Sea of Stars is a game defined by its influences. Just by looking at it you can tell that this is a nostalgic throwback to the snes era of rpgs. The big question for a game like this is on how well it uses these influences. Is it derivative or inspired? While Sea of Stars doesn't fully escape it's predecessors' shadows, I do think it is the latter.

I've heard people criticize the story, however, for me, it genuinely impressed me and went above what I expected of it going into the game. I think the real problem people have is with the characters, and the story is catching strays since the narrative is portrayed and filtered through the characters, as is any. Serai and Resh'an offer mild intrigue and Garl is somewhat endearing, but beyond that there really is nothing there. The protagonists in particular are very disappointing. They are flat characters that symbolize heroism and common virtues. While that is not uncommon in the genre, Valere and Zale are one of the most bog standard portrayals of this archetype I've ever seen.

The music and visuals are and have been the main draw for anybody interested in this game. The fact that Yasunori Mitsuda's name is attached to this game, even as just a guest composer, is enough to make this a must play for some people, myself included. What's even better is that the main composer, Eric W. Brown, is not at all overshadowed. The entire soundtrack is wonderfully fun from start to finish. Equally as impressive as the music is the pixel art, breathtaking in its quality and astonishing in its consistency. Like seriously, I'm not well versed in the creation of pixel art, but it is baffling how good this game looks.

The gameplay of Sea of Stars is a lesson in the value of simplicity. There is no intricate crafting system, no branching skill tree, no complex equipment system, no grinding for materials or experience. Those things aren't inherently bad, but they do have a time and place, and thankfully this game knows that it is not here. Instead, the strength of Sea of Stars lies in the fundamentals. The movement while exploring is fluid and satisfying, the level design is tight and deliberate, and the combat is perfectly balanced between strategic and fun. The endgame/postgame was particularly enjoyable with some of the puzzle designs and boss fights.

There are times where the game feels lost in its own influences, but there are flashes of brilliance that remind me of how good this game actually is. As a result, Sea of Stars ends up more charming than profound, but that's okay, not every game can be as monumental as Chrono Trigger. This game is what it is, and what it is is good, at moments great even. Overall, it's just a fun time.