Sea of Stars | Review Thread

[John Elden Ring]

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Game Information​

Game Title: Sea of Stars
Platforms:

• PC (Aug 29, 2023)
• Nintendo Switch (Aug 29, 2023)
• Xbox Series X/S (Aug 29, 2023)
• PlayStation 5 (Aug 29, 2023)
• Xbox One (Aug 29, 2023)
• PlayStation 4 (Aug 29, 2023)

Trailers:

• Sea of Stars | Release Date + Switch Demo Announcement Trailer
• Sea of Stars | In-game Cinematics Teaser
• Sea of Stars - Summer Game Fest Trailer

Developer: Sabotage Studio
Publisher: Sabotage Studio

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 94 average - 100% recommended

Metacritic - 91 average - Based on 5 critics

Critic Reviews​

AltChar - Asmir Kovacevic - 85 / 100

Sea of Stars is a pixel-art turn-based RPG that evokes memories of bygone gaming eras while delivering a distinctive experience immersed in a captivating narrative and very engaging gameplay.

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But Why Tho? - Charles Hartford - 10 / 10

With Sea of Stars Sabotage has crafted a unique and engaging game that any fan of the genre will enjoy playing. Its polish and innovation make it not only a Game of the Year contender but also makes it deserving of being added to the pantheon of indie games’ greatest right up there with the likes of Celeste and Hades.

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Cinelinx - Becky O'Brien - 4.5 / 5

Sea of Stars may look and feel like an old-school RPG, but it’s story, music, and overall approach make for a stunning title for modern gamers to enjoy.

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Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - Recommended

Sabotage Studio’s Sea of Stars is an instant classic. It is an engrossing story with beautiful characters bolstered with an exciting battle system that respects its predecessors while establishing its legacy.

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Dexerto - Brad Norton - 5 / 5

Sabotage Studio has accomplished its grand vision. With a mission statement of “creating definitive editions of the game genres we enjoyed as kids,” not only have they tactfully paid homage to their inspirations, but through a number of dazzling new ideas, they’ve now left an indelible mark on the JRPG genre. Sea of Stars is a modern classic.

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Digital Trends - Jess Reyes - 4 / 5

Sabotage Studios blends aspects from Super Mario RPG, Illusion of Gaia, and Chrono Trigger to create Sea of Stars, its largest RPG yet. It incorporates combat quirks like timed hits and dual attacks that force you to pay attention way after you’ve selected a move, and keeps encounters exciting with the diverse enemies throughout the colorful, pixelated landscapes. All that, plus respectable storytelling, make it the best indie RPG that I’ve played this year.

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GameBlast - Farley Santos - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Sea of Stars is an exciting journey through a richly crafted world that combines nostalgic elements of classic RPGs with modern innovations. In the company of a captivating group of heroes, we dive into a spirited adventure full of twists and good times. In addition to having a well-constructed universe, the game enchants with beautiful visuals in pixel art and memorable soundtrack. As an RPG, the title offers a remarkable mix of elements. Turn-based combat captivates with real-time commands, many tactical options and characters with diverse styles. Exploration is agile with scenarios full of obstacles to be climbed or jumped, with several secrets, puzzles and alternative routes. And there's plenty to do, like optional quests and minigames. In the end, Sea of Stars perfectly balances nostalgia with contemporary elements, resulting in an unmissable RPG experience.

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Gamepur - Matt Fuller - 10 / 10

Sea of Stars is a triumphant JRPG that pays homage to the classics and carves its own space in the pantheon of its best titles. The world and characters were excellent, and experiencing the story alongside them was an absolute joy. Whether it was combat, exploration, or puzzles, I always found myself fully invested in the adventures of Zale, Valere, and everyone else I met on the journey.
The masterful way that Sabotage Studio has been able to capture that feeling of adventure and nostalgia is nothing short of incredible, and Sea of Stars not only sits among some of the genre’s greatest, but it manages to exceed them. It is truly one of the best JRPGs I have ever played.

