About 4 hours in, playing on Gamepass. And man, it’s exactly what I was hoping it would be. So much heart. Going to have to snag this one physically on switch soon as they go up for sale!!
I was super excited about chained echoes and still want to play it, but I’ve been waiting for this gem from Sabatoge since it’s reveal and I’m glad I did. Such a delight I can’t wait to play more.
Game is so beautiful, I can't even describe. I am not into turn-based combat, find it boring, but in this game, it's alright. I love everything else about, exploring, puzzles, platforming, story, graphics. This game is a gem
Wow, what a rating! Can’t believe we are getting so many great new JRPGs that are heavily inspired by the classics like Sea of Stars, Chained Echoes, just hoping that Alterium Shift comes to Switch soon!
@@weeklystruggle4205The J doesnt means japanese nowadays, its more like "Good RPG, better than the shit they launch these days saying its RPG because it have a skill tree"
@@weeklystruggle4205 JRPG style… Even games that aren't Japanese, such as Cosmic Star Heroine, are considered JRPGs because they're made to play like DQ, FF, Chrono Trigger, etc.
jrpg is used as a general term these days for turn based rpgs as “rpg” morphed over time to include any game where you’re literally playing a role in an open world ala Assassin’s creed, Witcher, BOTW etc.
Just started playing this morning and loving it so far. Was a bit worried about there not being a quest log and forgetting what I was supposed to be doing but I noticed when you camp if you talk to each other it tells you your current objectives. If I can I’ll try and stop near a campfire when I’m done for the day 😊
Been waiting for this game for years, literally. The messenger was one of my favorite games the year it came out, and so naturally I was interested in the next title of the developer. I've been playing it on game pass and thus far it hasn't disappointed at all. In fact, I've decided to buy it on steam so that I can have it on my steam deck. Honestly, the map stuff and the journal stuff doesn't bother me, it gives the game a more organic experience and I'm cool with that. The one issue I have with this game is just that it happened to come out during a time when I've already got a ton of games that I'm playing. Baldur's gate 3, tears of the kingdom, path of exile, blasphemous 2 etc.
Played a couple hours already today over on Game Pass and am loving it. I think you're right about needing a map with waypoints OR some kind of quest log would've be icing on the cake. When the physical comes out, I'll definitely be picking it up on Switch.
I wish games were made a little more like the old school games of Chrono trigger and final fantasy vi. There were no way points or maps of dungeons. There was no quest log. They were made in a way that those things were not necessary.
@@semajracubolk There's definitely a place for that! Also back then strategy guides were more common too. And those things aren't needed for it to be an amazing game, just would be a nice inclusion. I think the change is the fact that now as adults 'play time' is significantly less than it was and also more distractions, so there's more chance of forgetting what you're doing or where you need to go.
Thanks for the heads up on the no quest log! I will have to take notes. Been excited for this game since it was announced and with it being on PS + extra subscription (and Xbox gamepass) I've already put in some time with it. Loving it so far. This winter I will grab Chained Echoes either for switch or steam deck.
I'm happy to not be bogged down by quest logs. Kind of allows me to revel in the exploration and interactions instead.. and it makes it less so feeling like you're missing out on something.
Cool. I played this game briefly on play pass, but now I have to update to a more expensive package in order to continue. Upon seeing this review combined with my previous experience with this game, I've decided to get it next time it goes on sale. Thanks Bud!
I had to reload a save to go check out some texts I missed because I accidentally fast-forwarded it, if you just hold the right shoulder button it should fast forward the dialogue
Loved this game so much. Did every side quest. Put in about 40 hours. Bought The Messenger after beating just so I could play the “sequel.” AMAZING game. So relaxing and beautiful. Whimsical and fun. Came at a time in my life I really needed it too. 9/10 for me great game.
I think it's safe to say that it is a good game overall when you consider all the reviews it's getting. Whether you'll vibe with it and like it is a different story.
Has to be one of my favorite games ever! When in the 2024 is the physical coming out? I will probably buy 2 copies one to put up and one to play if I want.
Great review! The pixel art is just lovely in the game. Would you guys consider adding in your reviews whether screen shake can be disabled? Screen shake gives me a headache so it would be nice to know ahead of purchasing the game if that can be turned off.
