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Sea of Stars
Critics Consensus (Play It)
Sea of Stars features gorgeous pixel-art and an engaging combat system, but flat characters leaves some potential untapped.
Game Info
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.
0%
Recommended
0%
Average Score
Total Reviews: 93
Best Indie Game (2023), Editors' Choice
Gold TIER
34% of scored reviews fell within the range of 86 to 92 / 100
RELEASE DATES:
GENRES:
- RPG, Adventure
DEVELOPER(S):
- Sabotage
PUBLISHER(S):
- Sabotage
SERIES/FRANCHISE:
- n/a
GAME MODES:
- Single player
Where to Play
WHERE TO PLAY
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RATING & REVIEWS
Ratings & Reviews
93
Critic Reviews
89
Average Critic Score
Where to Play
CRITIC REVIEWS
All reviews are from professional critics. Learn more about the critics VSG aggregates.
High Score
100%
Median Score
90%
Low Score
60%
What did you think of Sea of Stars?
Player Reviews0 Votes
0
Kaan Serin (Eurogamer)
August 28, 2023
4/5
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.
Kyle Hilliard (Game Informer)
August 28, 2023
9/10
Sea of Stars is a stellar throwback that appeals to fans like me who love 16-bit RPGs, but it also functions as an excellent entry point. Annoyances that hindered early games that inspired Sea of Stars are nowhere to be seen. Simple actions like moving around the world feel great, the story picks up quickly, and farming experience is effectively unnecessary. It all leads to a smooth, consistently thrilling adventure with fun combat, all in a gorgeous and inviting world.
Stephen Tailby (Push Square)
August 28, 2023
8/10
Overall, Sea of Stars is immensely enjoyable from start to finish. While it’s been inspired by various classic RPGs, it sets itself apart with an engaging story, some brilliant characters, and surprisingly deep lore. On top of that, the combat is great fun thanks to its involving, strategic mechanics, and exploring the gorgeous pixelated world is rewarding. It isn’t perfect, but it overcomes any flaws with its charming presentation, a world ripe with things to see and do, and no shortage of personality.
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Score Ranges
Read the Reviews (93 total)
| Outlet | Author | Score | Date | Quote | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnaitGames | Oscar Gomez | 9 / 10 | 09-13-2023 | Sabotage Studio enhances the essence of JRPGs with a title that goes beyond the referential and manages, on its own merits, to become an instant classic of the genre. | Read review |
| Atomix | Alberto Desfassiaux | 95 / 100 | 09-05-2023 | Sea of Stars is much more than just a tribute for games like Chrono Trigger and Golden Sun. Sabotage created a truly special RPG experience that deserves to be considered as a GOTY contender. | Read review |
| Attack of the Fanboy | Marc Magrini | 4.5 / 5 stars | 08-29-2023 | 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 review |
| But Why Tho? | Charles Hartford | 10 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | 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 review |
| Capsule Computers | Olivia Morales | 7.5 / 10 | 09-10-2023 | Sea of Stars doesn’t necessarily do anything groundbreaking or new, but it is a solid game that can be a lot of fun | Read review |
| CGMagazine | Steven Green | 8 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars accomplishes everything it sets out to do in becoming an amazing SNES-era RPG, while only faltering in a couple mechanics and story beats. | Read review |
| Checkpoint Gaming | David McNamara | 8.5 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | A polished, cleverly designed, and utterly joyful experience, Sea of Stars takes the best parts of classic RPGs and distils their essence into something at once comfortingly nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Its combat system twists traditional turn-based combat into a satisfyingly tactile blend of strategy and execution, making exploring every inch of its gorgeous world an absolute pleasure. Despite some odd pacing in the final act and the occasional cringey joke, Sea of Stars holds up as a fantastic modern RPG and a must-play for fans of the genre. | Read review |
| COGconnected | Paul Sullivan | 95 / 100 | 08-28-2023 | Balance is important, so I searched high and low for something to cite as could-be-better. I found nothing. Lovingly crafted by Quebec City’s Sabotage Studio, Sea of Stars is quite a departure for the team responsible for The Messenger. It’s a risk that’s resulted in one of the most beautiful, heartfelt, and well balanced RPGs I’ve ever played. | Read review |
