Sea of Stars Reviews

Sea of Stars is ranked in the 98th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
GBAtemp
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Sep 20, 2023

Sea of Stars masterfully recreates a retro-like RPG experience with a modernised and memorable touch.

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9 / 10.0
Aug 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.

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9 / 10.0
Oct 5, 2023

Just like Chained Echoes, Sea of Stars successfully adapts 90s console RPGs to modern day.

Review in Turkish | Read full review

Gamefa
Top Critic
9.5 / 10.0
Sep 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.

Review in Persian | Read full review

Cubed3
Top Critic
9 / 10
Sep 8, 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.

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10 / 10.0
Aug 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.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

82 / 100
Sep 6, 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.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 5, 2023

Sea of Stars might not quite reach the legendary status of classics like Chrono Trigger or Final Fantasy VI, but it's undeniably a stunning game that every genre lover should dive into. It's an adventure that's pure joy because it gets what makes JRPGs so darn captivating for decades.What really matters about Sea of Stars is that it's nailed that magical vibe from a bygone era that might never come back. Let Sea of Stars cast its spell on you, and let those waves of nostalgia wash right over you. You won't regret it

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Saudi Gamer
Top Critic
9 / 10
Sep 3, 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.

Review in Arabic | Read full review

10 / 10
Aug 28, 2023

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 and an absolutely essential addition to Xbox Game Pass.

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Aug 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.

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90 / 100
Aug 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.

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8.5 / 10.0
Aug 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.

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10 / 10.0
Aug 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.

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10 / 10.0
Aug 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!

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90 / 100
Aug 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.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Sep 4, 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.

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8.4 / 10.0
Aug 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.

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May 28, 2024

I would never have guessed that any RPG would speak to me so strongly. I feel that nothing else will make a similar impression on me for a long time, and I will definitely give other games in this genre a chance. Thank you, Sabotage Studio! This is a masterpiece!

Review in Polish | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Aug 28, 2023

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.

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