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- Armor Games
- Armor Games
- Armor Games
- Armor Games
In Stars And Time
Released On: Nov 20, 2023
85
8.3
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 8 Critic Reviews
85
88% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 8 Critic Reviews
85
88% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
For some, the repetition of In Stars And Time might not resonate in the same way as it did for me, and I completely understand that. I feel as if the latter half of the game will lose some people, but regardless, I say it is worth having some patience for this one. From the charming characters, the excellent execution of the time-looping story, and the lovingly crafted visuals, In Stars And Time is a unique experience I never want to forget, and I do believe it to be an indie masterpiece.
In Stars and Time is probably my dark horse for one of the best games of the year. It's a distinct, fun and interesting experience that makes masterful use of the time loop concept to create something that's deeply heartfelt. At times, it borders more on an RPG-themed visual novel than a full-on RPG, but it uses the RPG trappings more than well enough to justify it. Aside from some dullness when it comes to repeating events, In Stars and Time hits all the marks dead-on and should be a must-play for fans of plot-heavy RPGs.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 37 User Ratings
8.3
81% Positive
30 Ratings
30 Ratings
3% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
16% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 37 User Ratings
8.3
81% Positive
30 Ratings
30 Ratings
3% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
16% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
This game is really well written. I love it when I can’t choose my favorite character in a video game.
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PC
In Stars and Time is an intriguing game with a crazy time loop system. If you are willing to put in the time needed, you will be rewarded with a great story with fun characters.
If you’re a person who maybe saw an antagonistic meme once about “quirky indie rpg about depression” and decided to make hating those your entire personality, move on — there’s nothing for you here. But if you’re willing to engage with content about mental health seriously, and explore the concepts of life, death, what what it would actually feel like to be trapped in a loop, forcing your friends and family to do certain tasks repeatedly — then you’ll find a thought-provoking and well-written story within In Stars and Time.
In Stars and Time might drag on a little longer and get repetitive more often than I would like, but its ambition and adherence to its themes are commendable, and are made even more impressive by the fact that the game was developed in RPG Maker. This game is a must-play for fans of quirky indie games, but even if you are tired of that style, there is loads here to love.
In Stars and Time is the type of game that is excellent to discuss theories and nitty gritty details with a friend, an element which adds to an already thought provoking experience. With a cast of exceptionally loveable characters to tether you to its remarkable world, it will stick in your mind long after you’ve put it down.
Come for the time-loop mechanics and Undertale inspirations, stay for the beautiful, heartfelt and guttural story. In Stars and Time is an artful indie RPG that explores a found family’s battle with time. With this, it explores complex topics with grace and utmost reverence. Though it’s a little long in the teeth and could have been a bit tidier in how you unravel some of its mysteries, within is a magical world much worth exploring, backed by fantastic chip-tune music, a sense of place and some real good vibes. Unlike protagonist Sifrin and his problems with memory in the time labyrinth, your foray into In Stars and Time won’t soon be forgotten.
Ultimately, the stars haven't aligned with this RPG, and I don't have the time or patience any more to put up with its tedious nonsense. It's a shame, really, as its turn-based battles can be very enjoyable every now and again, and its cast of cute weirdos are often quite endearing when they're not bleating on too long. Younger folks in their mid-20s may well argue that its characters are enough to carry them through the rest of the boring bits, but a halfway decent story does not a good game make for me. I need more sustenance in my old age, and for its time-loop to be more than just gristly, unsatisfying filler.
This is one of those games that, within an hour of beginning to engage, I knew that it would be important to me until I died. The story is devastatingly genuine and sincere, in a way that enraptured my attention even through the part of the loops that don't change. The characters have such depth and feel extremely alive, and the world feels whole and full. Siffrin as a character resonates heavily with me, and likely will with anyone who has struggled significantly with mental health. I can feel how much heart the creator has put into this story and its execution, with there being tons upon tons of tiny dialogues and details to find throughout the loops. Also, the casual inclusion of LGBT+ characters who are simply treated as people is always such a joy to see! If you like heavy themes of grief, self loathing, family, and acceptance this is a great game for you. The battle system is easy to learn but challenging to master, the relationships you can build are fulfilling and influenced by the paths you choose to take... truly I cant recommend it enough. Easily my favorite new game release in some time.
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PC
this is one of the best games I've ever played, especially when it comes to the writing. so long as you don't have a pathological hatred for stories in video games, you will, at bare minimum, enjoy this game
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PC
In Stars and Time may not be my favorite game mechanically, nor is it a story that has moved me to tears. Certainly, it's a game that is fantastically executed. It's visually splendid, accomplishing fantastic things using only black and white. The RPG mechanics are familiar, but also innovative enough to maintain engagement. And I'd be remiss not to tell you that every character is well written, endearing, and relatable. But it's with that last point that makes this game my new favorite game of all time, and possibly my favorite story of all time. Never before in any story have I related more to a character than I have to Siffrin. They made me feel seen in a way I haven't anywhere else. While I hope that more people play In Stars and Time, most people probably won't get the same thing out of it that I did. Just because it's my favorite game doesn't mean it'll be everyones's, but that's A-OK. But also please play this game it's very good.
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PC
Although I liked the overall story and the characters, I cannot suggest this game at all. The idea for battles is interesting, but it is merely something superficial that completely loses usefulness in the second half of the game. Moreover, the game does not shine in any aspect of gameplay: the combat gets repetitive (and neglected) very fast, the puzzle element of the story is not puzzle at all since all you have to do is go from one point to another to find the interaction you need to continue the plot. Even the loops are really a pain because you are forced to redo entire parts of the game almost identically with really minimal dialogue change. Dialogues that in the end are well written, but become boring very quickly as the characters talk about objects and matters that are not at all necessary, this for EVERY SINGLE INTERACTION. The player should be incentivized to check around at every loop, if it weren't for these endless dialogues for every interacting item that you can trigger every loop (and for many of these you can't skip them, even though there is a feature for skipping specific dialogue). On the plus side, the narrative has many "cool" moments with incredible scenography design, but they convey a message that is way too simple and the "cool" moments seem put in on purpose just to impress. In fact, many of these "cool" moments are not explained at all at the end, and the author of the game expects players to come up with an explanation.
I would have enjoyed the game much more if the story had been more compact, but unfortunately this game has too many fillers.
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PC
Summary What would you do if you were forced to relive your failures over and over again? In Stars and Time tells the story of Siffrin and their adventurer friends - a found family bound together by fate in order to end the tyrannical reign of an evil king. But as victory is just within the party's grasp, a tragedy occurs, the clock resets, and...
Platforms:
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
Initial Release Date: Nov 20, 2023
Developer:
- insertdisc5
Publisher: Armor Games
Genres:
