea of Stars is a retro-style RPG that pays tribute to the classics. It combines the best elements of the genre with some fresh and innovative features that make it a unique and enjoyable experience. The game has stunning graphics and sound, engaging gameplay and mechanics, and a captivating story and characters. If you are looking for a new RPG to play, or if you are a fan of the classics, you should definitely check out Sea of Stars. You won’t regret it! 😊