One Year Ago, Sea of Stars Brought Classic 90s JRPGs Into the Modern Era

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One Year Ago, Sea of Stars Brought Classic 90s JRPGs Into the Modern Era

Key Takeaways

  • Sea of Stars updated classic JRPG elements for modern audiences, earning it Best Indie at The Game Awards 2023.
  • The game expertly balances nostalgic designs and accessibility, bridging generations and appealing to many fans.
  • Sabotage Studio’s incorporation of quality of life features and DLC plans showcases Sea of Stars’ status as an impactful indie JRPG.

As a seasoned gamer who has played everything from the classics of the ’90s to the latest AAA releases, I can confidently say that Sabotage Studio’s Sea of Stars is a gem that stands out among the crowd. Having grown up with games like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy, it was refreshing to see a modern take on these beloved classics that didn’t just rehash the past, but also added its own unique twist.

As a dedicated gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for Sabotage Studio’s masterpiece, Sea of Stars, which made a splashy debut in August 2023. Set within the universe of their critically acclaimed 2018 launch, The Messenger, this game left a lasting impact on me and many other gamers with its nostalgic aesthetic and deeply moving narrative.

Ocean of Stardust left fans and critics amazed by its innovative revamp of traditional elements found in JRPGs. A year later, it’s clear that it skillfully blended what was appreciated from the ’90s, a time when JRPGs were thriving, with a contemporary perspective. The way Stardust of Stars evokes nostalgia while offering an immersive and relatable experience for various audiences is still commendable, paving the way for future developments.

Sea of Stars’ Loving Homage to Old School JRPGs Stands Out, One Year Later

Sea of Stars is Rooted in Classic JRPG Traditions

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but acknowledge the obvious nods to timeless classics that have profoundly influenced the very essence of Star of Stars. The game’s DNA is saturated with nostalgia, evident in its pixel art, combat, and progression mechanics, all reminiscent of beloved titles from yesteryears. To top it off, the game features a captivating score by the legendary Yasunori Mitsuda, renowned for his significant contributions to ’90s JRPGs. Sea of Stars, while proudly wearing its inspirations on its sleeve, also pushes the boundaries to lay the groundwork for future titles in this genre.

Among games striving to recapture the spirit of a bygone era, reminiscent of classics like Chrono Trigger, Sea of Stars stands out as the one that does it most effectively, notably within the independent gaming scene. Games such as Square Enix’s Octopath Traveler series were warmly received reimaginings from a AAA developer with a history in the genre. However, Sea of Stars not only revived but also infused with its own twist the sense of wonder and curiosity that characterized ’90s JRPGs.

*Later, Sea of Stars was given a tangible edition, which is less common among indie games and also feels nostalgic.

How Sea of Stars Expertly Bridged the Gap Between ’90s JRPGs and the Current Gen

Despite drawing heavily from past games in terms of mechanics and aesthetics, Sea of Stars stands out by infusing a dose of self-awareness and a contemporary twist to gaming tropes, particularly within the JRPG genre. The game occasionally breaks the fourth wall to acknowledge these tropes, and it cleverly subverts others in a playful manner. Sea of Stars skillfully balances embracing genre conventions without becoming too serious about them, and this blend of humor and depth gives its characters and storyline much more than just a rehash.

In addition to its contemporary design elements, the game “Sea of Stars” offers several user-friendly gaming features to help balance out the challenging and repetitive aspects that were common in earlier JRPGs. This makes it accessible for fans who may not have been as familiar with these older-style games. Recently, developers at Sabotage Studio have shared more details about the upcoming Throes of the Watcher DLC, and they’ve also announced plans to include a three-player cooperative mode in “Sea of Stars”. This feature is reminiscent of another popular game, “Secret of Mana”, as a tribute to games that helped shape its inclusive gaming philosophy.

Celebrating its one-year anniversary, the game Sea of Stars showcases itself as a model modern JRPG that pays tribute to its ’90s forerunners, yet doesn’t slavishly imitate them. By incorporating advancements in design concepts over the past few decades, it provides an enjoyable experience for both veteran fans and newcomers alike. The achievements of Sea of Stars serve to underscore the growing number of indie titles following suit, such as One Fenix Down, potentially paving the way for a fresh wave of JRPGs in the future.

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2024-08-29 18:35