Sea of Stars

Trailers

Screenshots

Sea of Stars screenshot 1

Our Take

At $34.99, it's a good buy for fans of RPGs looking for a mix of nostalgia and modern improvements. It has a strong Metacritic score, too.

Review

Sea of Stars aims to revitalize the classic RPG formula by infusing it with modern gameplay mechanics. The active combat system with features like timed hits and combo attacks is a refreshing update for turn-based battles. Exploring without the hindrance of random encounters is a welcome change, focusing more on player choice. The game’s prequel setting in The Messenger’s universe offers both familiarity and surprises. With dynamic lighting that enhances its pixel-art design, it stands as a visually appealing game. Its nostalgic roots combined with modern tweaks make it appealing to both retro enthusiasts and new players.

Pros

  • +Engaging turn-based combat with active player input
  • +No random encounters or grinding
  • +Unique traversal mechanics

Cons

  • -Possibly limited appeal to those who dislike turn-based combat
  • -Story set in The Messenger’s universe might confuse newcomers
  • -Pixel-art style might not appeal to everyone

Gameplay

In Sea of Stars, you engage in turn-based combat with interactive elements like timed hits and multi-character combos. You explore the world using advanced traversal options, which allows swimming, climbing, and jumping. The game is set in The Messenger’s universe with an engaging storyline and dynamic lighting.

On Switch 2

Being a Switch 2 exclusive, it should run optimally on the hardware, but specific performance metrics aren't detailed.

Who It's For

Players who enjoy turn-based RPGs with added depth and modern twists.

About

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. Key ingredients Engaging turn-based combat - Combat gameplay includes active player input during attack animations (timed hits), multi-character combo attacks, boosting, and strategic defense options to hinder enemies while they are channeling a powerful attack or spell. For a more immersive experience, there are no random encounters or transitions to separate battlefields, and no grinding. Both navigation and combat happen in the same environment. Unshackled traversal - Swim, climb, vault, jump off or hoist up ledges as you run through the world with a navigation system based on platformer expertise that breaks free from the classic bound-to-the-grid tileset movement. Prequel story set in The Messenger’s universe - Dozens of original characters and story arcs will take you on a captivating journey. Sometimes epic, sometimes silly, and other times emotional, Sea of Stars does its RPG duty of exploring classic themes of adventure and friendship, while also being chock-full of the unexpected twists and events you’d expect from a Sabotage production. Full-on dynamic lighting - Our custom-made render pipeline allows the creation of a breathtaking world coming to life by pushing the limits of 2D pixel-art games. The Sabotage treatment on the turn-based RPG genre - Every system has been deeply analyzed to create an experience that pays respect to retro classics, while reworking some elements to offer a modernized experience free of irritants and timesinks.

Similar Games

Sea of Stars

90

Metacritic

4.3

User Rating

133 ratings

Great Value

$0.39 per quality point

Release Date
8 June 2026
eShop Price
A$50.95AUD
Genres
RPG
Developer
Sabotage Studio
Publisher
Hothead Games
ESRB Rating
Teen

Last updated Sep 21, 2026