Sea of Stars review – like a lost, late classic of the Super Nintendo era

PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PC; Sabotage Studio
This homage to classic Japanese RPGs picks from the best to create something original, and its rich, engaging world makes it feel like a classic in its own right

There is more than a little of Chrono Trigger and the early Final Fantasy games in Sea of Stars, setting expectations that are both high and highly specific. This game is a clear reflection of its classic Japanese RPG influences, artfully pixellated like some late, lost classic of the Super Nintendo era. It opens with a story told in dense, fabulist prose by a mysterious figure, then introduces us to a pair of elementally opposed teenage heroes, Zale and Valere, supported by their lesser-destinied but charismatic friend, Garl.

Then the game picks up its stride. The cast widens, and things deepen and change. There is a lot more beneath the surface here than may first appear.

Sea of Stars is out now; 29.50