Fun fact, Encounters in Final Fantasy 7 aren't random, they're actually based on step count, and through careful counting, with some manipulation, you can avoid almost every fight, I spent 4 months learning how to do it for speed running and then never ran the game.
Also, before people say it, I know Sea of stars isn't perfect, but I loved it, maybe for nostalgia, maybe for the humour and poking fun at what inspired it, maybe because a story about powerful or great people being nothing without those to support them, and help them be true to themselves just struck a note with me, if you enjoy those things, you'll likely enjoy it as well. Also, If you had random encounters, some old school TRPG's that do them well are Secrets of Mana and Chrono Trigger, I decided not to talk about them, as I didn't own them as a kid, and played them much later. MASSIVE SPOILERS AHEAD I just figured, I might include this here, some people are saying the characters never struggle, or never grow, change, and the story feels flat because it has no throughline, setup, motivation, or consequences. This is really weird to me, so I thought I'd lay out what to me was the major story of our main characters, their failures, and how it all connets. They're young reckless kids and because of that Garl is hurt by their recklessness early on > this makes them hesitant to let him come > and hesitate to get involved at the Stonemasons > they meet a young gifted child much like they were who lacking a mentor or friendship had turned evil > they get a few small victories, get overconfident > In Lucent, Garl is mind controlled due to their recklessness > They panic, unsure of what to do, its all happening again, they don't want to lose him, a power swells in them but out of fear, they shut it down > later they both wait by Garls bed and discuss how terrified they are > skip forward, when they face the dweller of strife, they lose because they don't have access to their power they held back > the trauma from the very start of the game, caused them to lose, and in turn causes Garls death > Facing this reality, they open themselves up to change, address their fears, and can finally help people. The consequences of that original recklessness, and Lucents subsequent one, literally cause Garl's death. Further proof is in how identical the opening scene and Lucent actually are. Valere feeling her power swell with the moon, and them deciding to all take action feeling overconfident. Garl is injured. They feel awful, and it becomes a major fear for our protagonists. Skip forward 10 years. They recklessly rush off without thinking, and by doing so it appears they've again put their friends life at risk. The unopenable gate, the realisation they lack power, the three of them being blindsided right as they try to leave. Both events are practically identical, beat by beat story-wise. Including Zale completely folding under the pressure of his friends life. It's quite obviously designed to show that 10 years later, they still aren't strong enough, they're still overconfident, they still are just kids who don't understand the world yet. It's the inevitable loss of innocence, and the betrayal that is there eventual turning point, getting out from under the school, finding their own path, that's when they begin to change and grow. The cave is a trauma, Lucent is a direct reminder, and only when they overcome the initial trauma, not by choice but by it coming true, do they manage to truly change. I just think its odd not connecting those two almost identical scenes, and the fact he completely rejects his own powers in that moment while panicking becomes the reason they're too weak later is just a major consequence thats hard to ignore. I thought this came across really overt to be honest, so I was surprised to see people's thoughts. - - - - - - - -- - - On the topic of Garl's flat personality, I think it's kinda important to talk about the idea of "Not special" and "special" of those who "are chosen" and those "who aren't" Garl has been told he isn't special his entire life, everyone around him says he needs to get out of the way, losing his eye proved to him he wasn't worthy, but rather than let that get him down, he spent 10 years training alone by himself, becoming a cook, a survivalist, and learning to fight by himself, so he wouldn't be left behind. Moraine constantly tries to shut him out, and only allows him in when the Elder Mist recognises him, this is why Moraine is so lost later, his entire world shatters when an ordinary boy saves them all, and his "special" students betray him. The citizens of Mooncradle barely treat the protagonists as human, but Garl sees them just as people who need him. Yes, he is endlessly positive, but I think that's kinda tragic, he is the heroes humanity, and their only support. If he ever falters, he might be left behind entirely, just like they try to at the start of the game out of the original guilt.