I’ll check tomorrow. Just finished playing and went to bed. If I remember correctly there was no screen shake the first 6 hours but I might be numb to it by now. I usually don’t like it either but with 2D games it’s ok if it’s not too strong. Will update here tomorrow.
I've been waiting for you guys' review. Your critiques are always spot-on with my tastes. While the game sounds delightful in many regards, the lack of a quest log and maps would drive me mad. Hopefully the devs are giving some thought to how to add those in a patch. It'll go in the wishlist for now... maybe I'll snag the physical copy when it comes along.
Glad that I backed this on KS. Got it for cheap too. After Chained Echoes comes this one. Man, one such game per year and I’d be happy. Eiyuden will release next year but I have no high hopes for that tbh.. As for negatives. 6 hours in and the loading times are atrocious! I’m also puzzled as to why there is no map or quest log, especially me being a map fan in general no maps sucks. Buut, I could imagine that dev wanted to really stay true to the games of old, a lot of which simply didn’t have maps, let alone quest logs. I don’t mind having no quest logs though, no maps however is a bummer.
I backed the kickstarter for the game and got my code last night. I got to play about 30 minutes before bed. I’m so excited to dive deeper into this world! Thanks for the heads up about no mini map or quest log. I’ll have to pay attention.
I've had this game on my radar for a while and have been hearing great things about it! I'm a bit surprised to hear about the absence of a quest log. Thinking back, I guess a lot of older RPG's didn't have one either, but having one would be a godsend. I'll need to jot down reminders as I play for this one, haha
Do want to drop in and point out that the flare after hitting “a” isn’t a hint, it’s to give deaf or hard of hearing players feedback they can see, instead of an audio cue. Also good for setting off the ol’ dopamine thing up in the brain more reliably, or helping when learning the timing to boss attacks, etc.
Was a day one purchase for me. Really enjoying the game so far, started playing and before I knew it, a couple of hours had passed. So I know I'm into it. Great review as always. Thanks guys.
Can't get to it for a while, but it's been on my wish list forever and was an easy day one purchase. Chrono Trigger is hands down my favorite JRPG, and Sea of Stars pushes almost every nostalgia button I have. And I love seeing small indie studios knock it out of the park like this. 🙂
Regarding the quest log, when you camp and you speak to your companions they have text related to your current task. I'm still in the early parts of the game so I'll keep checking if this is actually how they keep you on track. I might be wrong though.
Started playing this today after a grief-y day at work. Really hit the spot, enjoying it and I have never played chrono trigger. It's just an entertaining story above all.
Can't wait for the Switch physical! This will be thr GOTY for mw this year because incorporates has that magical feeling that you used to have as a child while you discovered a new game. Hope that if they add a map/questlog, they make a toggle on/off option, for those who want to be more immersed in the game.
Bought this today. But haven’t played yet. Needed to check out the only review that matters before I dive in. Thanks as always for the fabulous review!
So glad you liked it, I am going to take the plunge. As for the quest log... My screenshot gallery has plenty of conversations from lots of games 😅, I am quick to forget
This title was on my list of upcoming games I was looking forward to a while back and since then I hadn't looked too much into it. So upon release I was trying to remember why I was excited for this game, especially since the art isn't really that impressive to me (despite having a huge appreciation for pixel/Sprite art over polygons). Then upon watching this review seeing the combat, hearing about the unskippable dialogue and and the platforming puzzle I remembered ahhh this might be the closest thing I'll get the Golden Sun style game for some time, so I can't wait to play. Thanks for the review!
the little touch's are what grab me, the wind blowing with the sprite art gently wafting in the wind, the shadow work, the water splash Wonderful looking title and kudos to the devs Great channel guys as always and thank you for the insightful review ANOTHER TITLE bought due to your in depth analysis !!
I'm glad I watched this review. I had started the game but saw some naysayers calling it too simplistic or comparing it apples to apples with Chained Echoes so much so that I put it down and walked away. I think I'm going to redownload and start a new file with a fresh perspective
I just got this free with PS Plus. Value rating through the roof there. I will certainly be giving it a go, and possibly doing a deep dive once I’ve finished the 10,000 games I’m trying to finish. Just like everyone else I guess.