| Cubed3 | Albert Lichi | 9 / 10 | 09-08-2023 | Sea of Stars may not be a legitimate Chrono Trigger 2, but it does feel like it a lot of the time. This is largely due to the music, visuals and the break-neck pace that keeps the story from ever getting dull. The protagonists will not endear gamers, but the setting, side characters, and atmosphere will. It seamlessly weaves in homages while showcasing greater originality than initially apparent. It stands as an artistic triumph, excelling in both visuals and audio, with its engrossing turn-based combat embodying impeccable design. | Read review |
| Cultured Vultures | Abigail Shannon | 9.5 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is a love letter to classic 1990s JRPGs that transcends the genre and perfects the form. | Read review |
| Destructoid | Andrea Shearon | 9 / 10 | 09-14-2023 | As a kid growing up alongside some of those early Super Nintendo and PlayStation RPGs, Sea of Stars feels like the classics I remember; and I mean that in the purest sense. When you’re toddling about, hardly old enough to understand some of the words on the screen, nostalgia often compensates for aspects that may have grown less appealing through the years. However, if I were to dream up any old favorite from memory, I’d imagine it’d turn out something like this. Sea of Stars is endlessly charming, bright, and packing a ton of heart — another timeless addition among the classics. | Read review |
| Dexerto | Brad Norton | 5 / 5 stars | 08-28-2023 | Sabotage Studio has accomplished its grand vision. With a mission statement of “creating definitive editions of the game genres we enjoyed as kids,” not only have they tactfully paid homage to their inspirations, but through a number of dazzling new ideas, they’ve now left an indelible mark on the JRPG genre. Sea of Stars is a modern classic. | Read review |
| Digital Chumps | Ben Sheene | 9.5 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is a pitch-perfect homage to many of the classic turn-based RPGs from a bygone, beloved era. Rather than mere imitation, Sabotage Studio has crafted a loving tribute to genre hallmarks. | Read review |
| Digital Trends | Jess Reyes | 4 / 5 stars | 08-28-2023 | Sabotage Studios blends aspects from Super Mario RPG, Illusion of Gaia, and Chrono Trigger to create Sea of Stars, its largest RPG yet. It incorporates combat quirks like timed hits and dual attacks that force you to pay attention way after you’ve selected a move, and keeps encounters exciting with the diverse enemies throughout the colorful, pixelated landscapes. All that, plus respectable storytelling, make it the best indie RPG that I’ve played this year. | Read review |
| Digitally Downloaded | Matt Sainsbury | 3.5 / 5 stars | 08-29-2023 | Sea of Stars deserves to be played, and almost everyone who does play it will enjoy it. It’s a JRPG made for JRPG fans by people who truly love the genre. There’s even something admirable about how steadfast it is in being a classical homage. The sad reality is that most pastiches that lack the self-awareness to break free of being pale homages are doomed to fade while the classic works they ape remain eternally relevant, but for now, in 2023, if you’ve got some time to spare you could do far worse than Sea of Stars. | Read review |
| DualShockers | Mohamed Hassan | 9.3 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | A beautiful homage to the JRPG genre that still manages to stand on its own, while taking care to let go of all the annoying gimmicks that plagued JRPGs in the past. | Read review |
| Easy Allies | Daniel Bloodworth | 4.5 / 5 stars | 09-22-2023 | Sea of Stars is a work of incredible craftsmanship that takes inspiration from classic RPGs and uses modern capabilities to make something memorable and new. | Read review |
| Eurogamer | Kaan Serin | Recommended | 08-28-2023 | 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 review |
| Everyeye.it | Mario Petillo | 9 / 10 | 09-10-2023 | Sea of Stars rejects the abundance of content at all costs and offers a memorable journey, which could have dared a little more on the narrative front, but lived by characters that we could not fail to appreciate. | Read review |