@@EljayIsHere Man, you do give yourself so much love in your own comments✌🤣I appreciate your videos, btw! True! I always enjoy when stories are carried by characters with realistic behaviors for the world they're involved in. Sea of Stars is a beautiful gem, indeed🤗
I try to always write 2 comments hahaha one with a joke or fun fact, and I reply with extra context on the video It tends to start fun conversation and what not
@@EljayIsHere That's a clever move! It's nice to find interesting takes and comments from those who share our tastes✌😎 Oh! I remembered about the Golden Sun saga!🤯Those were amazing!😍
Man i'm so glad to see videos of people loving this game again. When it first came out I saw so much love for the game and then after a while I kept seeing alot of hate for it for whatever reason. I had been waiting for this game for years and it was such a great experience for me. I'm in the same boat though where I spent and ungodly amount of time on RPGs as a kid and Sea of Stars took me back to that point in my life. And even better, I played this game just a few months after finally playing The Messenger all the way through and seeing returning characters and hearing remixed songs made me pop off so hard. Can't wait for the DLC!
I'm glad to read a positive comment, I really enjoyed the game, and I've been really surprised to read some of the negative comments, especially those about the story. It feels like so many of the themes, messages, and scenes have either been missed entirely, forgotten, or are being ignored in order to spread this idea that it has no development, or real narrative. But the fact the forbidden cave scene as kids is a direct parrallell to the lucent mind control scene with Garl instantly proves a lot of that wrong. Zale is introduced literally using his magic, thats so strong it blows him backwards away from Erlina, and then next time he tries, his friend loses an eye because he can't control it, suddenly a prophecy is telling him he has some inside him he must face, and boom, in Lucent its his chance to face it, but he is so scared that even the idea of losing Garl isn't enough for him to overcome it. The trauma from the forbidden cave, and him rejecting his power in Lucent, literally means they're too weak to be the Dweller of strife, leading to Garls death directly, where again the cave scene plays out but this time Aephorul kills Garl because they're too weak. It's only after being forced to come to terms with this loss and grief they carried for years, do they actually begin to change, and become stronger. From that moment, they hesitate less, they speak up more, and they begin making decisions for themselves, rather than just following Moraine's orders, or what they think they're supposed to do. And that's ignoring all of the parallels with their older mentors who lacking any compassion and being robbed of their agency as children turn evil out of desperation. With the Malkomud situation at the start of the game hammering home powerful people are nothing without love and support, that Garl is the compassion and support that saves Zale and Valere, the same as he saved Malkomud. I don't know, I wish I didn't try avoid spoilers and had covered all of this, but even pointing all this out it hasn't changed peoples minds at all, they still just said its a head canon... but like... it's really just the games story lol
Thanks for the video! This one's been in my wishlist since before release, and I really need to grab it soon.. I just have way too many games in there, and far too little time! 😢
I wish, she just roars at me like a Dinosaur now because I bought a dinosaur book.... its cute .... but she does do it to other kids... and workers... and Grandma....
This game has been in my library since it's release and I have been so busy I haven't had time to get into it properly. It looks amazing, your video really sold it well! Also bonus point for talking about my favorite RPG, The Legend of Dragoon! Must have played it through like half a dozen time.
Best thing about it is it's not a terribly long game. 30-50 hours depending on how much side content and completionist stuff you wanna do. It's also a prequel to The Messenger if you've ever played it. Both games are some of my all time favorite games. Highly recommend both.
Watch this space. This channel is going to blow up, big time. I would have bet so much money that you had a higher subscriber count. Your videos are so high quality and insightful and you seem to really get what makes games special and unique. I've wishlisted the games on every video I've watched so far and I can't wait to play them. I'd say good luck with your channel but you honestly won't need it if you keep this up. Best of luck with your newborn!
The whole game sets up Narrative Beats then drop them completely or fall flat, interpersonal at that. How you found this game refreshing I really don't get. I will give that Graphics & Aesthetics are 10/10 so is sense of Exploration. The combat is an interesting take but it's *more* random than Random Encounter in sum because sometimes enemies will start with combinations of actions you can not answer to without some combo moves which you haven't accumulated resources for yet. In normal encounters that's not a problem but even the first Boss has that problem.
