A huge update is on the way to Sea of Stars with some oft-requested features in tow. Sabotage Studio has set the free Dawn of Equinox update for a November 12, 2024 l??aunch, introducing local co-op and ?more on all platforms.

Sabotage detailed the hefty update in a press release, which calls this the studio's "fully realized vision" for the acclaimed RPG. The local co-?op, for starters, lets up to three players tackle the adventure in its entirety, mastering timed hits in a co-op environment along the way. 

Combat has been refined significantly along with this addition. Combo Points are now retained after battles, there have been balance updates, and Mystery Locks introduce new ways to break enemy spells. If this makes things too easy or too hard for you �or anywhere in betwe?en �new ??difficult presets are available at the start of a new game. 

New horizons

Beyond quality-of-life improvements and a Quebecois localization, there are a few other major beats worth mentioning. Dawn of Equinox adds a r?evamped prologue that nixes the flashback structure and directly implements combat for the younger heroes. There's also a brand new cinematic d??uring a pivotal moment for some extra impact. 

Need help finding some of those pesky collectibles and hidden challenges? There's an improved Parrot Relic for that. Finally, a new Speedrunner Mode Relic triggers features that make it easier to keep track of your personal quest to set a world record in Sea of Stars, or at least best your own time. 

Beyond all that, the free Throes of the Watchmaker DLC is due out in spring 2025. When it launches, players will be also able to dig into the new storyline and more with Dawn of Equinox's local co-op. 

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During today's Nintendo Direct and Indie World Showcase, developer Sabotage Studio revealed details for the stylish RPG Sea of Stars upcoming DLC, Throes of the Watchmaker. The free side-adventure DLC is set to release on all platfo?rms in Spring 2025.

The Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker DLC finds Valere and Zale venturing into a miniature clockwork world called Horloge. In this magical clockwork kingdom, denizens are under threat by a cursed carnival, and r??equire the assistance of the Solstice Warriors t?o adapt to their new surroundings to manifest their Sun and Moon powers.

According to Sabotage Studio, new features in the DLC will include all-new playable classes for both Valere and Zale, a new playable character named Arty, new areas, music, bosses, enemies, and puzzles. Also, Throes of the Watchmaker will add local co-op for up to three players.

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I would argue Sea of Stars was the best indie game of 2023. I'd even go as far as saying it deserved more space in the game of the year conversation,?? but that's an argument for another time. With 5 million copies sold, Sabotage Studio has announced a new co-op mode coming to the RPG in a future update.

Sea of Stars is getting three-player couch co-op

Sea of Stars just surpassed 5 million copies sold, and as a reward, players a?re getting 'Single Player+' mode, teased in a new trailer. The short version is that it will allow players to team up with two friends locally on their RPG adventure. Since the indie game plays like a classic turn-based RPG, how will that work?

"Staying true to the game’s core turn-based roots, each player will engage in traversal and combat with a new 'Co-op timed hits' mechanic as they embark with friends on Sea of Starsâ€?grand adventure. The new mode is currently in development and more details a??re set to be released soon."

Sabotage Studio

A new reason to go back and play Sea of Stars again sounds good to me. Along with the ability to play with a few buddies, we also get some new combat and traversal mechanics, though they haven't been thoroughly explained just yet. 'Co-op timed hits' likely refer? to the attack and defense timing, which require the player to tap a button right when their character makes contact with an attack or the enemy attack hits. This results in extra damage on attack and significantly lowered damage taken on defense. Using context clues, it seems that in co-op, those bonuses will require all players to perfectly time the hits.

That should make for chaotic gameplay and probably plenty o?f arguments. Isn't that? exactly what you want out of a couch co-op experience?

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Sabotage Studio's Sea of Stars launched this week, with a spot on both Xbox and PlayStation's subscription services. Despite that, it looks like the new RPG is already chalking up strong sales. The studio's confirmed that on day one, Sea of Stars accrued 100,000 copies sold.

It's a strong day one for an RPG from a relatively smaller studio. As of this writing, Sea of Stars is sitting on the Steam Top Sellers chart alongside the likes of Starfield, Baldur's Gate 3, and Armored Core 6.

But it's an especially interesting stat given that Sea of Stars is available on both Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. It's at least an indication that Sea of Stars is becoming another surpris??e hit, in a year already full of bangers.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jkeh6O1Rzs

Starry eyed surprise

There's a few good reasons to pick up a game, even if you have it through a subscription. I know I've personally used Xbox Game Pass as a way to demo a game, and if it's something I know I'll want to play later on down the line, I'll buy it so I don't lose access if it leaves Pass. Sea of Stars had a demo prior to launch, and may have left a str??ong enough impression that people locked their license in based off that.

Or maybe people are also like me, in that they buy games without remembering they were on Xbox Game Pass/PS Plus. I'm not the best barometer for sensib??le purchasing decisions.

