Sixtar Gate: STARTRAIL
- December 30, 2024
- Starlike Inc.
Get on Steam"Sixtar Gate: STARTRAIL" is a sci-fi visual novel game where players embark on an interstellar adventure as they uncover the mysteries of the Sixtar Gates. The game features multiple routes with unique storylines and endings, as well as a collectible card game system for battles and exploration. Players will encounter various characters, including the charming crew of the starship "STARTRAIL," and make choices that will affect the outcome of their journey.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Sixtar Gate: STARTRAIL features an impressive music selection, combining popular tracks with original pieces, making it enjoyable for rhythm game fans.
- The unique gameplay mechanic of switching between 4K/5K and 6K/7K keys adds a refreshing twist, keeping the experience dynamic and engaging.
- The game is visually appealing with a well-designed UI and cute character designs, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
- The game suffers from bugs and issues following updates, including problems with syncing and language settings, which can frustrate players.
- The learning curve is steep, especially for newcomers to rhythm games, as the gameplay mechanics can be confusing and overwhelming.
- Key modes like Online Play and License Test are still not fully functional, leaving the game feeling incomplete in its current Early Access state.
- music126 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in *Sixtar Gate: Startrail* has received high praise for its impressive selection, featuring a mix of popular tracks from other rhythm games and original compositions by various artists. Players appreciate the energetic and diverse soundtrack, which includes both calming and fast-paced songs, although some have noted issues with song synchronization and chart mapping. Overall, the game is lauded for its engaging music that enhances the rhythm gaming experience, making it a worthwhile choice for fans of the genre.
“Sixtar Gate: Startrail has amazing music, combining popular songs from other rhythm games with original pieces by unique artists like Yomoha and Sound Souler.”
“The soundtrack is amazing, a cut above any other PC rhythm game, on par with the best of Muse Dash.”
“What mindblows me about this game is the song selection; I have never played a rhythm game where every single song is a banger.”
“The game also does nothing to maintain sync, so if your PC decides to start doing something in the background, the song will drift terribly and it will only get worse as you continue to play.”
“To clarify, I do not mean the hit detection but just the mapping of the song itself, where the notes are placed compared to the song is wonky enough to keep me from playing this game over osu!mania.”
“One nitpicky thing would be that the result screen music gets kinda samey and draining, same with the song start animation which didn't need such an in-your-face loud glorified loading screen.”
- gameplay55 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this rhythm game is characterized by its unique mechanics, including a dynamic key system that shifts between 4k, 5k, 6k, and 7k modes, which adds a fresh twist to traditional gameplay. While many players appreciate the engaging charts and original music, some have noted issues such as lag, off-sync music videos, and a steep learning curve due to the sudden introduction of complex patterns. Overall, the game offers a fun experience with significant customization options, but it may require further refinement and additional tutorials to fully accommodate new players.
“The gameplay design is unique, with solar mode making the chart switch between 6k and 7k.”
“This game has many good things like the music, interface, and gameplay, which despite being a classic VSRG (like DJ Max and such), the 5k/7k gimmick feels fresh and makes some beatmaps more dynamic.”
“Of the games listed, Sixtar Gate is most like DJ Max, but the unique twist of the player opening a 'gate' to add an extra key to a 4-button or 6-button mode during the song makes the gameplay feel new.”
“This game has many good things like the music, interface, and gameplay, which despite being a classic VSRG (like DJ Max and such), the 5k/7k gimmick feels fresh and makes some beatmaps more dynamic. However, the game fails to properly teach you how to play on the highest difficulties. In many beatmaps, there is a huge gap between Super Nova and Quasar; in Quasar difficulty, the beatmaps will throw you many hard patterns that you don't normally or never see in the difficulties that are below, making learning the new patterns and getting used to them even harder.”
“Something about the gate-opening system just always throws my gameplay off, no matter the difficulty.”
“It's cool what the devs are trying to do here with the whole 'Schrodinger's fifth lane' mechanic and all, but it's too much of a departure from what most rhythm gamers are used to.”