Can you give me an example of narrative that is completely dropped? Other than the acolytes, brugraves, and strife dweller which is covered in their other game. I 100%’d the game and didn’t feel like anything was lost, some things come up in side quests so I guess they’re missable? Not liking the story is a big personal preference, since themes, and emotions hit differently with different people so I’m not trying to argue you or anything. As for the combat, personally I liked when I was given random locks on opening, it felt like an added challenge where I had to figure out how to weaken it in limited turns or prep for a big attack. It also lead me to enter most fights with the grappling hook so I always had live mana to help with openings or early locks. I’ll admit, I didn’t actually face any that couldn’t be handled either by removing entirely or putting up a lunar shield, so maybe I had amazing RNG the entire game.
I thought it was okay. I liked the art style and the battle system, but that it. I don't get the love for the music. Some tracks are great, but I found most of them to be pretty uninteresting (some boss tracks are great though). I know music is greatly subjective, and I guess I'm just the odd one out on that one. The story is also pretty bland. The only character that really gets any development is Garl. Edit: I completely forgot about the mini game lol. I loved playing that!
It’s weird to hear so many people say the characters don’t get development or they’re boring, the protagonists are brainwashed into being blank warriors, who don’t even try save towns or people, and spend the entire game slowly breaking that, and becoming quick to help others, laugh, and find joy again. Not to mention their both terrified of taking action due to their mistake with Garl as a kid, so they become unsure and stiff, another thing they spend the entire game learning to overcome, which they only manage to do too late causing their worst fear to come true, losing what they care most about. The games not subtle with their character arch’s, and the stories messages, but I get it, every story isn’t for everyone
Disagree completely, makes the genre actually worse. Every character has like 3 skills only that you will use the entire game. Feels like there are only like 10 monsters types. The game is extremely repetitive, if there is anything to praise about it is the beautiful art style, that is about it.
It feels strange though, because there are over 80 monsters, and you’re saying you only use a few skills, except that’s just how you chose to play right? There are 6 party members, all with skills, all with combos, with living mana options. All with ultimates. It’s fine if you didn’t like it, but your reasoning feels a bit strange.
@@EljayIsHere i used all skills, every character has 3 if I remember correctly cause i played it last year. I think i was pretty clear on that and the combos. The enemies are pretty much all pallete swaps of each other. It is the same mechanic the entire game to break the locks. The only things I enjoyed about the game was the art style and the music. But the combat as unispired and repetitive after the first few hours. Also the main two characters are so boring, i did love the guy with the patched eye, the other cast was decent. As you said good that you enjoyed, i did not. I don’t think is a good as some make it out to be, i feel like they where starving for a jrpg or something.
I mean, I genuinely do love the genre, and I've never met a hardcore fan who doesn't agree a lot of the old mechanics like random encounters, cliche self-insert protagonists, and summon spamming combat aren't a problem. Loving something and being able to see its flaws is okay, I still play the genre despite them, but it's also nice to play a nostalgia hit that is made by fans who can poke fun at the problems as well.
I think it's okay to talk about something you love, and it's flaws. I still play all the games that have the problems I talked about and enjoy them, but sometimes its nice to play something that's aware of the flaws, and actively trying to work around them, or make fun of them lightly.
Fun fact, Encounters in Final Fantasy 7 aren't random, they're actually based on step count, and through careful counting, with some manipulation, you can avoid almost every fight, I spent 4 months learning how to do it for speed running and then never ran the game.
Also, before people say it, I know Sea of stars isn't perfect, but I loved it, maybe for nostalgia, maybe for the humour and poking fun at what inspired it, maybe because a story about powerful or great people being nothing without those to support them, and help them be true to themselves just struck a note with me, if you enjoy those things, you'll likely enjoy it as well.
Also, If you had random encounters, some old school TRPG's that do them well are Secrets of Mana and Chrono Trigger, I decided not to talk about them, as I didn't own them as a kid, and played them much later.
MASSIVE SPOILERS AHEAD
I just figured, I might include this here, some people are saying the characters never struggle, or never grow, change, and the story feels flat because it has no throughline, setup, motivation, or consequences. This is really weird to me, so I thought I'd lay out what to me was the major story of our main characters, their failures, and how it all connets.
