Sea of Stars review
We have just finished our Sea of Stars review, and it’s safe to say that this is one JRPG you cannot miss. In fact, this is one of those games that very much reinvigorates the genre, and sets a new standard for what excellence in this field looks like.
From the very first trailer, Sea of Stars left me in awe of its stunning visuals, captivating storyline, and immersive world. So, understandably, I had very high hopes for the actual game, and I am delighted to say that it delivered on every single one of them. From the very first moment, Sea of Stars hooks you with its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, leaving you eager to explore its vast and beautifully crafted world.
JRPGs are often among my favourite games of all time, and Sea of Stars is a shining example of what the genre can achieve when in the hands of talented developers. While there are certain aspects I personally would have liked to have seen done differently (which I will get to later), Sabotage Studio has crafted a modern masterpiece that will surely stand the test of time.
Evolution over revolution
Sea of Stars is a modern classic that confidently asserts itself among the pantheon of all-time greats. From the very first steps into the world, it is evident that Sabotage Studio has created a JRPG that pays homage to classic titles, while also introducing its own unique twist. In short, Sea of Stars is a must-play for any JRPG enthusiast.
The first thing that struck me about Sea of Stars was the attention to detail. From the very first moments of the game, I could sense that every aspect of the game had been meticulously designed to create a world that feels truly alive. While the story and combat play a major role in this, it is also apparent in everything from the animations to the sound effects.
The second thing that struck me was how well Sea of Stars balances its pacing. From the very first moments, I felt like I was being pulled in two directions – I wanted to explore the world, but at the same time, I was eager to find out what came next. It was a great sense of balance that kept me engaged and eager to see what would come next, without ever feeling like I was being rushed through the story.
The third thing that struck me was just how beautiful Sea of Stars is. The trailers do not do it justice – every frame is a work of art, and it is hard to imagine that this is a game that was made on a modest budget. The attention to detail in Sea of Stars is simply unbelievable, from the animations to the environments, and the soundtrack, which we will get to shortly.
Evolutionary, not revolutionary
From the start, Sea of Stars embraces the JRPG formula that many of us know and love, and adds some unique mechanics and gameplay elements. The combat system is a perfect example of this – while it is turn-based, it is also strategic and satisfying, and offers a great deal of depth to the gameplay experience.
The combat is just one part of the JRPG experience that Sea of Stars innovates on. There are lots of side quests and secrets to find, and while the experience is similar to many other games in the genre, it still feels fresh. While some of the dialogue and quest design can feel a little grindy, the overall pacing of the game feels just right.
The story is what ultimately drew me into Sea of Stars, and while I do not want to spoil anything, I can say that it is compelling from the first moments. The characters are what ultimately made me care about the story and the world, and I found myself genuinely interested in their individual struggles.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the banter between party members and the dialogue options, and I was genuinely surprised by the number of different choices available to me. While the game does not offer a whole lot of choice and freedom, it does offer enough to make me feel like I have some control over the direction of the narrative.
In addition to the main quests, there are also a number of side quests and optional bosses to find, giving Sea of Stars a great sense of replayability.
