In Stars And Time

98%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,034 reviews
  • story
  • emotional
  • gameplay
In Stars And Time Game Cover
At first glance, In Stars and Time seems like a simple turn-based RPG. But through its amazing story, the game becomes so much more.
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"In Stars and Time" is a narrative-driven, space exploration game that follows a team of interstellar archeologists uncovering long-lost civilizations. Players will encounter unique alien species, solve puzzles, and manage their crew's relationships and skills while navigating the vast cosmos. The game features a rich, choice-based storyline with multiple endings.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

98%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,034 reviews
story671 positive mentions
grinding119 negative mentions
  • In Stars and Time features a beautifully crafted story that resonates deeply with players, often evoking strong emotions.
  • The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for players to form attachments and care about their journeys.
  • The game effectively uses the time loop mechanic to enhance the narrative, creating a unique experience that keeps players engaged.
  • The repetitive nature of the gameplay can become tedious, especially during the mid-game, which may frustrate some players.
  • Certain puzzles and progression points can be vague, leading to confusion and the need for external guides.
  • The combat system, while simple and accessible, lacks depth and can feel monotonous over time.
  • story1,663 mentions

    The story of "In Stars and Time" is widely praised for its emotional depth, character development, and unique time-loop mechanics that enhance the narrative experience. Players appreciate the engaging plot that intertwines themes of mental health, friendship, and personal growth, often leading to profound emotional responses. While some find the repetitive gameplay tedious, many agree that it serves to deepen the connection to the protagonist and the unfolding story, making it a compelling and memorable journey.

    • “In Stars and Time is a beautiful story that has led to some of the most outward raw emotion I have ever felt from a game.”
    • “The characters are so lovable, and the story is very good.”
    • “This game is a prime example of that, seeing how the protagonist Siffrin changes throughout the story.”
    • “The gameplay can feel a little repetitive but that is arguably a given since the plot involves time loops.”
    • “The story is heavily reliant on Siffrin being allergic to communication--something made more bearable by this also being the game's central tragedy, but which can nevertheless be frustrating to watch.”
    • “The game is charming, well-written, funny, emotional, and everything you could really want from games as a storytelling medium in general.”
  • emotional766 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "In Stars and Time" is overwhelmingly powerful, with many players reporting multiple instances of crying throughout their playthroughs. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to create deep emotional connections with its characters, delivering a rollercoaster of feelings that range from heartwarming to devastating. The narrative's exploration of themes such as mental health, friendship, and personal growth resonates strongly, making it a memorable and impactful experience for players.

    • “This game is one of the few that has made me cry, and only one of three to do so multiple times within a single playthrough.”
    • “A heartwarming and heart-wrenching story of a cycle that straddles hope and despair.”
    • “I cried harder than I think I ever have at literally anything ever; my god, this is such a beautifully told game and story and experience, 100/10 this is definitely one of those games that you just simply have to play.”
  • gameplay693 mentions

    The gameplay of "In Stars and Time" is characterized by its integration of a time loop mechanic that enhances the narrative experience, though it can become repetitive and tedious at times. While the combat system is simple, often likened to rock-paper-scissors, it effectively supports the emotional journey of the protagonist, Siffrin. Many players appreciate the quality-of-life features that mitigate some of the frustrations associated with looping, allowing for a more engaging exploration of the story and characters, even if the gameplay itself is not the primary draw of the game.

    • “This indie RPG makes very daring decisions and works hard to make the gameplay and story work as complements.”
    • “The gameplay is unique and satisfying, the cast is endearing, and the story is quite the roller coaster!”
    • “The gameplay loop is simple and engaging, the characters feel alive and complex, there are lots of little details and hidden secrets, and I’d argue that, even if you don’t engage to the fullest with all the elements of the game, you’d still enjoy yourself.”
    • “Another review mentions how tedious the gameplay gets, and I could not agree more.”
    • “Granted, I'm only two hours in, so take everything I say with a grain of salt, but I simply cannot pick this game up again because it feels like every mechanic in the game is in active battle against the player instead of working with the player to create a more enjoyable experience.”
    • “The gameplay (if you can call it that) is incredibly tedious by design.”
  • music297 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and ability to enhance the storytelling experience, with many players describing the soundtrack as "incredible," "amazing," and "catchy." While some noted a lack of variety in tracks, particularly during repetitive gameplay loops, the overall consensus is that the music effectively complements the game's atmosphere and character development, making it a memorable aspect of the experience. Many players have expressed a desire to listen to the soundtrack outside of the game, highlighting its quality and emotional resonance.