My first 4 hours are confirming everything I assumed based on the quality of The Messenger, the demo, the documentary and the creative director's streams about his design philosophy. 9/10; the writing is a bit weaker than I expected, but everything else is stellar. GOTY so far for me.
I played this game yesterday for almost 4 straight hours (for me that's a long time) and I loved every second of it. This is very reminiscent of 90s rpg's. From Golden Sun, Lufia, and of course Chrono Trigger. I love the score as well. The beautiful environments are just as captivating. This game is a 9.5/10 for me
id say its really the old jrpg alive.Especially at later stages,u need to discover all ur sides quests without any hints.Exploration is huge in this game
Been so hyped for this game since they showed it at Indie World 2021. Today was the fastest I’ve ever spent $35. Can’t wait till the physical release AND I hope iam8bit does a limited edition. I freakin love this game already!
This game looks like a great candidate for the vibrant mode of the OLED Switch 😏 I'm really glad this turned out well! This video got me all excited for the game, haha, but I'm gonna wait for the physical release. If I manage to control myself 😅 Thanks for the review, this was very nicely balanced - super helpful when a game has been as hyped up as this one 😅
World map and encounters feel like Chrono Trigger. Towns and dungeons resemble Secret of Mana. Actual battle feels like FF8, turn-base and interactive skill execution. And then, of course there's music by Yasunori Mitsuda.
I have a PC deck and Oled Switch but have been not sure where to get this on to be honest. Part of me wants it on the Switch, haven't seen if it has any downgrades vs PC
I haven’t seen any other reviews mention the lack of map and quest log. That is a bummer for me as well but I’m looking forward to playing this on Gamepass. Might splurge on a Switch physical next year if it gets it’s hooks in me.
I'm definitely going to get this one soon! I'm still busy with Tears of the Kingdom, and I also got Vampire Survivors and Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope last week, so it will have to wait a little. But I'll get it for sure. Thanks for the review.
I played the demo for this but it didn't grab me. I then saw it was available to play on PS4+ so I thought I'll give it a go. For the first 30 mins I was thinking meh, nothing new and then the story opened up a bit and I must say I now love it. Looks stunning and the combat is so much fun. Glad I carried on playing!
It looks amazing. But as a parent I don’t really have the brain space to keep up with something that doesn’t have a quest log. It sometimes is over a week between gaming sessions. Please update us if they ever do put quest logs in the game.
I understand your criticisms but at the same time don't think they would bother me at all. What they marketed and sold was a classic SNES style jrpg game and none of the SNES jrpg games have maps or quest logs either. At the bare minimum I expect a classic SNES experience, and so any modern QOL change's they DID decide to do are just bonus, not expected by me. Thanks for the nice review. It was very good.
What a great review. As good as this game is, I get the feeling that it's a bit of a video game equivalent of "Oscar bait" where it's so indie and artsy that pointing out any criticism against it instantly brands you as a mainstream pleb. That's the feeling I got from a lot of other reviews of this game that spent most of the time gushing about how it's a revival of Chrono Trigger and how Masuda did the music score, but neglected to give a wholistic review of the actual player experience. But the Switchup review is so candid and gives ample praise where it is due while speaking out for the average gamer.
I don’t wish the physical was out at launch it means the game will be the most complete on the cartridge with the latest updates without the need to download from the internet
I just have one question: I noticed that you do pick up new party members as you progress in the game, yet you always have the two main protagonists in the battles. Can you not switch them out? Is that the additional characters can only be swapped out with one slot for them?
Wow, this is for sure one of the best ratings I've seen you guys give. It looks very deserved too. Wondering if I should play this one or Chained Echoes first.
