A uniquely beautiful RPG, In Stars and Time, is nostalgic and hard-hitting in all the right ways. This time-loop RPG battles difficult topics such as life and death and helps you navigate the whirlwind of emotions with lovable characters like Siffrin, Mirabelle, Odile, and Isabeau.
Siffrin is the character you play as and has some incredibly cheesy puns with a roguish personality. On top of that, this game’s character design and music go hand-in-hand, giving it a feel similar to Undertale. So, if you’re a fan of that game, there is a high chance you’ll like this one, too!
Saving the World
The story of In Stars and Time is excellent, as you must navigate the castle to defeat the King and save the world from being frozen in time. As you fight off enemies during your navigation, you get to utilize a unique battle system, as you fight enemies with Rock, Paper, and Scissors, depending on how the character’s hand is positioned.
Compared to other RPGs, this unique battle system is refreshing and breathes life into a game that may have otherwise not been as exciting if it followed a typical battle system. Despite being a unique battle system, it is very accessible and easy to understand. On top of that, they have made it more accessible by including extensive tutorials and a battle cheat sheet that allows you to see how to counter your opponent. You can turn it off for those who get motion sickness from screen shake.
Making Space Accessible
I am very grateful for the amount of accessibility options a game like this can carry. Not only did it have extensive tutorial systems to help you along the way, but you could also utilize a cheat sheet for those particularly hard fights where you may have gotten a bit confused and lost your way. On top of that, you had the option to speed up text if you’re impatient like me or slow it right down if you feel it moves a bit too fast!
The feature I appreciated the most from this list was the ability to turn off Screen Shake. I never knew in games what it was that made me nauseous until I saw a game with a lot of screen shaking. The ability to turn it off, even in a simplistically designed game such as In Stars and Time, makes a huge difference.
The one flaw that I found in the accessibility of it all was the way the “G’s” look like nines. It may just be my eyes, but I found it somewhat difficult to read and would have to go back over the word to ensure I understood it correctly.
The Gang’s All Here
The interactions between the main crew of party members were incredibly special, and I loved how they all had different relationships with each other. Isabeau radiates “himbo” energy and brings a great sense of cheer and kindness to the group while unintentionally making innuendos along the way and getting flustered.
Odile is calm and nonchalant and hides their feelings incredibly well. I like how they are the “mother-hen” of the group.
Mirabelle is a complete contrast to Odile, offering a sense of innocence and a lot of cute energy that has you aww’ing frequently. Bonnie is the perfect counterpart to your character, Siffrin, a smug person who likes to make a whole lot of puns. Meanwhile, Bonnie likes a bit more of an aggressive approach.
Despite them all having clashing personalities, they are all equally as lovable as each other, and I couldn’t find myself disliking any of them.
Confusion Begins
As you make mistakes through the game, whether dying in battle or dying in cutscenes, the game loops you back to the beginning. Immediately, my interest was peaked, and I found myself leaning forward, eager for more.
In Stars and Time is the way to go if you’re looking for an innovative RPG. It’s incredibly charming, with lots of fun interactions and a lot of personality, even with the NPCs hiding in their houses.
The music lends a lot to the experience, offering a sense of whimsy and investigation to be had. While the graphics may be daunting or even offputting, don’t let it fool you. It’s a nostalgic-feeling RPG that will send you years back in time (get it?).
Overall, In Stars and Time is a phenomenal game, with hours and hours of content within. You’d be missing out if you didn’t try this game!