Either way, it's a reaffirming notion to see Sabotage's RPG chalking up numbers fast. It's been a golden year for RPGs, and it's nice to see that's not just for the ??biggest blockbusters.

We're still picking away at Sea of Stars here, but if you're a fan of chill fishing minigames, Mario RPG-style combat, and gre?at music, i??t's worth a look.

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Role-playing games can often promise a grandiose adventure, and there's certainly been no shortage of those this year. Some of the heaviest hitters of 2023 are lengthy RPG journeys that advertise dozens upon dozens of hours of questing and storytelling. So it's nice when a game like Sea of Stars lets me hang up my advent??urer's hat for a ??little bit of fishing.

I'm only a few hours into Sea of Stars, which is out today on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. It's a chill, interesting RPG that definitely has some love for the golden oldies, but also has some neat ideas of its own. Not surprising, given its the team that made a similar retro-modern fusion in The Messenger.

And while I could easily talk about the combat system and its intricacies, or the art and music, or some intriguing character writ?ing for the extended?? cast, I'm here for the fish. The second I saw a lake with swimming silhouettes lurking below the surface, I knew where I was spending my time.

Gone fishin'

Sea of Stars' fish?ing minigame is fo?und throughout its overworld, in designated fishing holes dotting the landscape. Just head in and you can cast a rod into the blue, looking to hook a catch.

The premise is simple, even if not obviously explained: keep the fish within your bounded lines while reeling them in. Tug too much while it's outside, and line tension will build up to a breaking point if you? let it. Oh, and if the fish leaps in the air, you can do a timed?? smack of the A button (or respective press on your controller of choice) to get a little stun-strike.

[caption id="attachment_399957" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Talking to others who are much farther in than me, Sea of Stars fishing does not get much more complicated than that. Find a lake, cast a rod, get some fish. You can filet them up f??or cooking materials, or release them back.

A nearby board tracks what fish you've caught from the lake. There might be prizes for filling those out. But honest??ly, I don't really care, because that's not why I'm here. I'm just here for a chill time.

[caption id="attachment_399955" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

It's not like Sea of Stars is particularly arduous or anything. But as the size of games has ??grow??n, I really appreciate when the big ones offer these little respites.

Take a load off

Part of it is the sheer number of massive, huge hour count games. I'm led to believe Sea of Stars is on the shorter side. But in a year where I've covered the likes of Octopath Traveler 2, Final Fantasy XVI, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Baldur's Gate 3, ha?ving little ??moments of calm sprinkled throughout the journey is nice.

Especially with Sea of Stars, I love how its a tiny excursion. You veer off the path, like a detour in Super Mario World, ??to a side area that's just about you and the fish. None of the ponds I've sat bes??ide so far have had combat zones or anything else major in them. Just fishing Zen.

It's not just fishing; any minigame can provide this. I've heard there's a board game in Sea of Stars that's quite engaging. But I find these little spots in other fantasy worlds too. Whether it's Fort Condor in Final Fantasy VII Remake, or Gwent in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, these side moments are wonderful distractions. Heck, my love for these side ventures is probably why I've been so determined to get the Triple Triad mount in Final Fantasy XIV. It's close now, I can feel it.

[caption id="attachment_399954" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

But these side activities also help inform our party members. They're not just roaming adventurers who have to be heroes all the time. They can break off to run a blitzball squad, or strike up a game of Caravan with a roaming merchant. Or if you're Kazuma Kiryu / Kasuga Ichiban, you do a lot of side activities.

Point being, I like the little moments of calm. They create a good ebb and flow to the journey, and give a story like Sea of Stars a nice moment to relax, forget about your troubles, and snag some fish. If that's your jam, Sea of Stars is out now, and it's on both PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Xbox Game Pass too.

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Sabotage Studio has revealed that the upcoming retro-inspired RPG Sea of Stars will be available as a PlayStation Plus Game Catalog title on ??day one of its release. The official release date for the pixel RPG is August 29. By joining the PlayStatio?n Plus Game Catalog, all PS+ Extra and Premium members will get full access to the game on launch day.

If the visuals remind you of a lot of old-school SNES RPGs don't worry, that's intentional. Sea of Stars is technically a prequel to 2D action platformer The Messenger, which was also created by Sabotage Studio. We gave The Messenger a flawless 10/10 when it was released back in 2018.

The list of games coming to PlayStation Plus for August has not been released, though I expect it will soon. The free games are added on the first Tuesday of the month which for August is actually August 1. With Sea of Stars coming to the catalog, A??ugust?? will already be a great one for PS+ members.

