Highlights
- Timing is key in Sea of Stars, just like in classic RPGs such as Super Mario RPG and Chrono Trigger. Mastering timed hits and blocks is crucial for success in battles and using character skills effectively.
- The soundtrack of Sea of Stars is a standout feature that should not be overlooked. With an impressive lineup of composers, the music changes dynamically based on day and night cycles, adding depth and immersion to the game.
- For a satisfying experience in Sea of Stars, players should strive for total completion. This includes defeating optional bosses, collecting all items, and recruiting every NPC. Unlocking the True Ending and facing the final boss is a challenge, but it's worth it for dedicated players.
One of 2023's top indie titles, Sea of Stars, was inspired by classic games from the 16-bit era such as Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG, and the Mana series. Like any RPG of the time, Sea of Stars has some unwritten rules that players both new to the game, and new to the genre overall, should consider when playing through it for the first time.
True to the games it drew inspiration from, Sea of Stars is not the longest game by any stretch, as most players can finish the main story and some side content in about 25 to 30 hours. But, thanks to more side content to do after wrapping up the story, and the upcoming Throes of the Watchmaker DLC, players can easily double their playtime upwards of 50 hours. That said, both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the RPG genre should follow the rules that make Sea of Stars a better experience.
Practice and Learn the Button Timings
Similar to games such as Super Mario RPG and The Legend of Dragoon, timed hits and blocks are crucial to success in Sea of Stars. This timing mechanic goes for standard attacks and for each of the character skills in Sea of Stars. Some skills such as Valere's Moonerang and Seraï's Venom Flurry continue in succession with each timed button press, with Moonerang being upon deflecting the projectile, and Venom Flurry at the height of Seraï's portal jumps. Using the Sequent Flare relic can give players a clear indicator of the timing of each skill, via a star that will fly across the screen with each successful parry and attack.
Turn The Music Up to the Max
With a soundtrack composed by Sabotage Studio's Eric W. Brown, and contributions from guest composers Vincent Jake Jones, Reece Miller, and Yasunori Mitsua of Chrono Trigger fame, the sounds of Sea of Stars are a feature that should not be ignored. Throughout the game, players will have the ability to switch between day and night freely, and the music will change in the world and in battle alongside it. Miller's "bardcore" tracks can be heard in the inns across the game, all of which are remixes of the game's various themes. This attention to detail is a trait that few classic RPGs can boast, but Sea of Stars has done that in spades.
Collect and Experience Everything in the Game
Like any RPG worth its salt, Sea of Stars rewards players who complete everything that the game has to offer after beating the main story once. From defeating optional bosses to collecting every Rainbow Conch and recruiting every NPC possible to move to the town of Mirth, fulfilling these criteria is necessary for Sea of Stars players to unlock the True Ending of the game. Once players unlock New Game Plus, they will be taken back to the last save point in The Fleshmancer's lair. From there, they can resume any unfinished tasks needed to unlock the True Ending and face the game's true final boss. While fulfilling these criteria is a challenge, heeding the rule of total completion is worth it in Sea of Stars.
Always Hit Up the Save Spots
While this rule may seem self-explanatory, saving early and often is one of the basics of the RPG genre. The save points in Sea of Stars are magical purple books located on pedestals in towns, dungeons, and most parts of the world map. Players should always take the time to save their progress at their earliest convenience, especially if they are going after a particular trophy or achievement. In addition to Sea of Stars' auto-save functionality, save points and campfires are usually placed before a major boss battle. Between those options, players should use this chance to prepare for what lies ahead.
Sea of Stars is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