    • “The art design is spectacular, the music is great, the characters are well written and lovable, the puzzles feel appropriate and well-made, and the story... the story is spectacular.”
    • “The soundtrack is catchy and fun, the combat—while simple—was addicting and the loop mechanic was done so well, but where it really shines is in the story and the characters.”
    • “The music is stunning, and the art takes all of 3 seconds to endear itself to you forever.”
    • “The music never changes throughout the game.”
    • “I know that is probably the point, that you go crazy with each new loop, but I did wish there was a bit more variety, especially since the music that plays for the whole thing is incredibly boring and dull.”
    • “The only thing I think could've been stronger (and this is just me personally, no hate intended) is the soundtrack; other than the final encounter, nothing stood out as more than passable for me in the music department.”
  • graphics208 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their unique and charming art style, which combines hand-drawn elements with pixel art, creating a visually appealing black-and-white aesthetic. Many players find the visuals to be a significant draw, enhancing the emotional depth of the story and characters, although some note minor RPG Maker limitations. Overall, the artwork is described as beautiful and expressive, contributing to a captivating gaming experience.

    • “Every game sprite, every cutscene, each piece of artwork in this game is a delight.”
    • “The game's stylized, monochromatic graphics and art are pretty, the excellent soundtrack fits every second of gameplay like a glove, and said gameplay is more than mechanically rich and engaging enough for the full extent of its playtime.”
    • “The art style is absolutely adorable, which makes both the sweeter moments in the game and the more horrific ones hit that much harder than they already do.”
    • “Black and white aesthetic is mad boring and is an eyesore to look at, gonna refund this one with the bombardment of cringe dialogue.”
    • “Graphically it's what you would expect from an RPG Maker game.”
    • “Despite the cute art style, the gameplay is monotonous, the soundtrack is just okay, and the story is ludonarratively dissonant (also not very interesting in my opinion).”
  • humor199 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending clever, relatable dialogue with moments of absurdity and emotional depth. Players appreciate the balance between light-hearted antics and heavier themes, often finding themselves laughing one moment and crying the next. While the humor may resonate more with certain audiences, particularly those familiar with internet culture, it is generally praised for its charm and ability to enhance the narrative experience.

    • “It hits you with humor and soul-crushing angst in balanced measure.”
    • “The humor and writing in this game is on point, moving from an abundance of puns to solemn conversations with care and ease.”
    • “This game made me laugh, cry, and gasp in horror, left me heartbroken and filled with so much love and joy.”
    • “It can feel like a slog to read sometimes, and you'll constantly get stopped in the middle of what you're doing for a big conversation that I think is supposed to be funny, but it wasn't really for me.”
    • “I love the writing and characterization and the themes and motifs so much it's not funny!!!”
  • grinding122 mentions

    The aspect of grinding in the game has received mixed feedback, with many players noting that while the repetitive nature of gameplay is often tedious, it serves a narrative purpose that enhances immersion in the protagonist's experience. Some appreciate the quality-of-life features that alleviate some of the grind, while others criticize the excessive backtracking and forced grinding as detracting from the overall enjoyment. Ultimately, the grinding is seen as a double-edged sword: it can be frustrating, yet it aligns with the game's themes and character development.

    • “The time loops were done in a very fun way, and there was little to no grinding, which I can appreciate as a JRPG player.”
    • “As someone who plays a lot of RPGs and has slugged through hours of mindless grinding, this is by far probably some of the worst execution of forced grinding I've seen in a game.”
    • “The gameplay (if you can call it that) is incredibly tedious by design.”
    • “The only true negative I can say is the gameplay can be a little grating and grindy, but it's very on purpose.”
  • character development40 mentions

    Character development in this game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting it as some of the best they've encountered, featuring deep, engaging narratives and well-crafted character arcs. The charming character designs and expressive writing enhance the emotional impact, making players feel a strong connection to the cast. While some critiques mention repetitive gameplay elements, the overall consensus is that the character development and storytelling are exceptional, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “Some of the best character development I've ever seen in a game.”
    • “Absolutely beautiful story with a lot of very evident thought and love put into the immense amount of world-building and character development and interpersonal relationships.”
    • “It was okay overall, but honestly... I didn't like any of the cast (writing or character design-wise), thought the loop aspect was too repetitive (too many forced loop restarts for minor things) and restrictive (felt like my given options in a loop at any one time were heavily limited till I met certain circumstances and how linear some acts were), and wasn't a fan of the story (especially the final couple of acts).”
    • “Character designs are admittedly cute and interactions well done, but the overworld is just very bland and basically just a bunch of dark, long corridors that you'll go down on repeat searching for the thing you need to click on to progress the story.”
    • “The amount of care and detail put into the writing, character development, and minute changes throughout each loop was my favorite part, though (and clearly the driving force of the game).”
  • atmosphere10 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is a mixed bag, with some players praising its charming worldbuilding, pixel art, and emotional depth, while others find it lacking or overly simplistic. The music complements the atmosphere well, enhancing the storytelling, though some dialogue can feel heavy-handed. Overall, it successfully immerses players in its narrative, despite occasional criticisms of monotony and character portrayal.