| Expansive | Tom Hynes | 9 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is a defining moment for classic RPGs reinterpreted in a modern way. Sabotage Studios have found a unique balance that compliments everything that came before and presents it in a way that today’s gamer will recognise and appreciate. From story, to visuals, music, and combat, this game is an incredible accomplishment that you simply must play whether you’re pining for days gone by, or are looking for an experience to wash over you with a wave of refreshment, taking you on a memorable adventure you’ll never forget. | Read review |
| Game Informer | Kyle Hilliard | 9 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is a stellar throwback that appeals to fans like me who love 16-bit RPGs, but it also functions as an excellent entry point. Annoyances that hindered early games that inspired Sea of Stars are nowhere to be seen. Simple actions like moving around the world feel great, the story picks up quickly, and farming experience is effectively unnecessary. It all leads to a smooth, consistently thrilling adventure with fun combat, all in a gorgeous and inviting world. | Read review |
| Game Rant | Pam K. Ferdinand | 4.5 / 5 stars | 08-28-2023 | 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 review |
| GameCrate | Lucas White | 8 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars hits a lot of notes with ease, not only wearing its inspirations on its sleeve (and hiring them; they got Mitsuda on the score!) but leveraging them to try new things. For the most part, this game is a standout indie RPG with a level of style, polish, and storytelling that makes it stand out in the crowd. | Read review |
| Gamefa | Mehdi Reazaei | 9.5 / 10 | 09-14-2023 | Sea of Stars delivers an amazing story, interesting puzzles and remarkable platforming sections from start to finish. Sabotage Studios has created a masterpiece that once again shows us the great potential of creative video games. | Read review |
| GameGrin | Alana Dunitz | 10 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | 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 review |
| GameMAG | Unknown | 6 / 10 | 12-05-2023 | Sea of Stars is an old-school JRPG, cut on modern molds, which because of its dragging and template solutions turns from a fun adventure into a routine work. | Read review |
| Gamers Heroes | Johnny Hurricane | 9 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars sets itself apart with its unique look, relaxing vibes, engaging gameplay. Not only is it a great indie RPG, but it also currently sits at the top of my indie GOTY list. | Read review |
| GameSkinny | Ashley Erickson | 8 / 10 | 09-06-2023 | An entrancing voyage through classic RPG nostalgia. | Read review |
| GameSpot | Jason Fanelli | 9 / 10 | 09-08-2023 | Sabotage Studio unearths a time capsule in this incredible retro-style RPG. | Read review |
| GamesRadar+ | Jon Bailes | 4.5 / 5 stars | 08-28-2023 | 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 review |
| GameXplain | Adam Conner | Recommended | 08-28-2023 | Video Review | Read review |
| Gaming Nexus | Eric Hauter | 9 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Top tier storytelling, environmental puzzles, and exploration make Sea of Stars a must play for RPG fans. Though the combat system wears slightly thin after a while, the rest of the game is absolutely stellar. Colorful, funny, and packed full of memorable characters and moments, this is a game that is not to be missed by RPG fans. | Read review |
| GamingTrend | David Flynn | 90 / 100 | 08-28-2023 | 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 review |
| GBAtemp | Prans Dunn | 8.5 / 10 | 09-20-2023 | Sea of Stars masterfully recreates a retro-like RPG experience with a modernised and memorable touch. | Read review |
| Geek Culture | Edwin Teo | 7.5 / 10 | 09-08-2023 | Overall, Sea of Stars is a robust indie RPG that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Sabotage Studio’s dedication to gorgeous art and engaging gameplay mechanics coalesces into a game that, despite a few flaws, shines brightly amidst the gaming landscape. Seasoned RPG enthusiasts and casual players alike will be able to enjoy its thrilling adventure and inviting world. | Read review |
| Geeks Under Grace | Jamie Rice | 9.5 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is a game that will garner lots of attention and praise over the coming years, and it deserves every bit of it. | Read review |
