The Messenger RPG Sea Of Stars' Demo Is Out Now On Switch

After February 8's Nintendo Direct, Sabotage Studio dropped its demo for Sea of Stars on the Nintendo Switch eShop. The Canadian developer announced the turn-based fantasy RPG back in 2020 without revealing any details about when a demo would be available--until today.

Sea of Stars puts the fate of the world in the hands of adolescent protagonists. Valere and Zale, two Children of the Solstice, are the only ones capable of performing Eclipse Magic, the kind needed to defeat a magical villain called The Fleshmancer. Its a prequel story that takes place in the same world as The Messenger, an action-platformer that Sabotage first released for PC and Nintendo Switch in 2018.

Sabotage's latest project pays homage to the classics through the vibrant pixel art and variety of settings featured in its brief trailer. It also seems to have many of the key ingredients needed to create a lovable RPG like a promising story, engaging combat system, and unique character designs. However, it riffs on the formula with features that aren't always present in retro-style RPGs, like the ability to choose which stats to invest in and seamless travel (the ability to walk, climb, and swim without barriers). In that sense, it's more true to its word about being a customizable experience.

Also, if that wasn't enough, composer Yasunori Mitsuda will be contributing to the project. You might remember him from his work on Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2. So really, Sabotage Studio's latest project is shaping up to be an indie RPG that's worth taking notice of for JRPG afficionados that appreciate majestic settings and soothing soundtracks.

Sea of Stars will launch for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on August 29, 2023. The demo is currently only available for the Nintendo Switch but will also come to Steam later this year.