They're young reckless kids and because of that Garl is hurt by their recklessness early on > this makes them hesitant to let him come > and hesitate to get involved at the Stonemasons > they meet a young gifted child much like they were who lacking a mentor or friendship had turned evil > they get a few small victories, get overconfident > In Lucent, Garl is mind controlled due to their recklessness > They panic, unsure of what to do, its all happening again, they don't want to lose him, a power swells in them but out of fear, they shut it down > later they both wait by Garls bed and discuss how terrified they are > skip forward, when they face the dweller of strife, they lose because they don't have access to their power they held back > the trauma from the very start of the game, caused them to lose, and in turn causes Garls death > Facing this reality, they open themselves up to change, address their fears, and can finally help people.
The consequences of that original recklessness, and Lucents subsequent one, literally cause Garl's death.
Further proof is in how identical the opening scene and Lucent actually are.
Valere feeling her power swell with the moon, and them deciding to all take action feeling overconfident.
Garl is injured. They feel awful, and it becomes a major fear for our protagonists.
Skip forward 10 years.
They recklessly rush off without thinking, and by doing so it appears they've again put their friends life at risk.
The unopenable gate, the realisation they lack power, the three of them being blindsided right as they try to leave.
Both events are practically identical, beat by beat story-wise.
Including Zale completely folding under the pressure of his friends life.
It's quite obviously designed to show that 10 years later, they still aren't strong enough, they're still overconfident, they still are just kids who don't understand the world yet.
It's the inevitable loss of innocence, and the betrayal that is there eventual turning point, getting out from under the school, finding their own path, that's when they begin to change and grow.
The cave is a trauma, Lucent is a direct reminder, and only when they overcome the initial trauma, not by choice but by it coming true, do they manage to truly change.
I just think its odd not connecting those two almost identical scenes, and the fact he completely rejects his own powers in that moment while panicking becomes the reason they're too weak later is just a major consequence thats hard to ignore.
I thought this came across really overt to be honest, so I was surprised to see people's thoughts.
- - - - - - - -- - -
On the topic of Garl's flat personality, I think it's kinda important to talk about the idea of "Not special" and "special" of those who "are chosen" and those "who aren't"
Garl has been told he isn't special his entire life, everyone around him says he needs to get out of the way, losing his eye proved to him he wasn't worthy, but rather than let that get him down, he spent 10 years training alone by himself, becoming a cook, a survivalist, and learning to fight by himself, so he wouldn't be left behind.
Moraine constantly tries to shut him out, and only allows him in when the Elder Mist recognises him, this is why Moraine is so lost later, his entire world shatters when an ordinary boy saves them all, and his "special" students betray him.
The citizens of Mooncradle barely treat the protagonists as human, but Garl sees them just as people who need him.
Yes, he is endlessly positive, but I think that's kinda tragic, he is the heroes humanity, and their only support. If he ever falters, he might be left behind entirely, just like they try to at the start of the game out of the original guilt.
@@EljayIsHere Man, you do give yourself so much love in your own comments✌🤣I appreciate your videos, btw!
True! I always enjoy when stories are carried by characters with realistic behaviors for the world they're involved in.
Sea of Stars is a beautiful gem, indeed🤗
I try to always write 2 comments hahaha one with a joke or fun fact, and I reply with extra context on the video
It tends to start fun conversation and what not
@@EljayIsHere
That's a clever move! It's nice to find interesting takes and comments from those who share our tastes✌😎
Oh! I remembered about the Golden Sun saga!🤯Those were amazing!😍
Babe wake up, new game that made Eljay emotional just dropped... No, I don't think the main character has a daughter this time!
lmao at this point it must just be sleep deprivation
Man i'm so glad to see videos of people loving this game again. When it first came out I saw so much love for the game and then after a while I kept seeing alot of hate for it for whatever reason. I had been waiting for this game for years and it was such a great experience for me. I'm in the same boat though where I spent and ungodly amount of time on RPGs as a kid and Sea of Stars took me back to that point in my life. And even better, I played this game just a few months after finally playing The Messenger all the way through and seeing returning characters and hearing remixed songs made me pop off so hard. Can't wait for the DLC!
