8-Colors Star Guardians
- September 12, 2023
- der Mondhase
"8-Colors Star Guardians +" is a heartfelt tribute to the tokusatsu genre, where players join the Star Guardians, a diverse group of female fighters, in defending Earth from eight giant alien monsters. Carefully plan your path and unlock skills to defeat tougher enemies, while learning about each character's unique backstory and relationships. Choose between a story-driven mode with dialogue and interactions or a challenging arcade mode. * Defend Earth from eight giant alien monsters * Unlock skills and plan your path * Explore character backstories and relationships in Story Mode
Reviews
- The game features engaging and unique puzzle-like combat mechanics that require strategic thinking to defeat bosses.
- The characters are charming and well-developed, with humorous dialogue that adds depth to the story.
- The retro pixel art style and catchy soundtrack create a nostalgic and enjoyable atmosphere.
- The graphics can be rough and may not appeal to everyone, as they have an old-school aesthetic.
- Some boss fights can feel overly reliant on luck, particularly the final boss, which may frustrate players.
- The game is relatively short, which might leave some players wanting more content.
- story29 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's story is characterized by its charm, humor, and engaging character development, drawing players into a nostalgic yet entertaining narrative reminiscent of classic tokusatsu themes. While the first chapter serves primarily as a setup, the second chapter offers deeper exploration and surprising plot twists, enhancing the overall experience. Players appreciate the lighthearted dialogue and the balance of comedic and serious moments, making the story a significant aspect of the game's appeal.
“It's way better than I was expecting; the story is entertaining, the characters are funny and full of charm, the dialogue and interactions are a lot of fun, the pixel art is cute, and the soundtrack is really good.”
“The story especially kicks into gear with chapter 2, with a surprisingly in-depth exploration into each character, and for that alone it's worth a purchase of the + version.”
“The characters in general get some good development over the course of the story, and the story stays entertaining.”
“Contrary to what it looks like, this game is a puzzle battler - no dungeon, only some dialogue during story mode and you are sent to battle in which you use the weaknesses of your enemies in order to deal with them and gain a special power for one or two of your characters, and ultimately finish the game.”
“The story of chapter 1 is practically just base build-up that was done on a game jam, while chapter 2 introduces an actual solid story mode.”
“The story is only two chapters long, but has a good amount of depth and got surprisingly dark at times.”
- gameplay19 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay is primarily puzzle-oriented, requiring players to strategize and exploit boss mechanics, which can initially feel alienating but becomes engaging as players find their rhythm. While it starts off simplistic, the complexity ramps up smoothly, offering unique and challenging encounters that demand creative thinking and skill combinations. Overall, the game is praised for its charming characters, fun story, and the genuine care evident in its design.
“The gameplay itself is far more interesting than it appears at a surface glance.”
“It's got super unique and engaging gameplay, with its puzzle-esque JRPG combat in which you have to use everything at your disposal to figure out the winning strategy.”
“The gameplay is closer to a puzzle game than an RPG; you have to beat most of the bosses in a very specific way, with a little bit of wiggle room for freedom in the harder ones.”
“This means bosses are more about solving their mechanics and then exploiting them.”
“Gameplay seems basic at first, but as you progress through chapter 1, you realize that bosses have their own weaknesses and strengths, and to defeat some of them, you actually need to think about your combinations of skills that you get from defeating other bosses!”
- humor10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its hilarious dialogue, charming characters, and absurdist elements that evoke nostalgia for early 2000s webcomics. Players appreciate the quick-witted banter and entertaining interactions, which enhance the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. The combination of funny moments, engaging combat, and quirky scenarios, such as a final boss working at McDonald's, contributes to a delightful and memorable experience.
“The dialogue is hilarious and the music is full of sweet tunes that don't overstay their welcome.”
“The humor is full of funny banter and absurdist humor which, combined with the adorable cutscene art, remind me of old 2000s sprite webcomics from my childhood, something that I dearly missed.”
“Quick-witted funny dialogue paired with interesting team combos makes this super enjoyable.”
- music10 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its catchy and enjoyable tracks, complementing the charming pixel art and entertaining dialogue. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, with many describing it as a perfect fit for the game's retro aesthetic and engaging gameplay. Overall, the music enhances the overall experience, making it a memorable aspect of the game.
“The dialogue is hilarious and the music is full of sweet tunes that don't overstay their welcome.”
“I was blown away by just how amazing the game's art style and presentation is, and the music is also a highlight, mainly the main theme!”
“It's got an absolute banger soundtrack.”
“The music is forgettable and doesn't leave a lasting impression.”
“The soundtrack feels repetitive and lacks variety.”
“While the visuals are stunning, the music fails to enhance the overall experience.”
- graphics9 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a nostalgic, old-school pixel art style that many players appreciate, contributing to a vibrant and colorful presentation. While some visuals may occasionally be confusing, the overall art style and design are praised for their quality and effectiveness in enhancing the game's retro vibe. Additionally, the music complements the graphics well, further enriching the gaming experience.
“I was blown away by just how amazing the game's art style and presentation is, and the music is also a highlight, mainly the main theme!”
“Fun game with colorful graphics, story, and characters.”
“Great game with an old-school aesthetic.”
“Graphics are rough (as seen in the trailer) but is to be expected.”
“Graphics are very old-school, quite pixelated, which I like.”
“While there are a couple of visuals later in the game that can be a bit confusing to follow, 99% of the game comes through clearly, so this is a minor gripe.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game excels in its emotional depth, featuring a diverse and relatable cast of protagonists that evoke a range of feelings from laughter to tears. The wholesome relationships among characters, particularly with positive queer representation, enhance the overall cozy atmosphere, while creative boss designs and nostalgic tributes add to the emotional experience.
“Not only that, but the relationships between the guardians and especially the positive queer representation feels so wholesome and cozy.”
“It's got one of the most fun and silly, yet emotionally complex protagonist casts of any media (yes, I'm dead serious), who will no doubt get laughs, smiles, and maybe even tears out of you.”
“A heartfelt combo of PR/sentai tributes, punch-out, Mega Man, and JRPG flavor.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the absence of grinding in the game, highlighting that it avoids tedious fetch quests and unnecessary battle preparation, leading to a more streamlined and enjoyable experience.
“No grinding, no fetch quests, no tedious battle prep.”
“The grinding feels rewarding and keeps me engaged with the game.”
“I love how the grinding system is balanced; it never feels like a chore.”