Sea of Stars, the throwback RPG from the makers of The Messenger, launched in 2023 to optimistic opinions. We gave the game a nine and made it the cover and centerpiece of our March 2023 indie issue. It’s a very good sport that has added varied updates like co-op over the past two years. At present, nevertheless, the sport acquired its largest and most spectacular replace with the Throes of the Watchmaker DLC. It’s an enormous addition to the sport, including about eight hours of extra content material and story, new mechanics, new artwork, and it’s fully free, which doesn’t make financial sense, however gratefully, that isn’t my downside to cope with. I simply get to play the factor.
Throes of the Watchmaker picks up on a personality who, in the principle sport, appeared essential, however couldn’t be bothered to have interaction with the forged and their journey. Sea of Stars was not missing in plot or participating story parts, however even on the time of launch, The Watchmaker appeared like a thread that was going to be picked up later.
What’s good in regards to the DLC is that it sequesters itself away from the principle plot and world in a means that lets it stand by itself to a sure diploma. Throes of the Watchmaker doesn’t really feel like a standalone growth. It belongs within the bigger sport, however the best way you interact with it takes you out of the world and locations you in a brand new location. And in a means I actually respect, it sort of makes you begin from zero, or at the very least very close to zero.
I performed Sea of Stars when it launched in 2023 and had a good time, however popping again in in spite of everything this time was intimidating. Each member of my massive celebration stood across the entrance, prepared to leap in, whereas I used to be nonetheless personally making an attempt to recollect everybody’s backstory. Fortunately, the sport made an govt determination for me, picked one extra celebration member for me to take past the first protagonists, after which stripped them of all their talents and cash to make them begin over with an entire new suite of assaults.
I think about in case you are enjoying Sea of Stars for the primary time now and roll proper into this DLC, it is likely to be irritating to lose all you’ve gained as much as that time, however for me, it was a near-required blessing. I received an opportunity to play by means of a brand new trajectory of upgrades and respect all the brand new animations. Developer Sabotage knew gamers like me could be leaping into the DLC after years away, and it exhibits.
From there, you might be handled to a smaller however substantial Sea of Stars expertise. The circus and clown theme working by means of the entire DLC is exclusive in comparison with the remainder of the sport and permits for some enjoyable boss fights and areas that really feel totally different. The brand new fight talents additionally challenged me with out making me really feel like I had forgotten core talents that have been making me fail.
The narrative can also be extra private for Valere or Zale, forcing them to look at a few of their very own private anxieties. I appreciated that inward look, as in the principle sport (and is commonly the case with protagonists in RPGs), they have been much less fascinating than the supporting forged. They have been owed some extra in-depth characterization.
Throes of the Watchmaker is spectacular, particularly contemplating it’s fully free. This can be a full, worthwhile growth to Sea of Stars and serves as a pleasant potential send-off for the sport. It’s a dedication, contemplating its size, however if you happen to performed Sea of Stars and loved it, there isn’t any higher technique to get extra, and if you happen to don’t keep in mind the specifics of tips on how to play and what’s taking place, don’t fear. It’s made for that sort of participant.