    • “I love all their sprites when they talk, I love their combat profiles, I love the pixel work, I love the music, the atmosphere, the worldbuilding.”
    • “If you're nervous about getting into an RPG Maker game, don't be - the strengths of 'In Stars and Time' lie in its amazing writing, pitch-perfect atmosphere, and lovingly crafted emotional scenes that make it one of the best stories to be found in video games.”
    • “The storytelling, the characters, the atmosphere, music -- just everything was so stunningly beautiful and perfect!!”
    • “It has no atmosphere.”
    • “Similar to what other reviews have said, the game's atmosphere is charming when it counts and does a good job of delivering the player into the headspace of Sif, though sometimes the writing and dialogue can feel a little grating or heavy-handed with the messages the devs want to impart, as if the game was really meant to be aimed at a younger audience.”
    • “The game is long, and sometimes repetitive, but the atmosphere and aesthetic are on point.”
  • replayability8 mentions

    The game is praised for its exceptional replayability, with players noting that each playthrough offers unique experiences and opportunities to discover new elements. The combination of compelling storytelling, beautiful art, and captivating music enhances the desire to revisit the game multiple times. Overall, it is highly recommended for those who appreciate deep narratives and intricate gameplay.

    • “Highly recommend if you enjoy games that make you want to stare at a wall for two hours processing everything after you finish them, if you like games with great replay value, art, characters, and music, or if you're generally a fan of good stories.”
    • “Has excellent replay value.”
    • “I'm editing this review months after I first played it and I just need to say that this replayability is incredible.”
    • “I still missed stuff, even though I was so meticulous! I'm forever awed that a time-looping game was replayable on top of everything else it already has going for it!”
    • “Endless replay value”
  • stability8 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is marked by minor glitches, such as audio issues and incorrect character portraits, which, while not game-breaking, can detract from the experience. Players have reported consistent audio glitches during key scenes and some visual anomalies reminiscent of creepypasta aesthetics. Despite these issues, the game maintains a solid performance, allowing players to engage with its narrative without significant interruptions.

    • “In the true final battle, one of the most important and intense scenes in the game, there are also numerous audio glitches that happen consistently across all recordings of the encounter I can find.”
    • “Nothing game-breaking, but I encountered tons of minor glitches such as wrong character portraits showing up or having an attack just not counting towards a jackpot right after getting a jackpot.”
    • “Static over the screen, creepypasta glitches, slowed down overworld music; these are like Lavender Town-level imagery.”
  • optimization4 mentions

    The game's optimization is described as somewhat lacking, with issues like lag, delayed sound cues, and intrusive notifications, which detracted from the experience but were not game-breaking. However, players appreciated the depth of the battle system, which offered significant opportunities for strategic optimization and mastery, making the overall journey enjoyable despite the technical shortcomings.

    • “It's as if the developer is optimizing the blorbos (so you can grow infatuated with them quickly) and then putting them through optimized situations to create the perfect time-loop game for blorbo-havers.”
    • “In all seriousness, while rough around the edges (any Steam notification would smear across the unimportant part of the screen, some sound cues would be late to change, the game was laggy at weird points in a way that implied further optimization was needed, certainly nothing game-breaking that honestly I didn't even really mind), this game had a great story to tell and it was a fantastic journey for me.”
    • “More than just a classic triangle of type matchups, thanks to the active time battle-esque system, the ability for some characters to give their turns to other teammates, the need to keep your buffs rolling and HP maxed, and the only limit on skill use being turn cooldowns, there’s an amazing amount of optimization and delightful RPG fiddliness in mastering the battles that you’ll run into.”
    • “In all seriousness, while rough around the edges (any Steam notification would smear across the unimportant part of the screen, some sound cues would be late to change, the game was laggy at weird points in a way that implied further optimization was needed; certainly nothing game-breaking that honestly I didn't even really mind), this game had a great story to tell and it was a fantastic journey for me.”
    • “I probably could have optimized it better, but it was definitely wearing me down. I really just stuck it out for the story, and I am very glad I did.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

81% average critic score

Buy In Stars And Time

Play time

27hMedian play time
29hAverage play time
14-35hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 26 analyzed playthroughs

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