| Generación Xbox | Frank Montes | 9.6 / 10 | 09-17-2023 | Sea of Stars in short, is the indie surprise of the year, it is that game that makes us relive the past and invites us to travel a colorful, captivating world, from which you do not want to detach at any time. When a game is made with love, affection, dedication and a lot of effort, it is when we can fully appreciate it, we are facing a masterpiece and in my humble opinion it is the best of the year, you should not miss it, whether or not you are a lover of JRPGs. | Read review |
| God is a Geek | Lyle Carr | 10 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is the new benchmark for turn-based RPGs, with sublime combat, a cast of charming characters and a soundtrack that’s an all-timer. | Read review |
| GRYOnline.pl | Unknown | 8.5 / 10 | 09-05-2023 | Some noticeable issues can’t overshadow everything that Sea of Stars has to offer. An epic story and a very engaging combat system are only two of many things that made this game one of the best titles of 2023. | Read review |
| Guardian | Sarah Maria Griffin | 5 / 5 stars | 08-31-2023 | This homage to classic Japanese RPGs picks from the best to create something original, and its rich, engaging world makes it feel like a classic in its own right | Read review |
| Hardcore Gamer | Chris Shive | 4 / 5 stars | 08-28-2023 | 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. | Read review |
| Hey Poor Player | Shane Boyle | 5 / 5 stars | 08-28-2023 | Sure, it could be argued that in its opening hours, Sea of Stars doesn’t put its best foot forward, but when what follows an admittedly slow start is such a joyous experience, that’s nothing only a small blemish on an otherwise impeccable product that is easily forgiven. I’ve played a lot of retro-inspired RPGs over the past few years, and while I’ve enjoyed many, rarely have I come away with the opinion that they can hold a candle to their inspirations. Sea of Stars, on the other hand, not only manages to confidently stand shoulder to shoulder with the greats, but in many ways, improves on them to create an unmissable JRPG experience. | Read review |
| Hobby Consolas | David Rodriguez | 90 / 100 | 09-03-2023 | Sea of Stars is a wonderful astral conjunction between the classic and the modern. We are facing a JRPG that must be played by every fan of the genre, an indie that culminates as one of the best of 2023 and that only needs to have been a little braver in its narrative to achieve perfection. | Read review |
| Hynerd.it | Naomi Rusciano | 9.5 / 10 | 09-18-2023 | Sea of Stars is an indie title capable of entertaining gamers and keeping their attention at all times. This is thanks above all to a modernized and dynamic gameplay, but also to a varied game world, rich and endowed by one of the best pixel art in the video game scene. An indie title capable of attracting both veterans of the genre, but also newbies perhaps fearful of slow and boring gameplay. The ability to change characters at the various bonfires also gives the possibility to range and never get bored. An excellent job done by the Canadian software house Sabotage Studio, veterans of their successful The Messenger, they had the ability to renew a genre without disrespecting the classics of the past. | Read review |
| IGN | Gabriel Moss | 8 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea 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. | Read review |
| IGN Italy | Alessandra Borgonovo | 8.3 / 10 | 09-19-2023 | Sea of Stars is a proper homage to old-school RPGs, thanks to a splendid pixel art and a combat system that, while not fully expressing its potential, refreshes the concept of the turn-based system. | Read review |
| Impulsegamer | Martijn van Gent | 4.7 / 5 stars | 09-22-2023 | Featuring excellently paced turn based combat and a memorable story taking place in a beautiful, interactive world to explore – Sea of Stars is a dream come true for 90’s RPG fans, RPG fans, and fans of great video games. | Read review |
| INDIANTVCZ | Nikola Levová | 10 / 10 | 10-10-2023 | Among the giant titles that appeared this year, there is one tiny one that managed to surprise me very pleasantly. Sea of Stars is almost everything you could want from a simple-looking isometric RPG. It has a quality story that oozes emotion, tension, and humor. The combat system is complexly polished yet straightforward to understand. The world itself teems with life, mystery, and wit. You can set the pace to your liking, and nothing pushes you or makes you return due to low experience. At the same time, you’ll happily go through this story several times, as it’s full of surprises that you can’t discover all on the first pass. | Read review |
