In Stars And Time

In Stars and Time is a charming hand-drawn RPG where you play as Siffrin, an adventurer stuck in a time loop. After tragedy strikes just as your party is about to defeat the evil king, Siffrin finds himself forced to relive the same two days over and over again. With each loop, you gain perspective that allows you to make better choices to break the loop and save the world.

With its time loop premise and quirky characters, In Stars and Time invites comparisons to bizarre RPGs like Undertale and EarthBound. However, In Stars and Time stands on its own with clever mechanics and heartfelt writing. The monochromatic visuals are gorgeously drawn, bringing the world to life. The thoughtful character development and witty dialogue give the game an emotional depth not always seen in the genre.

Strategic Time Loop Gameplay

The time loop mechanics make for genuinely interesting gameplay. Choices matter, as different options unlock new solutions to puzzles and change conversations. Equipping memories of your friends provides stat boosts, an ingenious way to represent the power of your relationships.

The turn-based combat relies more on strategy than grinding, with a rock-paper-scissors system that ensures you have to think carefully about each move. It's refreshing to play an RPG where combat encounters require real tactics rather than mashing attacks.

Well-Developed Characters You'll Want to Save

While the premise is intriguing, it's the characters that make In Stars and Time shine. Siffrin is stressed yet determined, wanting to end the loop to save his friends. Mirabelle's devotion to her god provides moments of levity, while researcher Odile's absurd theories lighten the mood. Isabeau's kindness and Bonnie's antics round out a found family you grow to care about. Even side characters like the cheeky god of Change have hidden depth.

By the end, you feel driven to save these characters and the world you've grown so invested in. Their distinct personalities and genuine bonds are the heart of In Stars and Time's emotional story.

A Memorable and Meaningful RPG Adventure

In Stars and Time succeeds at being more than just a clever gimmick. With thoughtful characters and strategic gameplay, it leverages its time loop premise into an RPG adventure that feels distinctly meaningful.

What really makes In Stars and Time stand out is how it leverages its central premise to create an RPG adventure that feels distinctly meaningful. The time loop grants the story a sense of poignancy, as you witness the gradual emotional toll it takes on Siffrin. His stressed yet determined demeanor becomes an anchor you can't help but sympathize with.

The mechanic of equipping memories as armor reinforces the game's themes of friendship and connection. By drawing on your memories of your companions, you're forced to reflect on the meaning of your relationships. It's a clever manifestation of how our bonds with others strengthen us.

Pros:

• Clever time loop mechanics make choices feel impactful
• Gorgeous hand-drawn art style
• Engaging strategic combat

Cons:

• Story pacing slows down near the middle
• Some puzzles get repetitive between loops
• Occasional difficulty spikes