86
CRITIK
Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics. Promising the Sabotage touch in every system, Sea of Stars aims to modernize the classic RPG in terms of turn-based combat, storytelling, exploration and interactions with the environment, while still offering a hearty slice of nostalgia and good old, simple fun.
Critik
Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
85
Critics mostly loved Sea of Stars for its engaging story, charming characters, and unexpected twists, praising the blend of modern touches with nostalgic vibes. They enjoyed the vibrant supporting characters and emotional depth, though some criticized cliches and lack of character development. Overall, the consensus is positive, with many finding the narrative captivating and heartwarming, despite some flaws. The game excels in capturing classic JRPG storytelling with colorful characters and a compelling journey.
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Gameplay
86
Sea of Stars' gameplay wows critics with engaging turn-based combat, unique blend of platformer action, and RPG elements. Praise for strategic depth with mechanics like the Lock system and combo attacks. Some critics mention concerns about potential repetitiveness and lack of challenge over time. Overall, critics find the gameplay highly enjoyable, innovative, and immersive, despite minor flaws.
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Graphics and Visual Design
92
Sea of Stars wows critics with stunning pixel art, vibrant colors, and attention to detail, capturing the essence of classic RPGs with modern upgrades like real-time reflections. While some mention minor drawbacks like color mixing issues, the overwhelming consensus is overwhelmingly positive, praising its retro-flavored design and immersive visuals that set a high standard for the RPG genre.
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Music and Sound Design
89
Critics rave about the Sound Design and Music of Sea of Stars, praising composer Yasunori Mitsuda's involvement and the retro RPG vibes. The electronic bop and percussive sounds enhance boss fights, while the music uplifts emotions and drives the story forward. Some critics note minor areas for improvement, like falling short of capturing the essence of Chrono Trigger and occasional chiptune repetition. Overall, the majority of critics laud the exceptional quality of the soundtrack, describing it as iconic and emotionally immersive, effectively elevating the game's nostalgic feel and immersive experience.
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Voice Acting
Analysis Unavailable
NA
Description unavailable
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Technical Performance
85
Sea of Stars impresses with smooth gameplay and technical prowess across platforms, earning widespread acclaim from critics. While some encountered bugs on Xbox Series X and suggested improvements for Switch, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Critics laud its stable performance, detailed environments, and overall enjoyable experience. Despite minor hiccups, Sea of Stars delivers a commendable technical performance that enhances the gaming experience.
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Replay Value
76
Critics praise Sea of Stars for its extensive replay value, with over 25 hours for the main story and engaging post-game content like puzzles and mini-games. Customization options through Relics offer diverse gameplay experiences. However, drawbacks include limited fast travel and character development depth, impacting replayability. Overall, the game's abundance of side content and customizable difficulty settings make it a compelling choice for multiple playthroughs, especially for completionists and fans of exploration and diverse endings.
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Overall Verdict
Sea of Stars has received rave reviews from critics for its engaging gameplay, captivating visuals, and nostalgic charm, making it a standout RPG title. While some critics noted drawbacks like character development issues and technical flaws, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Critics praise the game for blending nostalgia with modern design elements, offering innovative gameplay mechanics, and captivating storytelling. Sea of Stars is highly recommended for fans of retro-inspired RPGs and is considered a strong contender for Game of the Year.
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86
CRITIK
Reviews
172 reviews found100
Butwhytho.net
Aug 28, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Sea of Stars is praised as a unique and engaging game that stands out in the genre, deserving of recognition alongside top indie titles like Celeste and Hades. It is considered a Game of the Year contender.
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100
Gamegrin.com
Aug 28, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Sea of Stars is described as an outstanding and amazing-looking title that captures the essence of classic turn-based RPGs while improving upon them. The reviewer highly recommends the game as a must-play title and praises it as their game of the year.
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100
Dexerto.com
Aug 28, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Masterfully made video game, cements itself atop the genre, must-play material, small but mighty dev team delivers exceptional quality
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100
Heypoorplayer.com
Aug 28, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Sea of Stars is a standout retro-inspired JRPG that surpasses expectations, offering a joyful experience with minor flaws in the opening hours, highly recommended.
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100
Gaming-age.com
Aug 28, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Sea of Stars delivers the total package for retro-infused RPGs and is recommended for players to check out.
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100
Player2.net.au
Aug 28, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
The game draws upon the strengths of classic JRPGs and mixes them in meaningful ways. It is highly enjoyable and constantly keeps the player enthralled.
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100
Theguardian.com
Aug 31, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Sea of Stars is a modern classic in its own right.
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100
Godisageek.com
Aug 28, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
One of the best RPGs, engaging combat, delightful characters, and sensational audio
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100
Thexboxhub.com
Jan 16, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Sea of Stars is highly recommended for RPG fans, offering a modernized take on a classic formula with engaging gameplay, beautiful visuals, and a captivating story. While combat could be more diverse, the game sets a high standard for future 2D RPGs and provides a nostalgic experience for fans of the genre.
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100
Br.ign.com
Aug 28, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Sea of Stars shines as a brilliant and enchanting turn-based RPG that successfully blends familiar elements with its own charm and creativity, offering a refreshing and engaging RPG experience reminiscent of the classics of the 90s.
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