In Stars and Time, developed by insertdisc5 and published by Armor Games Studios for all major system, is a time-looping RPG adventure that weaves a tale of found family, self-discovery, and the struggle against a tyrannical king freezing the world in time. As Siffrin and their diverse group of companions embark on a journey to end the king’s reign, they find themselves caught in a relentless time loop, forcing them to confront their past and make choices that will shape their future. We played it on a PlayStation 5 – read on to find out why this is yet another great indie to pick up this season.
At its core, In Stars and Time introduces players to a unique narrative structure, starting the game at what would typically be the conclusion of the heroes’ journey in any other game. This approach provides a fresh perspective on the characters, their relationships, and the overarching plot. Siffrin, the protagonist of the story who happens to love plays on words, is the focal point, grappling with the burden of awareness as they alone recognize the repetitive nature of their quest. Groundhog day, but very different.
The game’s combat mechanics, which makes use of a Rock-Paper-Scissors system, add strategic depth to the turn-based RPG encounters. While the core combat formula may seem simple at first, the introduction of the All Out Attack system adds a layer of complexity, turning battles into engaging puzzles that require thoughtful planning and coordination among party members.
Visually, In Stars and Time embraces a charming black-and-white aesthetic reminiscent of classic early home computing titles, or even handheld ones from the GameBoy era. The top-down perspective and occasional sketchbook-like stills contribute to the nostalgic appeal, though unexpected performance hitches and glitches were a bit of a bummer, though they’re likely connected to the game’s use of the RPG Maker MV engine rather than the processing power of the PS5.
The strength of In Stars and Time lies in its character-driven narrative. The game excels in portraying a “found family” dynamic, gradually revealing the motivations, fears, and beliefs of each party member through well-crafted side quests that let you get to know them all. The emotional journey of the characters is complemented by a well-implemented fast-forward/skip option, allowing players to navigate through previously witnessed heart-wrenching tales – especially when you consider the time loop nature of In Stars and Time and the fact that you might want to replay this one again.
Despite its merits, the game is not without flaws. Technical issues, including occasional bugs, may disrupt the immersive experience. Additionally, during certain acts, the game introduces information-gathering tasks that, at times, lack a little clarity and direction, leading to potentially frustrating backtracking and repetition.
While the game’s average completion time is around 12 hours, the potential for additional time spent on side quests and exploration offers a rich and fulfilling experience. In conclusion, In Stars and Time is a thought-provoking and well-written RPG that shines in its storytelling mechanics and character development, despite some technical hiccups and moments of frustration. If you’re willing to engage seriously with themes that include mental health, In Stars and Time offers a captivating journey into the heart of a beautifully crafted world.
Score: 8.0/10
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