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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gaming Age - Dustin Chadwell - A or higher

I’ve really been impressed with Sea of Stars overall. I think it delivers the total package when it comes to retro-infused RPG’s, and it feels pretty unique in a field that’s full of like-minded games.

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.

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.

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.

MonsterVine - Frank Wood - 5 / 5

If you have any love for RPGs or are even maybe even looking to get into them, please check out Sea Of Stars, it really feels like a labor of love that delivers on everything it sets out to do.

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.

Prima Games - Meg Bethany Koepp - 10 / 10

Sea of Stars is a beautiful tale of friendship that tugs at your heartstrings and is impossible to complete without shedding a tear. If you're a fan of classic RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Golden Sun, you're in for a real treat here.

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.

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.

Seasoned Gaming - Eric Bezanson - 9.5 / 10

Sea of Stars is more than just the sum of its parts. It's an unmissable experience for anyone who’s ever enjoyed a 16/32 bit RPG.

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.

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.

Try Hard Guides - Erik Hodges - 10 / 10

Sea of Stars is a fantastic RPG that pays homage to its inspiration while standing out on its own. A beautiful world and a story that’ll captivate anyone, this is truly a game I recommend to all audiences. Even those who aren’t a fan of turn-based RPGs will find something to enjoy in this game, which cleverly innovates on classic gameplay and delivers a title worth truly trying for yourself.

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.

XboxEra - Aarsal Masoodi - 8 / 10

Sea of Stars takes formulas and gives them a nice fresh coat of paint. Even though the narrative won’t hold your attention, you’ll find a game that offers stunning visuals and sound design that accompanies a fun battle system with unique mechanics. Easy to pick up and play for everyone, old and new.

top 17 comments

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[–] simple@lemm.ee 12 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Super impressive reviews so far. I think we can expect the average score to go down slightly more as more mainstream journalists find the time to play it, but still huge props for getting such high praise.

Edit: The average rating has since gone from 95 to 90

Of course this had to come out in the most busy time of the year... I'm already trying to finish Blasphemous 2 before starfield comes out...

[–] BudgieMania@kbin.social 10 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

nooooo I just finished Chained Echoes I can't get sucked into another excellent JRPG-style indie noooo

[–] MrGerrit@feddit.nl 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yes you can, have even less of a social life! I believe in you!

[–] BudgieMania@kbin.social 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It's not possible to go below non-existent

[–] MrGerrit@feddit.nl 1 points 1 year ago

Not with that attitude!

[–] utopianrevolt@lemmy.world 9 points 1 year ago

This year will easily go down as one of gaming's best, if not THE best.

[–] refurbishedrefurbisher@lemmy.sdf.org 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Can't wait for it to come out. Hopefully the story is as good as the rest of the game.

[–] CoderKat@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Story is really what I care about the most from RPGs, though I'm also a sucker for old school RPG battle systems. I've never heard of this or the studio, but reviews liken it to Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy, which is a very good look in my book.

It seems like an especially great year for gaming. I can't remember the last time there was so many highly rated games coming out (and there's still more to come -- I'm most excited for Starfield).

[–] bungle_in_the_jungle@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

Man I'm so hyped for this!

[–] FullFridge@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Anyone know how long this game takes on average to beat? I have about two weeks of free time but then I won't have much time for gaming for around 2 months so wondering if I can fit this in or not?

[–] CosmicSploogeDrizzle@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

With only one report so far, the completionist time on howlongtobeat.com puts it around 26.5 hours.

https://howlongtobeat.com/game/76454

[–] CoderKat@lemm.ee 3 points 1 year ago

You know, I realize I dunno who uploads their details to these kinda sites, but I'm glad people do. I consult HLTB a lot and it's always been really useful for judging the time investment a game will take, how worthwhile DLCs will be, and for understanding what kind of game something is (longer is often better in my book, but not always, since games like AC Valhalla have actually gone too long, since I can't help myself but to play mostly completionist).

[–] FullFridge@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing the link!

Hmmm, maybe it's possible but I think I'd rather not risk taking a two month break from the game. Guess I'll need to wait till I have more free time

[–] Zoldyck@discuss.online 2 points 1 year ago

Have been eagerly waiting for this one!

[–] MrGerrit@feddit.nl 2 points 1 year ago

Downloading it on my steam deck right now. Backed the game because I liked the messenger very much and that it plays in the same universe.

[–] Katana314@lemmy.world -1 points 1 year ago

I’d still really like a better story evaluation than a nostalgic “It’S jUsT likE cHrOnO tRIggEr. REmemBer ChRonO trIGGer? MaN tHaT wAs a gREat gAme.”

Look, I played that game. Combat was sometimes fun. Music was great. Story did not live up to modern standards. I have other JRPG memories that are more about having a unique and impactful story, and seeing their characters grow, than about being a JRPG.

Honestly, anytime we review new games, I’d almost rather the analysis start with what the game did well on its own invention. Even allow for the possibility it’s going to be better than a classic.