[caption id="attachment_393464" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Sabotage Studio[/caption]

Demo available now on PS4 and PS5

A demo for Sea of Stars was also released on PS4 and PS5 today. Sabotage Studio made sure to point out that while the areas in the demo will be in the final game, the exact slice of the demo does not reveal any major spoilers from the main stor??y. The demo highlights some gameplay systems and the mechanics around dungeon crawling and combat. And, while there are no major story spoilers, it does pr?ovide a sense of tone and vibe.

The beautiful pixel RPG looks reminds me a lot of Chained Echoes. Our very own Eric Van Allen called Chained Echoes a surprise RPG hit when it was released late last year. It's possible Sea of Stars c??ould share a similar fate when it releases nex?t month.

Sea of Stars releases on PC??, Switch, PlayStation 4, PlaySt?ation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on August 29.

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The ocean will flow into all consoles

Sabotage is bringing its upcoming RPG Sea of Stars to more platforms at launch. Today, the studio confirms that Sea of Stars wil??l head to Xbox consoles on August 29, the same day as it arrives for PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

This updated launch platform coverage includes both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, so both generations will be able to play the new adventure. There's also a demo out, though it's currently only available on the Nin??tendo e?Shop.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3NNRkR1fSw

Sea of Stars sees two protagonists, the Children of the Solstice. With one wielding sun powers and the other moon, they combine to create Eclipse Magic, the only thing capable of stopping The Fleshmancer. It looks quite nostalgic, helped by the fact that Chrono Trigger's Yasunori Mitsuda is a spe?ci??l guest composer on the soundtrack.

You're a sea full of stars

This RPG is also the latest project from Sabotage, the studio behind 2018's The Messenger. In that one, the team tackled a different kind of old-school genre in the action-platformer. Here, with Sea of Stars, they take on the classic turn-based RPG.

I played a little bit of the demo and found it intriguing, though I'm mostly holding off for the full game. I will say, I do really like the look that Sabotage has crafted for Sea of Stars so far. It's a colorful world with some great little details. Now, Xbox players will also be able to see it for themselv?es at launch alongside other platforms.

Sea of Stars arrives on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Switch on Aug?ust 29, 2023.

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Sailing the high seas this summer

The long-awaited RPG from? Sabotage Studio is finally set for release this August. And if that's a bit too far away, there's also some good news: a demo goes live on the Nintendo Switch eShop today.

Sea of Stars was first unveiled back in 2020. Though the date has shuffled around a bit since then, the throwback RPG has consistently looked good in showcases and streams. Well, today, you won't have to just watch and wonder. The Switch eShop demo is live now. Plus, August 29 is the new target date.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRwB7RH1lVE

Sabotage made a big splash with The Messenger, a throwback to the action-platformers of old. With Sea of Stars, the team looks back towards the RPG genre instead, while still giving it a polished-throwback s??????????????????????????tyle.

Fittingly, Chrono series composer Yasunori Mit?suda is also on deck as a special guest composer alongside Sabotage's Eric W. Brown. And the slice we saw in today's trailer looks absolutely fantastic.

A new adventure

The demo is only out on Nintendo Switch right now, though Sea of Stars is also slated to launch on PC and PlayStation on August 29. No word has been given yet as to what date the other platforms will get the demo, though the game's social media account confirms this demo will be available on other platforms la?ter this year.

Either way, it's a nice surprise amid a sea of shadow-drops and reveals that hit at today's Nintendo Direct. Though Metroid and Game Boy are all hitting too, I'm definitely setting aside some hard drive space and bandwidth for some Sea of Stars.

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Sabotage's RPG is taking some extra time

Sea of Stars is charting a course for next year, rather than this one. Sabotage Studio announced today that Sea of Stars will now release in 2023.

The retro-style RPG was revealed in 2020 as the next project from Sabotage, the team behind The Messenger. Sea of Stars was set for a holiday 2022 launch during an Indie World Showcase last?? December, but now it's aiming a bit further beyond.

"Keeping in mind our two main priorities—quality of life for our team and quality of the finished game—we can now confirm that Sea of Stars will be released in 2023," today's statement reads.

It's not all bad news for patient fans, though. Sabotage thanks the community for its support and closes off with a note that it's looking into options for getting a "playable slice" of Sea of Stars out to everyone this year.

//twitter.com??/seaofstarsga?me/status/1542523812045922311

Sea full of stars

It might be a bummer, but Sea of Stars does seem like it's coming together pretty darn well. Even back in our first look at the project, it was a really cool blend of classic ideas and modern design, like a love letter to the likes of Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG.

For the team's health and for the game's benefit, a little extra wait is a good thing. Considering how well The Messenger came together, I've got high hopes for Sea of Stars.

It's not like 2022 is hurting for RPGs either. Just in July, two big games are launching in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and the HD-2D remake of Live A Live. Plus, the newly announced Crisis Core remaster is also aiming for this winter. We've got plenty to play while we wait for Sea of Stars to arrive in 2023.

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