| LevelUp | Pablo Vargas | 10 / 10 | 08-29-2023 | Sabotage Studio’ has created a timeless gem that not only pays homage to the classics of yesteryear, but also establishes itself as a modern legend in its own right and shines like a radiant beacon that not only makes it one of the greatest indie video games ever, but also a true masterpiece of its own, ascends to the Olympus of video games and is consecrated as one of the best RPGs ever created. | Read review |
| Metro GameCentral | GameCentral | 8 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | 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 review |
| MonsterVine | Frank Wood | 5 / 5 stars | 08-28-2023 | If you have any love for RPGs or are even maybe even looking to get into them, please check out Sea Of Stars, it really feels like a labor of love that delivers on everything it sets out to do. | Read review |
| New Game Network | Yasmine Hubbard | 82 / 100 | 09-06-2023 | Sea of Stars may pinch its influences from numerous 16-bit titles like Chrono Trigger, but the gameplay feels neither stale or old. The gorgeous 2D environments and bizarre cosmic-esque plot will hold players’ attention for the whole 35-40-hour runtime. | Read review |
| Niche Gamer | Fingal Belmont | 9 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars understands what fans of Chrono Trigger have been longing for. It tastefully incorporates homages and exhibits greater originality than might be initially perceived. Sea of Stars is a masterful artistic achievement in both visuals and audio, featuring utterly engrossing turn-based combat that showcases air-tight design. | Read review |
| Nintendo Life | Mitch Vogel | 9 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is a sensational achievement for Sabotage. The studio is two for two in providing impressively designed and genuinely innovative takes on classic genres. Some pacing issues aside, the complex narrative, deep and strategic combat, thoughtful level design, and fantastic visuals and music all combine to make this one of the easiest recommendations we can make. If you consider yourself a fan of old-school RPGs, you must play Sea of Stars. And if not? The execution and polish here are so good that we’d suggest you give it a try anyway. There are few games that would be a better introduction and representation of what makes JRPGs great. Sea of Stars is an instant classic and a new high-water mark for modern retro-styled indies. You really shouldn’t miss out. | Read review |
| NintendoWorldReport | Jordan Rudek | 10 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | At times it wears its SNES inspirations on its sleeves (and proudly), but it evolves the combat to a level of perfection. Every aspect of the game is fun, or emotional, or tantalizingly brain-teasing, and I haven’t been able to put it down even after rolling credits a dozen hours of playtime earlier. You’ll smile, laugh, and maybe even cry as you help Valere and Zale complete their mission, but there’s one thing for certain: you’ll never forget it. | Read review |
| Oyungezer Online | Sabri Erkan Sabanci | 9 / 10 | 10-05-2023 | Just like Chained Echoes, Sea of Stars successfully adapts 90s console RPGs to modern day. | Read review |
| Paste Magazine | Moises Taveras | 8.5 / 10 | 08-30-2023 | It’s unfortunate that Sea of Stars doesn’t entirely stick the landing considering everything else about it is riveting to see and be a part of. It wears its influences on its sleeves, but rarely feels burdened by those expectations or particularly shackled to them. In fact, it fights tooth and nail to stand apart and wonderfully accomplishes it. It’s beautiful to look at and a joy to listen to, and I could get lost in its warm and fun fantasy over and over. There are also places that Sea of Stars goes that I want to share just about as much as I want everyone to find for themselves. If you’re at all familiar with the studio’s oeuvre, you know the delightfully weird places Sabotage enjoys taking its games, and how smoothly it translates retro aesthetics and mechanics into the modern era. In short, Sea of Stars is a magical game well worth playing just for the thrilling and heartfelt adventure it delivers. | Read review |