I'm glad to read a positive comment, I really enjoyed the game, and I've been really surprised to read some of the negative comments, especially those about the story.
It feels like so many of the themes, messages, and scenes have either been missed entirely, forgotten, or are being ignored in order to spread this idea that it has no development, or real narrative.
But the fact the forbidden cave scene as kids is a direct parrallell to the lucent mind control scene with Garl instantly proves a lot of that wrong.
Zale is introduced literally using his magic, thats so strong it blows him backwards away from Erlina, and then next time he tries, his friend loses an eye because he can't control it, suddenly a prophecy is telling him he has some inside him he must face, and boom, in Lucent its his chance to face it, but he is so scared that even the idea of losing Garl isn't enough for him to overcome it.
The trauma from the forbidden cave, and him rejecting his power in Lucent, literally means they're too weak to be the Dweller of strife, leading to Garls death directly, where again the cave scene plays out but this time Aephorul kills Garl because they're too weak.
It's only after being forced to come to terms with this loss and grief they carried for years, do they actually begin to change, and become stronger.
From that moment, they hesitate less, they speak up more, and they begin making decisions for themselves, rather than just following Moraine's orders, or what they think they're supposed to do.
And that's ignoring all of the parallels with their older mentors who lacking any compassion and being robbed of their agency as children turn evil out of desperation.
With the Malkomud situation at the start of the game hammering home powerful people are nothing without love and support, that Garl is the compassion and support that saves Zale and Valere, the same as he saved Malkomud.
I don't know, I wish I didn't try avoid spoilers and had covered all of this, but even pointing all this out it hasn't changed peoples minds at all, they still just said its a head canon... but like... it's really just the games story lol
Thanks for the video! This one's been in my wishlist since before release, and I really need to grab it soon.. I just have way too many games in there, and far too little time! 😢
I feel you, especially when they’re like this one that’s 24 hours to finish, 30 - 35 hours all side content
true fact when it sounds like eljay is badly singing the song, its just him making baby sounds to his daughter
I wish, she just roars at me like a Dinosaur now because I bought a dinosaur book.... its cute .... but she does do it to other kids... and workers... and Grandma....
This game has been in my library since it's release and I have been so busy I haven't had time to get into it properly. It looks amazing, your video really sold it well!
Also bonus point for talking about my favorite RPG, The Legend of Dragoon! Must have played it through like half a dozen time.
LLAAAAVIIITTTTZZZZ!
@@EljayIsHere 😭😭😭
Best thing about it is it's not a terribly long game. 30-50 hours depending on how much side content and completionist stuff you wanna do. It's also a prequel to The Messenger if you've ever played it. Both games are some of my all time favorite games. Highly recommend both.
I’ve been on the fence about getting this game for months, RIP my schedule I guess, I need a good 3am RPG cry session
I really liked it, but Im a giant sap, and have a lot of nostalgia
Took me about 40 hours to 100% so luckily it's not a huge time sink.
Sorry guys the Fleshmancer can wait. I'm too busy playing my 41st game of Wheels
Watchmaker can eat my arse, dude can barely play the game he made, doesn’t deserve the cool figures
Watch this space. This channel is going to blow up, big time.
I would have bet so much money that you had a higher subscriber count. Your videos are so high quality and insightful and you seem to really get what makes games special and unique. I've wishlisted the games on every video I've watched so far and I can't wait to play them. I'd say good luck with your channel but you honestly won't need it if you keep this up. Best of luck with your newborn!
This is the nicest comment I’ve ever got thank you so much!
Cant wait for the Streets of Rogue review!
Please do Risk of Rain 2! Loved the video!
Never played or checked it out, I’ll put it on the recommendations list :)
The whole game sets up Narrative Beats then drop them completely or fall flat, interpersonal at that. How you found this game refreshing I really don't get.
I will give that Graphics & Aesthetics are 10/10 so is sense of Exploration.
The combat is an interesting take but it's *more* random than Random Encounter in sum because sometimes enemies will start with combinations of actions you can not answer to without some combo moves which you haven't accumulated resources for yet. In normal encounters that's not a problem but even the first Boss has that problem.
