Sixtar Gate: STARTRAIL
- November 6, 2021
- 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, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
- The unique gameplay mechanic of switching between 4K/5K and 6K/7K modes provides a dynamic experience that can be enjoyable for both beginners and experienced players.
- The game is well-polished for an Early Access title, with a beautiful UI and a variety of customization options, making it a strong contender in the rhythm game genre.
- The game suffers from synchronization issues, making it difficult to maintain a consistent gameplay experience, especially for new players.
- There is a lack of key modes and features compared to competitors, such as the absence of a 4K-only mode and limited online functionalities.
- The gameplay can be overwhelming due to the frequent changes in key modes, which may frustrate players who are not accustomed to such mechanics.
- music192 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in *Sixtar Gate: Startrail* is highly praised for its impressive selection, featuring a mix of popular tracks from other rhythm games and original compositions by various artists, creating a vibrant and engaging soundtrack. Players appreciate the variety of genres, from calm melodies to energetic beats, although some have noted issues with song synchronization and lag during gameplay. Overall, the game's music is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to its appeal as a rhythm game.
“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; this is obviously subjective, but I have never played a rhythm game where every single song is a banger.”
“[i]The game also does nothing to maintain sync[/i], 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.”
“The song selection could by chance unfit you, and if so, I encourage you to refund it and look for another rhythm game.”
“There are some 'free' music packs you can buy via in-game currency, but the amount you get each play is minuscule.”
- gameplay90 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this rhythm game is characterized by its unique mechanics, including the ability to switch between 4k, 5k, 6k, and 7k modes mid-song, which adds a dynamic twist to traditional gameplay. While many players appreciate the engaging charts and original music, some have noted issues with lag, off-sync music videos, and a steep learning curve for higher difficulties. Overall, the game offers a refreshing experience with plenty of customization options, but it still requires further refinement and additional features to fully compete with its peers.
“The gameplay design is unique, with solar mode making the chart switch between 6k and 7k.”
“Very underrated game, this unique gameplay switching 4k to 5k has made this game one of the best rhythm games I've ever played. While it still lacks features compared to its competitors, the game has good original songs and fun charts that will keep you engaged for a long time.”
“There are two modes: lunar mode which introduces 4/5 keys and solar mode which is the 6/7 key alternative, with two red lanes layered on top of the two left and right lanes, similar to Sound Voltex, with the gimmick of a 5th or 7th lane opening during gameplay.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Until some sort of step-up mode/dan system is added to actually acclimate players to the new mechanics, I don't plan to touch Sixtar until this happens.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are highly praised, showcasing a clean and vibrant aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the energetic visuals and the arcade vibe, complemented by lovely artwork and a smooth user interface. Despite being in early access, the game's graphics and customization options are considered impressive, appealing to both newcomers and veterans of the genre.
“Amazing fun game with great graphics and music.”
“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.”
“The visual style is inconsistent, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The graphics seem rushed and don't match the quality of other games in the genre.”
- story14 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game currently features a story mode on the Switch version, with hopes for its inclusion in the Steam version as well. An adventure mode with a narrative is also in development, promising to expand the storytelling aspect in the future. Additionally, players can engage in multiplayer lobbies and various skill tests, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
“It is also expected to have an adventure mode in the future with a story, but currently, it's still in development.”
“For the other content within the game, it also has multiplayer lobbies in the form of Unity Quest and also license tests, with license tests functioning similarly to your Taiko Dan courses.”
“It is also expecting to have an adventure mode in the future with story, but currently it's still in development.”
“The Switch version already has a story mode, and I hope to see this feature on the Steam version too.”
“For the other content within the game, it also has multiplayer lobbies in the form of Unity Quest and also license tests, with license tests functioning similar to your Taiko Dan courses.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game features a daily rewards system that provides currency for purchasing music and icons, but notably does not include any microtransactions.
“Strangely, it also has daily rewards (no microtransactions though) for currency that allows you to buy music, icons, etc.”
“Strangely, it also has daily rewards (no microtransactions though) for currency that allows you to buy music, icons, etc...”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players note that grinding in the game requires significant in-game currency, which is also needed for attempts at the Dan course, leading to a frustrating cycle where progress feels hindered by resource management.
“Dan course attempts also eat in-game currency, the same one that's used for grinding 'free' packs.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization in the game is minimal, as most songs are unlocked by default, with only a few requiring in-game currency earned through gameplay. Players can enjoy the game without time constraints, allowing for continuous play and customization options.
“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.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game currently suffers from stability issues, including bugs such as incomplete translations and incorrect information displayed in various 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 (incomplete translations, showing incorrect info in a few elements), the result screen doesn't have that cool purple filter with 'voyage completed!' anymore.”
