Hello everyone and welcome back to another blog post from your favorite indie games blog. One of the most prominent award shows in the video game industry, the Game Awards, just finished and we have the winners for best indie game and best debut indie game with Sea of Stars and Cocoon respectively.
On this post we will get you the review for Sea of Stars, but further along the way we will also review the Cocoon game and debut new sections on the blog where we will talk about different topics related to indie games, and we’ll take a peek to the other nominated games for our favorite categories from the Game Awards.
The Celestial Odyssey: A Glimpse into Sea of Stars and Sabotage Studio
Sea of stars is a fantasy RPG game, set in a world filled with magic and adventures. Developed by Sabotage Studio, the game serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed The Messenger. Known for its captivating visuals, engaging gameplay, and a rich narrative, Sea of Stars invites players to explore a beautifully crafted world inspired by classic RPG games.
Sabotage Studio, a Montreal based indie video game company, developed the game. The studio was founded in 2016 and is known for creating games with modern elements and gameplay mechanics, but using classic and nostalgic visuals and soundtrack. Sea of Stars reflects their dedication to creating immersive and memorable games that resonate with players worldwide.
The Visual Tapestry of Sea of Stars
As mentioned before, Sabotage Studio is known for creating classic games aesthetics and by just starting the game, you can immediately see the classic RPG from the Super Nintendo 16 bit era. The graphics bring up a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of beloved classics like Pokemon and Final Fantasy, capturing the essence of traditional RPGs.
The art style’s fusion of vibrant colors adds an enchanting touch, enhancing the visual experience and transporting players to a world that feels both familiar and magical.
A Celestial Symphony
One thing about the controls I found very surprising was the fluidity of movement. Even though you might be deceived by the looks of the game, the smoothness of movement corresponds to modern times. The controls are responsive, allowing for effortless navigation through the celestial landscapes and interacting with the mechanics is very easy.
The game follows with the classic turn based combat system, famous in a big number of RPG games, but combining it with real time elements, bringing the classic combat system a breath of fresh air. There’s also a deep level of strategy involved, encouraging players to think critically and tactically while the real-time elements maintain a dynamic pace, ensuring that every battle is engaging and full of surprises.
One stand out element and one of my favorites in RPG games is the character progression elements. The game introduces a number of playable characters, each with special and unique abilities and skills. As players progress, they unlock new powers, adding layers of depth to both combat and puzzle-solving. The well balanced progression system encourages experimentation, allowing players to tailor their strategies to their preferred playstyle.
Beyond combat and character progression, the game also has puzzle and exploration elements. The game will challenge your critical thinking as you progress along the story. The exploration is both rewarding and satisfying, with hidden secrets and treasures scattered throughout the celestial realms.
Another element that makes the game feel more alive is the day/night cycle mechanic, which also impacts both the gameplay and overall ambience. Certain events, puzzles, and encounters are influenced by the time of day, adding an extra layer of strategy and immersion.
The Celestial Odyssey Unveiled
But the star of the show, I would have to say, is the story. An immersive and lore rich tale that will enchant any fan of fantasy stories and adventures. The story follows two characters; Valere and Zale, two Solstice Warriors, trained to use the Eclipse Magic, a powerful force that can be used to fight off the monstrous creations of an evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.
The story is set in a celestial realm threatened by an ancient evil, players embark on a heroic journey as two Children of the Solstice, gifted with extraordinary powers. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of the two protagonists, each with a unique story and abilities. As players progress, they discover the mysteries of the Celestial Islands, encountering a cast of compelling characters and delving into a mythos brimming with magic, prophecy, and cosmic forces.
But where the story shines the most is in the relationships the player can make with the characters of the game. The bond between the two Children of the Solstice evolves organically, influenced by player choices and actions. This dynamic storytelling approach adds emotional depth to the overarching plot, creating a more immersive and personalized experience.
Sea of Stars invites players to embark on a multitude of quests and side stories, each contributing to the overarching narrative. The game balances main story progression with optional content, ensuring that every exploration and interaction contributes to the immersive world-building and character development.
A Harmonious Celestial Symphony
Sea of Stars features an enchanting soundtrack that elevates the gaming experience. The music, composed with care, captures the essence of the celestial realm. Whether it’s the sweeping melodies during epic battles or the serene tunes while exploring tranquil landscapes, the soundtrack complements the game’s atmosphere, enhancing emotional engagement.
The game incorporates a dynamic audio atmosphere, adapting to the changing environments and situations. Whether traversing through celestial landscapes, diving into intense battles, or unraveling the mysteries of ancient ruins, the audio dynamically responds to the player’s actions, creating a more immersive and responsive gameplay experience.
Celestial Adventures Beyond the Horizon
Sea of Stars offers significant replay value through its embrace of multiple playstyles and narrative choices. The game’s open-ended design allows players to approach challenges in different ways, encouraging experimentation. Additionally, narrative choices impact character relationships and outcomes, providing a unique experience with each playthrough.
Sea of Stars incorporates New Game Plus features, allowing players to carry over certain progressions into subsequent playthroughs. This not only facilitates the exploration of alternate story paths but also introduces new challenges and difficulty levels, providing a refreshing experience for those seeking increased complexity.
In the vast expanse of indie gaming, Sea of Stars emerges as a celestial masterpiece, inviting players on a spellbinding journey through a rich tapestry of nostalgia, innovation, and enchantment. From its pixel-perfect graphics reminiscent of gaming classics to the innovative gameplay mechanics and the symphony of sound and music that accompanies every step, Sea of Stars stands as a testament to Sabotage Studio’s dedication to crafting memorable experiences. If you want to know more about the future or past projects from Sabotage Studio, check their website here!