Anime has been a constant source of inspiration for games over the years, but Wander Stars takes that connection one step further. Developed by Paper Castle Games and published by Fellow Traveller, it leans into its roots with a structure that feels more like a Saturday morning series than a traditional RPG. Each of its ten “episodes” is packed with action, humor, melodrama, and the occasional heartfelt twist, all framed around an inventive combat system that turns words into weapons. The result is a game that wears its inspirations proudly while finding its own playful voice.
At the heart of the story is Ringo, a martial artist searching for her brother, and Wolfe, a roguish partner who keeps his past close to the chest. The dynamic between them sets the tone – reluctant allies who clash as often as they cooperate – and as the episodes unfold, the narrative mixes slapstick banter with heavier themes of betrayal, redemption, and family. Supporting characters add even more flavor, whether it’s quirky space pirates or rival fighters who can be beaten into friendship. Not every joke lands, and the tonal shifts between silly and serious can feel abrupt, but the overarching story delivers enough warmth and intrigue to keep you hooked.
Gameplay is where Wander Stars stands out. Instead of relying on traditional menus or static JRPG combat, battles are built around assembling words into attacks. With over 200 words to collect, the system offers near-endless experimentation, letting you piece together combinations like “Super Fast Fire Kick” and watch them play out in dramatic anime-style animations. It’s both strategic and silly, with a strong risk-reward element since cooldowns and weaknesses mean you’re constantly adapting. That said, the randomness of battles and procedural map layouts can make pacing uneven, with some fights dragging or encounters repeating themselves a little too often.
Controls on PS5 handle this blend of creativity and strategy well. Building attacks with words is straightforward and responsive, and the menus don’t get in the way of experimentation. Some of the deeper mechanics – like juggling cooldowns, selecting the right Pep Ups, and managing spirit slots – require a bit of learning, but once the system clicks, it’s surprisingly intuitive. The game occasionally struggles with clarity when introducing new concepts, and first-time players might find themselves fumbling through early battles, but the design rewards persistence with satisfying complexity.
Visually, Wander Stars is bursting with personality. Its anime-inspired art style leans more toward Saturday morning cartoon than high-budget animation, but the bold colors, expressive characters, and flashy attack effects make each encounter feel lively. The episodic framing is reinforced by title cards and cliffhangers, which give the whole experience a binge-worthy flow. The audio follows suit, with energetic music that complements the action and voice work that helps sell the humor and emotion, even if some tracks loop a little too quickly during extended fights.
Taken together, Wander Stars is a refreshingly different RPG. Its writing might not always balance its tonal shifts, and its procedurally generated maps can make pacing feel inconsistent, but its inventive combat system, colorful presentation, and heartfelt characters more than make up for those shortcomings. Whether you’re in it for the banter, the drama, or the thrill of chaining together ridiculous attack phrases, it captures the essence of anime while still finding its own rhythm. Fans of experimental RPGs and anime adventures alike will find plenty to enjoy here.
Score: 7.9/10
Press Play Media 