| PC Gamer | Kerry Brunskill | 79 / 100 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars may not truly recapture the magic of ’90s RPGs, but it’s still a polished, enjoyable blend of old and new. | Read review |
| PCGamesN | Lowell Bell | 9 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | 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 review |
| PCMag | Gabriel Zamora | 4 / 5 stars | 09-29-2023 | Sea of Stars is a vibrant, beautiful RPG that’s packed with gameplay conventions from yesteryear, but it has enough flair to stand out from its inspirations. | Read review |
| PlayStation Universe | David Carcasole | 9.5 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea Of Stars is an excellent, retro-inspired RPG that I would recommend anyone play, with feel-good characters, intricate and engaging combat, a stunning soundtrack, and beautiful world with a wonderful sense of adventure, friendship and love. While the story doesn’t break any molds, its characters are all charming and endearing, to the point where I feel like I’d follow them to the ends of the world and beyond. | Read review |
| Polygon | Josh Broadwell | Recommended | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars aims for, well, the stars, but lands somewhere a bit lower. Its charming world and brilliant combat carry much of the adventure. However, when Sea of Stars wants very much to be a narrative-driven game with a big cast of characters, it’s difficult to overlook the story’s shortcomings. | Read review |
| Press Start | Harry Kalogirou | 9 / 10 | 08-29-2023 | Sea of Stars is simultaneously a love letter and modernisation of the legendary turn-based RPGs of old. It retains everything that made them such a core part of the industry so many years ago, while poking fun at tropes and conventions in an entertainingly self-aware manner. Much like The Messenger, Sea of Stars is another smash hit from Sabotage Studio, and is undoubtedly one of the best games of this year. | Read review |
| Prima Games | Meg Bethany Koepp | 10 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is a beautiful tale of friendship that tugs at your heartstrings and is impossible to complete without shedding a tear. If you’re a fan of classic RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Golden Sun, you’re in for a real treat here. | Read review |
| PSX Brasil | Victor Vitório | 90 / 100 | 08-28-2023 | With well-done writing, dynamic battles, and luxurious pixel art adorned by vivid lighting, Sea of Stars passes the test of being a retro and modern turn-based RPG at once retro. We can still notice some outdated little legacies of the genre, but that doesn’t affect the enjoyment of embarking as young heroes to save the world in an epic and witty campaign worthy of the new old days. | Read review |
| Push Square | Stephen Tailby | 8 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Overall, Sea of Stars is immensely enjoyable from start to finish. While it’s been inspired by various classic RPGs, it sets itself apart with an engaging story, some brilliant characters, and surprisingly deep lore. On top of that, the combat is great fun thanks to its involving, strategic mechanics, and exploring the gorgeous pixelated world is rewarding. It isn’t perfect, but it overcomes any flaws with its charming presentation, a world ripe with things to see and do, and no shortage of personality. | Read review |
| Rectify Gaming | Henry | 9 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is more than just a video game; it’s an enchanting journey that captures the essence of what makes RPGs beloved by gamers of all generations. Sabotage Studio has crafted a masterpiece that effortlessly balances nostalgia with innovation, creating a world that players will want to explore and protect. With its compelling narrative, stunning visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable music, Sea of Stars is a celestial gem that deserves a place in every gamer’s collection. | Read review |
| Rock, Paper, Shotgun | Katharine Castle | Recommended | 08-28-2023 | A beautifully made retro-inspired RPG that will instantly transport you back to the 16-bit golden years, for better or worse. | Read review |
| RPGamer | Jon Jansen | 4 / 5 stars | 10-02-2023 | Although it never quite reaches the heights of the classic RPGs it takes inspiration from, Sea of Stars stands out as a superb, modern turn-based RPG due to its incredible polish and refinement. | Read review |
