Sea of Stars Reviews
Check out Sea of Stars Review Scores from trusted Critics below. With 40 reviews on CriticDB, Sea of Stars has a score of:
Sea of Stars was one of my most highly anticipated games of 2023. I’d been following the development journey after seeing its Kickstarter back in 2020. After becoming enamored with Sabotage Studio’s previous game, The Messenger, I knew they had the skills to deliver an amazing game, even if it was a vastly different experience than what we’d seen before. So you might be wondering, why then is this review so late after the game’s release if it was something I was that excited for? To a...
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
Clearly inspired by classic RPGs, Sea of Stars uses that inspiration as a foundation for the game. It then quickly turns into something of its own and becomes an excellent modern turn-based RPG.
Read Full Review
Sea of Stars is an amazing-looking and sounding title that has captured all you love from classic turn-based RPGs and improved upon it. I can’t recommend this game enough; this is how you modernise and pay tribute to a classic genre!
Read Full Review
Though its narrative and characters leave a little to be desired, Sea of Stars is an audiovisual masterpiece with endlessly fun gameplay, and an overall sense of adventure that is equally nostalgic as it is timeless.
Read Full Review
Sabotage Studio unearths a time capsule in this incredible retro-style RPG.
Read Full Review
Sea of Stars presents a potent mix of combat systems bolstered by a charming story and gorgeous graphical presentation that captures the essence of the turn-based classics.
Read Full Review
Stunning vistas paired with a stirring soundtrack and refined combat shoulder Sea of Stars, one of 2023’s most charming RPGs.
Read Full Review
Sea of Stars manage to stand amongst its inspirations as a fantastic role-playing experience. Beautiful graphics and a fairly charming story are joined by creative turn-based combat and mind-bending dungeons, making for an incredibly fun adventure. With so much to love, one can only hope that Sea of Stars will go on to inspire other games as well.
Read Full Review
Bedraggled and beaten, the two heroes are fighting for their last ragged breaths. The Fleshmancer’s minions swarm and heave. These snarling masses of limb, tooth, and blood are desperate abominations thirsting for carnage. As they poise to strike, the cold light of the watchful moon suddenly breaks through the surrounding gloom. Energy surges in the heroes, sunlit balls of flame and glittering lunar lances erupting from their fingertips, cutting through the wretched beings that surround the...
Read Full Review
Sea Of Stars is a retro-inspired turn-based RPG that borrows from classics like Chrono Trigger while adding its own flair on things, but fails to leave a lasting impression.
Read Full Review
Sea of Stars aims to do for turn-based RPGs what The Messenger did for side-scrolling action platformers — modernise a classic gaming genre while honouring its traditions. From where we're sitting, that's mission accomplished for Sabotage Studio. The developer's second game pays homage to numerous classic RPGs of the 90s, but some up-to-date touches help it stand on its own.
Read Full Review
If you've been here before, you know how much I love old-school RPGs and here's a great one; it's the wonderfully epic Sea of Stars.
Read Full Review
In every sense, Sea of Stars shows off just how successful and breathtaking the traditional 2D pixel art style can truly be in a modern-day game, and sets the bar extremely high for any followers. Battle animations are eye-catching and satisfying, exploration and adventure is entertaining, characters are lovable and unique, and the music in every situation, from story to adventure, to combat, uplifts emotion and drive to keep moving forward through the story.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
It's a joy and a relief to realise that Sabotage hasn't merely mimicked classic '90s JRPG, but committed to understanding what makes them tick. Its nostalgia is neither gratuitous nor cynical, instead working disparate references together with original ideas into a coherent whole. While it's a little disappointing to discover that there's isn't great depth to the turn-based battles and other systems, the immense quality and detail in the pixel art, soundtrack, location design, characters and plot ensure that Sea of Stars remains a stunning achievement to the end.
Read Full Review
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. Switch version reviewed.
Read Full Review
Sea of Stars is the perfect combination between classic RPG style and modern gameplay features.
Read Full Review
A welcome homage to JRPG classic Chrono Trigger and one of the best-looking 2D games of recent years, even if it’s not really doing anything new.
