Steven Universe: Save the Light

Have some high points, but they soon give way to glaring faults. Not the worst, but difficult to recommend.

81%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

stability, grinding

90% User Score Based on 597 reviews

Critic Score 53%Based on 2 reviews

Platforms

Buy Nowfrom €22.99

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About

"Steven Universe: Save the Light" is a single-player turn-based strategy game with an intriguing story, masterful mechanics, delightful music, and humor, but with plenty of grinding and bugs. Join the Crystal Gems to stop a new Gem who has stolen a powerful weapon, and explore 3D environments, fuse to play as unique characters, and enjoy the original story and voice acting. However, be prepared for lots of grinding and some technical issues.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Steven Universe: Save the Light screenshot

90%

Audience ScoreBased on 597 reviews

story40 positive mentions

stability53 negative mentions

The game captures the charm and essence of the Steven Universe series, making it a delight for fans.
The combat system is engaging and fun, with unique character abilities and combo attacks that enhance gameplay.
The graphics and art style are vibrant and appealing, closely resembling the show's aesthetic.

The game is plagued by numerous bugs and glitches, including freezing and soft-locking issues that disrupt gameplay.
Controls can be clunky and unintuitive, especially when using a keyboard, making navigation and combat frustrating at times.
The story, while enjoyable for fans, may feel lacking or confusing for those unfamiliar with the series.