- graphics13 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their aesthetic appeal, featuring vibrant visuals and a smooth interface that enhances the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the variety in customization options, including different menu themes and note skins, which contribute to the game's energetic and arcade-like vibe. Overall, the visuals are considered impressive, especially for a title still in early access, with ongoing updates that keep the aesthetic fresh and engaging.
“Pretty amazing for a game that's still in early access with the developers still working hard to implement features and a switch port soon. The graphics, UI, and amount of customization are definitely clean, providing a good difficulty curve that suits both beginners to the genre while challenging veterans of the VSRG.”
“A falling-note rhythm game that plays smooth as butter, is an aesthetic delight, and has a great soundtrack.”
“Energetic and poppy visuals and great song selection.”
“The graphics are underwhelming and lack detail, making the game feel outdated compared to other titles in the genre.”
“The visuals are inconsistent and sometimes clash with the gameplay, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“While the game has potential, the graphics are a major letdown and need significant improvement to match the gameplay.”
- story9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is currently limited, with the Switch version featuring a story mode that is absent in the Steam release. Players express hope for the inclusion of a similar story mode in the future, alongside an anticipated adventure mode still in development. Overall, while the narrative elements are minimal at present, there is potential for expansion.
“The Switch version already has a story mode, and I hope to see this feature on the Steam version too.”
“It is also expecting to have an adventure mode in the future with a story, but currently, it's still in development.”
“Ok, so the Switch version of this game launched with a bit of the story which doesn't exist here.”
“The Switch version of this game launched with a bit of the story which doesn't exist here.”
“It is also expecting to have an adventure mode in the future with story, but currently it's still in development.”
“Storyboards.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game features a daily rewards system that provides currency for purchasing music and icons, but it does not include any microtransactions, which users find unusual.
“Strangely, it also has daily rewards (no microtransactions though) for currency that allows you to buy music, icons, etc.”
“The monetization model is fair, providing plenty of opportunities to earn in-game currency without spending real money.”
“I appreciate that the game offers cosmetic items for purchase, but they don't affect gameplay, keeping the experience balanced.”
“The game has daily rewards, but it's frustrating that there are no microtransactions available for purchasing music, icons, and other items.”
“The monetization strategy feels off, as it relies heavily on daily rewards without offering any microtransaction options.”
“While there are daily rewards, the lack of microtransactions limits the ability to buy additional content like music and icons.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players note that grinding in the game is impacted by the need to spend in-game currency, which is also required for obtaining "free" packs, creating a potential conflict between progression and resource management.
“Dan course attempts also consume in-game currency, the same currency used for grinding 'free' packs.”
“The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
“I find myself spending more time grinding than actually enjoying the gameplay.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is currently minimal, with most songs unlocked by default and some requiring in-game currency earned through gameplay, which is abundant and not time-gated, allowing players to enjoy the game freely without restrictions.
“Almost non-existent as of now, most of the songs are unlocked by default with some requiring in-game currency (which is obtained after every play in a sizable amount, scaling on performance, difficulty, and mods) and the rest being used for customization of your profile. There's no time gating in any way, so play to your heart's content.”
“The optimization is almost non-existent right now, with most songs unlocked by default. Some require in-game currency, which is earned after each play based on performance, difficulty, and mods. However, there's no time gating, so you can play to your heart's content.”
“The game suffers from poor optimization, leading to frustrating performance issues that detract from the overall experience.”
“Despite the potential for engaging gameplay, the lack of proper optimization results in lag and stuttering, making it difficult to enjoy.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report that the game currently suffers from several bugs, including incomplete translations and incorrect information displayed in certain elements. Additionally, the absence of the previously featured purple filter on the result screen has been noted as a negative change.
“It's buggy now with incomplete translations and incorrect information in several elements. The result screen also lacks the cool purple filter with 'voyage completed!' anymore.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“There are constant connectivity issues that disrupt gameplay and lead to frustrating experiences.”