Read Full Review
Overall, Sabotage’s retro-inspired RPG is a strong offering that is doubly impressive considering it’s only the second project from this budding indie studio. There are too many points to expound upon — be it the soundtrack, story, combat, gameplay, or graphics — but they are all skillfully implemented. Even on the technical side, there are no complaints. Sea of Stars is simply a really fun, well-rounded game that any fan of RPGs will surely enjoy.
Read Full Review
In true Sabotage fashion, Sea of Stars faithfully captures the nostalgic appeal of retro turn-based games while improving upon its systems with contemporary innovations. The witty, self-aware dialogue and charming cast of characters are bolstered by thoughtful design choices and a compelling narrative. Sea of Stars is an instant classic that retro RPG fans and newcomers alike will not want to pass up.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
Sea of Stars is a worthy pseudo-spiritual successor to some of the greatest JRPGs ever made. It improves on what made those games so special by modernizing their magic through balanced and engaging turn-based combat wrapped up in an enthralling world to explore.
Read Full Review
Sea of Stars shows modern RPGs how it's done in this incredible throwback to SNES classics. It’s an absolute joy to play from start to finish, though the story, writing, and flat characters leave some potential untapped. Even so, this is a gorgeous adventure that you won’t want to miss.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
Sea of Stars is like a great genre film by a skilled director. It looks and feels familiar; you basically know what to expect and can probably even predict the major beats, but it doesn’t hinder the experience. The intention is so well-executed that I was eager to soak it all in and, in this case, swim in the stars. I dreaded Sea of Stars’ conclusion not because I feared the worst but because I didn’t want to leave the world and stop playing.
Read Full Review
Sea of Stars' well-considered inspirations are shot through with smart, modern sensibilities, creating a more-than-welcome addition to the contemporary throwback RPG club.
Read Full Review
So yeah, Sea of Stars is one of the greatest labors of love i've witnessed this year, and it makes me feel validated for all the time I've spent with this genre. I simply can't find any fault with it. Maybe there should have been a little more meaning in choosing your playable character at the beginning, but I didn't obsess over it much since JRPGs never really gave you that much choice anyways. If anyone wants to dive into the genre, especially the classics that defined it, Sea of Stars will always be my first recommendation.
Read Full Review
Sea of Stars sets itself apart with its unique look, relaxing vibes, engaging gameplay. Not only is it a great indie RPG, but it currently sits at the top of my indie GOTY list.
Read Full Review
“Sea of Stars goes beyond retro homage to deliver a moving indie RPG with a strong combat system at its heart.”
Read Full Review
Sea of Stars is an exceptional RPG that stands on its own, even with the clear inspirations it has. And it runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck!
Read Full Review
The story had me captivated, especially with how well it builds the friendships between characters, hitting home with every shocking twist and emotional moment. Sea of Stars is a gorgeous love letter to its predecessors, and avid fans of the genre should pick up without a seconds hesitation
Read Full Review
If you ask someone who grew up in the nineties what the best game ever made is, there’s a good chance they’ll confidently say Chrono Trigger. And for good reason: the game was made by a dream team composed of the key figures behind both Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest and oozed heart. All to say: making a game inspired by Chrono Trigger and that era of RPGs carries inherent risk – there’s a huge reputation to live up to. Sea of Stars rises to the challenge, not only living up to lofty expectations, but shattering them. Friends, Sea of...
Read Full Review
Drawing heavily from classic RPGs of past console generations, Sea of Stars creates an exciting new adventure that's also a worthy tribute to the classics. It proudly flaunts its influences but does so in a way that pays homage to them. The original story and characters are entertaining and engrossing enough to keep the roughly thirty hour playthrough enjoyable. The story does rely on genre tropes at times which leads to predictable moments, but given the nature of this type of game, that's to be expected. Sea of Stars doesn't break any real innovative ground, but does a great job...
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
Sabotage Studios' throwback RPG is a terrific modern riff on Chrono Trigger.
Read Full Review
Sea of Stars is an exhilarating and absorbing indie gem that serves up delightfully clever turn-based RPG action in a world that's packed full of great characters, fun puzzles and genuine emotional heft. Sabotage Studios served up a bonafide banger with 2018's The Messenger, but this time around they've gone a step further, crafting an RPG adventure that's every bit the equal of the stone-cold classics it takes inspiration from. Don't spoil this one for yourself, dive in as blind as you can and enjoy a truly magical journey that's easily one of the best games you'll play this year...
Read Full Review