| Saudi Gamer | Unknown | 9 / 10 | 09-03-2023 | Sea of Stars is not a simple nostalgia bait game, but it is a game that learned a lot of what made both the legendary classic and modern RPG titles special and made it’s own unique unforgettable experience that is worthy to stand near, but not alongside with the legendary games that inspired it. | Read review |
| Saving Content | Evan Rowe | 4 / 5 stars | 08-29-2023 | Overall, Sea of Stars handles the task extremely well, and it delights more often than not. I love so much about what they’ve done with it, and it really is a love letter to classic 16-bit era JRPGs. I love that this genre is seeing more great games in the past few years, and in many ways this may be the best one of the bunch. It’s an easy recommendation as a fun romp with approachable mechanics and gorgeous art and an amazing soundtrack where almost every track is an absolute bop. In many ways it’s the turn-based RPG I’ve been wanting to play for years, and whether you were raised playing the classics like me or you’re just excited for a new RPG, Sea of Stars is absolutely worth diving into. | Read review |
| Screen Rant | Rob Gordon | 4.5 / 5 stars | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is more than just an excellent turn-based RPG that pays homage to the greats. The gameplay choices it makes turns the game into a must-play for fans of the genre, while the story is suitably charming for RPG aficionados. This is far more than simply a prequel to The Messenger, and is a tremendous achievement in its own right. | Read review |
| Shacknews | Larryn Bell | 9 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | 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 review |
| Siliconera | Jenni Lada | 10 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is a lovely, heartfelt game with a cast of well-realized characters, a fun battle system, and a world begging to be explored. | Read review |
| Sirus Gaming | Erickson Melchor | 9 / 10 | 09-04-2023 | Sea 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. After 45+ hours of gameplay, I am thoroughly convinced that Sea of Stars is well deserving of all the praises it has accumulated over the years in development. I wholeheartedly recommend this game to more than just RPG enthusiasts. | Read review |
| SomHráč.sk | Vladimír Rusnák | 99 / 100 | 10-10-2023 | Sea of Stars is an exceedingly well-written RPG. The story, the loveable characters, and the beautiful retro visuals will grab you and won’t let go. | Read review |
| SpazioGames | Domenico Musicò | 9.1 / 10 | 09-02-2023 | Sea of Stars sits on the same throne occupied by Chained Echoes. This new wave of JRPGs is the perfect example of what the genre needs and what it needs to get rid of. A new Renaissance has begun. | Read review |
| TechRaptor | Tanushri Shah | 7.5 / 10 | 08-29-2023 | While it clearly takes inspiration from the greats, make no mistake, Sea of Stars doesn’t capitalize on nostalgia and has its own set of traits to talk about. | Read review |
| The Escapist | Marty Sliva | Recommended | 08-28-2023 | Video Review | Read review |
| The Games Machine | Pietro Iacullo | 8 / 10 | 09-04-2023 | Sea of Stars is a Vergil for all the Dantes that want to explore the Hell and the Heavens of JRPG. Sabotage Studio learned from the genre’s master, but took away the boring grinding part giving life to something very catchy to play. | Read review |
| The Outerhaven Productions | Scott Adams | 5 / 5 stars | 08-28-2023 | 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 review |
| TheGamer | Andrew King | 4 / 5 stars | 08-28-2023 | What I find most remarkable about Sea of Stars is that, despite not caring all that much about its characters, the gameplay was good enough that I was invested throughout. Managing the meters of each battle, and exploring the colorful landscapes and dungeons that connect them, is so entertaining that my quibbles about other aspects couldn’t bring the experience down. The story isn’t especially compelling, but it perfectly serves the purpose it needs to: getting you from the fun of A to the fun of B without any real hiccups in between. Howard Hawks once said that a movie needs “three good scenes and no bad ones” to be great. That’s what Sea of Stars has going for it. Nothing that’ll bother you too much, and plenty of good. | Read review |
