Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics. It tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who will combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.
Players can time button presses to increase damage output and reduce incoming damage during the turn-based combat. This adds a layer of interactivity and skill, as players must pay attention to enemy patterns and respond accordingly. The game also features a "locks" system, where certain damage types can hinder enemy abilities, creating a tactical element as players select the appropriate attacks. Multi-character combo attacks further diversify the combat options.
Instead of the classic grid-based movement, Sea of Stars allows players to freely explore the world, seamlessly swimming, climbing, vaulting, and jumping between ledges. This platformer-inspired navigation system encourages players to discover environmental puzzles and secrets as they traverse the carefully designed locations.
The game eliminates random encounters, with combat taking place directly in the game world, maintaining a sense of flow and exploration. Players can also swap party members in and out of the active party at any time, even during combat, providing more flexibility in team management.
The "Relics" system enables players to customize the challenge to their preference. Some relics make combat easier by automatically healing or reducing the timing window for attacks and blocks, while others increase the difficulty for those seeking a more demanding experience. This level of player agency helps cater to a wide range of skill levels.
While each character only learns 3 abilities, the progression system offers meaningful choices. Players can select which abilities to upgrade and enhance at level-up, allowing for some degree of character customization and playstyle optimization.