Cosmic Star Heroine

Cosmic Star Heroine is not only a fantastic old school experience but one that goes above and beyond with art and music and happens to be a perfect fit for the PS Vita

83%Game Brain Score

story, music

grinding, stability

88% User Score Based on 1,498 reviews

Critic Score 77%Based on 14 reviews

Platforms

Buy Nowfrom $5.41

Buy NowGet on Steam$14.99

About

In Cosmic Star Heroine, you play as Alyssa, a galactic spy uncovering a plot to destroy the galaxy. Assemble a team of heroes, each with unique abilities, to save the day in this classic-style RPG with turn-based combat. Navigate political intrigue, uncover conspiracies, and enjoy a vibrant soundtrack as you embark on this interstellar adventure.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

+13

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,512 reviews

story367 positive mentions

grinding128 negative mentions

The game features a unique and engaging combat system that encourages strategic planning and the use of various abilities.
The pixel art and animated cutscenes are visually appealing, capturing the charm of classic 16-bit RPGs.
The soundtrack is excellent, with catchy tunes that enhance the overall experience.

The story and characters lack depth, making it difficult to form a strong emotional connection with them.
The pacing can feel rushed, with little time for character development or exploration.
There are occasional bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including freezing during battles.

story
1,297 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
66%
6%
The story of "Cosmic Star Heroine" is generally described as fast-paced and engaging, reminiscent of classic 90s JRPGs, but it often lacks depth and character development. While some players appreciate its lighthearted tone and humor, many criticize the plot for being clichéd, rushed, and underdeveloped, making it difficult to form attachments to the characters. Overall, the narrative serves its purpose but is seen as a weaker aspect of the game, overshadowed by its enjoyable combat and nostalgic gameplay.
- “Incredible game so far, perfect balance of story, character and gameplay.”
- “Story, writing and worldbuilding are top-notch, leaving a strong Cowboy Bebop aftertaste.”
- “The story of this game moves at a brisk pace, with all sorts of cool setpieces such as the chapter 5 and 6 finales.”
- “Unfortunately, the vast majority of the plot feels like it was trying too hard, only the storyline feels shallow with writing that you wished it could have done better.”
- “The characters are all cardboard cutouts, the world is a smattering of lifeless tropes, and the pacing of story beats is straight-up bewildering.”
- “The story didn't seem like it ever went anywhere at any point in the game, which constantly hindered my desire to push onward; dialogues are short and uninteresting, the premise of the plot is nothing to write home about.”
music
598 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
37%
2%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its catchy, varied, and immersive qualities that enhance the overall experience. Composed by Hyperduck Soundworks, the soundtrack features a blend of jazz, electro-rock, and nostalgic 16-bit vibes, effectively complementing the game's retro aesthetic and engaging gameplay. While some noted occasional repetitiveness, the majority found the music to be a standout element, contributing significantly to the game's charm and atmosphere.
- “The soundtrack is absolutely brilliant!”
- “The music is fantastic with plenty of great tracks to listen to that fit the game so well from the title screen all the way to the final dungeon.”
- “The music had me bobbing my head the whole way through.”
- “Music can be a little repetitive at times.”
- “The storyline didn't grab me, and neither did the music.”
- “Aside from the main, battle and ending themes (which I found rather catchy), most of the other soundtracks ranged anywhere from generic to decent for me.”
gameplay
517 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
57%
3%
The gameplay of "Cosmic Star Heroine" is characterized by its innovative turn-based mechanics, including a unique "style" and "hyper" system that encourages strategic planning and experimentation. Players appreciate the nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic SNES RPGs, while also noting the depth and customization options available in combat. However, some critiques highlight a lack of clarity in mechanics and a tendency for gameplay to become repetitive, despite the overall engaging experience.
- “The recruitment mechanic adds a layer of depth, with choices that subtly influence the world around you.”
- “In terms of mechanics for turn-based RPGs, this game feels fresh.”
- “The gameplay is really good; it's a turn-based system that can be very fair with plenty of customization when it comes to powers.”
- “Rather boring battle system; it seems the developers have played a few old RPGs, ripped the basics of gameplay from them, and then chose to put more of their budget into background art and making every small rock have a hitbox that prevents you from moving at your already glacial pace (and that’s with running turned on) than into getting their team to sit down together and figure out how to make their actual gameplay fun.”
- “My only complaint is that some of the game's mechanics are cryptic and difficult to figure out (what's physical vs magic, what counts as a 'tech', etc.).”
- “The combat and gameplay can feel a bit repetitive unfortunately, in a sense that most dungeon areas just feel like you're going from A to B, and fighting any enemies on your way, occasionally taking a side-path towards a treasure chest.”
graphics
