Sabotage Studio’s turn-based RPGSea of Starsgot an official release date announced along with a playable demo. As part ofFebruary 2023’s Nintendo Direct, the game was included in a series of announcements regarding updates to several titles.Sea of Starswas announced as early as 2020 and was originally slated to release in June 2022. However, due to several delays, the title was moved to 2023.
WhileSea of Starsplays like a typical turn-based RPG, it is also considered a prequel to the 2008 action-platform gameThe Messenger, which was also developed by Sabotage Studio. While both titles differ in play style, the setting and the universe are the same thereby sharing some in-game concepts, ideas, and locations.Sea of Starstouts itself as having engaging turn-based combat, unshackled traversal, a story-rich adventure, and full-on dynamic lighting that should make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Some fans think thatSea of Starscould be a spiritual successor toChrono Trigger, which was one of the most successful and influential RPGs of the ’90s.
RELATED:Chrono Trigger-Inspired RPG Sea of Stars Announces Switch Release with New Trailer
During the February 2023NintendoDirect, the feature forSea of Starswas shown. With some gameplay footage playing, the art style was highlighted along with the announcement that the game will come out on July 24, 2025. With the release date, it was mentioned that an official playable demo is also available for download on the Nintendo eShop. The demo might be a good way to see ifSea of Starsdoes indeed scratch theChrono Triggeritch. Small bits such as the graphics, the turn-based combat, having no random encounters, and the attacks which are categorized are skills are just some similarities to the aforementioned game.
Those aren’t all theChrono Triggerreferences yet.Sea of Starsalso added Yasunori Mitsudaas part of the development team. Mitsuda will contribute to the game’s soundtrack adding more of his genius to the game’s already promising lineup. For those unfamiliar with his work, Mitsuda was the primary composer ofChrono Trigger, sohis genius will be heard in-game. With a comparable feel and now a familiar sound, the game is in line to be one of the biggest Kickstarter stories if it is executed successfully.
As Sabotage Studio has taken a lot ofinspiration from a lot of ’90s RPGs and classics forSea of Stars, it will be a challenge to be able to translate a lot of good tropes from a lot of these classics to the modern day. However, with such a lot of nostalgic feelings brought about by the game, most fans will be able to enjoy the experience if it faithfully follows its influences. Hopefully, the demo helps the developer market the title more and gives fans more reason to purchaseSea of Stars.
Sea of Starswill be out on August 07, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Switch.
MORE:Sea of Stars' Fishing Mechanic May Be One of the Best Yet