story
109 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
57%
6%
The story of the game is generally well-received, particularly by fans of the "Steven Universe" series, as it captures the show's spirit and features engaging character interactions. However, some players find the narrative to be simplistic and lacking depth, with criticisms aimed at its linearity and occasional reliance on gameplay over story. Overall, while the story may not be groundbreaking, it offers a fun and charming experience for those familiar with the franchise.
- “Getting to explore Beach City, expanding on the story from the first game with lore that feels fresh from the show, and so many playable characters make this a fun experience for any fans of RPGs or Steven Universe.”
- “The story is strong, and the battle system is really fun.”
- “The overall story constantly kept my attention, and motivated progression in the game as to continue the story.”
- “The story is incredibly lackluster, with most of your time in the game focusing on gameplay and little else.”
- “The story is simple, but the interactions between the characters are a lot of fun.”
- “The game is clearly made for fans, and if you have an interest in the story, I’d recommend watching the show first.”
gameplay
93 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
50%
4%
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its fun and engaging mechanics, particularly the battle system that encourages strategy and collaboration among characters. While some players enjoyed the RPG elements and the connection to the Steven Universe series, others criticized the game for bugs, lack of depth in certain areas, and a somewhat short playtime. Overall, it is seen as a solid RPG experience, especially for fans of the show, despite some design flaws and technical issues.
- “I love the gameplay and how the battle mechanics are vastly improved from its predecessor, Attack the Light.”
- “The gameplay is fun and simple, and Steven Universe fans will love the attention given to the show's world and all the little references.”
- “The game feels very similar to the show: the graphics are cute and colorful, the characters are mostly cheerful and wholesome while having distinct characters and the game mechanics emphasize collaboration.”
- “At first glance, this is only an improvement: even prettier graphics, more music, more characters, fusions... but it comes at the cost of ridiculously terrible gameplay design and an incredibly buggy game that just isn't fun to play.”
- “The story is the best part, but the gameplay is annoying.”
- “The action points (star meter) build too slowly in my opinion, especially when you're dealing with the 'I'm the last foe left so I'm now angry and attack faster' mechanic and have to suffer multiple attacks before you can do anything.”
graphics
66 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
40%
5%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their colorful, cute art style that closely resembles the "Steven Universe" show, creating a vibrant and engaging visual experience. However, some players report issues with graphical glitches and performance problems, which detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these drawbacks, the visuals are generally considered a highlight, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere and appeal, especially for fans of the series.
- “The graphics are amazing!”
- “The game features a vibrant cardboard cutout art style that manages to convey the spirit of the show without being an exact copy.”
- “The visuals are so freaking crisp and amazing!”
- “At first glance, this is only an improvement: even prettier graphics, more music, more characters, fusions... but it comes at the cost of ridiculously terrible gameplay design and an incredibly buggy game that just isn't fun to play.”
- “There was one instance where the game froze in combat for like 10 seconds then went away on its own, and a few minor graphical glitches near the end.”
- “The only problem I have with the game is that the camera positioning and graphics can make some of the platforming puzzles really annoying.”
stability
54 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
98%
The game has been widely criticized for its numerous bugs and glitches, which can lead to frustrating experiences such as freezing, soft-locks, and characters getting stuck. While some players still find enjoyment in the gameplay and story, the instability significantly detracts from the overall experience, making it difficult to recommend without reservations. Many reviews suggest that the game requires urgent patches to address these issues.
- “The game runs smoothly most of the time, providing a stable experience that keeps me engaged.”
- “I've encountered very few issues, and the overall stability of the game enhances my enjoyment.”
- “The developers have done a great job ensuring that the game remains stable, allowing for uninterrupted gameplay.”
- “I've tried to do it 2 times but it always glitches and freezes, and I have to restart!”
- “However, the game is a buggy mess with multiple softlocks and commonly getting stuck in the environment.”
- “Like many others who left bad reviews, I really wanted to love this game, but it's way too buggy and glitchy for me to recommend.”
music
35 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
42%
9%
The music in the game is widely praised for its soothing and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the spirit of the "Steven Universe" series. Reviewers highlight the catchy soundtrack, contextual music that enhances gameplay, and the integration of character-specific themes, although some note that gameplay issues can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the music is considered a strong point, complementing the game's vibrant visuals and engaging art style.
- “The music is great, just like the show (except the credits, to be honest).”
- “The visuals match the show very well, and the music is pretty good; the areas sound like they come from episodes, and the battle music is solid.”
- “The music stands on its own and I think encompasses the spirit of the show more than what Attack the Light's music.”
- “At first glance, this is only an improvement: even prettier graphics, more music, more characters, fusions... but it comes at the cost of ridiculously terrible gameplay design and an incredibly buggy game that just isn't fun to play.”
- “The music is fast-paced and gives a sense of threat, but when I have to sit for 30 seconds doing nothing, it really kills the mood.”
- “There were a handful of times where my game would just freeze, in a way where all the characters would just stay in their idle animations and the background music will continue playing, but nothing happens and I have to restart the game.”
grinding
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
12%
75%
Reviews indicate that grinding in the game can be quite tedious and time-consuming, often requiring significant effort to achieve 100% completion or to upgrade weapons. While some players find the grinding manageable and not overly detrimental to the overall experience, others describe it as annoying and suggest that it detracts from the enjoyment of the game, especially given its focus on story over gameplay. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a common RPG element, but its execution here may frustrate players seeking a more streamlined experience.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Some bugs, but it's enjoyable and not grindy.”
- “It's almost like those games that give you the best weapon in the game after beating it, making it completely useless. In this case, you have to do post-game grinding to get it, and it's to upgrade weapons for characters you don't even use.”
- “I did 100% this game, but I would probably not recommend doing so as it is somewhat tedious unless you are really bored.”
- “It is way too grindy, and even at max level, you do not really feel that strong and get kicked in the butt constantly.”
humor
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its cleverness and ability to capture the tone of the series, with many players finding it genuinely funny and enjoyable. While some bugs can detract from the experience, the overall comedic elements, including quirky characters and witty dialogue, contribute to a fun and engaging RPG experience. Players appreciate the blend of humor with meaningful storytelling, making it a standout title for fans.
- “I think it's super funny and I love the story.”
- “It's a very clever RPG that both does an incredibly good job of capturing the tone and humor of the series while also being a legitimately good game in its own right.”
- “A very fun game with a great story, humor, and visuals, perfect for any fan.”
emotional
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game offers a heartwarming and wholesome experience that mirrors the beloved TV show, featuring cute graphics and cheerful characters that promote collaboration. However, while it excels in creating a wholesome atmosphere, some reviewers feel it falls short in delivering the emotional depth found in the show.
- “Very simple, heart-warming experience in the world of my beloved TV show!”
- “Only one of the most wholesome and validating video games I've ever played, with a comedic sense of an RPG system.”
- “The game feels very similar to the show: the graphics are cute and colorful, the characters are mostly cheerful and wholesome while having distinct personalities, and the game mechanics emphasize collaboration.”
replayability
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
20%
20%
The game offers significant replayability through its diverse party combinations and challenging gameplay, appealing both to fans of Steven Universe and RPG enthusiasts. Players can enjoy multiple playthroughs to explore different strategies and team dynamics, while the well-balanced mechanics and engaging loot system enhance the overall experience. However, some players feel that achieving 100% completion on a single save file is sufficient, suggesting a balance between replay value and content depth.
- “Not only does it stay true to Steven Universe in terms of references, tone, and atmosphere, but as an RPG itself, it is so well balanced and enjoyable. It has a lot of replay value and enjoyable loot grabbing, making it an incredible RPG for both fans of the series and newcomers.”
- “Replayable, true to the show, fun, challenging; I could go on.”
- “I think the different party combinations give this game a fair amount of replayability, although I think getting to 100% on one save file is more than enough for me.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
Users express mixed feelings about the game's optimization, with some noting that it runs smoothly overall, while others report significant performance issues, particularly on low-end PCs and during specific gameplay moments, such as following a character outside. There are hopes for further optimization to improve performance on older hardware.
- “Hoping there will be more optimization for this to work on low-end PCs. I played this on a MacBook Pro 2012, and it's lagging and a resource hog.”
- “Game runs smoothly overall, but when following Connie outside of the house, that's when the game would crash out of nowhere.”
- “Hoping there will be more optimization for this to work on low-end PCs. I played this on a MacBook Pro 2012 and it's lagging and a resource hog.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
150%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its faithful representation of the "Steven Universe" series, featuring engaging references, a charming art style, and a well-balanced RPG experience. Players appreciate the enjoyable gameplay mechanics, including character relationships and team dynamics, which enhance the overall immersion and replay value.
- “Not only does it stay true to Steven Universe in terms of references, tone, and atmosphere, but as an RPG itself, it is so well balanced and enjoyable. It is an incredible RPG with a lot of replay value and enjoyable loot grabbing, making it a very good, well-done expansion of lore for the series.”
- “It has great atmosphere; the art style is beautiful and the gameplay is simple.”
- “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth and immersion I expected from a game set in such a vibrant universe.”
- “While the game has some interesting mechanics, the overall atmosphere is dull and fails to capture the essence of the source material.”
- “I found the atmosphere to be quite lacking; it doesn't evoke the emotions or excitement that the original series did.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
While the reviews highlight appreciation for the music and character design, they do not provide specific insights into character development itself. Overall, the focus seems to be more on aesthetic elements rather than the depth or growth of the characters.
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The monetization of the game is generally viewed positively, as it avoids feeling like a cash grab and reflects a genuine effort to stay true to the source material while offering new content. However, some players note that there are areas for improvement, such as pacing and clarity in gameplay.
- “The monetization system feels overly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending money.”
- “It's frustrating that so many features are locked behind paywalls, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- “The constant push for in-game purchases disrupts the flow of gameplay and makes it feel more like a money-making scheme than a fun game.”

53%Critics’ scoreBased on 2 critic reviews

Buy Steven Universe: Save the Light

19h Median play time

34h Average play time

10-102h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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Steven Universe: Save the Light

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Review: Steven Universe: Save the Light