Platforms
- PCAug 29, 20238.7playscore8.936 Critics8.87.79K Players
- PlayStation 5Aug 29, 20238.8playscore8.825 Critics9.411.3K Players
- Xbox Series X|SAug 29, 20238.7playscore8.915 Critics9.01.80K Players
- PlayStation 4Aug 29, 20238.7playscore8.79 Critics9.410.9K Players
- Xbox OneAug 29, 20238.5playscore8.87 Critics9.01.80K Players
- Nintendo SwitchAug 29, 20238.8playscore8.823 Critics9.6239 Players
80 critic reviews · 9 community reviews across all platforms
Critic Reviews
Sea of Stars will keep players on their toes for dozens of hours with a huge variety of locations, enemies, bosses, side quests, riddles and puzzles. I have always kept both Chrono games very close to my heart, and now Sea of Stars took place next to them.
Taoshi · Nov 02, 2023 Reviewed on PCRead full reviewSea of Stars is definitely a good time. I enjoyed my time with the game a lot, but the more I thought about it, the more the nagging feeling that it was missing something grew inside me. I still recommend it as a well-made and very fun game, but it lacks some aspects that really give classic JRPGs the spark that makes them masterpieces, and it fumbles its own story and characters far too much to ignore.
Bruno César Monteiro Cordeiro Silva · Sep 26, 2023 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewIt’s layer after layer of the little things, with Sea of Stars. There’s nothing overly complicated about those puzzles or even the more personally challenging bits, like timing a hit just right. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel, but we can certainly spruce it up a bit. It’s a matter of taking those pieces that work but not mimicking those retro experiences wholesale because, again, some of those elements just didn’t fly.
Andrea Shearon · Sep 14, 2023 Reviewed on PCRead full reviewI’m sure many will come to Sea of Stars as a direct result of the nostalgia factor and artistic appeal, ultimately staying for the easy-to-grasp combat and enjoyable gameplay. The story might not be particularly revolutionary, and a few side characters may rub you the wrong way, but the sheer fun factor rises above all other potentially detracting elements to deliver a truly memorable experience - easily earning a recommendation.
Community Guest Writer · Sep 11, 2023 Reviewed on PC, PS5, Series X|S, PS4, XB1, SwitchRead full reviewSea Of Stars is a classic SNES-era turn-based RPG that holds up next to the titans of the era. There are bits and pieces of those classics scattered throughout this game, but Sea Of Stars doesn't just rest on the laurels of its predecessors. There are plenty of new little tweaks to the system that kept me on my toes from beginning to end, from unique combat mechanics to a couple of story beats that sent me through a loop--though not as many as I'd hoped. In a crowded year of big-budget AAA releases, Sea Of Stars has an impeccable sense of craft that helps it stand tall alongside them.
Jason Fanelli · Sep 08, 2023 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewSea of Stars shoots for the moon but manages to still land among the stars. As a throwback to the 16-bit era, the heart of its fun lies in its beautiful, charming world and captivating combat mechanics.
Edwin Teo · Sep 08, 2023 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewIt doesn't simply try to copy the classics or provide a facsimile of a retro experience. Instead, it recreates the experience of feeling those games, allowing us to revisit what it felt like to perceive the spectacle and grandeur for the first time. By those measures, Sea of Stars might be inspired by the classics, but it feels in league with them, too.
Paul Shkreli · Sep 06, 2023 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewOverall, Sea of Stars is a phenomenal entry into the turn-based RPG genre. The story vastly expands on the world first introduced in The Messenger. It’s gripping through all aspects of gameplay, from the characters to the areas you explore. It does have its detriments, but those are far outshined by the overall experience presented. It’s a solid game with hours of content to entertain you with.
Ashley Erickson · Sep 06, 2023 Reviewed on PC, PS5, Series X|S, PS4, XB1, SwitchRead full reviewSea of Stars is greater than just the nostalgia that inspires it. If it’s not through gameplay and minigames, then it’s the story that’s going to win you over. It may have had one awkward plot point involving bread but the message behind it was well-received.
Erickson Melchor · Sep 04, 2023 Reviewed on PCRead full reviewSea of Stars is an excellent tribute RPG that channels the best parts of its ‘90s-era forebears. It's not wholly original, but there are enough twists in its story to keep it interesting after the combat loses its luster.
Gabriel Moss · Aug 29, 2023 Reviewed on PCRead full review
Community Reviews
WIth its beautiful soundtrack and aestethics, Sea of Stars was able to caputre the interest of RPG players, especially that of the last generations. It did not fail to deliver nostalgic elements especially with the music. Although there is a small aresnal of options within the game itself, in terms of diversity and depth, the battles and exploring can be engaging. While the game will not bore you of its story, it falls short on providing solid character and world building. My major point of criticism is the ending of the game, which lacked chalenge, and getting the next ending served as a chore with not enough motivation due to challenges in narrative. Although I did not see throught the second ending, Sea of Stars with its more than 25 hours of gameplay, is an interesting adventure with a sea of potential, and I cannot wait to experience what the developers will make for their next star (game).
Reviewed on SwitchSea of Stars is a heartfelt homage to classic RPGs like Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, and Final Fantasy VII, making it a true gift to gamers who cherish these timeless titles. In the year 2023, Sabotage Studio has crafted a one-of-a-kind RPG masterpiece with Sea of Stars. Despite the passage of time, this game successfully transports players back to an era when these classic RPGs reigned supreme. Playing it on my Steam Deck added an extra layer of nostalgia as I reminisced about the countless moments I've spent with past consoles. The story in Sea of Stars is a standout feature. It delivers a rich narrative filled with humor and some clichéd dialogue (at times). With a 25-hour campaign, Zale and Valere's journey as Solstice Warriors is genuinely heartwarming and emotionally resonant. Unexpected plot twists and dramatic turns kept me engaged, and I admit, I shed a tear or two along the way. The side characters also shine in their own right, with Garl's subplot significantly impacting the overall story. What initially drew me to Sea of Stars, even before I played it, was its stunning art style. It immediately captured my attention and convinced me to dive in. In 2023, pixel art is far from obsolete, and Sea of Stars serves as a testament to that fact. Throughout the campaign, the game maintains a consistent art style while offering a diverse range of looks and atmospheres for each location. No classic RPG would be complete without a memorable soundtrack, and Sea of Stars certainly delivers in this department. The audio cues, soundtracks, and battle themes are the final piece of the puzzle that elevates the game to greatness. Frankly, the music is so enchanting that it lulled me to sleep on more than one occasion, only for me to wake up and realize that it was already morning. This isn't a criticism; it's a testament to the game's ability to help me unwind after the daily stress of adulting. Lastly, Sea of Stars' mechanics offer a classic turn-based RPG experience with a twist. I was genuinely impressed by the level of engagement required to execute attacks and counter them effectively. It's a seemingly simple mechanic that adds a significant layer of strategy to the gameplay. In conclusion, Sea of Stars stands as one of the finest RPG experiences you can immerse yourself in. With its captivating art style, compelling storytelling, outstanding soundtracks, and innovative mechanics, it has secured a special place in my heart as a gamer. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Sabotage Studio for not only rekindling my love for classics but also for reviving the joy and nostalgia of playing these kinds of games.
Reviewed on Series X|S
- Rated on PS4
- Rated on PC
- Rated on PC
- Rated on PC
- Rated on Series X|S
About the game
Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics. It tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who will combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.