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Gaming Instincts - Leonid Melikhov - 9.5 / 10

Sea of Stars is a true spiritual successor to turn-based JRPGs that I believe any fan of old-school Final Fantasy titles specifically Chrono Trigger and Breath of Fire must play. I felt like I was teleported back to the PlayStation 1 days playing a classical turn-based JRPG.

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Hey Poor Player - Shane Boyle - 5 / 5

Sure, it could be argued that in its opening hours, Sea of Stars doesn’t put its best foot forward, but when what follows an admittedly slow start is such a joyous experience, that’s nothing only a small blemish on an otherwise impeccable product that is easily forgiven. I’ve played a lot of retro-inspired RPGs over the past few years, and while I’ve enjoyed many, rarely have I come away with the opinion that they can hold a candle to their inspirations. Sea of Stars, on the other hand, not only manages to confidently stand shoulder to shoulder with the greats, but in many ways, improves on them to create an unmissable JRPG experience.

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Kakuchopurei - Jonathan Leo - 100 / 100

There's no other way to put this: Sea Of Stars is sublime from start to finish. It's a love letter to the best era of JRPGs -the late 90s to 2000s- made to look like the past but comes with a lot of newfangled modern-day features to duplicate the spirit and joy it emanates. And despite its obvious inspiration, it stands tall and proud on its own two feet, sword in one hand and Solar/Moon powers to blast away all doubt of JRPGs existing in proper and fun form in 2023.

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Multiplayer First - Paulmichael Contreras - 9 / 10

Sea of Stars will take any seasoned gamer back to a simpler times, when the games were colorful, flat, and lengthy. If you want a turn-based RPG that is easy to pick up and yet quite challenging, then you’ll want to check out Sea of Stars. Some of the enemies can occasionally cheese you to death, but it’s nothing that can’t be overcome. The added accessibility options are appreciated, and the imaginative story is entertaining. If you ever want to just chill with a simple game after a long day, Sea of Stars would be a good choice.

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Pure Dead Gaming - DeadbeatpunK - 9 / 10

Sea of Stars is an outstanding title, if any newcomers were curious about turn based RPGs, this is the game I would steer them towards. Old hands will also have a great time revelling in this nostalgic quest. Although it may lack the full heft of a classic RPG, there is still enough meat on the bone to satisfy the seasoned RPG connoisseur. In a year already packed with future classics, this stands tall among them. Sabotage’s Kickstarter project has delivered exactly what the fans wanted and took no shortcuts in delivering their promised vision.

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Rectify Gaming - Henry - 9 / 10

Sea of Stars is more than just a video game; it’s an enchanting journey that captures the essence of what makes RPGs beloved by gamers of all generations. Sabotage Studio has crafted a masterpiece that effortlessly balances nostalgia with innovation, creating a world that players will want to explore and protect. With its compelling narrative, stunning visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable music, Sea of Stars is a celestial gem that deserves a place in every gamer’s collection.

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The Beta Network - Anthony Culinas - 9 / 10

Featuring a terrific turn-based battle system, eye-popping pixel-art, a colourful cast of characters and engaging exploration mechanics to boot, this prequel to 2018's The Messenger is more than worth the 30-hour time investment.

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The Outerhaven Productions - Scott Adams - 5 / 5

Sabotage Studio creates another masterpiece with Sea of Stars. With great gameplay mechanics, a thrilling narrative, and stunning visuals, there isn’t anything I would change about this game. Perfection is a word that comes to mind.

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WellPlayed - Mark Isaacson - 9.5 / 10

Sea of Stars is a breathtaking ride through familiarity and originality, engaging in its mechanics and colourful in its story, culminating in some of the best twists and turns of any RPG I’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying.

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[Systemshock2023]

This year is getting closer and closer to 1998 in output.

 

[Johnic]

Excellent.

 

[Sircaw]

This year is getting closer and closer to 1998 in output.

And the best is yet to come

 

[Gamernyc78]

Sea Of Stars starts at 95 on Opencritic and 91 on metacritic. Reminder that the game is included in PS+Extra .​

Another winner

 

[ethomaz]

Seem like a great game.

