Good planet. We’ll escape it.
I really like sequel, and I really like sequence, as a lot as the subsequent JRPG fan. Seeing characters and battle programs evolve all through a compelling story arc is an efficient a part of the enjoyable. However I additionally love digging into new video games, and that’s what Swap house owners will have the ability to do quickly with IKINAGAMES’ STARBITES.
As described by the builders:
STARBITES is a model new turn-based RPG from developer IKINAGAMES, that includes a narrative about regrets of the previous and hopes for the long run, a memorable solid of characters,every with a uniquely-designed Motorbot, and a nostalgic fight system that may hold you coming again for extra.
Sounds good in idea, proper? Effectively, I lately received to see it in follow, too, through a Discord demo hosted by NIS America. After spending about half an hour rising accustomed to STARBITES’ programs and world, I got here away with the next impressions.
- Right away, I used to be impressed by the sport’s distinctive, colourful presentation. In a style blanketed by retro pixel artwork and (in my view) overhyped HD-2D, it’s nice to see builders go together with a extra distinctive (however nonetheless considerably retro) vibe. The graphics are cartoonish, certain, however they work.
- The world introduced by means of these visuals is akin to Fallout, by which I imply the planet—Bitter—has been left barren and largely inhospitable by an interstellar warfare.
- Gamers tackle the position of Lukida, a spunky girl who—with the assistance of her pals—is attempting to interrupt free from life on Bitter. On her quest to take action, she in fact leads to an even bigger journey with implications she couldn’t have imagined.
- Lukida begins her journey with two comrades, however will find yourself with a workforce of six over the course of the sport. They might appear stereotypical at first (the buxom airhead, the taciturn tank), but it surely was obvious in even the brief demo I had that there could also be extra depth to them than anticipated.
- Regardless of the get together of six, solely three could be taken into battles. You’ll want to decide on properly to verify your workforce’s strengths are in a position to exploit the enemies’ weaknesses.
- Talking of which, you received’t know these weaknesses upon your first assembly. As within the Persona video games, you’ll must assault to find out what works, and can then have the ability to see that in battle.
Use the right assaults will then deplete the enemy’s shields. Fracture them fully and so they’ll turn out to be immobilized. - A extra distinctive function is the Driver’s Excessive gauge. This fills up as you are taking harm, providing you with an prompt further flip as soon as it tops off. After all, that flip comes with stronger Driver’s Excessive assaults.
- “Driver?” you ask. Sure, STARBITES options Motorbots which you can drive round throughout exploration and take into battle (as seen within the display captures). As together with your characters themselves, totally different Motorbots present a variety of abilities which you can equip and stage as much as outfit your get together as you see match.
- As is customary nowadays, 5 issue settings can be found, and you’ll swap them at any time. If a personality does fall in battle, the Phoenix Service will whisk them again to base and maintain them. We have been informed this was impressed by Gunnm, which all the time will get my approval.
- I requested concerning the variations between the Swap and Swap 2 releases, and so they’re what you’d count on; the Swap model has some visible and efficiency downgrades, whereas the Swap 2 model shall be on par with the PS5 launch.
Though an official launch date has not but been introduced (at the moment listed as “early 2026), STARBITES is obtainable as a Deluxe Version bodily preorder for Swap and Swap 2 (game-key card) that includes the sport, a digital soundtrack, and a mini artwork e book for $49.99. A Restricted Version that includes much more goodies could be preordered straight from the NIS on-line retailer for $89.99.
We’ll hold you posted on the discharge particulars, however you may study extra within the meantime by visiting nisamerica.com/starbites.