@@SiobhanR28chained echoes is definitely the more complete game and just a overall experience. I plan on getting SOS as soon as a physical gets dropped tho
backed this three years ago, just played for 12 hours and damn it’s amazing, that ost is one of the best i’ve heard! could be up there with chrono trigger after finishing it if it keeps it up
I was waiting for the review for this game. Am so happy it got a great review. However I think I will wait for the physical copy in 2024. My switch has been ditched at the moment with life getting in the way and I still have a lot of on my backlog. I will definitely pick it up though.😊
Any performance differences anyone knows of between Switch and PS5. I wouldn’t expect there to be, but sometimes we get surprised. I’d definitely want this on Switch if all things are equal.
I'm playing it on Steam as I listen to this. Still early in, but it is fantastic so far. I will almost certainly get a physical copy for Switch next year.
Thanks for the great review, Mark! I looked up the channel just to see if you guys made a review about this game and of course you did 😌 Really looking forward to playing this game!
Thanks for this review Mark. I have been highly anticipated on snatching this one up. Since I do love my jrpgs once in awhile. I quickly snatched this up on steam since it's on sale. I'll gladly be happy to pick this up again on physical down the road to once that drops.
I'm so happy the Physical is next year...gives me chance to get to it after Chained Echoes. I don't know that Sea of Stars will usurp Chained Echoes for me personally, but more high quality games of this genre is no bad thing!
How does a game look that good haha! Mark
If you don't mind me asking, are you still planning on reuploading the No Man's Sky video?
About 4 hours in, playing on Gamepass. And man, it’s exactly what I was hoping it would be. So much heart.
Going to have to snag this one physically on switch soon as they go up for sale!!
It's daymn stunning 😍
@@brucewaynereal1yes but I have to wait until the patch releases for other users
@@SwitchUpYt Thanks! I'm considering picking it up on sale but I'm waiting to hear what you have to say on the patch 😊
Had my eye on this game for about 2 years, this and chained echoes are bringing back the golden age of rpgs! The music is excellent as well.
Which do you think is better?
Yasunori Mitsuda will do that. Chrono cross is still such a legendary score. This gives me CC "world"/location vibes with a more CT look
I was super excited about chained echoes and still want to play it, but I’ve been waiting for this gem from Sabatoge since it’s reveal and I’m glad I did. Such a delight I can’t wait to play more.
Damn I found out about it yesterday
@@gabsskater😮💨
Game is so beautiful, I can't even describe. I am not into turn-based combat, find it boring, but in this game, it's alright. I love everything else about, exploring, puzzles, platforming, story, graphics. This game is a gem
Same I find turn based combat boring as well, something about this game though… reeled me in!
Wow, what a rating! Can’t believe we are getting so many great new JRPGs that are heavily inspired by the classics like Sea of Stars, Chained Echoes, just hoping that Alterium Shift comes to Switch soon!
A cracking game for sure - could have been even higher with a few tweaks. Mark
where is the “j” in this “rpg”?
@@weeklystruggle4205The J doesnt means japanese nowadays, its more like "Good RPG, better than the shit they launch these days saying its RPG because it have a skill tree"
@@weeklystruggle4205 JRPG style…
Even games that aren't Japanese, such as Cosmic Star Heroine, are considered JRPGs because they're made to play like DQ, FF, Chrono Trigger, etc.
jrpg is used as a general term these days for turn based rpgs as “rpg” morphed over time to include any game where you’re literally playing a role in an open world ala Assassin’s creed, Witcher, BOTW etc.
Just started playing this morning and loving it so far. Was a bit worried about there not being a quest log and forgetting what I was supposed to be doing but I noticed when you camp if you talk to each other it tells you your current objectives. If I can I’ll try and stop near a campfire when I’m done for the day 😊
Been waiting for this game for years, literally. The messenger was one of my favorite games the year it came out, and so naturally I was interested in the next title of the developer. I've been playing it on game pass and thus far it hasn't disappointed at all. In fact, I've decided to buy it on steam so that I can have it on my steam deck. Honestly, the map stuff and the journal stuff doesn't bother me, it gives the game a more organic experience and I'm cool with that. The one issue I have with this game is just that it happened to come out during a time when I've already got a ton of games that I'm playing. Baldur's gate 3, tears of the kingdom, path of exile, blasphemous 2 etc.
Played a couple hours already today over on Game Pass and am loving it. I think you're right about needing a map with waypoints OR some kind of quest log would've be icing on the cake. When the physical comes out, I'll definitely be picking it up on Switch.