350 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
51%
2%
The graphics of "Cosmic Star Heroine" are widely praised for their nostalgic 16-bit style, reminiscent of classic JRPGs like "Chrono Trigger," featuring vibrant pixel art and detailed environments. While some reviewers noted minor graphical glitches and inconsistencies, the overall aesthetic is considered charming and well-executed, effectively capturing the retro vibe while enhancing it with modern touches. The combination of beautiful visuals and a fitting soundtrack contributes to an immersive experience that appeals to fans of the genre.
- “Graphically, the game looks phenomenal -- a very strong leap ahead from their previous titles.”
- “The pixel graphics are really good with incredible use of color, set pieces, and scenery that makes you just want to stop and stare at it.”
- “The visuals harken back to the Super Nintendo days with the likes of Chrono Trigger, featuring detailed well-animated sprites, gorgeous backdrops, and expansive maps for exploration, all backed by a magnificent soundtrack.”
- “Like all RPG Maker games, the poor quality engine displays badly in fullscreen and doesn't have full HD support or any graphics tweaking options.”
- “The graphics seem to have a slightly inconsistent aesthetic between level design, interface, and character portraits, and I have often found the transitions between different modes to be particularly jarring.”
- “One downside might be the graphics, but if you're here for a 16-bit styled sci-fi RPG plot you only really care if it looks authentic or not.”
humor
179 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its witty dialogue, quirky characters, and clever references to retro games and pop culture. While some jokes may fall flat, the overall tone is described as charming and amusing, contributing to an engaging experience. However, a few reviews note that the humor may not be as strong as in previous titles from the same developers, leading to mixed feelings about its effectiveness.
- “In the first part of the story, there's an extra layer of humor that adds personality to the characters you'll be playing as.”
- “The game has a good sense of humor, having a serious motivation for the characters but still able to poke fun at itself and tropes.”
- “The whole game has the sort of snarky, self-aware, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor that I enjoy.”
- “The dialogue is so poor, it feels as if someone reached into a lucky dip box and pulled out plots, routines, and responses. Unlike Family Guy, this game is not funny, not even cool or hip.”
grinding
146 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
1%
88%
Overall, the game is praised for its minimal grinding, with many players noting that it can be completed without any grinding at all, making it a refreshing change from typical JRPGs. While some optional content and higher difficulty levels may require grinding, the game is designed to be approachable and engaging without it, featuring fixed enemy encounters and a balanced experience curve. The combat system is described as strategic and enjoyable, with quality-of-life improvements that prevent grinding from feeling tedious.
- “Like most of the games from Zeboid, this game really feels fun to play and isn't grindy or boring despite the turn-based combat many of us grew with but got annoyed of.”
- “The easiest difficulty requires no grinding and you can just RPG-style spam any damage move to win most battles.”
- “I enjoyed this no grinding version of a 16-bit like classic RPG with no separate battle screen.”
- “This made grinding an absolute chore, especially since most battles are unavoidable.”
- “The combat got super grindy and very boring about 1/3 to 1/2 into the game.”
- “You can fight the same battles again if you want to (for leveling purposes) but battles take a really long time to fight, so grinding isn't a very effective use of your time.”
stability
56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
96%
The game has faced significant stability issues, particularly at launch, with numerous bugs and glitches reported, including freezing and control problems. While some players have noted that many issues have been patched, others still experience minor glitches that can disrupt gameplay. Overall, the stability remains a concern, but many find the game's charm and updates worth enduring the technical difficulties.
- “Graphics are great, runs smoothly on big screens, excellent controls, and a solid system overall.”
- “It's a sad truth that the game launched in a very strange state with numerous bugs, glitches, and quality of life issues rife throughout.”
- “What ultimately stopped me was the various bugs and glitches I kept running into in the game.”
- “I want to like this game - I've loved every other Zeboyd game - but this game honestly just feels buggy and incomplete.”
character development
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
28%
16%
Character development in the game is largely criticized for being minimal or non-existent, with reviewers noting a lack of character arcs, emotional depth, and meaningful interpersonal relationships. While the character designs are often praised for their uniqueness and creativity, they fail to translate into memorable personalities or engaging narratives, leaving players feeling detached from the story. Overall, the game's vibrant visuals and engaging gameplay mechanics overshadow its shortcomings in character development.
- “The character designs are fantastic: alien bounty hunters, cyborg bugs, robot funk dancers, and more will assist our protagonist Alyssa L'Salle in saving the galaxy!”
- “The game is vibrant and colorful, with distinctive character designs and detailed environments.”
