86
MONSTER
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.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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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.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
85
Positive (80-100)
80%
Mixed (50-79)
20%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
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.
Gameplay Mechanics
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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.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
86
Positive (80-100)
79%
Mixed (50-79)
21%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
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.
Graphics and Visual Design
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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.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
92
Positive (80-100)
94%
Mixed (50-79)
6%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
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.
Music and Sound Design
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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.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
89
Positive (80-100)
92%
Mixed (50-79)
8%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
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.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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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.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
85
Positive (80-100)
70%
Mixed (50-79)
30%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
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.
Replay Value
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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.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
76
Positive (80-100)
47%
Mixed (50-79)
53%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
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.
Overall Verdict
86
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
86
Positive (80-100)
94%
Mixed (50-79)
6%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
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.
86
MONSTER
Reviews
179 reviews found100
But Why Tho?
Aug 28, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
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
Dexerto
Aug 28, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
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
GameGrin
Aug 28, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
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
Player 2
Aug 28, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
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
IGN Brasil
Aug 28, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
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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100
TheXboxHub
Jan 16, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
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
Hey Poor Player
Aug 28, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
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
NintendoWorldReport
Aug 28, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Sea of Stars is described as a near flawless take on the turn-based RPG. Every aspect of the game is praised as fun, emotional, and brain-teasing. The reviewer highly recommends the game.
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100
Gaming Age
Aug 28, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Sea of Stars delivers the total package for retro-infused RPGs and is recommended for players to check out.
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100
Guardian
Aug 31, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Sea of Stars is a modern classic in its own right.
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