I wish games were made a little more like the old school games of Chrono trigger and final fantasy vi. There were no way points or maps of dungeons. There was no quest log. They were made in a way that those things were not necessary.
@@semajracubolk There's definitely a place for that! Also back then strategy guides were more common too. And those things aren't needed for it to be an amazing game, just would be a nice inclusion.
I think the change is the fact that now as adults 'play time' is significantly less than it was and also more distractions, so there's more chance of forgetting what you're doing or where you need to go.
7:05 you just have to call a camp and talk to your party member. They will tell you what to do. :)
GOLDEN SUN feels..seeing the gameplay and the world exploration giving memories of the golden sun
The lack of a map really sits sour with me. It's actually a deal breaker. I hate wondering around in the same dungeon for countless hours.
Thanks for the heads up on the no quest log! I will have to take notes. Been excited for this game since it was announced and with it being on PS + extra subscription (and Xbox gamepass) I've already put in some time with it. Loving it so far. This winter I will grab Chained Echoes either for switch or steam deck.
I rate Sea Of Stars 9.6
The Soundtrack is just amazing, it’s already one of our favourite OST ever. Charming 🤩
haha there's always one! Mark
I'm happy to not be bogged down by quest logs. Kind of allows me to revel in the exploration and interactions instead.. and it makes it less so feeling like you're missing out on something.
Cool. I played this game briefly on play pass, but now I have to update to a more expensive package in order to continue. Upon seeing this review combined with my previous experience with this game, I've decided to get it next time it goes on sale. Thanks Bud!
No map and Quest Log is a huge deal for meal. I am old so I might forget and get easily lost.
I had to reload a save to go check out some texts I missed because I accidentally fast-forwarded it, if you just hold the right shoulder button it should fast forward the dialogue
I reckon the missing maps and logs try to emulate the same simple experience of chrono trigger, that didn't have those either
Loved this game so much. Did every side quest. Put in about 40 hours. Bought The Messenger after beating just so I could play the “sequel.” AMAZING game. So relaxing and beautiful. Whimsical and fun. Came at a time in my life I really needed it too. 9/10 for me great game.
Which others are in the sequel?
This game sure is pretty to look at. If it's eve' half as good as it looks, it's a gem.
I think it's safe to say that it is a good game overall when you consider all the reviews it's getting. Whether you'll vibe with it and like it is a different story.
I sold my Switch this summer and upgraded to a Steam Deck, but I’ll still watch all your review videos because no one does it better!
Thanks mate! Mark
Played the demo and about halfway through it I made the decision that I was gonna buy it. Lol such a fun RPG, and the music is fantastic.
Has to be one of my favorite games ever! When in the 2024 is the physical coming out? I will probably buy 2 copies one to put up and one to play if I want.
For a "2d" game it sure does feel alive. Its actually quite fantastic a true artistic showpiece
Great review! The pixel art is just lovely in the game. Would you guys consider adding in your reviews whether screen shake can be disabled? Screen shake gives me a headache so it would be nice to know ahead of purchasing the game if that can be turned off.
I’ll check tomorrow.
Just finished playing and went to bed.
If I remember correctly there was no screen shake the first 6 hours but I might be numb to it by now.
I usually don’t like it either but with 2D games it’s ok if it’s not too strong.
Will update here tomorrow.
I've been waiting for you guys' review. Your critiques are always spot-on with my tastes. While the game sounds delightful in many regards, the lack of a quest log and maps would drive me mad. Hopefully the devs are giving some thought to how to add those in a patch. It'll go in the wishlist for now... maybe I'll snag the physical copy when it comes along.
You really dont need a quest log or local area map. Nothing in this game is complex enough for that. I thought that was a fairly strange criticism.
I appreciate you commenting on the surround sound and the HD rumble.
Glad that I backed this on KS.
Got it for cheap too.
After Chained Echoes comes this one.
Man, one such game per year and I’d be happy.
Eiyuden will release next year but I have no high hopes for that tbh..
As for negatives. 6 hours in and the loading times are atrocious!