- “I also liked the character designs for the most part, since most of the characters are pretty unique.”
- “No character development or arcs, no interesting interpersonal relationships between the characters, no emotionally stimulating twists, and no thought-provoking conversations.”
- “There's literally zero character development in this game; not even the side characters get much in terms of story (e.g., best friend who is a badass gunmancer pretty much stays that way the entire game from introduction to even the special character ending).”
- “The downside to the fast-paced story is that there really wasn't enough time for character development, so it's hard to get attached to any of them.”
atmosphere
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
22%
11%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its engaging and immersive qualities, featuring a mix of creepy and light-hearted elements that enhance the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the stunning visuals, detailed pixel art, and a stellar soundtrack that complements the unique settings, particularly in its cyberpunk and retro themes. While some critiques mention flaws in the narrative, the overall atmosphere remains a strong point, drawing players into its intriguing world.
- “Set in a cyberpunk futuristic galactic setting, this is a very nice atmospheric game.”
- “The atmosphere is very dense and intriguing; the soundtrack is absolutely amazing!”
- “The pixel art is detailed, the soundtrack catchy, and the atmosphere and unique setting pull you in.”
- “The atmosphere is bad, and the humor is all memes and references.”
- “Haven't gotten far enough to see how well the overall atmosphere plays out, but so far it seems to be well-designed.”
- “Its prologue is pitch perfect: the in medias res opening, and then the mission in the destroyed warehouse with an atmosphere straight out of a survival horror flick.”
emotional
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is largely criticized for its lack of character development, meaningful relationships, and impactful storytelling, leaving players feeling disconnected from the characters. While some moments are amusing and heartfelt, the overall experience lacks depth and emotional resonance, with only a few instances of genuine emotional engagement, particularly towards the end. Despite evoking nostalgia for classic titles, the game ultimately fails to deliver a significant emotional punch.
- “What exists is amusing and heartfelt whenever it needs to be.”
- “I was super interested in where it was going and omg I cried when a very important thing happened at the end (not spoiling).”
- “Having grown up with Chrono Trigger and FF6, playing this game made me feel like I had discovered a long-lost contemporary of those games.”
replayability
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
The game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the different scenarios available after completing the main story and the challenge of higher difficulty levels, others criticize the absence of a New Game+ feature and limited content beyond Easter eggs. Overall, it offers replay value primarily for dedicated fans, but many suggest waiting for a sale due to its shortcomings in this area.
- “It's a great game that has replay value with different scenarios after you beat the main game.”
- “Bottom line, Cosmic Star Heroine has a lot to offer, lots of replayability, wonderful presentation, and an awesome battle system.”
- “This gives Cosmic Star Heroine replay value as this difficulty will test even those who have mastery of the game mechanics.”
- “Absolutely no replay value.”
- “If you are a Chrono Trigger fan, then this is pretty much a must-buy, but with the lack of replayability, I suggest only getting this on sale.”
- “There is definitely replay value, but no New Game+ once you beat it, so there's nothing more to do but look for easter eggs or replay the exact game at a higher level.”
optimization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
50%
17%
Overall, the game's optimization appears to be solid, particularly on the Steam port, with some users reporting no performance issues after initial launch bugs were addressed. However, the hardest difficulty level presents a significant optimization challenge during battles, adding a layer of complexity for players.
- “As for the Steam port, I personally experienced zero performance problems whatsoever, so hopefully the bugs and issues some people seem to have had at launch are completely fixed.”
- “The game oozes with flair and style.”
- “The hardest difficulty makes battles an optimization challenge.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviewers generally feel that the game's monetization strategy goes beyond merely capitalizing on nostalgia, suggesting that it offers value and substance rather than just serving as a cash grab.

77%Critics’ scoreBased on 14 critic reviews

Buy Cosmic Star Heroine

14h Median play time

13h Average play time

6-20h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 22 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

90%6.4kreviews

Sea of Stars

2023

Role Playing

This game contains adult content

90%4.1kreviews

Chained Echoes

2022

Role Playing

82%412reviews

Rise of the Third Power

2022

Role Playing

85%8.3kreviews

Octopath Traveler

2019

Role Playing

+13

89%448reviews

Skyborn

2014

Casual Role Playing

83%751reviews

Jack Move

2022

Role Playing

82%4.7kreviews

Battle Chasers: Nightwar

2019

Role Playing Shooter

+14

96%364reviews

8-Bit Adventures 2

2023

Role Playing

92%318reviews

Forever Home

2017

Role Playing

81%1.2kreviews

Fae Tactics

2020

Tactical Role Playing

Cosmic Star Heroine Tweets

Cosmic Star Heroine

Platforms

About