Sea of Stars, a turn-based RPG heavily inspired by Chrono Trigger, was released on August 29, 2023, following impressive crowdfunding, fan engagement and a great lack of games in this genre among the general public.

In recent times, RPGs with pixel-art visuals have started to make a comeback, mainly through initiatives by various companies. Titles such as Omori, Octopath Traveler, CrossCode, Triangle Strategy (much more of a strategy RPG), among others.

However, something like the first Final Fantasy titles or even Chrono Trigger was still a long way off. Not just in terms of gameplay, but mainly in appearance.

But, above all, a turn-based RPG that would be a good gateway for players who haven’t had much contact with games in the genre and, at the same time, old acquaintances who want a similar experience with well-known games from the past.

Simple story with good gameplay

Sea of Stars is at last released and unites these two audiences. A game with a simple but well-told story, which ties in very well with its gameplay, introducing new mechanics and allowing exploration and re-exploration of previously known areas, a fine line-up of main quests but also side-quests that add a lot to the character-building of that world and references to Sabotage Studio’s previous game, The Messenger, which also worked on the developer of this RPG: we have remixes of songs from the platform game, which was the first game made by the company, and some other details that may be spoilers for those who haven’t played the game yet.

Although I find the protagonists of the story, Valere and Zale, to be the perfect description of “predestined heroes”, an old cliché in many media, the design of both of them and their attacks in battle are beautiful and their role as Solstice Warriors shines through strongly during the game, in addition to the duality between Sun and Moon presented very well in the visuals and in the construction of this universe.

But it’s not the main characters who shine in this game. The secondary characters are extremely captivating, interesting and charismatic, each with their own characteristics and traits that make the story move along better and better.

Valere and Zale move and help the story progress with the help of even more likeable characters. I’d say that at this point, the game is very similar to the title that inspired it, Chrono Trigger, but Chrono is a much more charismatic protagonist and has some story details that, well, make him one of the best RPG protagonists ever.

Sea of Stars brings lots of content for livestreaming

Overall, Sea of Stars is good for livestreaming because of the huge amount of content contained within the game, the captivating story, the good RPG elements and because it has a good combat system, as well as each area not being extremely repetitive.

However, the game can be repetitive for the public due to the large number of hours and some others who would like to have their own experience playing the game, causing some to run away from spoilers about the game. Bringing the game in homeopathic doses and specific days or schedules can favor both your broadcasts and a loyal audience that may enjoy following the game.

Even though it’s inspired by Chrono Trigger, Sea of Stars doesn’t have a huge number of endings. However, there are two different endings that can be reached. To complete Sea of Stars, straight through, without exploring too much, you’ll need between 25 and 30 hours of gameplay and, to do side-quests and other optional journeys in the game, around 40 hours, according to the How Long to Beat website.

I disagree a little, especially when immersed in a game as vast as Sea of Stars. Perhaps 30 hours of gameplay is indeed a reasonable time to complete the game without exploring every optional section, but the game’s optionals could easily take between 50 and 60 hours. It’s not as long as other traditional RPGs, but it’s about the same length as the classic that inspired it.

In terms of performance, the game doesn’t suffer at all and runs easily even on computers without such high technical requirements.

Sea of Stars

PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch (2023)

Performance

Streamability

Audience Engagement

Replayability

Summary

Sea of Stars lives up to its inspiration, Chrono Trigger, and obviously doesn’t surpass it or reinvent the wheel. But it has its own essence, has enough content for hours of gameplay and is an excellent entry point for newcomers to the turn-based RPG genre. At the same time, it recaptures a once-forgotten feeling for players already familiar with the genre, enchants with its beauty and exuberant graphics, and also brings good gameplay elements to entertain and hold you. A good option for gamers and also for livestreaming, but for gameplay on set days and schedules, a suggestion for combining a better gameplay experience with better streaming results.

4.5

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Ludovicoluka

I have 25 years, I produce content to internet for 4 years and I like retro games, indies and I’m an enthusiast for new launches. I have as my favorite games Donkey Kong Country 2, Super Mario World, Hollow Knight and Red Dead Redemption II, per example. I like to experiment everything and the more, the better, but I never get sick of my comfort games!