Sometimes we want to take a step back in time when turn-based ruled and pixel art laughed in the face of 3D graphics. If that particular itch has taken a hold of you then come and take a look at how the sun shines brightly upon, Sea of Stars.
Sea of Stars has us start out simply enough as we first choose which of the two protagonists we want to directly control, Zale our sun empowered warrior, or Valere the battle monk invigorated by the moon. Feel free to choose whomever you like as this choice doesn't affect anything important. As we make out way though the opening, we discover how the two became the solstice warriors they are now thanks to; working out, training, and... sewing? The pair's task is to seek out and stop terrible beings known as Dwellers that if left alone would become a World Eater and consume all we know and more. Before the two can hope to quell these threats, they'll need to learn how to use magic... without using magic.
Zale and Vale begin their quest simply enough and are soon joined by their childhood friend, Garl. While he isn't powered up by the sun or moon, his unyielding optimism and charm along with his pot lid will see him become the perfect companion for the journey. Garl titles himself as a, warrior-cook as besides being an surprisingly versatile in combat, he can also whip up some stellar meals. Cooking is easy enough as gathering the ingredients around the map, gained by defeating enemies, or by buying them from merchants. Then just find the nearest campfire, select what meal you would like to cook, and after a moment you'll have a new useful item to use in or out of combat. The meal effects could simply restore your HP or MP but later recipes you discover can revive teammates, heal the entire party, and more.
How about we take some time to talk about the game's combat for a little bit eh? Sea of Stars' combat system revolves around the good ol' turn based system but it does have some great additions and tweaks that keep it fresh. Firstly, any attack or skill has a moment where you can press A to get an additional/stronger hit or to improve your healing effects. This also comes into play with blocking enemy attacks too where blocking at the right moment will reduce the damage you incur but failing means you're taking the full brunt of the attack.
Basic attacking serves two greater functions which will become imperative to master as we journey onward. Skills consume our mana points and in battle, aside from using restoratives, the only way to get them back will be from basic attacking. Each basic attack will return 3 MPs back to us so careful management is a must so you're not running dry at a critical moment. The other incredibly useful tool that comes later with basic attacking is boosting, this only becomes available to us after a couple hours in. With boosting, it can empower any party member up to 3 times (attacks or heals) and this gives characters like Zale and Vale their magical attack on top of the basic as well. Boosts can even be used with skills and combos to really make those big hits count or bring your party back from the brink of defeat with a humongous heal.
The areas, towns, and dungeons you'll be discovering along your path are always filled with the game's wonderful art and it's stellar music to accompany it. I found myself in several areas just taking a moment to stop and just listen to the music as it's some really great stuff that will catch your attention immediately. Even things like the animations are dialed up to 11 here and taken a step further in the few but always appreciated animated cutscenes you'll see throughout the game. Also, while Sea of Stars is an rpg where you can level up and improve your stats, there is no need to grind. For most of my playthrough, the game kept the difficulty incredibly balanced and frankly there were only times where I felt over-powered, never the other way around. As long as you're improving your equipment regularly and beating most/all the mobs in the maps you visit, you'll be perfectly fine for most encounters.
Areas also host some treasure chests you can find with equipment or meals to find or even rare collectables. You'll also find a hearty amount of puzzles throughout the game too which are a nice little change from the battles and traveling, and none of the puzzles are too time-consuming or difficult either. Side-quests are also found within Sea of Stars and some can be as simple as winning at a guessing game or collecting some fish, while others could ask you to navigate a desert maze to reach a secret boss or another might ask you to travel across the world in search of key pieces to open a door beneath the water.
How about we speak a little bit more about the story and some characters before we wrap this up, shall we? Not to worry, spoilers won't be found here. Almost every character is likable and the humor found in Sea of Stars keeps things light, a certain crew encountered in a town early on always had me happy to interact with and new party members gained throughout the journey never disappointed. The story keeps things simple right up until things start to change and get desperate for our party and when things do, you'll be partially excited for the changes but also wishing it never came as it comes with a cost. While most of the story is pretty well handled, I did find the game got weaker near the end, so much so that I was convinced for awhile there was going to be another act but it never came and left some things... unresolved after the end.
Achievements in Sea of Stars are a pretty simple affair and won't have you stressing out at all. All but one achievement can be earned in 1 playthrough but the final will only require a partial playthrough but not an entire one, plus it can be done in new game + to make it all the easier. Collecting all the conchs or chests will likely be the only other achievements somewhat daunting you, but guides will have you breezing through them. Getting all achievements here are fairly easy and fun, and if you're having any difficulty, Sea of Stars has some relics you can find and turn on to help your experience.
Sea of Stars is a wonderful experience through-and-through. Aside from my gripes with some plot bits, I had a great time from beginning to end and the characters easily kept me attached to them and what was happening. If you have played, The Messenger, you'll discover a plethora of nods and easter eggs to it and if you put some pieces together you might find these two games are more closely tied than you could have guessed. Overall, this game was an excellent time and should be one you try for yourself for an unexpected but surprisingly fun adventure. Bask in the moonlight and embrace the power of the sun as you set sail for a bombastic time in, Sea of Stars.
3.5