I’m also puzzled as to why there is no map or quest log, especially me being a map fan in general no maps sucks.
Buut, I could imagine that dev wanted to really stay true to the games of old, a lot of which simply didn’t have maps, let alone quest logs.
I don’t mind having no quest logs though, no maps however is a bummer.
I'm obsessed with the OST without having played a single second of this beauty. Cannot wait to play!
Love the reasonable time to complete the game! So many great games, so little time, ~30h is perfect for most jrpgs!
Day one purchase for me after playing the demo, amazing game, simply stunning.
Playing it now on game pass👌
Can one move over the demo. progress to the full game?
Thanks, Mark this one is already in my crosshairs. I absolutely love it so far.
Ah good stuff! Mark
I backed the kickstarter for the game and got my code last night. I got to play about 30 minutes before bed. I’m so excited to dive deeper into this world! Thanks for the heads up about no mini map or quest log. I’ll have to pay attention.
I've had this game on my radar for a while and have been hearing great things about it! I'm a bit surprised to hear about the absence of a quest log. Thinking back, I guess a lot of older RPG's didn't have one either, but having one would be a godsend. I'll need to jot down reminders as I play for this one, haha
Do want to drop in and point out that the flare after hitting “a” isn’t a hint, it’s to give deaf or hard of hearing players feedback they can see, instead of an audio cue. Also good for setting off the ol’ dopamine thing up in the brain more reliably, or helping when learning the timing to boss attacks, etc.
Was a day one purchase for me. Really enjoying the game so far, started playing and before I knew it, a couple of hours had passed. So I know I'm into it. Great review as always. Thanks guys.
Yeah it eats up time quite easily this one! Mark
Can't get to it for a while, but it's been on my wish list forever and was an easy day one purchase. Chrono Trigger is hands down my favorite JRPG, and Sea of Stars pushes almost every nostalgia button I have. And I love seeing small indie studios knock it out of the park like this. 🙂
Regarding the quest log, when you camp and you speak to your companions they have text related to your current task. I'm still in the early parts of the game so I'll keep checking if this is actually how they keep you on track. I might be wrong though.
It's a great throw back RPG with modern techniques. It reminds me of Lunar: Silver Star Complete, only minor complaint so far is, cringy dialog.
Liked and subbed. Ty for not spoiling the crap out of it like ign did. I had to end their video 25% in.
Started playing this today after a grief-y day at work. Really hit the spot, enjoying it and I have never played chrono trigger. It's just an entertaining story above all.
Yeah exactly right - it's got a lovely balance of light and heavy in the narrative. Mark
Play CHRONO TRIGGER
@@chesterfieldthe3rd929
Definitely play CT!
Finish this first, but man, Chrono Trigger!! :DD
Can't wait for the Switch physical! This will be thr GOTY for mw this year because incorporates has that magical feeling that you used to have as a child while you discovered a new game.
Hope that if they add a map/questlog, they make a toggle on/off option, for those who want to be more immersed in the game.
Bought this today. But haven’t played yet. Needed to check out the only review that matters before I dive in. Thanks as always for the fabulous review!
The best indie jrpg are 3 ... Crosscode, chained echoes, and sea of stars
So glad you liked it, I am going to take the plunge. As for the quest log... My screenshot gallery has plenty of conversations from lots of games 😅, I am quick to forget
This title was on my list of upcoming games I was looking forward to a while back and since then I hadn't looked too much into it. So upon release I was trying to remember why I was excited for this game, especially since the art isn't really that impressive to me (despite having a huge appreciation for pixel/Sprite art over polygons). Then upon watching this review seeing the combat, hearing about the unskippable dialogue and and the platforming puzzle I remembered ahhh this might be the closest thing I'll get the Golden Sun style game for some time, so I can't wait to play. Thanks for the review!
the little touch's are what grab me, the wind blowing with the sprite art gently wafting in the wind, the shadow work, the water splash
Wonderful looking title and kudos to the devs
Great channel guys as always and thank you for the insightful review
ANOTHER TITLE bought due to your in depth analysis !!