Can you give me an example of narrative that is completely dropped? Other than the acolytes, brugraves, and strife dweller which is covered in their other game.
I 100%’d the game and didn’t feel like anything was lost, some things come up in side quests so I guess they’re missable?
Not liking the story is a big personal preference, since themes, and emotions hit differently with different people so I’m not trying to argue you or anything.
As for the combat, personally I liked when I was given random locks on opening, it felt like an added challenge where I had to figure out how to weaken it in limited turns or prep for a big attack.
It also lead me to enter most fights with the grappling hook so I always had live mana to help with openings or early locks.
I’ll admit, I didn’t actually face any that couldn’t be handled either by removing entirely or putting up a lunar shield, so maybe I had amazing RNG the entire game.
I thought it was okay. I liked the art style and the battle system, but that it. I don't get the love for the music. Some tracks are great, but I found most of them to be pretty uninteresting (some boss tracks are great though). I know music is greatly subjective, and I guess I'm just the odd one out on that one. The story is also pretty bland. The only character that really gets any development is Garl.
Edit: I completely forgot about the mini game lol. I loved playing that!
It’s weird to hear so many people say the characters don’t get development or they’re boring, the protagonists are brainwashed into being blank warriors, who don’t even try save towns or people, and spend the entire game slowly breaking that, and becoming quick to help others, laugh, and find joy again.
Not to mention their both terrified of taking action due to their mistake with Garl as a kid, so they become unsure and stiff, another thing they spend the entire game learning to overcome, which they only manage to do too late causing their worst fear to come true, losing what they care most about.
The games not subtle with their character arch’s, and the stories messages, but I get it, every story isn’t for everyone
Ever tried Secret of Grindea ? for me its the game that scratch my rpg itch
I haven't! Trailer and art look really interesting though!
'-'👍 Good review
How long does it take to beat?
For me, No side content, 24 hours, all side content and true ending 37-38 hours.
Have you tried Evoland 2 ?
Holy shit memory unlocked of what a decade ago? That game was so cool
@@EljayIsHere agreed, great game
You should play Outcore
I’ve had a look before, not sure it’s my style but always open to streaming new things :)
@@EljayIsHere it's unironically peak.
Disagree completely, makes the genre actually worse. Every character has like 3 skills only that you will use the entire game. Feels like there are only like 10 monsters types. The game is extremely repetitive, if there is anything to praise about it is the beautiful art style, that is about it.
I mostly agree with you except making the genre worse, and have you ever played an RPG? They're ALL repetitive.
I genuinely feel like we played different games hahaha
@@chexmixkitty true, but this one gets repetitive extremely fast, at least others tried better.
It feels strange though, because there are over 80 monsters, and you’re saying you only use a few skills, except that’s just how you chose to play right?
There are 6 party members, all with skills, all with combos, with living mana options.
All with ultimates.
It’s fine if you didn’t like it, but your reasoning feels a bit strange.
@@EljayIsHere i used all skills, every character has 3 if I remember correctly cause i played it last year. I think i was pretty clear on that and the combos. The enemies are pretty much all pallete swaps of each other. It is the same mechanic the entire game to break the locks.
The only things I enjoyed about the game was the art style and the music. But the combat as unispired and repetitive after the first few hours. Also the main two characters are so boring, i did love the guy with the patched eye, the other cast was decent.
As you said good that you enjoyed, i did not. I don’t think is a good as some make it out to be, i feel like they where starving for a jrpg or something.
Na it didnt you just never liked jrpgs and wanted to make a silly title for a silly video. 😊❤🎉
I mean, I genuinely do love the genre, and I've never met a hardcore fan who doesn't agree a lot of the old mechanics like random encounters, cliche self-insert protagonists, and summon spamming combat aren't a problem.
Loving something and being able to see its flaws is okay, I still play the genre despite them, but it's also nice to play a nostalgia hit that is made by fans who can poke fun at the problems as well.
e
This is such a tired take
I think it's okay to talk about something you love, and it's flaws. I still play all the games that have the problems I talked about and enjoy them, but sometimes its nice to play something that's aware of the flaws, and actively trying to work around them, or make fun of them lightly.