Remember me a lot of the art style of Breath of Fire 3 from the cover.

Big chances to buy.

 

[Dr Bass]

A prequel story? A prequel to what?

I'm excited to try this.

 

[Gamernyc78]

A prequel story? A prequel to what?

I'm excited to try this.

"The messenger"

 

[Remember_Spinal]

Bruh, theres just not enough time in the world. Good problems though, this year is definitely going down as the goat

 

[Entropi]

Man, this year has been epic for gamers

 

[Muddasar]

Wow didn’t expect reviews to be this high.

It’s studios like these which need to be snapped up by Sony.

 

[anonpuffs]

My gaming this year

 

[PropellerEar]

And the best is yet to come

 

[Cool hand luke]

Wow didn’t expect reviews to be this high.

It’s studios like these which need to be snapped up by Sony.

My sentiments exactly. I played the demo and while I enjoyed it, I didn't expect it would be '95 on opencritic' quality.

 

[Dr Bass]

Wow didn’t expect reviews to be this high.

It’s studios like these which need to be snapped up by Sony.

Why? It's fine for everyone to be able to enjoy these games. Just say no to this consolidation crap.

 

[Gamernyc78]

Why? It's fine for everyone to be able to enjoy these games. Just say no to this consolidation crap.

How do you know he's saying that due to consolidation? Before all this Microsoft/Sony bullshit there were a few companies I said the same about not because I cared about companies consolidating but because I knew the potential some of these companies have if they are bought by a bigger one, funded and advertised. Some of these companies try on their own and end up dying because it isn't enough!

 

[Muddasar]

Why? It's fine for everyone to be able to enjoy these games. Just say no to this consolidation crap.

Nothing to do with consolidation but funding.

Imagine this team with Sony backing.

This is not a case of Elder Scrolls, Fallout, WoW, Diablo, Starfield etc going exclusive and cutting off millions of gamers.

 

[Dr Bass]

How do you know he's saying that due to consolidation? Before all this Microsoft/Sony bullshit there were a few companies I said the same about not because I cared about companies consolidating but because I knew the potential some of these companies have if they are bought by a bigger one, funded and advertised. Some of these companies try on their own and end up dying because it isn't enough!

It's consolidation regardless of the motivation. The game is launching on every platform, so why should those potential future games be removed from other platforms already? Wanting Sony to buy them right out of the gate because it's a good game is just silly. Third party games are a good thing.

 

[Dr Bass]

Nothing to do with consolidation but funding.

Imagine this team with Sony backing.

This is not a case of Elder Scrolls, Fallout, WoW, Diablo, Starfield etc going exclusive and cutting off millions of gamers.

Throwing money at something does not mean it will be better. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of software development. You can't just throw headcount at something and get "bigger and better." Besides, bigger isn't always better anyway. You're already asking for the formula of this studio to be changed?

Also, there seems to be plenty of studios right now with "Sony backing" that do not seem to be producing the way they should. So it seems having Sony's support is not a golden ticket to success. At least not at the moment.

We should just appreciate this game for what it is, and support it. I don't want another small developer to try and go big right away. Then we won't get more games like this.

No, Sony should not buy this team.

 

[Gamernyc78]

It's consolidation regardless of the motivation. The game is launching on every platform, so why should those potential future games be removed from other platforms already? Wanting Sony to buy them right out of the gate because it's a good game is just silly. Third party games are a good thing.

My point still stands and motivation definitely stands for something. Consolidation also does not mean it can only be on one console! Bungie is a good example of that. It's all about what's in the contract and what the company heads agree to.

And as if everyone here who are obvious gaming enthusiasts don't know that throwing money at something doesn't make it better, I think given Microsoft's track record abd other multimillion dollar games which rated low, we know that! What money can bring as long as it is done efficiently is bring better talent, more people to work on the project, better tools to do a job, larger scope, etc...

No disrespect but sometimes I think ppl don't know that most of the ppl that frequent these sites have been gamers for years, if not decades and have a common knowledge of what goes on in the industry.

Anyway I hear you.