Kickstarted this game 4/5 years ago, very happy with the end result 😊
I'm glad I watched this review. I had started the game but saw some naysayers calling it too simplistic or comparing it apples to apples with Chained Echoes so much so that I put it down and walked away. I think I'm going to redownload and start a new file with a fresh perspective
I ordered the Game Informer magazine #354 , A Sea Of Stars tee & now I’m ready to buy it this week!
Definitely agree with the physical. I want this in my collection, but waiting or double dipping on it kinda sucks.
Seems like this happens alot lately 😕🤔
Game is awesome! Reminds me when I first tried Chronotrigger & Secret of Mana! That early 90s feel! Excellent review! Excellent game!
I just got this free with PS Plus. Value rating through the roof there. I will certainly be giving it a go, and possibly doing a deep dive once I’ve finished the 10,000 games I’m trying to finish. Just like everyone else I guess.
Wow! This game looks so cool! Definitely going to my priority backlog list. I'm hammering away at totk for the past week or so. Great review 👍
This game looks great. Definitely need to pick and chained echos up. Hope to see more jrpgs like this come out!
One of my most anticipated games this year. I normally don't have time for RPGs these days but I am definitely getting this.
Aha! Finally! I have been waiting!
Let's find out! 😋
Hope you like it!
Been waiting for this for sometime now. Its a great day!
Yeah I think there will be lots of people having a great time today! Mark
It's delightful, beautiful and nostalgic, I need this in my life
Anyone else getting overall vibes of Golden Sun. With a hint of Mario&Luigi with the timing in battles.
My first 4 hours are confirming everything I assumed based on the quality of The Messenger, the demo, the documentary and the creative director's streams about his design philosophy. 9/10; the writing is a bit weaker than I expected, but everything else is stellar. GOTY so far for me.
Ah good stuff glad you're enjoying it mate - let me know how you feel at the end :) Mark
I played this game yesterday for almost 4 straight hours (for me that's a long time) and I loved every second of it. This is very reminiscent of 90s rpg's. From Golden Sun, Lufia, and of course Chrono Trigger. I love the score as well. The beautiful environments are just as captivating. This game is a 9.5/10 for me
Can't believe both this and Chained Echoes came out day one on Xbox game pass. Great time to be alive!
Thank you. No log for missions is a hard pass for me. Struggle even in Zelda TOTK on what to do next.
id say its really the old jrpg alive.Especially at later stages,u need to discover all ur sides quests without any hints.Exploration is huge in this game
Must Have, Must Play!!! It's on my weekend lineup otherwise I'd stay up too late and miss work for the rest of the week
Been so hyped for this game since they showed it at Indie World 2021. Today was the fastest I’ve ever spent $35. Can’t wait till the physical release AND I hope iam8bit does a limited edition. I freakin love this game already!
This game looks like a great candidate for the vibrant mode of the OLED Switch 😏 I'm really glad this turned out well! This video got me all excited for the game, haha, but I'm gonna wait for the physical release. If I manage to control myself 😅 Thanks for the review, this was very nicely balanced - super helpful when a game has been as hyped up as this one 😅
World map and encounters feel like Chrono Trigger.
Towns and dungeons resemble Secret of Mana.
Actual battle feels like FF8, turn-base and interactive skill execution.
And then, of course there's music by Yasunori Mitsuda.
I have a PC deck and Oled Switch but have been not sure where to get this on to be honest. Part of me wants it on the Switch, haven't seen if it has any downgrades vs PC
I haven’t seen any other reviews mention the lack of map and quest log. That is a bummer for me as well but I’m looking forward to playing this on Gamepass. Might splurge on a Switch physical next year if it gets it’s hooks in me.
I'm definitely going to get this one soon! I'm still busy with Tears of the Kingdom, and I also got Vampire Survivors and Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope last week, so it will have to wait a little. But I'll get it for sure. Thanks for the review.
Was waiting for a review from ya, one of the few reviewers I trust
I played the demo for this but it didn't grab me. I then saw it was available to play on PS4+ so I thought I'll give it a go. For the first 30 mins I was thinking meh, nothing new and then the story opened up a bit and I must say I now love it. Looks stunning and the combat is so much fun. Glad I carried on playing!
A game made with care, a masterpiece.
