In Stars And Time

In Stars And Time is a deeply emotional and narratively rich RPG that captivates players with its unique time loop mechanic and compelling character-driven story. Spanning around 30 hours, the game immerses players in the life of Siffrin and their party, exploring themes of mental health, identity, and interpersonal relationships. The time loop mechanic, while repetitive by nature, is designed to reinforce the protagonist's emotional journey and the sense of desperation and hope.

Players praise the game's expressive pixel art, excellent writing, and memorable soundtrack, which together create a vibrant and immersive world. The combat system is simple yet strategic, complementing the narrative without overwhelming the player. While the game can be challenging emotionally and requires patience with its looping structure, many find the experience rewarding and transformative. In Stars And Time is considered a masterpiece by fans who appreciate its heartfelt storytelling and innovative gameplay integration.

Highlights

Players highly praise the game's storytelling and character development, noting the authentic and relatable personalities of the cast, especially protagonist Siffrin. The time loop mechanic is lauded for its thoughtful design that enhances immersion and emotional impact. The art style is described as gorgeous and expressive, while the soundtrack is catchy and emotionally resonant. Fans appreciate the game's handling of heavy themes like mental health and identity with sensitivity and depth. The combat system, though simple, is considered fun and strategically engaging, supporting the narrative effectively.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the inherent repetitiveness due to the time loop gameplay, which some players find tedious or frustrating early on. The combat is sometimes viewed as too easy or not challenging enough, lacking depth for players seeking difficulty. A few players mention that some dialogue can feel campy or overly quirky, which might not appeal to everyone. The music, while fitting, is sometimes described as middle-of-the-road rather than outstanding. Additionally, the pacing can drag in the middle sections, and some narrative elements, such as character backgrounds and thematic explorations, could have benefited from deeper development.