| TheSixthAxis | Nic Bunce | 9 / 10 | 08-31-2023 | Sea of Stars has clearly been made by people with a deep and abiding love of JRPGs. That level of passion is hard to mimic, and the result is a heavily playable game with morish visuals, a cracking story and deeply considered level design. However, while it is very good, it isn’t quite perfect. Combat needed to be deeper (or at least escapable) and while the dynamism was a great touch, it wasn’t enough to carry it all the way through to the end. | Read review |
| Twinfinite | Grace Black | 4.5 / 5 stars | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars successfully modernizes and builds on the traditional 2D pixel RPG game and proves how such a genre has the potential to thrive among the saturated market hype for realistic games through beautiful storytelling, engaging gameplay, and brilliantly written characters. | Read review |
| Use a Potion | Unknown | 10 / 10 | 09-08-2023 | Sea of Stars is an unmissable RPG that blends together wonderful storytelling, captivating gameplay, and dazzling audio and visuals into one masterful package. Honestly, I was utterly enthralled by the whole experience from start to end, with every aspect of the game’s design perfectly crafted to ensure it keeps the player completely hooked in. Whether you’re encountering one of the game’s charming characters for the first time, fighting through a challenging boss battle that puts your skills to the test, or simply admiring one of the many majestic sights of the world whilst some beautiful music plays in the background, it’s hard not to be blown away by the wonders of Sea of Stars. | Read review |
| VGChartz | Evan Norris | 8.5 / 10 | 09-08-2023 | Thanks to the studio’s amazing attention to detail, and its investment in worldbuilding, turn-based mechanics, and production design, Sea of Stars has emerged as one of the best games of 2023. | Read review |
| Video Chums | A.J. Maciejewski | 8.4 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is an excellent retro-inspired RPG that will make you happy to explore its packed and beautiful world. It may get a little stale at parts for various reasons but what’s here is still undeniably special. | Read review |
| VideoGamer | Antony Terence | 8 / 10 | 08-29-2023 | Stunning vistas paired with a stirring soundtrack and refined combat shoulder Sea of Stars, one of 2023’s most charming RPGs. | Read review |
| WayTooManyGames | Heidi Hawes | 9 / 10 | 12-04-2023 | This is one of those games that comes along every once in a great while, and I can’t recommend it enough to absolutely everyone. Whether or not you’re well versed in the genre, you should absolutely hop onboard and get ready to sail the Sea of Stars. If not for yourself, do it for Garl. | Read review |
| WellPlayed | Mark Isaacson | 9.5 / 10 | 08-29-2023 | Sea of Stars is a breathtaking ride through familiarity and originality, engaging in its mechanics and colourful in its story, culminating in some of the best twists and turns of any RPG I’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying. | Read review |
| Windows Central | Alexander Cope | 5 / 5 stars | 08-28-2023 | From the beginning of the game to the end credits, I loved Sea of Stars. It has an engaging combat system, gorgeous pixel-art graphics, a large variety of intriguing side content, and a fantastic plot featuring a charming world, likable characters, and crazy twists that I didn’t see coming. If you grew up playing JRPGs in the 1990s or are a younger fan who likes JRPGs in general, then I guarantee you’ll love Sea of Stars. | Read review |
| Worth Playing | Chris “Atom” DeAngelus | 8.5 / 10 | 08-28-2023 | Sea of Stars is a pitch-perfect nostalgic take on a JRPG, with beautiful visuals, a fun combat system, and a top-notch soundtrack. My only major criticism is that the story is a touch weak and disjointed, and the combat system falls off a bit toward the end. Sea of Stars hit its mark hard, and it’s a damn impressive first effort from Sabotage Studios. If you’ve been looking for a simple, fun and lighthearted old-school RPG, look no further than Sea of Stars. It’s not quite a new classic, but it doesn’t need to be, either. | Read review |
Awards & Recognition
RECOGNITION
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* VSG’s best estimate for how long it will take you to complete the game. Learn more.
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