It looks amazing. But as a parent I don’t really have the brain space to keep up with something that doesn’t have a quest log. It sometimes is over a week between gaming sessions. Please update us if they ever do put quest logs in the game.
I understand your criticisms but at the same time don't think they would bother me at all. What they marketed and sold was a classic SNES style jrpg game and none of the SNES jrpg games have maps or quest logs either. At the bare minimum I expect a classic SNES experience, and so any modern QOL change's they DID decide to do are just bonus, not expected by me. Thanks for the nice review. It was very good.
What a great review. As good as this game is, I get the feeling that it's a bit of a video game equivalent of "Oscar bait" where it's so indie and artsy that pointing out any criticism against it instantly brands you as a mainstream pleb. That's the feeling I got from a lot of other reviews of this game that spent most of the time gushing about how it's a revival of Chrono Trigger and how Masuda did the music score, but neglected to give a wholistic review of the actual player experience. But the Switchup review is so candid and gives ample praise where it is due while speaking out for the average gamer.
What does the "pixel perfect" option do? I've back-and-forthed it but can't see any difference
I don’t wish the physical was out at launch it means the game will be the most complete on the cartridge with the latest updates without the need to download from the internet
I just have one question: I noticed that you do pick up new party members as you progress in the game, yet you always have the two main protagonists in the battles. Can you not switch them out? Is that the additional characters can only be swapped out with one slot for them?
Chained echoes story and characterization was alsmot perfect
Wow, this is for sure one of the best ratings I've seen you guys give. It looks very deserved too. Wondering if I should play this one or Chained Echoes first.
They are both very special. But I have to say Chained Echoes is just amaaaazing.
@@SiobhanR28 thanks! My birthday is this week and I'm thinking of gifting one of these to myself lol
Get CE first. SOS may have future updates.
@@SiobhanR28chained echoes is definitely the more complete game and just a overall experience. I plan on getting SOS as soon as a physical gets dropped tho
This and chained echos are the two games I will definitely play even though I'm not the greatest jrpg fan
backed this three years ago, just played for 12 hours and damn it’s amazing, that ost is one of the best i’ve heard! could be up there with chrono trigger after finishing it if it keeps it up
Looks good. What is the framerate? Dealbreaker for me when deciding Switch vs Steam.
Bought it last night. Loving it so far.
Looking forward to this. Next on the list after I've finished Blasphemous II!
I was waiting for the review for this game. Am so happy it got a great review. However I think I will wait for the physical copy in 2024. My switch has been ditched at the moment with life getting in the way and I still have a lot of on my backlog. I will definitely pick it up though.😊
There was a typo on “Gameplay” at the end in your scores! Just wanted to point it out!
Any performance differences anyone knows of between Switch and PS5. I wouldn’t expect there to be, but sometimes we get surprised. I’d definitely want this on Switch if all things are equal.
Load times are a bit longer on Switch
I'm playing it on Steam as I listen to this. Still early in, but it is fantastic so far. I will almost certainly get a physical copy for Switch next year.
This one is up there next to crosscode! Have you reviewed crosscode?
Wow this looks amazing. Will pick up the physical release next year.
Yeah for sure - they dropped a couple of balls, one they should have launched with a physical and two they didn't have a pre order on the eshop. Mark
Thanks for the great review, Mark! I looked up the channel just to see if you guys made a review about this game and of course you did 😌 Really looking forward to playing this game!
Just downloading at the moment, can’t wait to get stuck in
NICE! You will have a great time mate! Mark
Thanks for this review Mark. I have been highly anticipated on snatching this one up. Since I do love my jrpgs once in awhile. I quickly snatched this up on steam since it's on sale. I'll gladly be happy to pick this up again on physical down the road to once that drops.
I'm so happy the Physical is next year...gives me chance to get to it after Chained Echoes.
I don't know that Sea of Stars will usurp Chained Echoes for me personally, but more high quality games of this genre is no bad thing!
Currently in pole position for my February game
Great review,lack of a map and quest logs tho will do my head in as I get sidetracked very easily in most RPGs.
Think I will wait for a sale on this.
Thanks for the review. Looking forward to physical release in 2024.